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Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Amethyst and Sterling Taxco Silver Brooch February Birthstone 1945
Amethyst and Sterling Taxco Silver Brooch February Birthstone 1945

Amethyst and Sterling Taxco Silver Brooch February Birthstone 1945

By Taxco

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful purple amethyst and sterling silver brooch from Taxco Mexico. The top portion consists of an elaborate ribbon design with raised dots and a circular amethyst followed by...

Category

1940s Mexican Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Sterling Silver

14 Karat Yellow Gold Birthstone Boy Pendant #23181
14 Karat Yellow Gold Birthstone Boy Pendant #23181

14 Karat Yellow Gold Birthstone Boy Pendant #23181

Located in Washington Depot, CT

14k Yellow Gold Birthstone Boy Pendant - This 14 karat yellow gold birthstone boy pendant sparkles with personal charm, a sweet keepsake that celebrates family, love, and timeless s...

Category

20th Century Contemporary Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Australian Opal, Pearl and Diamond Lavalier Necklace in 14k Yellow
Art Nouveau Australian Opal, Pearl and Diamond Lavalier Necklace in 14k Yellow

Art Nouveau Australian Opal, Pearl and Diamond Lavalier Necklace in 14k Yellow

Located in Bloomington, MN

The curved openwork, floral details, pearl accents, and suspended opal drop reflect the naturalistic forms associated with Art Nouveau jewelry. Opal, the birthstone for October, is t...

Category

Late 20th Century Retro Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified Natural Burma Ruby 3.59 Carats No Heat Carved Double Cabochon Gem
GIA Certified Natural Burma Ruby 3.59 Carats No Heat Carved Double Cabochon Gem

GIA Certified Natural Burma Ruby 3.59 Carats No Heat Carved Double Cabochon Gem

By OGI Ltd

Located in New York, NY

Perfect For Custom engagement rings Luxury pendant necklaces Collector gemstone portfolios Heirloom jewelry creations July birthstone gifts Anniversary and milestone cele...

Category

20th Century Burmese Contemporary Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Ruby

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Oval Shaped Amethyst Chevron Ring
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Oval Shaped Amethyst Chevron Ring

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Oval Shaped Amethyst Chevron Ring

Located in beverly hills, CA

A gorgeous piece of fine modern jewelry, featuring February's birthstone! Metal - 14k Yellow Gold Gemstone - Amethyst Gemstone Size - 6 x 3.8 mm Cut - Oval Total weight - 0.25 carat...

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco French Platinum and 1.30 Carat Cabochon Sugarloaf Sapphire Ring C.1920s
Art Deco French Platinum and 1.30 Carat Cabochon Sugarloaf Sapphire Ring C.1920s

Art Deco French Platinum and 1.30 Carat Cabochon Sugarloaf Sapphire Ring C.1920s

Located in New York, NY

As the Art Deco craze swept the fashion world of the 1920s, so too did the rise of costume jewelry. Brightly colored birthstones cut into ovals and sequentially arranged squares and ...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire, Platinum

Recent Sales

Round Emerald Engagement Ring, Rose Gold, May Birthstone, Colombian Emerald
Round Emerald Engagement Ring, Rose Gold, May Birthstone, Colombian Emerald

Round Emerald Engagement Ring, Rose Gold, May Birthstone, Colombian Emerald

Located in Mission Viejo, CA

This round emerald engagement ring features about 1 carat for the center stone and 0.19 carats in diamonds for the halo. Emeralds are the most prized of the beryl gemstone family. O...

Category

20th Century American Artist Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold

Vintage 44.40 Carat Citrine 18K Yellow Gold Bangle From 1960
Vintage 44.40 Carat Citrine 18K Yellow Gold Bangle From 1960

Vintage 44.40 Carat Citrine 18K Yellow Gold Bangle From 1960

Located in Miami, FL

Citrine birthstone jewelry lovers take note—this is a rare find.

Category

1960s Italian Modern Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring December Birthstone
14K Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring December Birthstone

14K Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring December Birthstone

Located in Towson, MD

A stunning 6.07ct oval cut sky-blue topaz sits proudly at the center of this gorgeous ring. Both shoulders are set with four sparkly round diamonds, H-I color, VS2-SI1 clarity diamon...

Category

1980s American Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

10 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearl and Diamond Ring, June Birthstone
10 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearl and Diamond Ring, June Birthstone

10 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearl and Diamond Ring, June Birthstone

Located in McLeansville, NC

A vintage 10 karat yellow gold, pearl and diamond ring. This ring features three prong set, round bead white pearls surrounded by eight round cut diamonds weighing approximately .25 ...

Category

1960s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k WG, Blue Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring, September Birthstone Ring
14k WG, Blue Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring, September Birthstone Ring

14k WG, Blue Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring, September Birthstone Ring

Located in McLeansville, NC

A 14 karat white gold, sapphire and diamond engagement ring. This ring features a half bezel set, oval cut sapphire weighing approximately 1 carat with a full cut round diamond on ei...

Category

1990s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Opal Diamond Pendant, October Birthstone, Simple Opal Charm, 14K Gold
Opal Diamond Pendant, October Birthstone, Simple Opal Charm, 14K Gold

Opal Diamond Pendant, October Birthstone, Simple Opal Charm, 14K Gold

Located in McLeansville, NC

A vintage 14 karat yellow gold opal and diamond pendant. This pendant features a prong set oval opal weighing approximately .75 carat with three full cut round diamonds weighing appr...

Category

1970s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Women's 14KT Yellow Gold, Amethyst & Diamond Vine Ring, February Birthstone Ring
Women's 14KT Yellow Gold, Amethyst & Diamond Vine Ring, February Birthstone Ring

Women's 14KT Yellow Gold, Amethyst & Diamond Vine Ring, February Birthstone Ring

Located in McLeansville, NC

The perfect complement to a solitaire ring. February birthstone band with a unique look sure to stand out among peers.

Category

1980s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

April Happiness Yellow Gold Enamel Spinel Taurus Zodiac Birthstone Charm Pendant
April Happiness Yellow Gold Enamel Spinel Taurus Zodiac Birthstone Charm Pendant

April Happiness Yellow Gold Enamel Spinel Taurus Zodiac Birthstone Charm Pendant

Located in London, GB

An 18 karat yellow gold charm pendant designed as a gold disc with enamel inlay of 'ABRIL FELICIDAD' (April Happiness) with the zodiac symbol for Taurus and lily of the valley (meani...

Category

20th Century Spanish Art Deco Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Peridot Stud Earrings, 14K Gold, August Birthstone, Emerald Cut Stone Studs
Peridot Stud Earrings, 14K Gold, August Birthstone, Emerald Cut Stone Studs

Peridot Stud Earrings, 14K Gold, August Birthstone, Emerald Cut Stone Studs

Located in McLeansville, NC

A pair of vintage 14 karat yellow gold peridot stud earrings. These earrings feature prong set, baguette cut peridot stones weighing approximately .80 total carats with pierced push ...

Category

1980s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Multicolor Gemstone Bracelet, 14K Gold, Birthstones Dec Jan Aug Feb Nov
Oval Multicolor Gemstone Bracelet, 14K Gold, Birthstones Dec Jan Aug Feb Nov

Oval Multicolor Gemstone Bracelet, 14K Gold, Birthstones Dec Jan Aug Feb Nov

Located in Austin, TX

This colorful bracelet has a beautiful mix of birthstone colors in sturdy 14 karat yellow gold. The oval gemstones are blue topaz, garnet, peridot, amethyst, and citrine. These stone...

Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Amethyst, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

LeVian Aquamarine Diamond Ring, 14K Gold, March Birthstone, Le Vian Diamond Ring
LeVian Aquamarine Diamond Ring, 14K Gold, March Birthstone, Le Vian Diamond Ring

LeVian Aquamarine Diamond Ring, 14K Gold, March Birthstone, Le Vian Diamond Ring

By Le Vian

Located in McLeansville, NC

A vintage 14 karat gold aquamarine and diamond ring designed by Le Vian. This ring features a prong set oval cut aquamarine weighing approximately 1.75 carat surrounded by a halo of ...

Category

1970s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Sapphire Flower Clip-On Earrings, June Birthstone
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Sapphire Flower Clip-On Earrings, June Birthstone

14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Sapphire Flower Clip-On Earrings, June Birthstone

Located in McLeansville, NC

A pair of 14 karat yellow gold, pearl and sapphire flower clip on earrings. These earrings feature a floral motif centered on a lustrous white pearl surrounded by prong set, round cu...

Category

1990s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and .56 Carat Diamond Swirl Stud Earrings, April Birthstone
14 Karat Yellow Gold and .56 Carat Diamond Swirl Stud Earrings, April Birthstone

14 Karat Yellow Gold and .56 Carat Diamond Swirl Stud Earrings, April Birthstone

Located in McLeansville, NC

A pair of 14 karat yellow gold and diamond swirl stud earrings. These earrings feature a double row swirl motif centered on prong set full cut round diamonds and with prong set diamo...

Category

1980s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Emerald Cut Aquamarine 16.24 carat and Diamond Ring Size 7.25
14K White Gold Emerald Cut Aquamarine 16.24 carat and Diamond Ring Size 7.25

14K White Gold Emerald Cut Aquamarine 16.24 carat and Diamond Ring Size 7.25

Located in New York, NY

Bridal or Anniversary Gift – symbolizing harmony and everlasting love. Birthstone Jewelry (March) – a meaningful treasure for March birthdays.

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold, Aquamarine and Diamond Ring, March Birthstone Ring
14 Karat Yellow Gold, Aquamarine and Diamond Ring, March Birthstone Ring

14 Karat Yellow Gold, Aquamarine and Diamond Ring, March Birthstone Ring

Located in McLeansville, NC

A 14 karat yellow gold, aquamarine and diamond ring. This ring features a prong set, oval cut light blue aquamarine with two rows of full cut round diamonds on either side and a slig...

Category

1980s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

May Innocence Yellow Gold Enamel Spinel Gemini Zodiac Birthstone Charm Pendant
May Innocence Yellow Gold Enamel Spinel Gemini Zodiac Birthstone Charm Pendant

May Innocence Yellow Gold Enamel Spinel Gemini Zodiac Birthstone Charm Pendant

Located in London, GB

An 18 karat yellow gold charm pendant designed as a gold disc with enamel inlay of 'MAYO INOCENCIA' (May Innocence) with the zodiac symbol for Gemini and the fleur de lis depiction o...

Category

20th Century Spanish Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Deco Aquamarine Cross Pendant 1.50ct 14K March Birthstone Original 1940-1950
Art Deco Aquamarine Cross Pendant 1.50ct 14K March Birthstone Original 1940-1950

Art Deco Aquamarine Cross Pendant 1.50ct 14K March Birthstone Original 1940-1950

Located in Dearborn, MI

Genuine Original Antique from the 1940's-1950's Art Deco Aquamarine 1.50ct Cross 14K Yellow Gold Necklace Pendant Features 5 Gorgeous Baguette Aquamarine Gemstones Gold Flower i...

Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearl and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, June Birthstone
14 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearl and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, June Birthstone

14 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearl and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, June Birthstone

Located in McLeansville, NC

A 14 karat yellow gold, pearl and diamond three stone ring. This ring features a round bead, white pearl center stone with a full cut round diamond on either side and a slightly tape...

Category

1990s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Emmanuelle Khanh White Silk Blouse Shirt 1980s
Emmanuelle Khanh White Silk Blouse Shirt 1980s

Emmanuelle Khanh White Silk Blouse Shirt 1980s

By Emmanuelle Kahn

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous white silk organza blouse, shirt, top by Emmanuelle Khanh. It is double breasted with large mother of pearl buttons and a large notched portrait collar. The long, full r...

Category

1980s French Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Sheer White Sleeveless Ruffle Top
S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Sheer White Sleeveless Ruffle Top

S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Runway Sheer White Sleeveless Ruffle Top

By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Spring/Summer 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella sheer white sleeveless ruffle top debuted on the season's runway. The lightweight, semi-transparent fabric is adorned with delicat...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch

UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Switzerland, CH

EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS FUR EVENING BAG WITH STUNNING JEWELED DRAGON DETAIL DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years From one of GUCC...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Jade and Sterling Silver Choker
Jade and Sterling Silver Choker

Jade and Sterling Silver Choker

$775

W 2.5 in L 16.5 in

Jade and Sterling Silver Choker

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous substantial silver and jade choker necklace. The front bib portion is comprised of layers of silver in different shapes on top of one another with a large rounded jade sto...

Category

1990s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Jade, Sterling Silver

Mignon Paris Draped Silk Dress 1950s
Mignon Paris Draped Silk Dress 1950s

Mignon Paris Draped Silk Dress 1950s

By Mignon

Located in Water Mill, NY

A stunning black silk dress from Mignon Paris. It is sleeveless with a draped portrait collar, fitted waist and a full skirt- a feat of draping and ruching. The dress has a back pai...

Category

1950s French Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Alexander McQueen Rare New with Tags Embroidered Split Hem Jeans SS 1999
Alexander McQueen Rare New with Tags Embroidered Split Hem Jeans SS 1999

Alexander McQueen Rare New with Tags Embroidered Split Hem Jeans SS 1999

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Water Mill, NY

Incredible embroidered blue jeans by Alexander McQueen from one of his early notable early collections. They are mid rise with straight legs and fabulous, intricately detailed, colo...

Category

1990s Italian Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Natural Uncut Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Ring Gift for Her
Natural Uncut Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Ring Gift for Her

Natural Uncut Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Ring Gift for Her

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

Natural Uncut Diamond Stacking Band Ring in 18K Gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partner. The round shape represent...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Amethyst and Silver Art Deco Geometric Brooch Earrings Set 1930s
Amethyst and Silver Art Deco Geometric Brooch Earrings Set 1930s

Amethyst and Silver Art Deco Geometric Brooch Earrings Set 1930s

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful brooch and clip on earring set in sterling silver and Amethyst. It is a geometric design of overlapping silver angles in 2 different textures with a center round amethys...

Category

1930s Modernist Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

1960s Christian Dior 32A Silk Three Piece Bloomers Bra 60s Vintage Lingerie Set
1960s Christian Dior 32A Silk Three Piece Bloomers Bra 60s Vintage Lingerie Set

1960s Christian Dior 32A Silk Three Piece Bloomers Bra 60s Vintage Lingerie Set

By Christian Dior

Located in San Diego, CA

Rare 1960s Christian Dior silk lingerie set ! Features baby blue silk bloomer shorts that have a button closure on the back. Two different bras—one in pink, and one in ivory. Dior lo...

Category

1960s French Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Antique Silver and Gold, Victorian Old Cut Diamond Bow Brooch
Antique Silver and Gold, Victorian Old Cut Diamond Bow Brooch

Antique Silver and Gold, Victorian Old Cut Diamond Bow Brooch

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Diamond Bow Brooch 18ct Gold and Silver Victorian craftsmanship at its finest. This silver and gold bow brooch showcases old cut diamonds in a classic 19th-century design...

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Iconic Spectacular Thierry Mugler SS 1997 Gown 'Kiss of the Spiderwoman'
Iconic Spectacular Thierry Mugler SS 1997 Gown 'Kiss of the Spiderwoman'

Iconic Spectacular Thierry Mugler SS 1997 Gown 'Kiss of the Spiderwoman'

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Berlin, BE

Behold the breathtaking embodiment of high drama and couture mastery: The stunning extremely rare Thierry Mugler "Kiss of the Spiderwoman" evening gown from the legendary Spring/Summ...

Category

1990s French Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Prada Blue Silk Top with Neck Drape
Prada Blue Silk Top with Neck Drape

Prada Blue Silk Top with Neck Drape

By Miuccia Prada, Prada

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous navy blue silk top from Prada. It is semi fitted, sleeveless with a crew neck. An 11" drape falls from one side of the neckline. It has a back invisible zipper. Fits siz...

Category

Early 2000s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Antique Georgian Gold, Enamel, and Seed Pearl Braided Hair Mourning Brooch
Antique Georgian Gold, Enamel, and Seed Pearl Braided Hair Mourning Brooch

Antique Georgian Gold, Enamel, and Seed Pearl Braided Hair Mourning Brooch

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique Georgian gold, seed pearl, hair, and enamel mourning brooch. With braided or plaited hair behind glass in a worked gold setting set with seed pearls and surrounded by...

Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Taxco Mexico Vintage Turquoise Inlaid Silver Necklace and Earrings Stamped Set
Taxco Mexico Vintage Turquoise Inlaid Silver Necklace and Earrings Stamped Set

Taxco Mexico Vintage Turquoise Inlaid Silver Necklace and Earrings Stamped Set

By Taxco Mexico

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous Mexican Sterling silver necklace and earrings set. The necklace consist of sterling tubes alternating with sterling balls draping in the front with gradated elongated tri...

Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Materials

Turquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver

Alexander McQueen New Pink Skirt Suit S/S 1999
Alexander McQueen New Pink Skirt Suit S/S 1999

Alexander McQueen New Pink Skirt Suit S/S 1999

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous pink wool skirt suit by Alexander McQueen' from his 1999 Spring/Summer Collection. It is comprised of a blazer style jacket with peaked lapels, front welt flap pockets, pr...

Category

1990s Italian Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

Gucci New with Tags Silk Maxi Dress SS 2014
Gucci New with Tags Silk Maxi Dress SS 2014

Gucci New with Tags Silk Maxi Dress SS 2014

By Gucci, Frida Giannini

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous pumpkin silk maxi dress by Frida Giannini for Gucci. It has long sleeves, a small Mandarin collar, long sleeves with button cuffs, and a button front to the waist Four bu...

Category

2010s Vintage Birthstone Jewelry

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Vintage Birthstone Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of vintage birthstone jewelry 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, Yellow Gold and 14k Gold. Finding the perfect item from our selection of vintage birthstone jewelry 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 20th Century. Creating a choice in our collection of vintage birthstone jewelry has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Suzy Levian are consistently popular. An object in our assortment of vintage birthstone jewelry can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 9, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and baguette cut versions for sale. When shopping for an option in this array of vintage birthstone jewelry, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Vintage Birthstone Jewelry?

Prices for a piece of vintage birthstone jewelry can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $190 and can go as high as $4,400, while this accessory, on average, fetches $625.

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.