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Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Onyx, and White Gold 'Cosmos' Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Onyx, and White Gold 'Cosmos' Clip Earrings These earrings have flowers
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Diamond & Onyx White Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Alhambra 20 Motifs Diamond And Black Onyx Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. This
Category

2010s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx and White Diamonds Dome Ring, 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A bold and beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx and White Diamonds Dome Cocktail Ring made in 18
Category

20th Century Dome Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pelouse Diamond Onyx Bombe Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pelouse Diamond Onyx Bombe Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold. A bejeweled pair of
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels White Coral, Onyx and Diamonds Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with white Coral, Onyx, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1960s Link Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Turquoise, Onyx, Diamond & Gold Bracelet Circa 1965
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A vintage turquoise, onyx & yellow gold bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1965. This bracelet
Category

Mid-20th Century French Beaded Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Onyx and Coral Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Onyx, and Coral Necklace An 18k yellow gold link necklace, set with
Category

Vintage 1970s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Large Diamond Onyx 18k Yellow Gold Panther Clip Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Onyx 18k Gold Earrings—a stunning embodiment of
Category

Vintage 1970s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Pendant Necklace. A
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Floral Onyx and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Floral Onyx and Diamond Ring made in 18k White Gold. Signed, Numbered. The
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cosmos Onyx Diamond Medium Model Ring. Sz 51
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
design crafted in 18k white gold and black onyx petals and set with round brilliant-cut E-F-G diamonds
Category

2010s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1973 Geometric Onyx Ring 18kt Gold with 1.45ctw in Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set onyx ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage ring band, made in Paris
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx and Diamond 5 Motif Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Style: 5 Motifs Bracelet Material: White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ribbon Bow Ring. A stunning ring
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl & Onyx Magic Alhambra 16 Motif Ne
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the Magic Alhambra collection. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Geometric Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds And Black Onyx
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set onyx ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage ring, made in Paris France by
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond, Turquoise and Onyx Dress Ring, circa 1990s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A stylish diamond, onyx and turquoise dress ring by Van Cleef & Arpels c.1990s, the ring of rounded
Category

1990s French Dome Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Miroir des Eaux 18K Gold Diamond Onyx Mother of Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
, supporting a white gold bar-shaped centerpiece. On the rectangular centerpiece are onyx inlaid stems and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Double Headed Swan Ring In Black Onyx With Diamonds Emeralds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A whimsical double headed swan ring by Van Cleef & Arpels c.1970s, the bypass style ring in 18ct
Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Magic Alhambra Necklace VCARD79200
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A luxurious 18k yellow gold necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Magic Alhambra collection. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Link Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Miroir des Eaux Mother-of-Pearl, Onyx and Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Weston, MA
dangles catch the light as they move with you. Mounted in 18k white gold Approximately 4.5 carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

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

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Black Onyx Bracelet, Service Paper
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection: Vintage Alhambra Style: 5 Motifs Bracelet Material: White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels "Miroir Des Eaux" Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
-shaped MOP and black onyx on white gold with pear shape and round diamond accents weighting approximately
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 1970 Modernist Bracelet 18Kt Gold With 24.30 Ctw Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
/.999 gold, the seven digits serial numbers and signed in full as follows, "©VCA .750 VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Link Bracelets

Materials

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

Magic Alhambra White Gold Onyx and Diamonds Earrings
Located in Bilbao, ES
Magic Alhambra White Gold Onyx and Diamonds Earrings This earrings are not original Van Cleef
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Coral Onyx Earrings Diamond Gold Estate Jewelry
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
vintage earrings are made of 18 karat (stamped) yellow and white gold, diamonds, coral and black onyx
Category

Vintage 1980s American Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Onyx Gold Bead Brooch 18k Retro Jewelry Signed OSL
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
collections as Perlée and Alhambra by Van Cleef & Arpels are great examples of black onyx’s application.
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Brooches

Materials

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

Long Magic Alhambra Necklace Onyx and white and grey Pearl
Located in Bilbao, ES
motifs alternating in size, set with white mother of pearl, grey mother of pearl and onyx inlays and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Black Onyx Gold Bead Bracelet 18k French Retro Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Alhambra by Van Cleef & Arpels are great examples of black onyx’s application.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

CARTIER Paris 1970 Andre Vassort Ring In 18Kt Gold With 3.36 Ctw Diamonds & Onyx
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
a total weight of about 1.36 carats, white colorless E/F color, VVS clarity Onyx: Mount in a bezel
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Signed Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Gold Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Antwerp, BE
and white) gold Extra information: Van Cleef & Arpels - Their first jewelry store was created in 1906
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modernist Cufflinks

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra White and Grey Mop Onyx Bracelet, Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
bracelet VAN CLEEF & ARPELS VCA Magic Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold White, Grey Mother Of Pearl & Black Onyx
Category

2010s French Chain Bracelets

Materials

Onyx, Gold, Yellow Gold

Circa 1980 Green Onyx 18 Karat Gold Diamonds Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace - circa 1980 Epitomizing Egyptian revival combined with the artistic
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Long Motifs White Gold Diamond Onyx Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, white gold, onyx, round diamonds; diamond quality DEF
Category

2010s French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Motifs Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra(R) jewelry creations gather different
Category

2010s French Drop Necklaces

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Motifs Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Created in 2006 by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra(R) jewelry creations gather different
Category

2010s French Drop Necklaces

Alhambra Watch, Small Model Yellow Gold, Onyx, Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
-pearl dial; yellow gold crown; yellow gold, white and gray mother-of-pearl and onyx bracelet, yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Agate, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Onyx Pure Alhambra Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An 18k white gold pendant from the Pure Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. The pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra White Gold 4 Motif Onyx Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
made of 18K white gold and is accented with four onyx Alhambra motifs.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French More Bracelets

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Nerval Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
outstanding ring from Van Cleef & Arpels combines shimmering 18K white gold and luscious diamonds totaling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French More Rings

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold Onyx & Diamond Magic Alhambra Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Code: COM2066 Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Description: 18k White Gold Onyx & Diamond Limited Edition
Category

2010s Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Nerval Onyx Diamond Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
fascinating earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels are made of shimmering 18K white complemented by the brilliant
Category

Late 20th Century French More Earrings

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This beautiful fashion ring by designer Van Cleef & Arpels features scalloped onyx gemstone and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Black Onyx Magic Alhambra Long Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
exclusively created for Van Cleef's New York City boutique. Crafted in 18k white gold, this pendant embodies
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Onyx Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
These Van Cleef & Arpels cufflinks are made out of 18K yellow and white gold and onyx. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
this fantastic ring from Van Cleef & Arpels, the stunning onyx is smartly contrasted by the 0.17ct of
Category

Late 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
and is brought to existence by the great craftsmen at VCA. Fashioned with jet black onyx and 12
Category

Vintage 1970s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18K yellow gold ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. Ring Size: 5.25 (49 5/8) Ring Top Dimensions: 20 x
Category

Late 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18K yellow gold ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. Ring Size: 5.5 Ring Top Dimensions: 20 x 13mm Band
Category

Late 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Van Cleef&Arpels Alhambra bracelet with onyx and diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in București, București
The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet, featuring onyx and diamonds, is a masterpiece of elegance
Category

2010s Romanian Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Black Onyx White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k White Gold Pure Alhambra Black Onyx Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 alhambra
Category

1990s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, fortune and love from Van Cleef & Arpels. Designed with jet black onyx that is decorated with a single
Category

1990s French Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Onyx and Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Firenze, IT
170 round diamonds weighing approximately 3,4 carats, mounted in 18 karat gold Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1970s American Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Bow Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Simple and sweet are the perfect words to describe this pendant necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Bow Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
contrast, this fabulous necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels places the stunning onyx stone and charming
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Bow Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
contrast, this fabulous necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels places the stunning onyx stone and charming
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond and Onyx Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Fortune and luxury exude a pronounced presence in this fine design from Van Cleef & Arpels. 18K
Category

Late 20th Century French More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Diamond and Onyx Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Fortune and luxury exude a pronounced presence in this fine design from Van Cleef & Arpels. 18K
Category

Late 20th Century French More Rings

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Chic and elegant ring created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1980's. It is made of 18 karats, black
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

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Van Cleef White Gold Onyx For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate van cleef white gold onyx for your needs in our varied inventory. 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. Find an antique version now, or shop for 186 vintage or 81 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect van cleef white gold onyx 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. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 carat and 1 carat versions are of considerable interest. While most can agree that any van cleef white gold onyx from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of an onyx version from the 159 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 uncut alternatives. Finding a van cleef white gold onyx for sale for women should be easy, but there are 67 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Van Cleef White Gold Onyx?

On average, a van cleef white gold onyx at 1stDibs sells for $9,325, while they’re typically $1,750 on the low end and $1,200,000 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.

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.