18kt Gold Medallion
2010s American Brooches
Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
1990s Italian Renaissance Revival Cocktail Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Renaissance Pendant Necklaces
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Italian Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
German Modern Bracelets
18kt Gold Medallion For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 18kt Gold Medallion?
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.
- Is 18kt gold valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023Whether 18-karat gold is valuable depends on a variety of factors. The price of gold per gram fluctuates with the market for gold. If the gold in question refers to a piece of jewelry, factors under consideration would include the style of the piece, if the accessory features any gemstones and what the gems are, where it was made, its condtion and more. A certified appraiser can evaluate 18-karat gold jewelry to determine its value. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of 18-karat gold jewelry from some of the world's top sellers.
- Are medallions made out of gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Medallion coins are made of various metals including gold, silver, bronze or lead. Medallion or medals are also sometimes plated to give the coin the desired finish. Medallions typically carry a design on both sides and are seen as commemorative items highly coveted by collectors. Shop a range of vintage medallions on 1stDibs.
- Is 24 kt real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 24 karat gold is 100 percent pure gold with no other metals mixed in. It’s known for its distinctive bright yellow color and is the highest karat of gold available. Browse a variety of 24 karat gold jewelry and home decor pieces 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Yes, 18-karat gold is generally okay to wear every day because the alloy can resist light wear and tear. However, you should take your jewelry off before exercising, playing sports, handling chemicals or doing other activities that could damage it. On 1stDibs, shop a range of gold jewelry from some of the world's top sellers.
- Is 18k gold plated real or fake?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A piece of jewelry or a decorative object marked 18K gold plated does likely contain real gold. The marking indicates that the item is metal under a layer of gold alloy that contains 75 percent gold and 25 percent other metal. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted gold jewelry.