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Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold. Emblematic of the magnificent
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl And Diamond Ring, Crafted In 18k Yellow Gold. The center of this statement
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Sausalito, CA
Vintage Van Cleff & Arpels pearl and diamond fashion ring with platinum (finger fit style shank
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Ballerina Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold. The pearl
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Armor Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels "Armor" Ring Gold, Pearls, Diamonds Circa 2001 Designed as a pavé-set brilliant
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Toi Et Moi Pearl Ring with Diamonds, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Toi Et Moi Pearl Ring with Diamonds, 18k. Ring Size 5.50 US. - signed VCA and
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Babylon Mother of Pearl Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This chic Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the chic Babylon collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French More Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970's SouthSea Pearl and Diamond Ring signed Van Cleef & Arpels 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
One 14mm South Sea pearl "Ballerina" ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1970. The ring is adorned
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 'Cerfs-Volants' Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
In Order to Render the Movement of the Flying Kite in the Best Possible Way, this Ring has Been
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Grey Mother-of-Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Pure Alhambra collection features a 2 lucky
Category

1990s Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Contemporary Mother of pearl “Twisted” Ring 18KY Gold Size5.5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Created by Van Cleef & Arpels, this “Twisted” ring is composed of two pieces of
Category

1990s French Band Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 'Cerf-Volants' Rings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
, mother-of-pearl and abalone plaque thus displaying the essence of sunlight. 18K Rose gold showcasing 61
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels White Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Flower Ring EU49
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Flower Ring. A stunning vintage Van
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Chalcedony 18k Yellow Gold Flower Ring with Box
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl And Chalcedony Flower Ring. A stunning
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mother-of-Pearl 18k White Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels ring is crafted in 18k white gold and inlaid with white and gray
Category

Early 2000s Band Rings

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Between the Finger Ring 18k Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to offer this beautiful Guaranteed Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra
Category

2010s French Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels 18K White Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels' black pearl and diamond ring is a mesmerizing blend of elegance and mystique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl Ring 1.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Halo S.O
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl & diamond ring crafted in platinum
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

South Sea Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Golden Pearl Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 3.46 Ctw Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Very rare vintage cocktail ring, created in Paris
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mother Of Pearl Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Heart Cut Mother Of Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring. A stunning
Category

20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold & Mother of Pearl Lucky Alhambra Between Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A coveted 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Lucky Alhambra collection. The ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra Ring VCARA41100
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 18k yellow gold mother of pearl Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Vintage Alhambra
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Magic Alhambra Ring Size 52
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An 18k yellow gold grey mother of pearl ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Gold Diamond Ring Size 4
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Gold Diamond Ring Size 4.
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Vintage Alhambra Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Gold Ring 52 Papers
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Vintage Alhambra collection features the
Category

2010s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Mother of Pearl Between the Finger Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 18-karat yellow gold and white mother-of-pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Ring 18 Karat White Gold, Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
With the Pure Alhambra jewelry creations designed in 2001, Van Cleef & Arpels offers a new
Category

2010s French Contemporary More Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Miroir des Eaux 18K Gold Diamond Onyx Mother of Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
From Van Cleef & Arpels' Miroir des Eaux Collection, here is an extraordinary ring depicting cherry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

VCA 1.54ct Square Cut Aquamarine Engagement Ring, 18k Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Van Cleef & Arpels ring featuring a mesmerizing square-cut aquamarine center stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Pearls 18K Rose Gold Ring Small Model Size 54
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 77701405 Comes With Box Only Date 2019 RRP £750 Incl. Taxes / €880 Incl. Taxes / $820 Excl. Taxes Model VCARN33054 Serial Number JA****** Metal 18k Rose Gold Weight Approximately...
Category

2010s French Stud Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An 18k gold, diamond and pearl cocktail ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. Can be resized.
Category

Vintage 1960s European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Coral Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
The “Twist” Ring. A French mid-20th century 18 karat gold ring with pearls and coral by Van Cleef
Category

French Band Rings

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s Turquoise and Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef And Arpels 1960s Ring in 18 carats Yellow Gold , Turquoises and Pearls. -SIGNED: V C A
Category

Vintage 1960s French Dome Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Pave Platinum Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum dome pave diamond ring consisting of one white cultured pearl 13.50 millimeters and round
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Cultured Pearl Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s , 18 carats yellow Gold ,cultured pearls and coral. Signed : VCA
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Babylon Mother of Pearl 18K Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fuquay Varina, NC
The colors of red to green morph across the black mother of pearl in this Van Cleef & Arpels 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Dome Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Toi Et Moi Pearl Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef & Arpels You And Me Freshwater Pearl Ring Experience beauty and elegance with the
Category

20th Century French Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Amethyst Mother of Pearl White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, NY
Modern simplicity by Van Cleef & Arpels. A simple deep cabochon Amethyst set in a squared off mount
Category

1990s French Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Vintage Alhambra ring, crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels, set with 0.06ct VVS/FG diamond and mother
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Ring, Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Magic Alhambra ring from Van Cleef & Arpels, made in 18K yellow gold, set with mother-of-pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring White Gold, Mother of Pearl, Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Alhambra ring from Van Cleef & Arpels, made in 18K white gold, white mother-of-pearl, set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
, Width: 3.40 mm Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Model: Pure Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold and Mother of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Geneva, CH
Van Cleef and Arpels Black and White Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold 18k Ring. This is elegant 18k
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Black Pearl Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring from Van Cleef & Arpels boasts a vivacious design that is without comparison! The ring
Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Black Pearl, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Pearl Gold Retro Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Gold, Coral and Cultured Pearl Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. Made in France, circa 1940 18kt yellow
Category

Vintage 1940s French Dome Rings

Materials

Coral, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl & Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Glamour! Elegant ring by Van Cleef & Arpels! Center is 14.5 mm South Sea pearl surrounded by 16
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Diamond Gold Bypass Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
of jewelry design. Pillars of gold, filled with diamonds that intertwine a Tahitian chrome pearl with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful V.C.A mother of pearl ring finely crafted in 18K.
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Black and White Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Diamonds are nice, and so are pearls, but nothing compares to the combination of the two! This ring
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Pearls of Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Van Cleef and Arpels 18ct White Gold Perlée Pearls Of Gold Ring Brand Van Cleef and Arpels Model
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Pearls of Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Pearls of Gold AGE 2022 GENDER Women's ACCOMPANIED BY Van Cleef & Arpels Box, Certificate and Original
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Pure Alhambra Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 alhambra shape
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Large Mother Of Pearl Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Mother Of Pearl Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 alhambra shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960's Coral, Pearl and Gold "Twist" Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The "Twist" Ring. A French mid 20th century 18 karat gold ring with pearls and coral by Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1960s French Band Rings

Materials

Coral, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Babylone Mother of Pearl Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
gold ring from Van Cleef & Arpels features a harmoniously set mother-of-pearl stone brilliantly
Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Peridot Mother of Pearl Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Feast your eyes upon the eye-catching design of this band-style ring from Van Cleef & Arpels! The
Category

Late 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This band ring from Van Cleef & Arpels exudes prestige and class. The ring is made of 18K yellow
Category

Late 20th Century French More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Mother Of Pearl Band Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 Alhambra shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Massive and elegant, this signet-like looking ring from Van Cleef and Arpels is made of 18k
Category

Vintage 1980s French More Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Gray Mother-of-Pearl Gold Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
of pearl This ring comes with Van Cleef & Arpels certificate. Details: European 54 - US 6 3/4 Width
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

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Van Cleef Pearl Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact van cleef pearl ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 57 antique edition and 65 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect van cleef pearl ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. While most can agree that any van cleef pearl ring from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 57 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and mixed cut alternatives. Most of our van cleef pearl ring for sale are for women, but there are 26 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Van Cleef Pearl Ring?

The price for a van cleef pearl ring starts at $1,400 and tops out at $41,102 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,400.

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 Rings for You

Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.

No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.

Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.

Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. 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

The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry

The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.

Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.

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.