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.
Vintage 1999 CHANEL Logo Fluorescent Green Orange Rubber Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1999 CHANEL Logo Fluorescent Green Orange Rubber Bracelet Measurements: Height: 0.86 inch (2.2 cm) Circumference: 7.28 inches (18.5 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic CHANEL. -...
Vintage 2001 CHANEL Translucent Camellia Flower CC Logo Bangle Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 2001 CHANEL Translucent Camellia Flower CC Logo Bangle Bracelet Features: - 100% Authentic CHANEL from 2001 Spring (Printemps) Collection. - Translucent yellow bangle bracel...
Chanel Bracelet with Pearly Cabochons, 1990s
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Openwork golden metal bracelet with pearly cabochons. 2008 Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 15 cm - ...
Chanel Gilded Metal and Leather Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel- (Made in France) Hard gilded metal bracelet entwined with black leather, end decorated with pearly drops. 2cc5 Collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Wrist circu...
Gilt Metal
Rare Gilt Silver Capricorn Cuff, Chanel by Goossens
By Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Rare gilt silver Capricorn zodiac cuff by Chanel. A fierce Leo, she loved and repeatedly used zodiac imagery throughout her career. The large center plaque is held by 3 dimensional r...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Chanel Haute Couture Bracelet in Gilded Metal
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - Haute Couture bracelet in gilded metal and multicolored glass paste. Fashion show jewel, unsigned. Additional information: Dimensions:...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Haute Couture Bracelet in Gilded Metal and Multicolored Glass Paste
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - Haute Couture bracelet in gilded metal and multicolored glass paste. Jewel of fashion show, not signed. Additional information: Dimens...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Bracelet in Golden Metal and Glass Paste
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Bracelet in golden metal and glass paste. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Wrist circumference: 20 cm Seller Reference: ...
Chanel Bracelet in Champagne Metal, Resin and Rhinestones Cruise, 2009
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in Italy) Bracelet in champagne metal, resin, and rhinestones. Cruise 2009 Collection. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 16 cm to 21 cm Condition: Very g...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Chanel Gold Tone Five Row 2 1/4 Inch Wide Ball Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This over the top, Vintage Chanel 5 strand, 10mm gold tone bead bracelet measures 2 1/4 inches wide. The adjustable clasp in the back allows for variou...
Chanel Leather Bracelet Interlaced with Red Leather, 1980s
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - Golden metal bracelet interlaced with red leather. Jewelry from the 1980s. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 18 cm Seller Reference: BR...
Chanel Green and Blue Gilded Metal Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel (Made in France) Gilded metal bracelet paved with glass paste cabochons. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 13 cm (5.11") Opening: 2.5 cm (0.98") Width: 2...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Golden Metal Bracelet with Pearly Cabochon
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -Golden metal bracelet with pearly cabochon. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 19 cm Opening: 9 cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BRAB55
Gilt Metal
Chanel Golden Metal Bracelet with Glass Paste, 1997
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Chanel golden metal bracelet with glass paste. Spring-Summer 1997 Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Circumfere...
Yves Saint Laurent Jeweled Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent ornately jeweled cuff bracelet. Of vari cut fuschia and faux amythest glass stones with center focal oval cabochon of faux lapis pate de verre. Set in black japane...
Crystal, Bronze, Other
.26 Carat Diamond White Gold Star Circle Square Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
Star, circle and square diamond bracelet in 14k white gold with thin bars separating stars, circles and squares. 13 round full cut diamonds, ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
5.42 Carat Happy Diamond Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This 5.42 Carat Happy Diamond Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold is a lavish piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. The centerpiece features 9 round cut moving diamonds, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Double Spiral Link Wedding Theme Charm Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's 14k double spiral link charm wedding theme bracelet. Contains engagement ring, wedding band set, wedding bells, champagne goblets and 2 pair of shorts hanging on a clothes line...
10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Cameo Slide Charm Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
A stunning example of vintage artistry, this 14K yellow gold bracelet exudes Old World charm and elegance. Crafted meticulously with 12 exquisite cameo slides, each cameo is a miniature work of art carved from mixed color shells. The cameos depict finely sculpted feminine profiles in raised relief against variegated shell backgrounds of cream, peach, and warm earth tones. Golden bead dividers punctuate the spaces between each cameo slide, adding a touch of luminous texture. The bracelet's substantial 14K gold frame measures 6 1/2 inches in length and just under 3/8 of an inch wide, making it a weighty and substantial piece of jewelry. With a total weight of 27.04 grams, it has a pleasant heft on the wrist. This cameo slide charm bracelet...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zydo 18K Rose Gold Ruby & Diamond Domed Stretch Bracelet
By ZYDO
Located in Carmel, IN
This exquisite 18kt rose gold stretch bracelet showcases 12.81cts of beautiful rubies, accentuated by 0.77cts of sparkling round diamonds, t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1960's 14k Yellow Gold Wide Bamboo Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1960's 14K Yellow Gold Wide Bamboo Link Bracelet - The bracelet measures 6.65 inches long and .5 inches wide and features a hidden plunger clasp with a safety latch. The brac...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980's 14K Yellow Gold Bracelet with Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 14K Yellow Gold Bracelet with Emeralds and Diamonds - The bracelet contains 6 marquise emeralds and 6 round diamonds....
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980's 14K Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet with Filigree and Onyx
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 14K Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet with Filigree and Onyx - The bracelet has onyx inside a beautiful filigree design. The width of the bangle is .65 inches. The inside di...
Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dubini Kings of Persis Ancient Silver Obol Coin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI coin bracelet from the 'Empires' collection features authentic Persepolis coins minted circa 1st Century B.C. set in 18K yellow gold. * Due to the unique process of hand...
18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Blue and Green Enamel Fishnet Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
18K Yellow Gold Blue and Green Enamel Fishnet Bangle Bracelet - The width of the bangle is 14.5mm and the height off the wrist is 9mm. The inside diameter is 2 1/8 inches high and 2 ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Scott Keating Sterling Silver & 18k Gold Choker and Citrine Bracelet Set
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Preowned jewelry set by Scott Keating Jewelry, consisting of a handwoven sterling silver mesh choker necklace and matching bracelet, each accented with rich 18k yellow gold details. ...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Chanel Golden Metal Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Openwork golden metal bracelet. 2cc9 Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 19 cm Seller Reference: BRAB80
Chanel Pearl Bracelet with Golden Metal
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Costume pearl bracelet with golden metal. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: from 21 cm to 23 cm Seller Reference...
Chanel Powder Pink Costume Pearl Bracelet, 1994
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Powder pink costume pearl bracelet with golden metal.1994 Spring-Summer Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Len...
Chanel Bracelet with Pastel Tone Resin, 2003
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal bracelet with pastel tone resin. 2003 Spring-Summer Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 13 ...
Chanel Bracelet Pair with Glass Paste, 1982
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal bracelet pair with glass paste. 1982 Collection. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 18 cm Period: 20th Cent...
Chanel Bracelet Fall with Blue Hardstone Cabochons, 1995
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal articulated bracelet with blue hardstone cabochons. 1995 Fall-Winter Ready-to-Wear Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good co...
Chanel Bracelet with Pearly Beads and a Fastener in Golden Metal, 1980s
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel (Made in France) Bracelet with pearly beads and a fastener in golden metal. Jewelry from the 1980s. Additional Information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length:...
Chanel Vintage Tan Beige Resin CC Logo Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Lovely bangle cuff bracelet by CHANEL. Beige and tan resin with CC logo . Stamped 'Chanel 01 CC A Made in France' internally. Will fit up to approx. 7.75 inches - 19.7 cm wrist. Cond...
Chanel Vintage Silver Metal Multicolored Beads CC Logo Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Lovely bracelet by CHANEL, crafted of silver metal from the 1999 Spring-Summer collection.4 round beads with pastel color and marble effect. Silver metal CC logo on a bead. Spring ri...
Silver
Chanel Vintage Brown Leather Unisex Logo Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Rome, Rome
Lovely bracelet by CHANEL, crafted of brown leather with gunmetal CHANEL tab. It features black CHANEL writing between 2 quatrefoil. Hook closure 'Chanel 00 CC A Made in France' embo...
Chanel Pink Leather Bracelet Interlaced with Pink Leather, 1980s
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - Golden metal bracelet interlaced with pink leather. Jewelry from the end of the 1980s. To be mentioned, there is some dirt on the leather. Additional information: Condition...
Chanel Bracelet with Orange and White Glass Paste, 1996
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Silvery metal articulated bracelet with orange and white glass paste. 1996 Spring-Summer Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition...