Chanel Brooches

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.

Chanel brooches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Chanel brooches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gilt metal. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Chanel jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Chanel crystal brooches, from our inventory of 7, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 371 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. 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 brooches by and Herve Van Der Straeten. Prices for Chanel brooches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $200,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $1,442.

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Questions About Chanel Brooches

How do I store Chanel Boy bags?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Chanel recommends storing your boy bags by wrapping the chains or straps in tissue paper and storing them upright in the original pouch. Other sources suggest stuffing the bag with acid-free tissue paper to support its shape and make sure the chain or strap is well-padded so it doesn’t imprint the bag. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage and new Chanel bags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Where can I buy a Chanel Mini Flap bag?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
You can buy a Chanel Mini Flap bag directly from Chanel’s website or one of Chanel’s boutiques. Additionally, you may find a Chanel Mini Flap bag in one of Chanel’s retail partners’ stores. Shop a collection of authentic Chanel Mini Flap bags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Who is Coco Chanel?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022
Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Chanel in France in 1883, was a fashion designer who got her nickname during her short-lived career as a cabaret singer. In 1910, she opened a boutique in Paris to sell her hats, which were beloved by the popular French actresses of the era. Her success with hats led her to open the first Chanel Couture House five years later, where she designed and sold women’s sportswear made of jersey — which until then was used to make men’s underwear. Her revolutionary style catapulted her to fame, and in the decades that followed, Coco Chanel remained on the cutting edge of fashion, creating modern, timeless clothing, perfumes and accessories — and, of course, her iconic bags, which are revered to this day. Shop a collection of Chanel from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Who owns the Chanel brand?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022
The Chanel brand is owned by brothers Alain and Gerard Wertheimer. The Wertheimer brothers, whose grandfather acquired Chanel with his brother in 1924, are very private, known as the fashion industry’s “quietest billionaires.” The brand’s founder, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, saw the purchase by French brothers Pierre and Paul Wertheimer as an opportunity to reach more customers, but she tried unsuccessfully to regain control of the house in 1941. Shop our Chanel collection of vintage and new bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
How do you wear Chanel ballet flats?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The classic ballerina flats by Chanel are a must-have for every shoe lover. The chic design and versatility make them perfect to wear with any outfit, whether jeans or dresses. Shop a selection of Chanel pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate a Chanel brooch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
You can authenticate a Chanel brooch by checking the back for a little oval stamp or embossed mark. It should be noted that some of the oldest jewelry pieces were not marked, but these pieces are extremely rare and do not often come up for sale. Most of the Chanel jewelry and brooches you will find are from the 1980s or later and will include an oval tag, plate, or stamp. Shop expertly vetted Chanel jewelry from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
Where can I buy Chanel espadrilles?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 4, 2024
You can buy Chanel espadrilles in one of Chanel’s boutiques. The website offers a location service that can help you find the nearest official Chanel boutique. Additionally, you may find a new pair of Chanel espadrilles in one of the luxury brand’s authorized retailers’ stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. Shop a collection of authentic vintage Chanel espadrilles and other Chanel footwear from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Where can I buy Chanel costume jewelry?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 29, 2024
You 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.
How much is a vintage Chanel bag?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Depending 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.
How much is the Chanel wallet on chain?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
The 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.
Is Chanel a luxury brand?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Yes, 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.
How much is a Chanel tote?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
A 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.
Do Chanel bags come with tags?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
All Chanel bags are guaranteed to be authentic, as they come with a unique tag and authentication card.This is an easy way for you to determine the authenticity of your bag. Shop a large selection of vintage or modern Chanel bags on 1stDibs.
Does Chanel make men’s belts?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
No, Chanel doesn’t make men’s belts and they do not have a menswear line. That said, there are men who do wear Chanel belts and other items from the women’s line to create their own noteworthy style. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Chanel garments and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques.
Are Chanel pearls real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Although some Chanel jewelry contains real freshwater pearls, much of their costume jewelry is made from coated glass, though they are still high quality.
Does Chanel have men’s clothes?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Chanel doesn't usually make men's clothing. The brand has never offered a full menswear line. However, Chanel does have partnerships with designers that occasionally yield items for men such as suits or neckties.
Are Chanel earrings real gold?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
All 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.
How to remove creases from Chanel bag?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To remove creases from Chanel can be done with care, of course. Use a clean cloth and dry cleaning solution but stay away from any chemicals on the bag as they can damage it permanently. On 1stDibs, find vintage and modern Chanel pieces.
How to make Chanel jacket trim?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
You can make Chanel jacket trims feathery, flat or embellished ribbons and stitched on wool bindings are worth all the effort with a seamstress. You'll find a vast collection of authentic Chanel twill jackets from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
Why is Chanel costume jewelry so expensive?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Although 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.