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Van Cleef Arpels Gemstone Gold Floral Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Feast your eyes upon the decadent design of this pair of earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels! The
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Jade, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

c.1930s VAN CLEEF ARPELS Diamond Pearl Platinum Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous earrings created by Van Cleef & Arpels, New York in the 1930's. Feminine, understated and
Category

Vintage 1930s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, White Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Coral Diamond Gold Rose de Noël Clip-on Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
. This 18K yellow gold pair of earrings from the collection boasts lustrous, white coral petals along
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Full Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Bow Clip-On Earring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
their alluring brilliance to the pair. Designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, the earrings are made of elegant
Category

Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Full Diamond Pave Gold Floral Clip-On Dangle Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
An endearingly feminine design presented exquisitely in 18K yellow gold, these gorgeous Van Cleef
Category

Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Navette Shaped Diamond Tremblant Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
brilliant white diamonds to glitter with their movement. In total, the earrings are set with approximately 7
Category

Late 20th Century Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Van Cleef Arpels Lapis Lazuli Diamond Gold Earrings and Bracelet Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
addition to your jewelry collection. It was created by Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris in the 1970's. it is
Category

Vintage 1970s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels 2.00 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Day Night Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Numbered and signed VCA for Van Cleef and Arpels Stamped 18k for 18 karat gold Surmount measures: 11/16 x
Category

Vintage 1960s Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rose De Noël Coral Diamond Gold Earring Brooch Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
and marvelous coral stones, Van Cleef Arpels created these enchanting earrings which also boast
Category

Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Spectacular Camellia Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by Van Cleef & Arpels. These Van Cleef & Arpels Camellia earrings are exquisite
Category

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Gold 2.75 Carat Diamond Inside-Out Hoop Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
clarity. The Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 2.75 ct Diamond Inside-Out Hoop Earrings are secured by a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Colombian Emerald 12 Carat Diamond Day Night Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Behold, an enchanting masterpiece hailing from the prestigious atelier of Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Yellow Sapphire Pearl Butterfly Dangle Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning dangle earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, diamond butterfly
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Coral and Diamond Earring and Brooch Set in Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, England
& Arpels coral and diamond earring and brooch suite set in 18k yellow and white gold. Both pieces within
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Magic Alhambra 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Presented within the iconic “Alhambra” collection, these fascinating Van Cleef & Arpels earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Pave Ribbed Yellow Gold Wide Hoop Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
create an exceptionally luxe effect in these exquisite earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels that boast a
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Flying Beauties Diamonds and Tsavorite Butterfly Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Two Butterfly' earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold combine color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18ct gold diamond and ruby set Necklace, Earrings and Brooch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
An Ruby and diamond necklace with detachable brooch and matching earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels
Category

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond and Pearl Flower Earrings, Signed “Van Cleef Arpels”
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Heart-shaped petals of 18 karat yellow gold are embellished with brilliant white diamonds and
Category

Late 20th Century Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Pave Ribbed Yellow Gold Wide Hoop Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
create an exceptionally luxe effect in these exquisite earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels that boast a
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Bluebell Chalcedony Diamond Clip-on Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite and iconic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are modeled after bluebell flowers. Made in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Chalcedony, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Full Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Flower Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Presented within the renowned "Cosmos" collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, these sublime earrings
Category

Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980 s Van Cleef Arpels 11.64 Carats Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
backs. Tested as 18 karat gold. Numbered and fully signed Van Cleef & Arpels NY. Circa: 1980s. Measures
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels (large size) Flower-lace Diamond Earrings.
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels (large size) Flower-lace 18k white Gold earrings is a masterpiece of elegance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1970 Paris Clip Earrings 18Kt Gold 9.04 Ct Diamonds Sapphires
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of a gem set clips-earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Gorgeous pieces, created in
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels 1970 Vintage Enameled Earrings in 18Kt Gold 1.12 Cts Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage pieces, created by the iconic
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef Arpels Pearl Lapis Lazuli Diamond Star Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels pearl, diamond and lapis star earclip earrings in 18k yellow gold. The center of
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Pave Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Presented within the sublime "Cosmos" collection, these splendid Van Cleef Arpels
Category

Late 20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pave Stud Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Cape May, NJ
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Composition: 18K White Gold Primary Stone: Twenty Four Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Folie des Pres Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
From the House of Van Cleef & Arpels, these exquisite Folie des Pres dangle earrings, finely
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire

1960s Van Cleef Arpels Paris Diamond Gold Suite
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular 18 Kt Yellow Gold Floral Brooch with 14 super white full cut Diamonds in the
Category

Vintage 1960s French Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 18K Rose Gold and 0.98 Carat Diamond Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
These vintage earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels are made of 18K rose gold and embellished with a total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lozenge Shaped Clip-On Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Doubly signed VCA - Clip- on lozenge shaped 18kt Yellow Gold and Diamond Earrings. One Numbered
Category

Vintage 1960s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef And Arpels PURE Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Diamonds Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Earrings from the Iconic "Pure Alhambra Collection" features 2 lucky Clover
Category

2010s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 0.50 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
0.50 carats in these fascinatingly designed and enchantingly feminine earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Diamond Gold Flower Ear Clips
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of florar ear clips with diamonds and central emeralds by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1980
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Trefle 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.82 ct Diamond and Ruby Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The Van Cleef & Arpels “Trefle” earrings are made of 18K yellow gold and each weighs 3.3 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Diamond, Mother of Pearl, Coral Chrysoprase Earring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
These very rare vintage earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels are crafted from 18K yellow gold and each
Category

20th Century Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Circa 1970s Van Cleef Arpels 5.50 Carat Diamond Ear Crawler Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
From the House of Van Cleef & Arpels these stunning diamond ear crawler earrings are crafted in 18
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Late 20th Century Ruby Diamond Platinum Mystère Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels. These "Boule" earrings have 136 round-cut diamonds with an approximate total
Category

20th Century French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

French Van Cleef Arples 12.8 Carat Diamond Clip Earrings, Circa 1970s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Hailing from the prestigious French Maison of Van Cleef & Arpels, these circa 1970 earrings are a
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1970 Enameled Earrings In 18Kt Gold With 1.68 Ctw in Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Enameled earrings designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful pair of clips-on earrings, created in
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Van Cleef Arpels Platinum Emerald And Diamond Camellia Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Flushing, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS PLATINUM EMERALD AND DIAMOND CAMELLIA FLOWER EARRINGS Marked: VAN CLEEF
Category

20th Century Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Gold Flower Lace Earclips
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
V.C.A. Flowerlace Earrings in 18k White Gold. Centered around a sparking fleurette motif, the
Category

1990s French Artisan Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Rose de Noël 18 Karat Gold Diamond and White Coral
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
These stunning clip-on earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels emanate beauty and style. Made in shimmering
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels 12.65 Carat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Camilla Flower Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
white gold omega backs (stamped) Earrings are stamped PT950 for Platinum Numbered with maker's mark
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Coral Earrings And Ring Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Van Cleef & Arpels half set composed with a ring and earrings in yellow gold, diamonds, white and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels "Cosmos" Medium Size Diamond Gold Earclips
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Cleef & Arpels signature flowers, dating from the 1950s. Elegance all the way, with 106 diamonds set in
Category

2010s French Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Ear Clips, 1960s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Zurich, CH
18 karat gold and diamond vintage ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels. Glamorous flower earrings
Category

Vintage 1960s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Rose De Noel Mother of Pearl Medium Model Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Blossoming brilliance by Van Cleef & Arpels. Designed with shinning white mother of pearl petals
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Miroir des Eaux Mother-of-Pearl, Onyx and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Weston, MA
-dimensional jewel. From each earring hangs three delightful chains of pear-shaped and round-cut diamonds. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Ruby Diamond Ear Clips
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Purchased in the Mid 1980's This Fabulous pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Earclips Contain 4 Oval Rubies
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Sapphire Cosmo 18 Karat Gold Small Size Earclips
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning diamond and sapphire Cosmo earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. These feminine floral earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Rose De Noel Earrings, circa 2019.
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aspen, CO
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose De Noel striking earrings with diamonds and black mother of pearl. These
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Rose De Noel Earrings, circa 2019.
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Aspen, CO
Van Cleef & Arpels Rose De Noel striking earrings with diamonds and black mother of pearl. These
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Elegant Pair of Diamond and 18ct Gold Large Hoop Earclips
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
An elegant pair of diamond and gold hoop earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, c.2000, the elongated oval
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 18 Karat Gold 1.24 Ct Diamond and Chrysoprase Earri
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
These vintage Van Cleef & Arpels earrings are made of 18K yellow gold and each of the two weighs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Van Cleef Diamond Earrings White Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of van cleef diamond earrings white gold you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold. You can easily find a 242 antique edition and 120 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect item from our selection of van cleef diamond earrings white gold may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and bead cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a choice in our collection of van cleef diamond earrings white gold, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Van Cleef Diamond Earrings White Gold?

On average, a piece of van cleef diamond earrings white gold at 1stDibs sells for $17,858, while they’re typically $3,000 on the low end and $250,000 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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Earrings for You

In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.

Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.

Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.

While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.

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.