Chanel Jewellery

 

"Costume jewellery isn’t made to provoke desire, just astonishment at most. It must remain an ornament and an amusement”

Gabrielle Bonheur 'Coco' Chanel

 

Chanel is a house that remains true to its identity, offering both high and costume jewellery collections season after season. Coco Chanel herself used to layer fine jewellery with costume pieces in her outfits, and this is something that is echoed by the jewellery offering from Chanel to this day. Chanel's fine and high jewellery collections debuted in her 'Bijoux Des Diamonts' exhibition of 1932 featuring diamonds, pearls and other precious gemstones in breathtaking and sought-after designs, adorning her models with bows, fringes and constellations of diamonds in her pieces. Under Karl Lagerfield's tenure, Chanel re-launched their Fine Jewellery division in 1993.

Chanel's costume jewellery collections were introduced in the 1920s, at a time when most jewellery was set with precious metals. Consquently, Chanel costume jewellery has attracted a mass following for its iconic, bold wearable and accessible designs. Chanel costume jewellery typically includes the classic interlocking double C's, imitation pearls, Chanel's Maltese cross, Rue De Cambon plaques, enamel and bright yellow gold plated pieces. Another aspect of Chanel's costume jewellery is as an extension to an entire outfit, belts, shirt cuffs, and oversized brooches are intended to complement an entire Chanel ensemble. A pioneer of costume jewellery, Chanel pieces certainly hold their value and have increased exponentially over the last couple of years.

Both Chanel costume and fine jewellery collections are selling exceptionally well at auction at the moment. Pieces with accompanying pouches and boxes are particularly sought-after by our private bidders, but almost all pieces are selling at the top end and far surpassing auction estimates. 

Our specialist Fine Jewellery auctions are held 4 times a year and include the whole spectrum of jewellery, from modern and designer pieces to antique jewels, coloured gemstone jewellery to fine diamond rings. Our department is headed by Liz Bailey who is FGA and DGA qualified, with many years experience in the industry. We offer a free valuation service as well as a free collection service for items consigned to these auctions.

Contact our qualified specialist Liz Bailey to find out more.

 

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Fine Jewellery & Watches

Liz Bailey

MA, FGA, DGA

Department Specialist

+44 (0)1270 623878
liz.bailey@wilson55.com

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