What defines “fine” jewelry? For many aficionados, there’s a clear line separating the golden wheat from the gilded chaff. But the handcrafted pieces made by Ciner, a 128-year-old costume jewelry house with a glittering past to rival some of the hautest high jewelers, call into question our notions of what constitutes preciousness.
Quality? Craftsmanship? Painstaking detail? Vintage Ciner earrings, brooches, necklaces and other accessories have them all in spades.
Much of the Ciner’s allure can be traced to its origins in fine jewelry. Emanuel Ciner, an Austrian immigrant, founded the firm in Manhattan in 1892, crafting pieces from the traditional precious gems, gold and platinum. But World War I and the Great Depression caused purse strings to tighten and materials to become scarce. Rather than try to weather the economic downturn, which shuttered many other American jewelers, Ciner made the risky transition from fine jewelry to costume (or fashion) jewelry — virtually uncharted territory.
Emanuel Ciner’s sons, Irwin and Charles, introduced an array of innovations — rubber casting molds, which are especially durable and produce higher quality results, and white metal alloys, which affordably mimic the look of more precious materials — that would become the standard for costume jewelry. During World War II, Ciner’s advanced molding technology was utilized by the U.S. military to produce munitions and tools. This arrangement gave the firm access to the heavily rationed metals it needed for its jewels, enabling it again to endure conditions that drove others into bankruptcy.
The company hit its stride in the 1960s, when its jewelry was sold at some of the country’s toniest stores, even garnering an Andy Warhol–illustrated ad for Bonwit Teller. Its pieces were worn by the era’s brightest stars. In the famous 1957 Joe Shere photo of Sophia Loren sneering at Jayne Mansfield’s décolletage, Mansfield is resplendent in shoulder-grazing Ciner earrings.
Ciner is unique among costume jewelers in that its pieces aren’t imitations — they are coveted in their own right. Elizabeth Taylor, a voracious jewelry collector with a taste for the very finest, was a longtime client. Several suites of Ciner jewels were included in the 2011 Christie’s sale of Taylor’s collection, with one group of rhinestone-studded ear clips and a bracelet fetching $15,600 — more than 100 times the auction estimate. It’s a reminder of a time, not so long ago, when women of great style wore fine and costume jewelry with equal aplomb, often at the same time.
Today, Ciner — now run by Emanuel Ciner’s granddaughter Pat Ciner Hill and great-granddaughter Jean Hill — continues to adhere to the same exacting production specifications. It is the only jewelry house in New York, and likely the United States, that manufactures all its pieces entirely in-house. Each begins with dozens of elements that are cast in rubber molds and then individually filed and polished, plated in a particularly thick layer of 18-karat gold or rhodium, assembled on the bench and painted with enamel or set with stones. Every step is performed by hand by craftsmen, many of whom have been with the company for more than 30 years.
Find vintage Ciner clip-on earrings, choker necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Vintage CINER signed gold tone champagne crystal designer chain necklace
By Ciner
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed CINER • gold tone with glass stone • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • 17" long, center is 1 1/4' by 1" CONDITION • very good vintage condition w...
CINER signed vintage gold tone amber resin beaded designer necklace
By Ciner
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • gold tone with resin beads • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
Vintage Ciner Sapphire Blue Glass Torsade Necklace with Crystal Rhinestone Clasp
By Ciner
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This elegant vintage Ciner torsade necklace features multiple strands of richly hued sapphire-blue glass beads, intricately twisted to create a full, fluid silhouette. The beads disp...
Crystal
Ciner Necklace Green Blue & Yellow swarovski Crystal New, Never Worn -1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large Multicolored Swarovski Crystals on this Stunning Ciner Choker Measuring .25 inches wide x aprrox 16 inches long. This is a Stationery curved choker, does not lay out flat. Matc...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Art Deco Necklace
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Fine Ciner art deco necklace composed of two strands of articulated faux ruby beads with crystal rhinestone pave spacers and clasp. Center focal pendant of hand wired ruby beads and ...
Rhodium, Base Metal
CINER signed vintage gold tone glass turquoise beaded designer necklace
By Ciner
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed CINER • gold tone with glass beads • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 61...
Ciner Victorian Inspired Gilt and Paste Bib
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Ciner Neo Victorian gilt necklace with paste set dangles. Dozens of articulated links are set with pastes and graduate down in size toward drops. Impre...
Gilt Metal
Ciner swarovski Crystal Leopard Choker Necklace New, Never Worn 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner Crystal Choker Leopard Necklace 9 Strands of gold tone and brown beading on the necklace. Measuring 17.75 inches long end to end. Clasp is a En...
Gilt Metal
Ciner swarovski Crystal Choker Necklace Gold tone New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another Stunning Ciner Crystal Necklace. Encrusted with Swarovski crystals. We have the Matching Bracelet on our storefront. Measures: .42 or / ...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Gold-Plated 6-Strand Beaded Necklace With Lion Head Motif
By Ciner
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Ciner Gold-Plated 6-Strand Beaded Necklace with Lion Head Motif, a striking statement piece that exudes confidence and glamour. Crafted with long, narrow beads that a...
Ciner Swarovski Necklace Crystal Encrusted Gold tone 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Ciner Encrusted with Swarovski Crystals. This is a New old stock Ciner Necklace. Measuring 17 INCHES end to end. This is out of a massive collection of Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, ...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Ombre Multi strand Bead Necklace 1980s New, Never Worn
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
5 Strand Ombre Ciner Necklace. Purchased in the late 1980s and never worn. It has stunnignAmber, yellow to clear on the faceted beads. Measuring 19 inches end to end. Beads measure ...
Ciner Gold Gilt Pearl Enamel Necklace 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Crystal Faux Pearl necklace with black enamel. 36 inches end to end. Pearls are 9.9 mm. We have many more Ciner pieces on our storefront. This is out of our massive collecti...
Enamel
Ciner Tahitian, Baroque Pearl, Angel Skin, Orange Coral, Carnelian Necklace
By Ciner
Located in Milford, DE
A multi-strand, knotted-string, beaded necklace. Features an assortment of genuine and faux beads that all come together into a sophisticated, twisted-strand art piece! Features a fa...
Carnelian, Coral, Pearl, Gold Plate
Ciner Crystal Double Strand Zebra Necklace Goldtone 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Ciner Double Strand Cream pearl necklace. Clasp is a enameled Zebra with Swarovski Crystals. Wonderful Green Cabochons eyes. Measuring 4...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Swarovski Brooch Pendant black & Red, New Never worn 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
This is both a brooch and a pendant. Has Red and what looks to be black Swarovski Crystals as well as deep red cabochons. Clear Crystals as well. It has a hook on the back to use as ...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Bronze & Black Enameled Necklace New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Ciner Necklace Enameled with bronze reddish and black. Choker size which Measures - .57 inches wide and 14.5in long. We have many New, Never worn Ciner pieces on our storefr...
Ciner Swarovski Crystal Double Beaded Giraffe Necklace, New Never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
New, never worn giraffe double strand Ciner Necklace Amber colored, wood and black beading with Black and brown enamel work. Measures 42 inches end to end. It is doubled on the disp...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Swarovski crystal Beaded 6 strand Necklace, 1980s New Never worn
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
This is stunning in person, faceted crystal, glass and stone beading make up this 6 strand Ciner New old stock necklace. Measures 19 inches end to end. Visit our store front for hundreds of designer costume jewelry...
A soft grey baroque pearl and clear crystal 'twist' necklace, Ciner, USA, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
A very elegant necklace, made from soft grey baroque paste pearls and faceted crystals, in a 'twist', meeting in a large gilt and paste clasp, with Mabe style soft grey paste pearl a...
Gilt Metal
Stunning Ciner Pink swarovski Crystal Necklace 1980s New, never worn
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large Pink Swarovski Crystal Necklace with toggle clasp. New Old Stock (never worn) Measures 18 inches end to end Bezel measures 1.23 in ...
Gilt Metal
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3 Strands Wire Cable Contemporary Necklace 16 inches Long
Located in Washington, DC
This beautiful textured multi strand wire cable necklace is made from 18 Karat Yellow Gold wire cable. It has 3 strands and is 16" long. This necklace transforms your pendants and gi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,320Sale Price|20% Off
L 42 in
Antique Chinese White Nephrite Pendant Necklace Circa 1920 Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
This is a rare and wholly original carved & pierced nephrite necklace from the 1920s. Still strung on its original silk and embellished with knots, rock crystal quartz, and natural blue agate. This flapper-era treasure is a creation of spectacular beauty. The cool blue agate beads and the watery rock crystal perfectly compliment the waxy sheen of the light green nephrite carving...
Agate, Jade, Rock Crystal
Vintage 1940-50's Large Angel Skin Coral Bead Necklace
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Fabulous strand of graduated natural coral—vintage angel skin coral beads with a silver and coral bead adorned clasp. The necklace is a chunky choker style of graduated bead...
Coral, Silver
Hubei Turquoise Bead Necklace with Diamond White Gold 14 Karat Clasp
Located in Milford, DE
An exquisite hubei turquoise bead necklace featuring a single strand of 20mm turquoise beads in gorgeous teal, green, and earth tones....
14k Gold, White Gold
$940Sale Price|20% Off
L 36 in
36" Blue Lace Agate Necklace/Blue Chalcedony with Chrysoprase and Amethyst
By Sabrina Balsky Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Sabrina Balsky Jewelry One of a Kind Handmade 36" Necklace of Organic shaped Blue Lace Agate, Australian Chrysoprase, Freshwater Pearls, Tanzani...
Agate, Amethyst, Chrysophrase, Freshwater Pearl, Tanzanite, Rhodium, Sil...
18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Set with 2.21 Carat Garnet and Diamond
By Eva Soussana
Located in Paris, FR
Designed by Eva Soussana, artist and founder of Hera-Jewellery, this sensual, elegant and refined pendant necklace from the "Eva" Collection has been thought and designed for all wom...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Necklace in 18K Gold with Graduated Large White Pear
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This magnificent necklace features a stunning strand of rare, large South Sea pearls, renowned for their luminous glow and exceptional surface quality. Expertly matched and beautiful...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
22 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Necklace
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
22 karat gold chain with toggle clasp. The links are mini sailor's knot, a method that has was used in ancient Egypt. Entirely handcrafted in Ne...
22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
9.23 Carat Classic Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14k White Gold by Gem Jewelers Co
Located in Miami, FL
This 9 Carat Classic Diamond Tennis Necklace is a must-have. This is one of our best sellers simply because of its simplicity and timel...
Diamond, White Gold
Genuine Faceted Blue Topaz Briolette Drop Necklace, 14 Karat White
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Faceted Blue Topaz Briolette Drop Necklace weighing 200 carats. Length: 17.25 inches, 14K White Gold Clasp.
Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
10.54 Carat Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace 14k White Gold by Gem Jewelers Co
Located in Miami, FL
Expertly crafted from premium quality diamonds, this necklace boasts a stunning graduated elegant, sophisticated, and classic design. Each diamond in this tennis necklace has been ca...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
22 Karat Gold Necklace Chain Yellow Gold
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
This Classical Etruscan and or Roman style, is woven chain in 22 karat gold with finials ornemented with granulation and is truly timeless. It can be worn ornamented with pendants or...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ciner Gold, Purple Pear & Crystal Rhinestone Bib Necklace & Earrings, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
A glamorous statement set from iconic American costume jeweler Ciner of New York, dating to the 1980s. This dazzling bib necklace and matching clip-on earrings feature rich purple pe...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Gilded Bezel Set Roman Coin Choker Necklace By Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 17" length - 1.5" coin drop - .5" width flat chain - Gold plated - Crystal pavé details - Replica Roman coi...
Ciner Resin Faux Coral Crystal Enamel Choker & Clip on Earrings c 1980s
By Ciner
Located in University City, MO
Ciner resin faux coral cabochon crystal enamel choker & clip on earrings set c 1980s The elegant set is embellished with faux coral color resin cabochons Accented with glossy black...
Enamel
Ciner Costume Jewelry Set Of Necklace And Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
A Mid 20th century gold tone costume jewelry set. The set includes a necklace and a pair of earrings. The wares rae made in a relief design with p...
Gold
Vintage Ciner Crystal Choker
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
This rare vintage Ciner choker is done in a Victorian style, with a frame that emulates 19th century blackened-gold and gobsmacking crystals. Circa 1960s, Ciner jewelry...
Crystal
Gilded Wavy Link Choker Necklace By Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 17" length - Gold plated - Hidden push clasp - By Ciner (signed on clasp) - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage condition
1980's Ciner Double Faux Pearl Necklace & Matching Zebra Enamel Bracelet
By Ciner
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stunning set of 1980's Ciner iconic enamel and faux pearl necklace and matching hard cuff bracelet. The zebra and rhinestone clasp, almost 4" long, with green cabochon eyes on the do...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Ciner 1970s Panther Knocker Necklace
By Ciner
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Spice up your necklace game with this amazing Ciner choker necklace handmade in NYC, Circa 1970s. This Ciner gold plated link necklace is finished in a black enamel and features a detailed panther knocker decorated with red glass eyes and crystals. Has box clasp closure. Timeless and chic, this necklace will look stunning paired with your favorite Cartier gold bangles...
Ciner Enamel and Swarovski Crystal Choker Necklace New, Never Worn
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Exquisite Ciner Enamel & Swarovski Crystal Choker Necklace, with Swarovski crystals - Never Worn. Measuring .80 in. x 15 in. long. Slide in cl...
Crystal, Gilt Metal, Enamel
Ciner Necklace Cabochon Multi Stone -1980s Never Worn
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Ciner Necklace purchased in the late 1980s. Large Facated stones in a white & yellow Gold tone Gilt. Price tag still attached from Neiman Marcus. Measuring .75 in. wide x 17...
Gilt Metal
Ciner 1980s Roman Coin Large Link Necklace
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
An elegant rope twist link necklace with faux ancient Roman coin center piece by New York fashion jewelry company Ciner. The strands of the necklace are comprised of 1 inch oval rope...
Gold Plate
Ciner 1980s White Enamel Necklace
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and classic white enamel on gold link necklace by American jewelry company Ciner of New York. Ciner has been in business since 1892 and produces everything in NYC to the h...
Gold Plate, Enamel