Signed Ciner Vintage Enamel Link Necklace
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Length: 31 in (787.4 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Jacksonville, FL
- Reference Number:
Ciner
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Jacksonville, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Antique Silver Victorian Artemis Cameo Set of Bracelet Necklace Earrings RingLocated in Jacksonville, FLRing size: 6.5 Earring diameter:0.57 Necklace length: 15.25″ Bracelet length: 8″ Bin Code M25 / P15 Indulge in the enchanting allure of early Victorian elegance with this Antique Sterling Silver Artemis Cameo...Category
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Link Necklaces
MaterialsSilver, Sterling Silver
- Signed Trifari Set of Gold Tone Necklace & Clip on EarringsBy TrifariLocated in Jacksonville, FLPendant Width:3.30″ Pendant Hight:3.30″ Earrings Diameter:1.25″ Bin Code: A5 / P7 Experience the timeless elegance of this Vintage Trifari Set ...Category
20th Century American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
- Art Deco Antique Peruzzi Satyr Angels Renaissance Silver NecklaceLocated in Jacksonville, FLNecklace Length: 26″ Pendant Length:: 3.54″ Pendant Width: 2.41 Bin Code: A5 / P20 Transport yourself to the opulent world of Art Deco with this breathtaking antique Peruzzi Saty...Category
Antique Early 19th Century American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsSilver
- Vintage Light Blue Rhinestone Beautiful Necklace EarringsLocated in Jacksonville, FLStep into the enchanting world of vintage elegance with this Vintage Light Blue Rhinestone Beautiful Necklace and Earrings Set. This exquisite fashion jewelry set is a true testament to timeless sophistication. The necklace, with a length of 16 inches, gracefully adorns the neckline with light blue rhinestones, creating a captivating and beautiful display. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through in every delicate link, making this piece a standout addition to your collection. Complementing the necklace, the earrings boast a length of 1.20 inches, providing the perfect balance between subtlety and impact. The light blue rhinestones continue to dazzle, framing your face with a touch of vintage glamour. Whether worn together as a set or individually to accentuate your style, this Vintage Light Blue Rhinestone Necklace...Category
20th Century American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
- Mexican 925 Vintage Sterling Silver Turquoise NecklaceLocated in Jacksonville, FLEnhance your jewelry collection with the exquisite beauty of this Vintage Sterling Silver Turquoise Necklace, handcrafted in...Category
Antique 19th Century Mexican Art Deco Choker Necklaces
MaterialsTurquoise, Sterling Silver
- 4K Yellow Gold Cherub CharmLocated in Jacksonville, FL0.44” diameter (11.2mm) 0.02 oz (0.6g)Category
20th Century Necklace Enhancers
Materials14k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Sterling Silver Reef NecklaceBy Esther EyreLocated in London, GBSophisticated elegance the Reef sterling silver necklace is as gorgeous as it is distinctive. After an adventurous trip to Venezuela, Esther designed the 'Reef Collection' inspired ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Artisan Link Necklaces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Gold Plated Silver Reef NecklaceBy Esther EyreLocated in London, GBDelight in the elegance and sophistication of this beautiful Reef necklace made in gold plated sterling silver. After an adventurous trip to Venezuela, Esther designed the 'Reef Col...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Artisan Link Necklaces
MaterialsGold Plate, Silver
- Cartier Maillon Panthere Diamond Necklace 3 Rows 18K White Gold - Circa 1996By CartierLocated in Chicago, ILThis Cartier Maillon Panthere 3-row Diamond Necklace is 18 inches in length and weighs 56.20 DWT (approx. 87.4 grams). It contains 240 round diamonds weighing an approximate total of...Category
1990s French Contemporary Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, White Gold
- Tiffany & Co. Atlas Collection Necklace 18 Karat Yellow GoldBy Tiffany & Co.Located in Chicago, ILRetired design Tiffany & Co. Atlas Collection necklace. The necklace is 17 inches in length, made of 18K yellow gold, and weighs 79.60 DWT (approx. 123.79 grams).Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Link Necklaces
Materials18k Gold
- Roberto Coin Appassionata Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold with DiamondsBy Roberto CoinLocated in Chicago, ILRoberto Coin Appasionata Collection necklace. The necklace is 16 inches in length, made of 18K yellow gold, and weighs 73.5 DWT (approx. 114.31 grams). It also has 19 round G-color, ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Link Necklaces
MaterialsRuby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
- Micheal Bondaza 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum NecklaceBy Michael BondanzaLocated in Chicago, ILBeautiful two tone necklace from Micheal Bondaza. Featuring his iconic design. The necklace is 17 inches in length, made of platinum and 18K yellow gold, and weighs 121.7 DWT (approx...Category
1990s American Modern Link Necklaces
MaterialsYellow Gold, Platinum