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Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold/ Tiger Eye Vintage Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold/ Tiger Eye Vintage Alhambra Necklace Made In: France Materials
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Blue Sevres Porcelain Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
house of Van Cleef & Arpels. This piece forms part of the Magic Alhambra collection and features pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Celadon Sevres Porcelain White Gold Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Alhambra Necklace. The Van Cleef Arpels Celadon Sèvres Porcelain Diamond 18k Vintage Alhambra
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra Pink Porcelain and Diamond Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
designer Van Cleef & Arpels. This piece forms part of the Holiday Alhambra collection and features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Frivole Diamond Pendent Chain Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef and Arpels Diamond Pendent Chain Necklace. Frivole collection. Frivole Mini Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Nerval Diamond Green Chalcedony 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite authentic vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is from the elegant Nerval collection
Category

Antique 1680s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Button Necklace Boutonniere Diamond Estate 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels diamond button 'Boutonniere' necklace
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition 2020 White Gold Guilloche Diamond Vintage Alh
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k white gold Guilloche and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 0.43ct Diamond Frivole 8 Flower Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
Weight: 0.43 Colour: D-F Clarity: VVS Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: Modern
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Blue Agate long necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace in blue Agate. A beautiful 18k yellow gold agate
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rose Gold Diamond 2017 Limited Edition Vintage Alhambra Penda
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond 2017 Limited Edition Vintage Alhambra Penda PRIMARY DETAILS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels White Gold Mother of Pearl Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARN32200
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous 18k white gold mother of pearl necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ltd Ed Grey Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold grey mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels mother of pearl 18k white gold 20 motif necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This iconic Van Cleef & Arpels 20-motif necklace highlights the house’s signature harmony of
Category

1990s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Blue Sapphire Diamond Ribbon Bow 18k Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Celeste
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Vintage Alhambra, 20 Motifs
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Necklace is a stunning piece of jewelry
Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels VCA Libra Zodiaque Lapis Lazuli Diamond Medallion Gold 1970s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond “Libra” Zodiaque Medallion in 18K Yellow Gold, France
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Flower 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace. A
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Flower 18k White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Black Mother Of Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Slider Necklace-Watch In Platinum 18Kt Gold Wood And Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
pendant-watch a truly remarkable accessory. Virtually never used and accompanied by the Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 18K Gold 1.74ct Diamond Coral Pearl Necklace #5080
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is incredibly chic. A double strand of pearls adds opulence to the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Pearl

Van Cleef Arpels 2024 Holiday Necklace Diamond Guilloché 18K Rose White Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k White Gold, 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Total Diamond Weight 0.05ct approx Weight 7.38 g
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels French 20.62 CTW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Bow Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
safety Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Van Cleef & Arpels, made in France With
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef And Arpels Carnelian Chrysoprase Sautoir Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef And Arpels Carnelian Chrysoprase Sautoir Necklace and Earrings Set A matching necklace
Category

Vintage 1970s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition 2019 Celestial Blue Porcelain Vintage Alhambr
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold Celestial Blue porcelain Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl Long Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra jewelry creations gather different-sized
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 72.35 CTW Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Vintage V Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped with French Hallmarks for 18 Karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Van Cleef & Arpels With
Category

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Miroir Des Eaux Diamond Mother of Pearl White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Onyx Mother Of Pearl Diamond Miroir des Eaux Flower Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sautoir Cadenas Long Necklace in 18 Kt Gold and Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Exceptional adjustable Cadenas Sautoir, long necklace in 18 kt white gold and
Category

Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lapis Lazuli 20 Motifs Alhambra Necklace 1960 s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
, but to endow. Details • Maker: Van Cleef & Arpels • Period: 1960s • Metal: 18k Yellow Gold • Stones
Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ltd Edition Light Green Celadon Porcelain Diamond Alhambra
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k white gold light green Celadon Sèvres porcelain and diamond Van Cleef
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra 10 Motif Pave/Malachite Box and Certificate
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This stunning necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels is a true embodiment of elegance and artistry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition 2018 Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Holiday
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k yellow gold mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels French 1980 s Diamond Onyx 18K Vintage Collar Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
with hinged safety Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Van Cleef Arpels Circa
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition Diamond Celestial Blue Sevres Porcelain Holid
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
****** Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond, Sèvres Porcelain Weight 6.6 g Length 42 cm Width 1.5 cm Condition
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Alhambra long necklace, 16 motifs Box Papers
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Sweet Alhambra long necklace featuring 16 motifs crafted in 18K yellow gold. CLASP: Hallmark clasp
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 2 - Row Pearl Necklace with 3 - Diamond Barrel Clasps
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Enameled Details on under clasps. 18K White Gold French Assay Marks Signed - Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Limited Edition 2014 Grey Mother Of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Ho
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A limited edition 18k rose gold grey mother of pearl and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra 18KGold Mother of Pearl 11-Motif Necklace VCARD79500
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This breathtaking Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 11 Motif necklace is a luxury piece that will
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Van Cleef 2022 Holiday Pendant VCA Porcelain Tiffany Blue Alahambra
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Arpels 2022 Holiday Pendant [Limited Edition] Pre-Loved, in excellent condition
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Lucky charm Van Cleef and Arpels "The 3 Inseparables" enameled in styptor
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in PARIS, FR
Lucky charm Van Cleef & Arpels "The 3 Inseparables" enameled charm pendant. This styptor lucky
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Enamel

Van Cleef Arpels Gardenia Pin/Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Gardenia Pin/Pendant on 18k Gold ChainVan Cleef & Arpels Gardenia Pin on 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Classic Vintage Brooch/ Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Classic Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, ruby, sapphire & emerald brooch/pendant. Spectacular
Category

Vintage 1960s American Artist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1970s Taurus Zodiac Sign Gold Medallion Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
1970s vintage 18k yellow gold medallion, by Van Cleef & Arpels, depicting Taurus Zodiac sign
Category

Vintage 1970s French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels LetterWood Yellow Gold Pendant Money Clip
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold LetterWood Vintage Money Clip or Pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels. The Authentic Van
Category

Vintage 1980s French More Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Gold Tiger’s Eye Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Van Cleef & Arpels CIRCA: 1980 MATERIALS: 18K Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Tiger’s Eye WEIGHT
Category

Vintage 1980s Link Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra Carnelian Pendant Long Rose Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Rose Gold Magic Alhambra Carnelian Pendant Long Necklace by Van Cleef Arpels. Van Cleef
Category

2010s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Turquoise, Sapphire, and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise, Sapphire, and Diamond Pendant Necklace This exquisite piece by Van
Category

20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Magic Alhambra Letterwood Rose Gold Long Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is crafted in 18k rose gold and features a letterwood
Category

Early 2000s Stud Earrings

Materials

Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Diamond And Ruby Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Cosmos Pendant Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels This vintage Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Baby Booty Charm Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elevate your jewelry collection with the Van Cleef Arpels Baby Booty Charm Pendant, a
Category

20th Century French Charm Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lotus Pendant Small Model In 18K White Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aventura, FL
to VVS. The pendant is attached to the necklace’s chain Details: Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Type
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Rope Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Necklace 18k Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and features an
Category

Vintage 1970s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire 18K Gold Baby Booty Shoe Charm Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Baby Shoe Pendant is a charming and elegant accessory, designed to enchant with its delicate
Category

Late 20th Century Charm Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Lion Brooch Pendant Convertible Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A true statement piece from the 1970s, this remarkable Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is a masterpiece
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stunning Van Cleef Arpels Necklace and Brooch Pendant Set Necklace
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace and Brooch Pendant Set Necklace Design: Adorned with diamonds
Category

2010s French Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

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Van Cleef Arpels Gold Pendant For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact van cleef arpels gold pendant you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 441 vintage editions and 232 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a van cleef arpels gold pendant from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Take a look at a van cleef arpels gold pendant featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and uncut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a van cleef arpels gold pendant, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Van Cleef Arpels Gold Pendant?

On average, a van cleef arpels gold pendant at 1stDibs sells for $5,671, while they’re typically $875 on the low end and $375,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Van Cleef Arpels for sale on 1stDibs

One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.

The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpels. Ten years later, Van Cleef Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)

Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.

But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.

Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.

Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

Questions About Van Cleef Arpels
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Van Cleef Arpels is so expensive because it is a well-known company that has a fantastic reputation. Van Cleef Arpels are universally renowned for high quality jewelry with a focus on detail. High-profile fans of the French jewelry house over the years have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. Find an extraordinary range of Van Cleef Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.