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 Gold Tone Link Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Link Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s. This is one of the classic necklaces from the 1980s that stands out with its distinctive look. These are large square link...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Ciner Chunky Link Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Chunky Linking Pieces Choker Necklace Circa 1980s. This is one of the classic necklaces from the 1980s that stands out with its distinctive...
Mixed Metal
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 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 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 Gold Tone Link Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Link Choker Necklace Circa 1980s. Classic links that fit into each other. This is a very substantial and well-made choker necklace that will look great with...
Mixed 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 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 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
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
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 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 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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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
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
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
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 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
Judith Leiber 1980s Gold & Pave' Rhinestone Double Link Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
This striking Judith Leiber statement necklace from the 1980s features alternating high-polish gold-tone links and pavé rhinestone-encrusted links in an interlocking motif. Designed ...
Gold Plate
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gilded Puffy Link Statement Choker Necklace By Anne Klein, 1980s
By Anne Klein
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 16" length - Heavy matte gold plate - Toggle clasp - By Anne Klein (signed on hang tag) - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - This item has been cleaned & polishe...
Navajo Coral Beaded Necklace
By Navajo
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Native American Navajo Indian coral and sterling four strand necklace by artist Doreen Leyba. Premium grade coral graduated beads with sterling silver barrel and beads. Stamped Sterl...
Coral, Sterling Silver
Frances Patiky Stein Necklace with Black Trimming Links
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Frances Patiky Stein - Short golden metal necklace with black trimming links. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 79 cm Seller Reference: BC59
$1,080
W 0.6 in L 16.93 in
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Omega Ribbed Adjustable Snake Choker Gold Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Classic Iconic Omega Ribbed Adjustable Snake Collar Choker Modernist Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Maybe light scratches or colour l...
Gold Plate
Vintage Christian Dior Chunky Curb Chain Necklace, 1980s
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1980s Christian Dior textured curb chain necklace in gold plate. This necklace features chunky links with a unique diamond-patterned textu...
Gold Plate
Navajo Turquoise Loop Necklace
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Native American Navajo Indian turquoise and heishe Jacla with spiney oyster corn. Jacla is Navajo for "ear string" . The two hoops would be r...
Turquoise
$2,723
Dior silvery necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
DIOR - (made in Germany) Silvery metal articulated necklace with rhinestones. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: from 34 cm to 38 cm SKU:BC105
1980s Italian 18K Yellow Gold Articulated Snake Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Fine Italian substantial 18K yellow gold articulated Snake statement necklace Milan, 1980's Classic wide gold necklaces have been treasured for cen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior Silvery Metal Necklace, 1962
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dior - Silvery metal necklace set with blue rhinestones. 1962 Collection by Marc Bohan. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 40 cm Period: 20th...
Vintage 1980s Gold Honeycomb Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Fope Made in Italy Circa 1980s 16 1/2 inches long, 1/2 inch wide
18k Gold
1980s Diamond GIA No-Heat Sapphire 18k Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
This lovely classic diamond, sapphire panther design gold necklace is gracefully crafted in 18k yellow gold. Centered with three oval-shaped genuine blue, yellow, and purple sapphir...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
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...
Vintage Ciner Dynasty Style Gold-tone Rhinestone Choker Necklace
By Ciner
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage Ciner Dynasty Style Gold-tone Rhinestone Choker Necklace Approximate Dimensions: 37 cm (Inner Length) 1.8 cm (Width) 170.0 grams in weight. ** All dimensions listed above ...
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
Sold
H 0.5 in W 0.5 in D 0.5 in L 16 in
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone with Diamante Rounded Choker Necklace Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone with Diamante Rounded Choker Necklace. No more need be said about this beauty. It is a classic that has been made throughout the centuries. Always in style....
Mixed Metal
Ciner Sterling Silver Marcasite Necklace
By Ciner
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Ciner sterling silver and marcasite necklace. A marcasite encrusted pendant with flower detail hangs from two flower accents on a small round link chain. Chain measures approx 16" ...
Marcasite, Sterling Silver
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...