Chanel Jewelry
Fashion legend Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s sole fine jewelry collection included some of the most exciting and original works ever made — she loved costume jewelry but simply couldn’t resist designing with diamonds. Today, whether or not a given design happens to bear the house’s iconic logo, vintage Chanel bracelets, pendant necklaces, earrings and other accessories lend a bold touch to any ensemble.
Chanel established her business as a Paris hat shop in 1910 and started selling clothing in 1913. She introduced her costume jewelry in the 1920s, when the economy was roaring and fine jewelry was the main mode of adornment among her clients. Fearless about giving offense, Chanel proclaimed, “I love fakes because I find such jewelry provocative, and I find it disgraceful to walk around with millions of dollars around your neck, just because you are rich.”
Then, in 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression, Chanel dramatically switched gears and designed her first and only diamond jewelry collection, Bijoux de Diamants.
The lyrical and bold Chanel designs centered on five motifs: fringe, ribbons, feathers, the sun and stars. A dramatic diamond fringe headpiece was worn over the brow, while a fringe bracelet draped down the palm. A ribbon was tied in a bow at the front of a necklace and the top of a headband. These textile motifs linked the collection to the couturier’s clothes.
Even as rave reviews flowed in from the members of the press who attended the collection’s single showing, the International Diamond Corporation caved to the demands of the men in the French jewelry industry who forcefully expressed their firm belief that a fashion designer, and a female one at that, didn’t have the talent to make important jewels. At the same time, they were worried that Chanel’s diamond necklaces, brooches, bracelets and other creations would compete with their collections and cut into their profits. The pieces were broken up after the exhibition, and a planned London showing was canceled.
Afterward, Chanel never designed another diamond jewelry collection. Instead, she focused on costume and the demi-fine pieces she made in collaboration with Fulco di Verdura, when he worked at Chanel during the 1930s.
In 1993, the House of Chanel revived its fine jewelry business. Over the years, it has made near-exact renditions of the 1932 designs and imagined new silhouettes incorporating the original five motifs, as well as other themes beloved by Chanel, such as the lion, representing her Leo zodiac sign, and camellia flowers.
Find a range of vintage Chanel earrings, watches and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
1990s European Etruscan Revival Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
Crystal
1990s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Art Nouveau Chanel Jewelry
Enamel
1980s French Vintage Chanel Jewelry
Pearl, Yellow Gold
2010s European Contemporary Chanel Jewelry
2010s European Contemporary Chanel Jewelry
Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
20th Century French Chanel Jewelry
Gilt Metal
Early 2000s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s European Contemporary Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s European Contemporary Chanel Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary Chanel Jewelry
Early 2000s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
1990s French Chanel Jewelry
Early 2000s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s Chanel Jewelry
20th Century Chanel Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
Early 2000s French Chanel Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary Chanel Jewelry
Early 2000s French Chanel Jewelry
Enamel
Early 2000s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary French Chanel Jewelry
Pearl
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
1980s Vintage Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
Base Metal
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary Chanel Jewelry
Crystal
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
1990s French Modern Chanel Jewelry
1920s French Artisan Vintage Chanel Jewelry
Pearl, Moonstone, Topaz, Citrine, Amber, Gold, Gilt Metal, Brass, Silver
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
Early 2000s French Chanel Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chanel Jewelry
Gilt Metal
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
1990s French Chanel Jewelry
1970s French Vintage Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
1990s French Byzantine Chanel Jewelry
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Chanel Jewelry
Crystal, Sapphire
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s Italian Chanel Jewelry
1970s French Vintage Chanel Jewelry
2010s Chanel Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Chanel Jewelry
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
2010s French Chanel Jewelry
Chanel jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs
1stDibs offers a range of Chanel jewelry and watches. These unique items were designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While searching for the most stylish antique or vintage Chanel jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you'll find that Chanel diamond jewelry & watches can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, from our inventory of 142. This collection includes 1,700 pieces, as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. Modern and Contemporary are some of the most popular styles of Chanel jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th Century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by David Webb, Yves Saint Laurent and Robert Goossens. Prices for Chanel watches and jewelry can vary depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. The price for these items starts at $172 and tops out at $205,000, while pieces like these can sell for $2,077 on average.
Shop Vintage Fine Jewelry and Estate Jewelry on 1stDibs
Our love for diamond rings, luxury watches and other antique and vintage fine jewelry and estate jewelry goes back thousands of years.
Jewelry has long been a symbol of spiritual strength, wealth or power and, of course, a means of personal expression. While materials and processes employed by the world’s most popular jewelry houses — Tiffany & Co., Cartier, BVLGARI and others — have evolved over time, humans still gravitate toward many of the same accessories that our ancestors wore.
Ancient Egyptians were often hard at work designing jewelry and adorning themselves with an array of necklaces, rings and other items, and nearly every Egyptian, rich or poor, was buried with some kind of jewelry. When King Tut’s burial chamber was excavated, it revealed a sense of style that inspired Art Deco jewelry designs.
Brooches and pins remain essentials in our jewelry boxes, although we no longer require them to fasten our garments, as was once their primary use. Rings, which have always been signifiers of eternity, still serve as romantic gifts and tokens of affection. Antique, new and vintage engagement rings, even if it can be difficult to choose the right one, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. [Fun fact: It wasn’t until the 14th century that we learned how to effectively cut diamonds, a critical step in revealing the stone’s brilliance.]
Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C. We’ve even created our own new, sacred symbols — the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, with its distinctive locking mechanism, is an understated and modernist symbol of love’s promise (with its own captivating history to boot). And, crafted by French jeweler Jacques Arpels of Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra necklace channels luck for the wearer with its universally adored design, which is informed by four-leaf clovers, a plant synonymous with good fortune.
Whether it’s our sentimental charm jewelry, costume jewelry, chunky retro bracelets or minimalist earrings created by the likes of contemporary designers WHITE/SPACE and Agmes, luxurious jewels can elevate any outfit, regardless of your personal style.
Find a wide-ranging collection of authentic antique, new and vintage jewelry today on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Chanel
- What is the Chanel logo called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024What the Chanel logo is called varies. Some people refer to it as the Coco Chanel logo, after founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. It was Chanel who first created the logo, incorporating her initials. Other names used for the logo include "the interlocking Cs" and "the double Cs." Shop a collection of Chanel apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- Are Chanel earrings real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021All of Chanel's fine jewelry is made with 18K Gold (both yellow and white) and platinum and all of the diamonds used have very high clarity and color with a perfect set, resulting in some of the highest quality jewelry.
- Are Chanel pearls real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Although some Chanel jewelry contains real freshwater pearls, much of their costume jewelry is made from coated glass, though they are still high quality.
- How much is a Chanel tote?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A Chanel tote's price can vary on the second depending on size, model, condition, and age. New Chanel small clutches start at around $1,900 while totes and other purses fetch $4,000-$5,000.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The latest prices for the Chanel wallet on chain is $3,100. There are many variations of this classic design, with some selling for closer to $2,100.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Depending on the bag's material, a vintage Chanel can be quite expensive. For instance, a vintage crocodile top handle bag costs around $130,000. The classic quilted leather bag is around $10,000.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 29, 2024You can buy Chanel costume jewelry directly from the brand’s official website as well as in its boutiques. See the site’s store locator in order to find the official Chanel boutique nearest you. You can also find Chanel products on offer at any of the luxury house’s authorized retailers as well as through resellers.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel introduced her costume jewelry in the 1920s, when the economy was roaring and fine jewelry was the main mode of adornment among her clients. Fearless about giving offense, Chanel proclaimed, “I love fakes because I find such jewelry provocative, and I find it disgraceful to walk around with millions of dollars around your neck, just because you are rich.” Then, in 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression, Chanel dramatically switched gears and designed her first and only diamond jewelry collection, Bijoux de Diamants.
Find vintage Chanel costume jewelry for sale on 1stDibs. - Is Chanel a luxury brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, Chanel is one of the most desirable luxury brands in the world. This top-class designer brand creates their products from quality raw materials and high production methods while employing some of the best-known talent in the fashion world. Find many Chanel accessories and apparel on 1stDibs.
- What does Chanel 5 smell like?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Chanel No. 5 smells like a subtle mix of florals, including rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily of the valley and iris, sandalwood, and a hint of vanilla. Chanel No. 5 is one of the most popular scents in the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Although costume jewelry is usually more affordable because many Chanel costume pieces have a timeless style as well as good craftsmanship, they hold their value and so can be sold at an expensive price.
- What is Chanel?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022Chanel is a luxury French fashion house founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1910. Focused on women’s ready-to-wear clothing and haute couture, Chanel is most famous for the 1921 perfume Chanel No. 5, the 1925 Chanel Suit and the iconic 1926 little black dress, which remains a staple in women’s closets around the world to this day. Shop a collection of vintage and designer Chanel pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is Chanel Matelasse?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Chanel Matelasse is a quilted Chanel bag. It's an emblem of the Chanel brand. Chanel Matelasse bags and other Chanel bags can be found on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To tell if Chanel costume jewelry is real, look at the maker's markings. The French luxury fashion house has changed its costume jewelry marks many times over the years. By comparing images of the marks found on authentic pieces produced around the same time as your jewelry shared on trusted online resources, you can spot inconsistencies in the wording, font and other characteristics that may indicate your item is a replica. Generally, Chanel hallmarks will be evenly spaced, properly aligned and deeply stamped onto the surface of jewelry. Shallow, poorly spaced or crooked markings usually indicate counterfeit jewelry. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist you with the authentication process. Find a range of Chanel jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is Chanel jewelry made in Italy?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Whether Chanel jewelry is made in Italy depends on the piece. The luxury fashion house does produce some of its necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches and rings in workshops located in Italy. Other pieces originate in France. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of Chanel jewelry from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are 310 Chanel boutiques located across the globe; 94 in Asia, 70 in Europe, 10 in the Middle East, 127 in North America, 2 in South America and 6 in Oceania. In addition to the Chanel boutiques, there are many authorized retailers of the Chanel line. Find a collection of expertly vetted Chanel fashions, accessories, and handbags from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Do Chanel bags go up in value?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The value of Chanel bags has been steadily increasing for years. This is because each year, they make a “limited run,” which means that there are only so many available to purchase from the Chanel store or expertly vetted platforms from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024To tell if Chanel jewelry is real, look closely at its markings. Authentic pieces will typically display the material hallmark and the Chanel logo. Contemporary pieces may also feature a season number. All markings should be evenly spaced and properly aligned on the jewelry. If the jewelry features the Chanel logo as a decorative embellishment, check to see that the Cs are interlocked properly by comparing them with an image of the symbol on a trustworthy online resource. Some replicas may have the letters incorrectly positioned. Real Chanel jewelry should never have glue marks or other manufacturing defects, and the hardware and fasteners will be sturdy and easy to operate. When in doubt about authenticity, consult a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. Explore a diverse assortment of Chanel jewelry on 1stDibs.
- How much is a Chanel purse?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The cost of a Chanel purse depends on its material, rarity, style and condition. On 1stDibs.com, you can purchase a Chanel purse starting from $280.
- Where are Chanel bags made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022Chanel bags are made in France and Italy. The contemporary version of Chanel’s 11.12 bag, for instance, starts its life in a small factory in Verneuil-en-Halatte, located 90 minutes north of Paris, where the pieces of lambskin are cut by artisans with six years of training. The pieces are sent to Paris, where embroiderers spend a week embellishing the components, incorporating slight variations that make each bag a one-of-a-kind piece. Then, the leather pieces are shipped back to Verneuil, where craftspeople assemble them by hand into the iconic rectangular shape, complete with intricate piping and beading. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Chanel bags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- When was Chanel founded?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022Chanel was founded in 1910 by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, a French fashion designer who opened a hat boutique in Paris that year. Chanel went on to transform women’s fashion with revolutionary and elegant designs that tore down gender boundaries and freed women from the confining fashions of the day. Find vintage and contemporary Chanel bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.