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 Costume Jewelry Bracelet
By Ciner
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Brand: Ciner Size: 6.25 inches Beautiful vintage bracelet, signed Ciner, with blue stones. Perfect to complete your summer look. Please note that this is a costume jewelry piece.
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Diamante Link Bracelet Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Diamante Link Bracelet Circa 1980s. It is a classic that has been made throughout the centuries. It can be great stacked up or worn alone. It can be mixed an...
Mixed Metal
Ciner Swarovski Crystal Bracelet 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner Gold gilt metal with stunning Swarovski Crystals. Measures . 7.25 inches end to end. will fit a 6.5 to 7 wrist. Matching Necklace listed as well. This is out of a massive colle...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Vintage Ciner Green Enamel and Gold Diamante Link Bracelet, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Green Enamel and Gold with Diamante Bracelet Circa 1980s. This is a beautifully crafted bracelet, with the inside just as gorgeous as the outside. It appears to have green e...
Enamel, Mixed Metal
Ciner 1960s Vintage Sapphire Oval Crystals Clear Flower Circle Cabochon 2 Set
By Ciner
Located in Wokingham, England
Ciner 1960s Vintage Sapphire Navy Blue Oval Whole Crystals Clear Flower Circle Beads Cabochon Charms Link Elegant 2 Set Clip Drop Earrings Bracelet, Silver Tone Very good condition....
Silver Plate
$215Sale Price|20% Off
Gold & Cream Enamel Chunky Link Bracelet By Ciner, 1970s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 7.5" length - 1.4" width - Cream acrylic - Gold plated - Hidden box clasp with safty chain - By Ciner (signed on clasp) - Circa 1970s - Estate acquired - G...
Ciner Basketweave Gold Gilt Bracelet, Never Worn 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
1990s Ciner Bracelet. Measuring .83 inches wide x 7.25 inches long. It will fit a 6.5 - 7 inch wrist nicely. We have many more Ciner pieces on our storefront. This is out of a massi...
Gilt Metal
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
Vintage gold link red enamel bracelet
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS unsigned gold tone with red enamel vintage designer runway bracelet MEASUREMENTS 8" by 0.75" CONDITION excellent vintage condition / new old stock ❤️❤️ VINTAGE DESIGNER ...
14K Two-Tone Gold Panther-Style Link Bracelet, Italy, Circa 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This 14K Two-Tone Panther-Style Link Bracelet showcases a striking design with alternating 6mm white and yellow gold links. The panther-inspired links create a bold, elegant look, ma...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$16,000
W 0.45 in D 0.2 in L 7 in
Antique Art Deco Bracelet Platinum Diamond & Emerald Vintage Estate Jewelry
Located in Greer, SC
"Lady's Art Deco emerald and diamond link bracelet is platinum, stamped Platinum, bright finish, good condition, weighs 10.6 pennyweights. Center is rectangular shaped graduating 11....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconia Link Bracelet circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
Beautiful sterling silver link bracelet with double safety catches, set with fifty five lovely round cubic zirconias in open back settings. Measuring length 21.1 cm / 8.3 inches by...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s 0.60ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.60 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set bracelet; part of our diverse diamond jewelry collection. This fine and impressive...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,452
H 0.32 in W 0.19 in L 6.65 in
Vintage French 1.30ct Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.30 carat sapphire and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive vintage sapphire bracelet...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s 14 Karat Yellow Gold 3-Row Wide Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 14K Yellow Gold 3 Row Wide Link Bracelet - The bracelet measures 7 inches long and 3/4 inches wide. The bracelet features a hidden plunger clasp with a figure 8 safety...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,637
H 0.23 in W 0.56 in L 7.68 in
Chopard Vintage Swiss 18k Yellow Gold Casmir Bracelet Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 18k yellow gold Casmir bracelet made by Chopard; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine an...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ciner Basketweave Gold Gilt Bracelet, Never Worn 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
1990s Ciner Bracelet. Measuring .83 inches wide x 7.25 inches long. It will fit a 6.5 - 7 inch wrist nicely. We have many more Ciner pieces on our storefront. This is out of a massi...
Gilt Metal
Mauboussin White Gold Bracelet, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Mauboussin
Located in Paris, FR
MAUBO0USSIN White Gold Bracelet, Sapphires and Diamonds 16 Diamonds of 0.2 Carat approximately, totalizing 2 Carats of Diamonds 16 Sapphires in Size: 6 x 4 mm. Security. Signed Maubo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$37,500
W 0.5 in L 6.75 in
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Gold Coral Gemstones French Estate Jewelry
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet made of 18k gold, coral, chrysoprase and accented with diamond. The bracelet consists of five elongated coral planks framed in 18 karat yellow gold decorated with diamonds. The coral’s salmon coloring is perfectly even, with no spots or cavities. There are five four-prong set oval cabochon cut chrysoprase staged between the planks. The contrast of the deep green gems and the coral is striking. The little diamonds set in the arrow patterns add a luxurious touch to the piece. This VCA vintage bracelet is a special jewel which reflects the wearer’s personality and taste. The vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet comes in an original VCA box which makes it the perfect piece at a fraction of the retail price. This vintage French bracelet is made of 18k yellow gold, coral, chrysoprase and accented with round brilliant cut diamonds (G-H color, VS clarity, total weight approximately 0.60 carat). The vintage bracelet measures 6 ¾” x ¼” (17.3 x 0.8 cm) and weighs 25.1 grams. The coral bracelet is stamped with Van Cleef & Arpels maker's mark and workshop, hallmark for 18 karat gold, French hallmarks for 18 karat gold and serial number. Chic, colorful and wearable, this vintage 18k gold necklace bracelet set is a great addition to your jewelry collection. About Van Cleef & Arpels Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry has been worn by celebrities and royalty since the first boutique opening in 1906. Being founded by a daughter of a precious stone dealer and a son of a stone cutter, Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, the brand was meant to be big in the jewelry world. Press used to call the power couple union “The Maison based on love”. Even before Art Deco was pronounced as a style, VCA brand was known for their skillfully made, bold geometric pieces. Later, during the century, the maker mastered this design approach to the top notch jewelry level. The experimental spirit, fearless usage of the exotic materials and truly unique gemstone combinations brought Van Cleef & Arpels to the top three Maisons of the jewelry world. In order to make this prestigious jewelry affordable not only for an affluent clientele, Nadine Krakov Collection offers a wide selection of estate Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry without the high markups. About Vintage French Jewelry: Vintage French jewelry is highly valued by jewelry experts and enthusiasts. Since the late Renaissance, France has been established itself as one of the world trendsetters in art and fashion. A quick look at the top 5 French jewelry designers — Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Hermes, Chaumet, Chanel — describes French level of greatness even better. What allowed France to reach such a high level in the jewelry world hierarchy? In a nutshell, it’s because of the apprenticeship system. In the beginning of 1950s in France anyone at the age 14 could start learning the craft. This way French jewelers, like no others in the world, gain a substantial portion of experience at the early age. Even non-designer jewels were produced by the high skilled masters. Most modern jewelry is not handcrafted anymore, and mass market-oriented production is prevailing. Jewelry designs are streamlined to use as less hand labor as possible. That’s why today vintage French jewelry is in such high demand. About Coral Jewelry: Once considered as a plant, coral acquired the nickname “garden of the sea”. In fact, coral is a branch formed by microscopic species called the coral polyp. It grows in the ocean and forms massive colonies. In different cultures wearing coral has different meanings. In Slavic countries coral beads were a part of the national costumes. The ancient Romans believed coral protected their kids from danger. Same in Italy, where in the beginning of 20th century coral jewelry was believed to be an anti-evil eye protection. Today coral is worn as a chic accessory with meaning and admired for its exceptional natural beauty. The silky coral texture and a variety of coral colors attract jewelry lovers all over the world. The value of vintage coral jewelry...
Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Italian Bold Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 14K Yellow Gold Italian Bold Link Bracelet - The Italian made bracelet measures 7.25 inches long and .75 inches wide. The bracelet weighs 25.79 grams.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960's Ciner Red White & Blue Enamel Link Bracelet
By Ciner
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1960's Ciner red, white & blue enamel link bracelet. Stamped with Ciner signature on the inner clasp. Seven white enamel links with red and blue connectors. In excellent condition wi...
Enamel
Ciner 1980s Abstract Gold Link Bracelet
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful abstract link bracelet in a rich gold color by American fashion jewelry company Ciner of New York. The bracelet has a good weight and measures .88 of an inch wide, .25 of...
Gold Plate
Ciner Art Deco Rhinestone Bracelet, circa 1930
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
An early 1930s Art Deco bracelet by New York City fashion jewelry company Ciner. The bracelet is rhodium plate with geometric design typical o...
Base Metal, Rhodium
Ciner Navy Blue and Green Enamel Bracelet
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
A lovely Ciner navy blue and green enamel dome link bracelet circa 1980. Each wound dome link is 1.13 inches wide and 0.63 inches high. End to en...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Never Worn 1980's Vintage Ciner Gilt Gold Nugget Bracelet
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another fabulous Ciner bracelet available . Nugget motif. Slide in clasp, measures .83 wide and will fit up to a 7 wrist. New Old Stock, never worn...Price tags still attached. This ...
Gilt Metal
Stunning Ciner Wide Gold Tone Bracelet New Old Stock 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large Gold Tone CINER Bracelet Another fabulous piece of Ciner Jewelry which has never been worn Matching Necklace available as well. Please check ou...
Gilt Metal