18k Gold Jewelry
18k gold jewellery brings together centuries of fine metalwork, from intricate French devotional medals to bold Art Deco gemstone rings.
18k Gold Jewelry
French pieces, particularly devotional medals and charms utilising plique-à-jour enamel and mother-of-pearl, appear frequently alongside British Victorian snake necklaces and geometric Art Deco creations. Rings set with diamonds, aquamarines, rubies, and jade form a major part of the offering.
Makers and subjects vary widely, incorporating traditional motifs like the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and zodiac signs alongside classic floral wreaths and trombone link chains.
Materials and construction
The pieces rely primarily on 18ct yellow, white, and rose gold as the foundational metal, often combined with platinum in later Art Deco designs. Artisans shaped these high-purity golds into intricate chains, solid band rings, and detailed wirework frames.
Gems such as old mine cut diamonds, seed pearls, garnets, and carved jadeite are integrated through claw settings, bezel mounts, and pavé arrangements. Enamel work, including translucent plique-à-jour, adds vivid colour to religious medals and charms.
18k Gold Jewelry Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 18k gold jewelry among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Materials appearing across the inventory include diamonds, pearls, enamel, carnelian, jade, aquamarine, and coral.
Distinctions in execution
The standard of 18k gold jewellery rests on the crispness of the casting, the precision of the hand-engraving, and the integrity of the enamel work. Superior examples display sharp relief on portrait medals and flawless retention of vitreous enamel across complex wire frameworks.
Gemstone selection dictates upper tiers, where unheated rubies, matched old-cut diamonds, and finely carved hardstones are secured with immaculate metalwork rather than hurried soldering.
Rasumny·Jampolsky·Jacob Amyand·Emile Monier·Paul Brandt·Perroud·Mazzoni
The 18k Gold Jewelry Glossary
- Plique-a-jour
- An enamelling technique where the enamel is applied without a backing, allowing light to shine through the transparent or translucent colour like stained glass.
- Navette
- A boat-shaped gemstone cut or ring mounting that tapers to a sharp point at both ends.
- Holbeinesque
- A Victorian revival style of jewellery inspired by sixteenth-century designs, heavily featuring polychrome enamel, pearls, and pendant drops.
- Trombone
- A distinctive style of interlocking rectangular link chain commonly found in antique watch chains and necklaces.
- Old Mine Cut
- An antique diamond cut characterised by a near-square girdle, high crown, and large culet, shaped by hand.
18k Gold Jewelry: Frequently Asked Questions
What is 18k gold?
Eighteen-karat gold consists of seventy-five percent pure gold alloyed with twenty-five percent other metals like silver, copper, and zinc to provide durability while maintaining a rich colour.
This precise alloy proportion makes it the traditional standard for fine antique jewellery across Victorian and twentieth-century workshops.
How do I date antique gold pieces?
Dating relies on stylistic markers, such as the geometric lines of Art Deco pieces or the naturalistic motifs of Victorian snake necklaces. Hallmarks, maker stamps, and specific fastening types also provide precise chronological anchors.
Examination of the stone cuts, such as old mine cuts versus modern brilliants, further assists in determining the era of manufacture.
Were French religious medals worn daily?
French religious medals and charms served as personal devotional objects, often worn daily on chains or pinned to clothing as expressions of faith and protection.
Many bear inscriptions or naming on the reverse, indicating specific communions, saints, or familial dedications.
How should I care for antique gold jewellery?
Antique pieces require gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemical dips that can damage enamel or pearls. Store each item separately in a lined box to prevent scratching between stones and metal.
Regular checks by a jeweller ensure that settings and older claw mounts remain secure.