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.
$495 / set
Ciner 1980s Gold Plated Earrings
By Ciner
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Eye catching 1980s gold plated Ciner earrings featuring the most gorgeous and vibrant red and green stones at the center! Classic drop style earring in the perfect size as to draw in...
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage CINER signed gold coral massive maltese cross designer brooch pendant
By Ciner
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed CINER • gold tone with faux coral cabochons • vintage designer brooch / pendant MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal sig...
Ciner Faux Topaz Retro Earclips
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Ciner Retro faux topaz ear clips with faux aquamarine paste accents, all set in engraved gallery of gold washed sterling silver. Clip back fittings. 1940's USA. Excellent Condition. ...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
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 Invisibly Set Emerald Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Ciner Invisibly Set Emerald Earrings with clip back fittings. Set with vari sized emerald pastes of different sizes throughout on rhodium...
Rhodium
Ciner Pave Cross Hatch Earclips
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Attractive pave earclips by Ciner, NY with gold cross hatched motifs on a pave background. 1 1/4" x 1 1/8". Excellent condition.
Vintage Ciner Faux Pearl and Diamante Five Strand Necklace, 1990s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Faux Pearl and Diamante Five Strand Necklace, 1990s. Features two detailed diamante pieces on either side, in gold tone, that connect the strands of faux pearls. Lovely...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Ciner Silver Tone Diamante Rounded Choker Necklace Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Silver Tone Diamante Rounded Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s. Nothing more needs to be said about this beauty. It is a classic that has been ma...
Mixed Metal
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 Domed Enamel Target Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Enamelled dome earrings by Ciner NY in concentric circles of deep green and navy. clip back fittings, 1980s. Excellent condition
$151Sale Price|20% Off
Mixed Metal Roman Coin Button Earrings By Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1" diameter - Gold plated hardware with silver tone accents - Silver tone Roman coins - Clip on earring backs - By Ciner (signed on clips)...
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
Huge Ciner Retro Floral Spray Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Large and striking Ciner Retro floral spray brooch of gold plated metal, crystal pave with focal faux aquamarine and ruby flower head. Strong dimen...
Gold Plate
Ciner Enamel Triple Loop Earclips
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Ciner Enamel Earclips of ivory and navy blue hard enamel on gilt metal. Formed as three overlapping fixed loops with clip back fittings. Signed Ciner. Excellent Condition L ...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Enameled Clip on Earrings New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
A Pair of enameled CINER earrings. These match the Giraffe Beaded Ciner necklace that is listed as well. They measure 1.48 top to bottom x .78 at the Widest Point. This is out of a ...
Enamel
Vintage Faux Pearl With Gold and Green Bead Accent Bracelet Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Faux Pearl With Gold and Green Bead Accent Bracelet Circa 1980s. This is a beautifully crafted bracelet, and the pearls are in great condition. There are pieces of green sit...
Mixed Metal
1990s Large Ciner Blister Pearl Clip Earrings
By Ciner
Located in London, GB
Wow, when we first looked at these, we thought they were high-end jewellery, such is the quality from the fabulous American designer Ciner. The company, which closed in 2022, was th...
Ciner Crystal Swarovski Encrusted Bracelet- Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner White gilt metal encrusted with Swarovski Crystals Measures .42 inches / .11 mm wide. It is 7.25 inches end to end and will fit a 6.5 inches to 6-3/4 inch wrist. Matching Neck...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Large Ciner 1980s Swarovski crystal earrings New, Never Worn
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Over sized clip on Ciner Swarovski Crystal earrings Circa 80s. New Old Stock. Large Blue center crystal with brown, amber and black surround...
Ciner Enameled Black & White Gold Earrings New, Never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner Black & White with gold tone detailing clip on earrings that measure 1.23 inches x .78 inches wide. On a Carolee earring card, however these are Ciner The matching bracele...
Enamel
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Clip on Earrings
By Ciner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Ciner gold-tone clip-on earrings are esteemed for their timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Ciner, established in the early 20th century, has a legacy of produc...
Vintage Ciner Grey Pearl Crystal Crescent Earrings 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage Ciner Pearl Crescent Earrings. Featuring a wonderfully opulent grey pearl amidst a crystal crescent. Since 1982, New York City based costume jewellery company CINER have desi...
$308Sale Price|20% Off
Ciner Vermeil Heart and Bow Pin Brooch, Citrine and Ruby Crystals, Sterling
By Ciner
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish pin brooch from Ciner. Features a sterling silver, gold-plated heart and bow motif decorated with citrine and ruby-colored crystals. Gold-plated sterling silver (vermeil). ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Ciner Brooch Swarovski Crystal Floral AMBER Gold NEW Never worn 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another piece of Stunning Ciner. Amber Swarovski Crystal in the center of a floral brooch. Measuring 2.44 in w x 2.16 in top to bottom. There is a nub that has a factory defect on it...
Crystal, Gold, Gilt Metal
Ciner Swarovski crystal Frog Brooch Pin 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Brown Ciner Enamel Brooch with Black crystal eyes. Measures 1.69 in x 1.40 in. Great Holiday Gift or just because! This is out of a massive collection of Hopi, Zuni, Navajo...
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
1940s Ciner Art Deco Gold, Purple & Green Rhinestone Floral Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Ciner brooch from the 1940s showcases the glamour and craftsmanship of the Art Deco era. Ciner, a four generation company in NYC created jewelry for 130 years prior to...
Crystal, Gold Plate
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 Gilded Gold Vermeil Hardware "Seashell" Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Ciner's wonderful elegant gilded gold vermeil hardware "Seashell" clip-on earrings are timeless and classic. These earrings measures 1" x 1", with a depth ...
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...
Vintage Ciner Leopard Enamel Clip on Earrings
By Ciner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ciner, established in 1892, is renowned for its exquisite costume jewelry, blending intricate design with luxurious materials. The brand's leopard-themed enamel clip-on earrings exe...
Enamel
Ciner Pearl and Pave Pendant Earclips
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Ciner faux pearl and crystal rhinestone pave pendant ear clips set in silvered metal. Excellent Condition. 1960's USA. Length 2.50" Width 1.75".
Crystal, Silver Plate, Gilt Metal
Ciner Enamelled and Pave Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Bombe Ciner earrings with pave accents set in black enamel with clip back fittings. 1"
Excellent condition.
Ciner Enamel Shell Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Charming shell motif earrings by Ciner in enamelled pink and green. Clip back fittings, 1980s. Excellent condition
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
Ciner Brooch & Pendant
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Ciner combination brooch and pendant gives you the choice of either depending on your desire of wear. The height measures 2 1/4", width is 1 6/8", depth is 1/4". The b...
1990s Ciner Gold Tone Button Clip-on Earrings
By Ciner
Located in London, GB
A statement pair of 1990s Ciner burnished gold tone metal clip on earrings. These striking earrings are very similar to Chanel button earrings and have the most amazing soft gold hue...
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
Cornelian, brown and grey paste cabuchon 'cluster' earrings, Ciner, USA, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
With subtle and muted colours, matt and cut stones, these earrings are smart and simple to wear, matching simple white or picking out the colours of the earrings, autumnal and summer...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Swarovski Crystal Earrings New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
These are Ciner Earrings made with Colored cabochons Swarovski Crystals measuring 33.58 mm / 1.32 top to bottom x 31.35 mm / 1.23 wide. Shown in the last photo is the Matching neckla...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Brooch Swarovski crystal Starfish Pin New Old Stock 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Red and Clear Swarovski crystal cover this entire Brooch by Ciner. New, never worn. Measures 3 in x 3 in. This is out of a massive collection of New Old stock items as well as Hopi, ...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Brooch Sea Shell Gold tone New, Never Worn from 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner sea Shell Brooch. Large oversized Gold Gilt Sea shell Pin. Measures 2" wide x 4.75" top to bottom. This is certainly a statement piece! This is out of a massive collection o...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Swarovski crystal earrings New, Never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner Swarovski Large Enameled and Crystal Earrings (clip on's) Ciner earrings. Still on the original Neiman Earring card, never worn. Measuring 1.38 Top to bottom x 1.07 wide. The ...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Swarovski Red Green Amber Crystal encrusted Earrings New Never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Red, Green, Amber and clear Swarovski crystal Earrings. Still on original earring card. Measures .92 inches in diameter. Visit our store front for hundreds of designer costume jewelr...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner swarovski Crystal Leopard Earrings Never Worn 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Earrings are in a Leopard motif with enamel and Swarovski Crystals. Measuring 1.07 / 27.36 mm square. Matching Leopard Ciner necklace available on our store front as well. This is ou...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Pearl Earrings Gold Gilt swarovski New, Never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large swarovski Crystal and Pearl Clip on earrings. New old stock on Neiman Marcus Earring Card. Measures 1.48 inches x 1.32 inches. The majority of our costume jewelry is New Old S...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Red White and Blue swarovski Crystal Earrings New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Still on the Neiman Marcus earring card are these New old stock Ciner Clip on's. Measuring 1.50 in diameter. This is out of a massive collection of Hopi, Zu...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Vintage Ciner hemisphere coral bead clip-on earrings, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage hemisphere clip-on earrings in gold tone setting by Ciner. Decorated with coral matte cabochons. Signed. Period: 1980s Diameter: 3cm Condition: Very good. Light scratches th...