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 Iconic Massive Runway Mirrored Logo Double CC Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Extremely rare vintage Chanel round gilt mirrored double CC clip-on earrings - from runway collection 25, circa 1986. Signed Chanel on the back, please see the last three photos for ...
Chanel CC Crystal Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-2399 Comes With Box Only Date 2021 Model CC Metal Gilt Weight approx 26 g Condition Excellent __________________________________ If you are interested in any of our previousl...
Gilt Metal
Chanel "Bones" Earrings in Gold Metal with Orange Enamel
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Earrings in gold metal with orange enamel. Cruise Collection 2003. Additional information: Dimensions: 4.5 H cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref n...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Vintage Chanel Clip On Earrings Gold Tone CC
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Round clip on CHANEL earrings in gold metal. CC at the Center. Scratches on the set of loops. Stamp of the brand present. Correct condition for a vintage piece. S (private sales) eng...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Gold Plated Logo Ridged Clip On Earrings 1970s
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Fabulous Chanel gold plated clip on earrings, featuring the Chanel logo surrounded by a ridged design. Measuring diameter 2.7 cm / 1 inch. There is minor wear to the gold plating. T...
Gold Plate
Chanel 2011 Leather CC Earrings
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel 2011 Leather CC Earrings PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 152002 Listing Title: Chanel 2011 Leather CC Earrings Condition Description: Retails for $875 USD. In excellent condition. 47m...
Chanel Gold-Plated 2024 Rainbow CC Earrings
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Gold-Plated 2024 Rainbow CC Earrings PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 153840 Listing Title: Chanel Gold-Plated 2024 Rainbow CC Earrings Condition Description: Retails for $1,000 USD. I...
Gold Plate
Chanel Gold-Plated 2022 Faux Heart Pearls & CC Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Gold-Plated 2022 Faux Heart Pearls & CC Drop Earrings PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 153872 Listing Title: Chanel Gold-Plated 2022 Faux Heart Pearls & CC Drop Earrings Condit...
Gold Plate
Chanel Gold-Plated 2021 Earrings
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z143472 Brand: Chanel Collection/Series: 2021 Metal Type: Gold Plated Chain or Bracelet Length (in): 14 Pre-Owned Jewelry Condition: Excellent SIDE STONE INFORM...
Gold Plate
Chanel "Bones" Earrings Dark Silver Plated and Enamelled Metal
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) "Bone" earrings in dark silver plated and enamelled metal. Fall-Winter 2003 collection. Additional information: Dimensions: 4.5 H cm Condition: Very good c...
1980's Vintage Chanel Large Gold & Pearl Clip Earrings
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel large satin gold clip earrings with faux mabe pearls center. Collection 25. Comes with original pouch.
1980's Chanel Crown Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These Chanel earrings have a simple yet beautiful design to add a little elegance to any outfit. Don't miss the details like the oval pendant, the "CC" logo with a crown sitting abov...
24k Gold
Chanel 1990's Gold Textured CC Round Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel sophisticated and stylish in these classic Chanel clip-on earrings. What sets Chanel jewelry apart from other brands, either the costume or fine jewelry, is the effortlessly bold and elegant design aesthetic. A perfect investment piece to say the least as the value of vintage Chanel pieces just keep rising and a great way to work a little Chanel into your wardrobe. These earrings were designed by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld in the early 1990's. These vintage Chanel gems...
Chanel CC Turn Lock Pendant Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-2446 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2021 Model CC Metal Gilt Weight approx 16 g Length approx 1.2 cm Width approx 1.5 cm Condition Excellent __________________________________ If...
Gilt Metal
Chanel 1990's 'Quilted' Gold Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel sophisticated and stylish in these classic Chanel clip-on earrings. What sets Chanel jewelry apart from other brands, either the costume or fine jewelry, is the effortlessly bold and elegant design aesthetic. A perfect investment piece to say the least as the value of vintage Chanel pieces just keep rising and a great way to work a little Chanel into your wardrobe. These earrings were designed by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld in the early 1990's. These vintage Chanel gems...
Chanel Golden Metal CC Earrings, 2004
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Very-light-golden metal earrings enameled with purple. 2004 Spring-Summer Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: L...
Chanel CC Crystal Clover Heart Drop Earrings Silver
By Chanel
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU AT-2427 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2023 Model CC Serial Number C23S Metal Gilt Weight approx 23.1 g Condition Excellent Other Info Clover diameter:approx 2cm ____________________...
Gilt Metal
CHANEL Gripoix Earrings Vintage Red Green Blue Pearl CC logo Circa 1997
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
CHANEL Gripoix Earrings Vintage Red Green Blue Pearl CC logo Circa 1997 A stunning rare vintage Chanel Gripoix pearl CC clip-on earrings from Autu...
Gold Plate
Chanel Earrings in Silver Plated Metal Enamelled
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Earrings in silver plated metal enamelled. Collection 2004. Additional information: Dimensions: 5 L cm Condition: Very good condition Seller Ref number: BOB89
Enamel
Chanel Couture earrings Gilted Metal and Pearl
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive Chanel clip-on earrings, vintage Haute Couture round earrings in gold-plated metal, with a pearl centrepiece and small pearls set around the edge. Brand stamp on the back....
Gilt Metal
Chanel Gold Plated Logo Clip On Earrings 1990s
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Fabulous Chanel gold plated clip on earrings, featuring the Chanel logo. Measuring length 4.1cm / 1.6 inches by width 3.5cm / 1.37 inches. They are in very good condition. These are...
Gold Plate
CHANEL Golden And Pearly Pearl Clips
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
CHANEL Couture gilt and pearl earring. Nice metal work. Vintage to wear offbeat. These clips are from sales, a letter S is engraved on the sticker. French made. CHANEL earrings are l...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Golden Metal Openwork Earrings, 1996
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal openwork earrings. 1996 Spring-Summer Collection, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Additional information: Condition: Very good...
Chanel 18K Yellow Gold and Black Ceramic Camelia Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
Chanel fused feminine grace with edgy sophistication in these black ceramic Camelia clip-on earrings. They feature a solid 18K yellow gold base, with prongs that secure a sculpted bl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Gold-Plated 1993 CC Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Gold-Plated 1993 CC Drop Earrings PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 153617 Listing Title: Chanel Gold-Plated 1993 CC Drop Earrings Condition Description: In excellent condition. 31mm in...
Gold Plate
Chanel Golden Metal Camellia Earrings, 1997
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal camellia earrings ornamented with rhinestones and a central pearly cabochon. Fall-Winter 1997 Collection. Additional information: Condition: V...
Gold
Chanel 1990's Gold Plated Clip On Earrings With 3 Logo CC Ball Cluster Spheres
By Chanel
Located in North Miami, FL
These ultra fabulous, unusual and sculptural signed period vintage Chanel gold plated 3 cluster ball or sphere clip on earrings are so chic. They are geometric and have the signature interlocking CC's on each ball. From the 90's. They are signed Chanel 27...
Gold Plate
Chanel Large Black Cross Earrings c2011 Clip On Green Enamel CC Logo Gothic
By Chanel
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Chanel large black cross earrings (circa 2011). The earrings feature the CC logo set upon the large black enameled cross earrings. The ...
Enamel
Vintage 1990 CHANEL Logo Sunburst Medallion Disc Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1990 CHANEL Logo Sunburst Medallion Disc Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.22 inches (3.1 cm) Width: 1.22 inches (3.1 cm) Weight per Earring...
2003 Chanel Logo Clip On Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
2003 beige Chanel logo clip-on earrings featuring faux-pearls embellishment, signature interlocking CC logo, , a back claps earring, a back logo plaqu...
Chanel Red Gripoix Gold Clip Earrings With Original Box.
By Chanel
Located in Buchanan, MI
Chanel red poured glass, gripoix, and gold cc metal clip on earrings. They come with original box. Stones have internal inclusions to appear to be natural stones.
Huge Chanel Earrings in Gilded Metal
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Very rare! Collector CHANEL huge round clip-on earrings in golden metal. CC in the center. Stamp of the present brand. Correct state. S from the private Chanel sales engraved on eac...
Gilt Metal
70's Chanel Runway Pearl Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Don't miss out on the opportunity to have one-of-a-kind custom Chanel piece from the 70's runway. These won't go unnoticed at your next big event as the sparkle of the clear crystals...
Pearl, Crystal, Multi-gemstone, 24k Gold
CHANEL clip-on earring, rund, barock pearl, not signed, 1970s, gilt metal
By Chanel
Located in Stuttgart, DE
About Very Vintage clip-on earring flower shaped with a large round baroque pearl from the early 1970s, unsigned CHANEL. Measurements: Diameter 1.18 inches (3,5 cm) Deep 0.71 ...
Pearl, Gold Plate, Gilt Metal
Vintage Massive CHANEL Pearl Gripoix Flower Disc Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive CHANEL Pearl Gripoix Flower Disc Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.73 inches (4.4 cms) Width: 1.73 inches (4.4 cms) Thickness: 0.59 inch (1.5 cm) Weight per Earring:...
Vintage 1997 CHANEL Logo Cross Pearl Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1997 CHANEL Logo Cross Pearl Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.38 inches (3.5 cms) Width: 1.50 inches (3.8 cms) Weight per Earring: 15 grams Features: - 100% Authentic CHANE...
Vintage CHANEL CC Logo Flower Pearl Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage CHANEL CC Logo Flower Pearl Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.45 inches (3.7 cm) Width: 1.45 inches (3.7 cm) Weight per Earring: 16 gram...
Vintage 1989 CHANEL Massive Flower Pearl Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage 1989 CHANEL Massive Flower Pearl Earrings. As seen on Naomi Campbell at the Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1989-1990 show. Measurements: Height: 2.32 inches (5.9 cm) Width: 2.32 inches (5.9 cm) Weight per Earring: 26 grams Features: - 100% Authentic CHANEL. - Massive flower earrings...
Vintage Jumbo CHANEL CC Logo Screw Disc Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Jumbo CHANEL CC Logo Screw Disc Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.65 inches (4.2 cm) Width: 1.65 inches (4.2 cm) Weight per Earring: 25 grams Fe...
Vintage Jumbo CHANEL CC Logo Lambskin Leather Disc Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Jumbo CHANEL CC Logo Lambskin Leather Disc Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.81 inches (4.6 cm) Width: 1.81 inches (4.6 cm) Weight per Earring: 21 grams Features: - 100% Aut...
Vintage Jumbo CHANEL Champagne Glass Pearl Flower Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Jumbo CHANEL Champagne Glass Pearl Flower Earrings Measurements: Height: 2 inches Width: 2 inches Features: - 100% Authentic CHANEL. - Jumbo gl...