18k Maltese Cross
20th Century Italian Clip-on Earrings
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
1990s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Citrine, Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets
Citrine, Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Italian Bangles
Diamond, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century Italian Artist Brooches
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century American Modern Brooches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modern Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian Cuff Bracelets
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
20th Century American Modern Brooches
Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s French Aesthetic Movement Brooches
Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Cuff Bracelets
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Modern Bracelets
Black Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century American Modern Brooches
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Bracelets
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
White Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Antique 1790s British Necklace Enhancers
Agate, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Brooches
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Rock Crystal, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Stud Earrings
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Cuff Bracelets
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1820s British George III Brooches
Other, Crystal, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
2010s American Artisan Brooches
Turquoise, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Amethyst, Citrine, Jade, Pearl, Ruby
Vintage 1940s Clip-on Earrings
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s Necklace Enhancers
Cultured Pearl, Peridot, Rubelite, Blue Sapphire, Amethyst, Citrine, Iol...
Antique 1750s Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Cuff Bracelets
Tourmaline, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
20th Century Cuff Bracelets
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Black Jade, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Brooches
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Pendant Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modern Cuff Bracelets
Agate, Citrine, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Retro Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1830s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Choker Necklaces
18k Gold
2010s Clip-on Earrings
Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s American Cuff Bracelets
Amethyst, Citrine, Jade, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Clip-on Earrings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1850s Unknown Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, 18k Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Aquamarine, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
1990s French Drop Necklaces
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
20th Century Cufflinks
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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18k Maltese Cross For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 18k Maltese Cross?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What a Maltese cross symbolizes is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Some first responders wear the cross to represent their willingness to die to protect others. The cross may also represent the Sovereign Military Order of Malta or serve as a general symbol of protection. You'll find a variety of Maltese cross jewelry and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Whether a wedding band should be 14K or 18K depends on your personal preferences. Because it contains more pure gold, 18-karat gold will usually show off a richer color and be less likely to fade over time. On the other hand, 14-karat gold is less prone to scratching and damage because it has more alloy metals. Explore a large collection of gold wedding bands on 1stDibs.
- Does 18K gold wear off?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not 18K gold wears off depends on how it's made. The finish will not wear off of a piece of jewelry or another object made entirely out of 18K gold. However, wear can occur on pieces that feature 18K gold plating, a thin layer of gold applied over another type of metal. You'll find a large selection of gold jewelry and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is 18k gold watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An 18K gold watch is a timepiece made from gold precious metal of a specific purity. The term 18K means 18-karat, a precious metal that is 75 percent pure gold and 25 percent alloy. Shop a large collection of gold watches on 1stDibs.
- What is 18K Italy gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 202218K Italy gold is 18-karat gold produced in Italy. Karats tell you how much of a piece of metal is genuine gold. In the case of 18-karat gold, 18 parts are pure gold, and six parts are other metals. This makes 18-karat pieces 75 percent gold. You'll find a large collection of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is 18k gold good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, 18k is the perfect karatage for jewelry. While 24k is more prized and typically more expensive, it is also less dense and durable than 18k gold.
- Is 18K real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 18K gold is real gold. However, it is not pure gold. Something marked 18K is 75 percent genuine gold and 25 percent metal alloy. On 1stDibs, shop a range of expertly vetted gold jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What does 18K on a ring mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The mark 18K on a ring stands for 18-karat gold. 18-karat signifies that the ring is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, zinc or nickel. The additional metals strengthen the ring, making it more durable. Shop a range of expertly vetted 18-karat jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What is 18K green gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 202218K green gold is an alloy created by mixing silver, copper and zinc with normal gold. 18K green gold is greener than 14K green gold. On 1stDibs, shop a wide collection of genuine 18K green gold from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between 24K gold and 18K gold is how much pure gold the metals contain. Something made of 24-karat gold is 99.9% pure gold, while 18-karat gold items are 75% gold and 25% alloy metals. Generally, 18-karat gold is more durable and scratch-resistant due to the presence of alloy metals. On the other hand, 24-karat gold tends to be more richly colored and expensive. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of gold jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The difference between 14k and 18k rose gold metal is that the 14k rose gold is less pure than 18k. 14k rose gold has a deeper pink color because of greater amounts of copper, whereas 18k rose gold has 75% gold and appears yellow. 14k rose gold is increasingly popular due to its brighter pink hue and resistance to scratches. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage rose gold jewelry.
- Is 18k gold worth buying?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024Yes, many people believe that 18k gold is worth buying. Due to the metal's durability, jewelry produced from 18-karat gold is often resistant to scratching and damage. In addition, the large amount of pure gold in the alloy gives white, rose and yellow 18-karat gold a vibrant color. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in 18-karat gold is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a diverse range of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024On a watch, 18K gold means that the watch features genuine gold. An alloy, 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. The high gold content gives the metal an attractive color, while the alloy metals add strength to increase its durability. An 18-karat gold watch may be solid gold or gold-filled, which means it is primarily another metal that the watchmaker finished with a thin layer of 18-karat gold. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of gold watches.
- Is 18K gold good for watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Many watch lovers believe that 18K gold is good for watches. An alloy, 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. The amount of gold makes the color of the alloy, whether it's white, yellow or rose, rich and visually appealing. At the same time, the addition of alloy metals increases the strength of the gold material. Explore a large selection of watches on 1stDibs.
- Does 18K gold go green?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, 18-karat gold can turn green in some circumstances. This type of gold is about 75 percent genuine gold and 25 percent alloy, and the other metal or metals used to produce it may react negatively to acidic substances. When this occurs, 18-karat gold may take on a greenish hue. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of gold jewelry.
- Does 18k yellow gold tarnish?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, 18k gold can tarnish, but it is uncommon. Pure gold does not combine easily with oxygen and therefore does not tarnish. The higher the karat, the less likely a piece of gold will tarnish.
- Is 18K 750 real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024Yes, 18K 750 is real gold. Gold pieces that bear this hallmark are 18-karat gold, a 75% pure gold alloy and 25% base metal. One of the most popular materials for fine jewelry, 18-karat gold shows off a rich yellow, white or rose color and resists scratching more readily than pure gold. Explore a wide variety of 18-karat gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is 18K gold good for earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, 18-karat gold can be good for earrings. Because it is an alloy, 18-karat gold is more durable and scratch-resistant than pure 24-karat gold. You can find 18-karat gold in rich warm yellow, cooler white with warm undertones and light pink rose. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of gold earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The difference between 14K and 18K white gold stud earrings comes down to the content of the precious metal alloy. Stud earrings made of 14-karat white gold are 58.3% gold and 41.7% base metal, while 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. As a result, 14-karat white gold tends to be stronger and more resistant to scratching, and 18-karat gold will have a more noticeable warm-glowing yellow tinge. On 1stDibs, shop a range of white gold stud earrings.
- Is 18K gold dipped real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, gold dipped, also known as gold plated, pieces are considered real gold. The process coats a piece of metal or alloy with a layer of gold for a gold finish. Shop a collection of 18 karat gold jewelry, solid and dipped, on 1stDibs.