Vintage Gold Plated Authentic Hermès Colorful Enamel Clip on Earrings
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Weight:15.62 g
- Dimensions:Length: 0.83 in (21.09 mm)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Unknown
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Houston, TX
- Reference Number:
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness. As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity. In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key. Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings. Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Houston, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Vintage David Webb Hammered 18K Yellow & White Gold Mabe Pearl Clip Stud EarringBy David WebbLocated in Houston, TXBrand: David Webb Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow & White Gold Diameter: 1.00 Inches Weight: 40.41 grams Ladies 18K white & yellow gold pearl clip-on stud earrings. Engrav...Category
20th Century American Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsPearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- Ladies Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Blue & Green Enamel RingLocated in Houston, TXGender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 4.5 Total weight: 8.75 grams Shank Width: 2.80mm Head measurements: 22.40mm x 17.95 Handmade vintage 18K yellow gold and b...Category
Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings
MaterialsYellow Gold, Enamel
- Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Blue Enamel Face Pin BroochLocated in Houston, TXGender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 2.25 inches Width: 0.50 inches Weight: 10.87 grams Ladies 18K yellow gold diamond vintage brooch. This Vintage brooch is handm...Category
20th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Merrin Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Frog Enamel Brooch / PinBy MerrinLocated in Houston, TXBrand: Merrin Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 2.00 Inches Width: 1.25 Inches Weight: 13.49 grams Handmade Signed MERRIN 18K yellow ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Textured Green Enamel Lapis Lazuli Bow BroochLocated in Houston, TXMetal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 0.75 inches Width: 1.75 inches Weght: 8.34 grams Handmade 18K yellow gold bow lapis lazuli vintage brooch. The metal was tested and determined...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches
MaterialsLapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel
- Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Green Enamel Plumeria Flower PinLocated in Houston, TXThis gorgeous custom made pin is in excellent condition and has been professionally polished. Weight: 13.80 Grams Diameter: 1.5 Inches Bezel Set in Platinum with: One (1) circle...Category
20th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- Hermes Gold Plated Enamel Clip On EarringsBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZDesigner: Hermes Material: gold plated Dimensions: earrings measure 21.5 x 14.3mm Weight: 14.24 gramsCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsGold Plate, Enamel
- Gold Plated and Turquoise Enamel Flower Clip On EarringsLocated in London, GBGold plated and turquoise enamel clip on earrings in a lovely flower design. Measuring diameter 2.7 cm / 1 inch. The earrings are in very good condition. This is a pair of beautiful...Category
Late 20th Century Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsGold Plate, Enamel
- Gold Plated and Pink Enamel Clip On Earrings circa 1980sLocated in London, GBGold plated clip on earrings, decorated with pink enamel and gold domes. They are in very good condition, as new. Measuring diameter 3.1 cm / 1.2 inches. This beautiful pair of earr...Category
Vintage 1980s English Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsGold Plate, Enamel
- Hermès Enamel Clip-On Earrings Cheetah Leopard Print Gold HdwBy HermèsLocated in FRBeautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Earrings Print: Cheetah / Leopard Print from the silk collection, certainly inspired by the "circus" pattern, on which we can see different fel...Category
1990s Unknown Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsGold Plate, Enamel
- Hermès Vintage Enamel Printed Clip-On Earrings Penguins Golden Hdw RAREBy HermèsLocated in FRAdorable Authentic Hermès Earrings Pattern: Penguins Super Rare, Hard to find ! Clip-on earrings, will fit non pierced ears Made of Printed Enamel and Gold Plated Hardware Col...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsGold Plate, Enamel
- Vintage gold enamel clip on earringsLocated in Palos Hills, ILDETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with enamel • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 3...Category
20th Century Clip-on Earrings
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.