Question 1

What is the meaning of vintage couture?

Accepted Answer

The meaning of vintage couture relates to apparel of a certain type and age. Couture is the shortened form of “haute couture,” an industry term that refers to garments that are custom-made for the wearer and the labels that create those garments. Haute couture houses are officially recognized by a French governing body called the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (the Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion). The haute couture label is misused and misapplied with frequency, but in the proper sense, haute couture refers to clothing created almost entirely by hand. Other rules underpinning the term have over the years focused on factors such as the number of workers an officially recognized haute couture brand can employ and more. The broader “vintage fashion,” which obviously encompasses much more than haute couture, refers to apparel and accessories that are at least 20 years old. In sum, vintage couture means high-end luxury pieces produced by officially designated haute couture fashion houses at least two decades ago. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of vintage apparel and accessories for sale.

Question 2

What jewelry is considered vintage?

Accepted Answer

Jewelry that is 20 to 80 years old is considered vintage. Pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. Vintage jewelry includes rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and even hair accessories like combs. Shop a range of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How do you identify vintage jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage jewelry, look for a maker's hallmark. You'll usually find it on a necklace, pin or earring clasp; the back of a pendant or earring or the inside of a bracelet or ring. Try snapping a photo of the hallmark and doing a reverse image search to quickly determine who produced it. If that doesn't work, you can look up the hallmark using trusted online reference resources or have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer assist you. Shop a large collection of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Does vintage jewelry have markings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some vintage jewelry has markings. Makers may have stamped pieces with hallmarks to represent the types of metals used in them and/or to signify that they came from certain brands. However, not all vintage jewelry is marked. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of vintage jewelry from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 5

How can you tell if jewelry is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is vintage, first look for hallmarks that may indicate the maker. Then, consult trusted online resources to research the markings and find out when the jewelry house produced pieces that are similar to yours. Anything made at least 20 to 80 years ago is vintage. Because there are many contemporary pieces inspired by vintage designs, you may want to consider taking your jewelry to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer who can inspect and date it. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage jewelry.

Question 6

How can you tell if jewelry is vintage or antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if jewelry is vintage or antique, first look for any hallmarks that signify its maker. You can use trusted online resources to research when the maker was active and producing pieces similar to yours to roughly estimate its age. Jewelry is vintage if it's between 20 and 99 years old, and antique if it is 100 years old or more. If you're unable to locate a maker's hallmark, becoming familiar with the materials and other characteristics used during different eras of jewelry can help you date your piece. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of vintage and antique jewelry.

Question 7

What vintage jewelry is worth the most money?

Accepted Answer

It's not possible to say for sure which vintage jewelry is worth the most money. Trends in collecting vary over time, and because the term vintage refers to pieces that are between 20 and 99 years old, what's considered vintage changes each year as well. However, collectors are often on the hunt for vintage jewelry produced by notable makers, such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Chanel, Miriam Haskell, David Webb and Georg Jensen. Vintage jewelry may also have value due to its materials, such as gold, platinum and diamonds. To find out how much your vintage pieces may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of vintage jewelry.

Question 8

Is all vintage Tiffany jewelry stamped?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nearly all vintage Tiffany jewelry is stamped. However, the stamp on older pieces may not include the maker's name. You should still find a hallmark that represents the metal’s purity. Examples include 925, AG925 or STER for sterling silver. Find a variety of Tiffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How do I identify vintage Tiffany jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage Tiffany jewelry, see if you can find either a “Tiffany & Co.” or “T&Co.” stamp, as nearly all pieces produced by the luxury jewelry maker will display one or the other. Engagement rings made during the late 1960s and beyond will also usually have a serial number, which you can research. However, it is usually inscribed onto the gemstone's girdle in characters too small to be read with the naked eye. If your piece is a diamond ring, you can take it to an authorized Tiffany & Co. repair center to have the serial number read and researched to learn more about it. For all other types of jewelry, you can either conduct online research to determine if it is between 20 and 99 years old, making it vintage, or you can have a certified appraiser or experienced dealer help you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Question 10

How do I identify vintage rhinestone jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage rhinestone jewelry, look at the back, clasp and other inconspicuous areas in search of a maker's mark. By definition, vintage jewelry is between 20 and 99 years old, so you'll need a rough idea of when the maker produced your item to determine if it is vintage. You can begin the dating process by researching the maker using trusted online resources and looking at images of its pieces from over the years. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can help you with the process. Shop a large collection of vintage costume jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How do you identify vintage costume jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify vintage costume jewelry, you'll need to determine if your piece is between 20 and 99 years old. To do so, see if you can locate a maker's mark. You're most likely to find it in an inconspicuous area, such as an inner edge or a clasp. Using trusted online resources, search for the mark to learn who the maker is, then read more about it to get an idea of when it produced items similar to yours. Alternatively, you can consider having a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer help identify your costume jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage costume jewelry.

Question 12

How can you tell quality vintage jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To tell quality vintage jewelry, examine its details carefully. Ensure that any clasps or fasteners operate smoothly and stay securely fastened. Quality vintage jewelry will also feature sturdy hardware, such as the posts on a pair of earrings, the prongs securing a gemstone in a ring or the o-rings connecting a pendant to a chain. You can also research the maker to learn about the manufacturer's reputation when evaluating vintage jewelry. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage jewelry.

Question 13

How do you tell if vintage jewelry is valuable?

Accepted Answer

To tell if vintage jewelry is valuable, consider its maker, age, materials, style, type and condition. Using these criteria, you can identify similar pieces previously sold on trusted online platforms and get a rough idea of your jewelry's value. However, the best way to find out how much vintage jewelry is worth is to seek an expert's opinion, such as a certified appraiser, experienced jeweler or knowledgeable antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage jewelry.

Question 14

How can you tell if vintage jewelry is real?

Accepted Answer

The way to tell if vintage jewelry is real depends first on determining what you mean by "real." If you want to know if a piece is actually made by a particular brand or is a reproduction, you can consult trusted online resources to see what hallmarks and other details are present on genuine pieces. Then, you can examine your jewelry using these criteria. You can also find tests to determine whether precious metals and gemstones are real or not. However, use caution, as some tests can damage jewelry. A simple way to tell if vintage jewelry is an authentic example of a particular maker's work or made of real materials is to take the piece to an experienced appraiser or dealer. Find a large selection of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Is vintage jewelry making a comeback?

Accepted Answer

Many people would argue that vintage jewelry isn't making a comeback because it has never faded in popularity. Although what's considered vintage changes from decade to decade, the demand for jewelry that is between 20 and 99 years old generally remains high. There are collectors who look for pieces featuring specific materials or that were made by certain brands, and many men and women find vintage jewelry appealing because it is unique and has history. Shop a variety of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How old is vintage costume jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Vintage costume jewelry refers to costume jewelry that is 20 to 80 years old. Jewelry, costume or otherwise, that is 100 years old is referred to as antique. The big design fair in Paris in 1900 inspired jewelers to work with inexpensive materials, and Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel and others helped popularize costume jewelry during the 1920s. The roots of costume jewelry, however, took shape at least as far back as the 18th century, when paste jewelry that featured hand-cut glass instead of gemstones first emerged. Shop a variety of vintage costume jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How do I find out how much my vintage jewelry is worth?

Accepted Answer

To find out how much your vintage jewelry is worth, you can conduct online research using trusted sources. By seeing what similar pieces have sold for in the past, you can estimate the value of your jewelry. For a more precise valuation, enlist the services of an appraiser or knowledgeable vintage jewelry specialist. Find a wide range of vintage jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Is vintage Tiffany jewelry worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vintage Tiffany jewelry may be worth something. Due to the popularity of the American jewelry maker and the quality of the pieces that Tiffany & Co. produces, accessories often hold or appreciate in value over the years. The house is celebrated for its range of partnerships with the likes of Elsa Peretti, Jean Schlumberger and others, which can also contribute to how collectible a given bracelet or necklace might be. However, the style, type and condition of the jewelry will impact how valuable it is. A certified appraiser or experienced dealer can let you know how much a specific piece is worth. Find a diverse assortment of vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.

Vintage Couture Jewelry

1970s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Chanel Bracelet Haute Couture Golden Metal Openwork

1960s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Chanel Pegasus Golden Metal Necklace Haute Couture

1960s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Chanel rare belt Haute Couture

1970s Vintage Couture Jewelry

Chanel Haute Couture Belt/ Necklace with Rhinestones, Pink and Blue Glass Paste

1950s Vintage Couture Jewelry

Chanel Haute Couture Turquoise Necklace with Pendant, Glass Paste Pearls

1990s Vintage Couture Jewelry

Yves Saint Laurent Earrings with Rhinestones

1970s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Yves Saint Laurent Dark-silvery Metal Necklace Haute Couture

1950s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Chanel Golden Metal Earrings by Rousselet

1960s Vintage Couture Jewelry

Chanel Clip-on Earrings with Central Costume Pearls by Rousselet

1960s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Yves Saint Laurent Golden Metal Belt

1980s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

CHANEL Vintage Clip Earrings

1960s Italian Vintage Couture Jewelry

Iconic Valentino Earrings by Maison Gripoix

1980s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Vintage CHANEL 80's Haute Couture Gold & Silver Flower Necklace

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Couture Jewelry

Brutalist 1970's Patinated Bronze Sculpture by William De Lillo

Late 20th Century Regency Vintage Couture Jewelry

Mary McFadden Monumental Leaf Earrings

1960s German Vintage Couture Jewelry

Signed GROSSE Gold Metal and Red Stones Brooch, Vintage Grosse Germany Jewelry

Late 20th Century French Retro Vintage Couture Jewelry

1990s Retro Brass French Heart Brooch by Loris Azzaro

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Vintage Couture Jewelry

1960s Costume Jewelry Clip-on Earrings by Christian Dior

1980s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Large KALINGER Paris Clip On Earrings with Orange Glass Stone from 1980s

1980s European Vintage Couture Jewelry

GUY LAROCHE Enameled Metal Heart Clip On Earrings, Vintage from 1980s

20th Century French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Yves Saint Laurent by Roger Scemama Documented Vintage Massive Flower Pendant

1950s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Chanel Early Signed 1950s Goossens Pearl Blue Pate De Verre Quatrefoil Brooch

20th Century French Art Deco Vintage Couture Jewelry

Pierre Cardin double-strand choker necklace, gold chain and rhinestone bow

1980s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

GUY LAROCHE PARIS Enameled Heart Necklace Pendant from 1980s

Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Couture Jewelry

Estate 18K Solid Gold Earrings Green & Blue Plique-à-Jour Pierced Omega 14.20Gr

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Couture Jewelry

Couture 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Nino Verita Love Knot Earrings 21.1 Grams

1980s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

Yves Saint Laurent by Robert Goossens 1980s Cabochon Necklace

1950s German Vintage Couture Jewelry

Large coloured, aurora borealis paste 'cluster' earrings, Christian Dior, 1959

1980s French Baroque Revival Vintage Couture Jewelry

Edouard Rambaud Belt and Earrings 3pc Set Chain Charms Hearts Stars France 80s

1980s Vintage Couture Jewelry

Isabelle Canovas melted glass sautoir necklace

1930s French Byzantine Vintage Couture Jewelry

Couture Chanel 1930s Byzantine PurpleHeart RealPearls&Gems Gold Medallion Brooch

1980s Italian Vintage Couture Jewelry

Gianfranco Ferre 1980s Large Nautilus Sea Shell Brooch

1970s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

1978 Chanel Haute Couture Documented Gold and Seed Pearl Necklace

1940s American Vintage Couture Jewelry

Couture 1939-50 Schiaparelli-SchlumbergerStyle GlassBeads ProngSetCrystal Brooch

20th Century Vintage Couture Jewelry

The Beauty of Jewellery by Joan Frank Hardcover Book 1979

20th Century Italian Vintage Couture Jewelry

The Story of Jewelry 1st ED. 1973 by J. Anderson Hardcover Book

1980s French Vintage Couture Jewelry

CHRISTIAN DIOR Gold Hoop Clip On Earrings, Vintage French Haute Couture Earrings

1980s French Modern Vintage Couture Jewelry

Francoise Montague Paris Tribal Gilded Acrylic Earrings

1950s German Modern Vintage Couture Jewelry

Couture S/S1956 SignedDiorDesigner First AB Crystals Western Germany Earrings

1940s American Modern Vintage Couture Jewelry