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.
$183Sale Price|20% Off
Heavy Gilt Enamel Swirling Horse Brooch By Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 2.5" x 2.25" - Gold plated with heavy black enameling - Crystal rhinestone details with green crystal eyes - A...
Ciner Crystal Gilt Metal Floral Brooch & Earrings Circa 1970
By Ciner
Located in University City, MO
Ciner Crystal gilt metal floral brooch & earrings set c 1970 The elegant three-dimensional brooch & clip-on earrings are encrusted with rows of tiny diamante pave' crystals The cen...
Gilt Metal
$775 / set
Ciner Pave and Gilt Flower Brooch Suite
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Ciner Pave and Gilt Flower Brooch Suite from the 1960's. Tiny heart shaped petals are hand pave set with crystals in gilt mounts. Brooch and clip back earrings. Signed. 1960'...
Gilt Metal
$343Sale Price|20% Off
Gilded Elephant Head Brooch With Mughal Jewels By Ciner, 1960s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible jewelry piece from the mid-century - Extremely rare, hard to find style - 2.25" x 2" - Gold plated - Jewel tone Mughal style crystal rhinestones in ...
Ciner Faux Citrine and Ruby Retro Sterling Silver Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Large, dimensional Ciner Retro brooch of gold washed sterling silver. Large focal, oval faux citrine stone is flanked on both sides by faux ruby beads and...
Sterling Silver
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
$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...
Rare Ciner Sterling Deco Paste Duette
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Rare Ciner Sterling Deco Paste Duette from the 1930's. Large in scale, beautiful quality made in sterling silver with hand set pastes in typical High Style Art Deco Design. Clips sep...
Sterling Silver
$237Sale Price|40% Off
Stunning Vintage Designer CINER Signed Faux Diamond Estate Brooch Pin
By Ciner
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant & Stylish Modernist Estate signed CINER Gold tone articulated Ribbons inter-spaced with same Ribbons set with sparkling Faux Diamanté set stones; signed by designer CINER on...
Gold Plate
Ciner Gold Tone and Rhinestone Shell Statement Brooch circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in London, GB
Ciner fine quality gold tone shell brooch, embellished with glittering rhinestones, and featuring a golden rope twist design. Length 6.3 cm / 2.48 inches by maximum width 3.6cm / 1....
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 Swarovski Brooch Crystal Sea Shell Gold tone New Old Stock 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner sea Shell Brooch. Set with Blue and Green Crystals. Measures 2.50- 63.6 mm wide x 2.36 -60.05 mm top to bottom. This is out of a massive collection of Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, Sou...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Art Deco style paste and enamel brooch, Ciner, USA, 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
A large and dynamic brooch in high Art Deco style from Ciner, New York. Although made from base metal, enamel and paste, it echoes the wonderful designs of Cartier and Van Cleet and ...
Base Metal
Ciner Conch Shell Enamel Brooch Pin Swarovski Crystals New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner Conch Shell Enamel Brooch set with Swarovski Crystals. Large Fabulous Shell Brooch. Has Salmon colored enamel inside the shell with Pave set Swarovski Crystals all over this pi...
Crystal, Gilt Metal, Enamel
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 Horse Head Pin Brooch Swarovski Crystals New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Gorgeous Horse Head Pin with Swarovski Crystals pave set. Garnet colored eyes. Hallmarked Ciner. Measures 2.87" Top to bottom x 1.55". The Price Tag sti...
Crystal, 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...
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 Sea Shell Brooch Pin Never Worn -1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Multi-Colored Swarovski Crystals set in this massive Ciner Brooch. Measuring 2.89 inches or 73.54 mm wide x 2.27 inches or 57.77 mm top to bottom. We have more Ciner items on our sto...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
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
$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 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 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
$308Sale Price|20% Off
Weiss Floral Pin Brooch and Clip On Earrings, Turquoise and Emerald Crystals
By Weiss
Located in Milford, DE
Vintage Weiss brooch and clip on earrings. A floral-themed collection, featuring a dazzling display of turquoise cabochons and amethyst crystals p...
Crystal
$292Sale Price|20% Off
H 2 in W 1.75 in Dm 1 in
Tara Golden Scarab Cabochon Cluster Clip in Earrings and Pin Brooch
By Delizza & Elster
Located in Milford, DE
A colorful pin brooch and clip-on earring set by Tara, a mid-1900s costume jewelry designer. Each piece features colorful carved resin scarabs prong-set in a gold-tone metal setting....
Gold Plate
$680
W 2.5 in D 0.5 in L 3 in
Gilt metal, fuschia and amethyst paste brooch/earrings, Christian Dior, c. 1954
By Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
An unusual brooch and earrings from Christian Dior by Mitchel Maer, made of articulated twisted gilt rings of various sizes, highlighted with amethyst, light amethyst and fuschia pas...
Gilt Metal
$5,170
H 1.35 in W 1.25 in
Signed Gio Caroli Diamond 18k Gold Rose Flower Brooch Pin Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Designer GIO CAROLI Rose Brooch. Hand crafted in rich 18K Yellow Gold with the Top Petal Pavé Hand set with Brilliant Cut Diamonds...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
JULIANA DELIZZA ELSTER vintage gold tone rhinestone designer brooch
By Juliana
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned JULIANA DELIZZA ELSTER • gold tone with glass • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond-Set Bee Stick Pin
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian natural pearl and diamond-set bee stick pin, the thorax set with a cream pearl and the abdomen with a gold pearl, both accompanied by GCS Re...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Chanel 'bow' brooch Summer 2008 Collection
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in Italy) Silvery metal bow brooch entirely ornamented with rhinestones. 2008 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Condition: Very...
Givenchy Vintage White Pearls Large Flower Round Openwork Petal Daisy Brooch
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage Large Round Openwork Petal Pearls White Daisy Flower Sunflower Elegant Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches since years go. 100% Genuine. Safety-...
Gold Plate
$1,082
Grossé brooch
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GROSSÉ - (Made in France) Golden metal brooch ornamented with multicolored glass paste cabochons and a costume pearly drop. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 9.5 c...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Crossroads of Sport Hummingbird Brooch with Ruby Eye in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, this vintage Crossroads of Sport hummingbird brooch is a testament to elegance and sophistication. Fashioned from lustrous 18 karat yellow...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,350 / set
Trifari L'Orient Series Brooch Set
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari L'Orient Series Brooch and earring set from the 1960's. Done in a David Webb style with faux cab coral and emeralds with enamel. Crest bro...
Gilt Metal
14.80 Carats Total Round & Baguette Cut Diamond Panel Brooch in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
An antique art deco brooch pin, featuring an intricate design set with round and baguette cut diamonds weighing 14.80 carats total. Made in platinum, 2.4 inches in length and 1.4 inc...
Diamond, Platinum
Massive Ciner Layered Flower Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Massive Ciner Layered Flower Brooch from the 1990's. Wonderful design in the Verdura style with elaborate citrine crystal pave set petals curling over deep brown citrine oval pastes....
Gilt Metal
Vintage Ciner Enamel Gold Plated Pave Rhinestone Leopard Brooch
By Ciner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ciner, established in 1892, is renowned for its high-quality costume jewelry, often featuring intricate designs and luxurious materials. The Vintage Ciner Enamel Gold Plated Pave Rhinestone Leopard...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Ciner Gilt Monkey with Mirror Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Charming Ciner Gilt Monkey with Mirror Brooch from the 1990's. Jet paste eyes. 1" x 1". 1990's USA.
Gilt Metal
Charming Ciner Enamel Frog
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Charming Ciner Enamel Frog in the David Webb style from the 1980's. Deep green enamel studded with gold and jet beaded eyes. 1980's USA. 2" x 1.25".
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Ciner Dimensional Flower Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Charming Ciner Dimensional Flower Brooch from the 1960's. Elaborate pave work with crystal petals and central faux sapphire bud on gilt metal. 2.5" x 1.5". 1960's USA.
Gilt Metal
Ciner Venetian 1960's Jeweled Nubian Brooch
By Ciner
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This piece is a stunningly detailed brooch! A beautiful vintage 1960s Venetian style Nubian brooch features gold-tone mounting, with faux carved head with gold-tone hoop earrings, large blue bead, and rhinestone jeweled front. Signed Ciner on the back. Pair this with your Bottega Veneta handbag, a Gucci...
Gilded Pineapple Brooch With Topaz Crystals By Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Extremely rare & hard to find style - 2" x 1" - Gold plated - Encrusted with Topaz-colored crystals - Clear c...
Oversized Gold Heart Brooch With Crinkle Texture By Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 3.25" x 2.5" - 18k gold plated - Organic, wrinkled effect - By Ciner (signed on verso) - Circa 1980s - Esta...
Gold Standing Poodle Dog Figural Brooch With Seed Pearl Pavé By Ciner, 1950s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Extremely rare and hard to find piece - 2" tall - Gold plated - Faux seed pearl pavé - Crystal rhinest...
Vintage CINER gold rhinestone flower designer brooch
By Ciner
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed CINER • gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1.5" in diameter CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal sig...
Ruby Red Crystal Pavé Strawberry Brooch By Ciner, 1960s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 1" x .75" - Gold plated - Ruby red-colored crystal rhinestones - Enamel detail - Attributed to Ciner (unsigned) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good vintag...
Ciner Art Deco Style 1980s Gold, Rhinestone & Pearl Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
An elegant Art Deco inspired design brooch by American fashion jewelry company Ciner circa 1980. Gold plate and set with brilliant colorless rhinestones and a single large faux pearl...
Gold Plate