Post-pandemic shopping habits have shifted, with consumers prioritizing investment-worthy pieces over fleeting trends. Jewelry continues to be a preferred hard asset, valued for its tangible wealth, lasting appeal, and financial security in an unpredictable economy.

CHANEL JEWELRY RULES Chanel jewelry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, driven by a mix of timeless elegance, investment value, and social media influence. Iconic pieces like vintage CC-logo earrings, chain-link necklaces, and pearl-adorned designs are in high demand, appealing to both seasoned collectors and fashion-forward buyers. The brand’s heritage, craftsmanship, and limited-edition releases contribute to its desirability, making Chanel jewelry a sought-after asset in the luxury resale market. As more consumers shift towards investment-worthy accessories, Chanel’s classic and statement jewelry continues to outperform trends, proving its status as a staple in pre-owned luxury resale.

CHANEL JEWELRY THROUGH THE YEARS “Costume jewelry isn’t made to provoke desire, just astonishment at most. It must remain an ornament and an amusement.” – Gabrielle Chanel.

In the 1920s, Coco Chanel introduced the concept of costume jewelry. She wanted to give women another way to dress up without displaying their wealth, and let them accessorize and accentuate their entire look, and not just one piece of clothing. Chanel’s first jewelry line was created by a designer named Etienne de Beaumont and it was exclusively available only to select Chanel customers. Needless to say, these pieces are extremely rare and if you can get your hands on one, you’ve got a gold mine!

1920-1939

The Roaring 20s were all about dresses, fringe, long pearl necklaces, and Art Deco-inspired jewelry. In 1927 an artist by the name of Fulco di Verdura introduced us to Chanel’s famous black enamel, Maltese Cross cuff bracelets. In 1932, Chanel began experimenting with her first fine jewelry collection, dubbed the Bijoux de Diamants.

Chanel also worked with other designers like François Hugo, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Suzanne Gripoix to jointly create some of the highest-quality costume jewelry the world had ever seen. The House of Gripoix made Byzantine-inspired jewelry, and Coco Chanel was so impressed with the artful use of colorful, poured glass designs, she commissioned a partnership with Gripoix that lasted for decades. Check out some of our favorite Gripoix pieces below.

1940-1954

During World War II, Chanel closed up her 31 Rue Cambon shop and moved to Switzerland.

1954-1971

In 1954, Coco Chanel moved back to Paris and reopened her 31 Rue Cambon shop. This is when she began adding a signature CHANEL stamp to her pieces or attached the signature to a hangtag. For her most exquisite pieces, three stars were stamped directly below the CHANEL logo. She also began producing Camellia Brooches, multi-strand and beaded Sautoir Necklaces, and faux pearl clip-on earrings. Coco passed away in 1971.

1971-1980

Following Chanel’s death, Alain Wertheimer and his brother Gerard took ownership of Chanel (and they’re still in control). They recognized the importance of preserving Chanel’s name and therefore began to trademark the jewelry. This was the introduction of the CHANEL plaque with copyright and registration marks along with the interlocking CC logo and ‘MADE IN FRANCE’.

1981-1992

Say hello to Karl Lagerfeld! In 1983 he joined Chanel as Head Designer and a year later, he hired Victoire de Castallane to run the jewelry design. While at the helm, she created some of Chanel’s most collectable and memorable pieces to date. She also introduced a new dating system, moving from a specific year to a season.

1993-TODAY

There have been a few more changes with Chanel jewelry, such as the addition of a double-digit figure featuring the year (on the left side of the logo) followed by the letter ‘P’ for the Spring collection, ‘A’ for Autumn or ‘C’ for Cruise to the right. This method is still used today.

MATERIALS & MORE

Is Chanel jewelry worth the investment? While it is costume jewelry, it’s also a collector’s item and won’t lose its value because…hello, it’s Chanel. It really depends on your personal taste. Do you prefer real rubies and emeralds, or the artful and increasingly rare Gripoix glass beads? Chanel had a few fine jewelry lines that featured precious metals and jewels, but they were discontinued in 2010.

Some of the materials currently used to make Chanel jewelry include:

• Faux and semi-precious stones
• Gold- and silver-plated metals and sterling silver
• Glass beads and cabochons (Gripoix)
• Crystals
• Faux pearls
• Leather, ribbons, fur, lace and velour
• Resin
• Rhodium and stainless steel

SHOP PRE-OWNED CHANEL JEWELRY HERE >>>