List of the Most Valuable Vintage Clip-On Earrings

If you are looking for information about the most valuable vintage clip-on earrings, you have come to the right place. Here you will learn about vintage clip-on earrings and which brands retain the most value.

Brief History of Clip-On Earrings

During the mid-19th century, women abandoned bonnets in favor of wearing their hair up and gave rise to earrings as a fashion accessory. However, the Victorians believed that piercing the flesh was uncivilized. A solution was invented in the early 20th century with clip-on earrings. The new design allowed people to wear earrings without piercing their earlobes. 

What makes Vintage Jewelry Valuable?

Vintage jewelry can be looked at from a collectors standpoint when we consider what types and styles retain their monetary value. Obviously, the types of materials used will affect value, as jewelry made from real gold will be worth more than jewelry that is gold-plated. But not just material value comes in to play for the collect-ability of an item. Some designers are sought after for rarity, a distinct style, or for the exquisite craftsmanship that comes with jewelry from bygone eras.

• Materials - high-quality fine metals and precious stones.
  
• Rarity - these pieces are not made anymore and few were made in the past.
  
• Style - designers with a distinct style will be more recognizable and therefor more appealing.
  
• Handmade - much of the jewelry from the past was made by hand by skilled craftsmen, often taking handfuls of people and countless hours to create one piece.
  
• Nostalgia - keeping the past alive has its own value.
  
• Signature - to ensure the piece is from a specific designer. Marked pieces are worth more than unmarked pieces.
  

Are Old Clip-On Earrings Worth Anything?

Old clip-on earrings can be worth a lot of money. If they are made of fine materials such as gold and precious stones, they will carry a hefty price tag. If they are costume jewelry grade, but from a sough-after vintage brand (and marked with their signature) you can fetch a great price for it. 

Valuable Vintage Clip-On Earrings Brands

Some designers and brands are more valuable than others. The most valuable brands for vintage clip-on earrings include:

Van Cleef and Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels has long been one of the finest jewelry houses with its distinctive feminine, glamorous, refined creations. Inspired by nature, couture and fantasy, its jewelry is a portal into a world of beauty and harmony.

While, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is marked up high, it is due to the prestige of the brand. People are willing to pay more for the name because of the reputation and the fact that the jewelry holds its value on the second-hand market. Van Cleef & Arpels is an excellent fine jewelry brand to invest in.

Great condition Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry with its branded box and official paperwork can be worth up to 50% of its purchase price.

> Learn more about Van Cleef & Arpels

Tiffany and Co.

Tiffany has been a beloved fixture in American culture and society for nearly two centuries. It was as cherished during the Gilded Age as it is today on red carpets around the world. Tiffany is an iconic brand, one that deserves a place in your jewelry collection. Collectors worldwide seek out vintage Tiffany estate jewelry because of its craftsmanship, beauty and enduring value.

> Learn more about Tiffany & Co.

Cartier

Cartier, a name that implies luxury and elegance, has been pivotal in some of the most important design trends of the 20^th century and now the 21^st century. Some of the most iconic jewelry in history bears the Cartier name.

Cartier jewelry is known for holding its value over time, but, more important to the collector, it is not unusual for vintage pieces signed and in good condition to appreciate considerably in value.

> Learn more about Cartier Jewelry.

Chopard

Chopard jewelry is luxurious and elegant. The brand has left its mark all over the world for exquisite design and fastidious craftsmanship.

> Learn more about Choprad Jewelry.

Henry Dunay

Henry Dunay's gift is in using precious gems and pave set diamonds in harmonious arrangements, while he balances straight and curved lines, volume and delicacy, infusing a piece with a gentle rhythm.

> Learn more about Henry Dunay Jewelry.

Chanel

Even though much of Chanel jewelry is considered costume jewelry rather than fine jewelry, Chanel jewelry is highly collectible. The Chanel brand is iconic, and the designs are timeless. Vintage Chanel jewelry will hold its value; even new pieces become collector items.

> Learn more about Chanel Jewelry.

Ilias Lalaounis

Ilias Lalaounis was born into the world of luxurious jewelry. His fascination with history, first Greek history, later cultures around the world, grew as his horizons expanded. His two passions resulted in his many exquisite collections, all of them labors of love.

> Learn more about Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry.

Bvlgari

Bvlgari jewelry is influenced by and faithful to its Mediterranean roots. It is individual, sophisticated, and undeniably innovative. Widely known for his exquisite craftsmanship and the vibrant color of his jewelry.

> Learn more about Bvlgari Jewelry.

Seaman Schepps

Seaman Schepps jewelry is always recognizable and it always makes a statement. It is never subtle, always large, bold and dramatic. He used the “big guns,” diamonds, rubies and emeralds, but he tended to use them as supporting players rather than the star. He was interested in shapes and an unorthodox mixing of semiprecious gems and found materials, in transforming unexpected materials into powerful works of extraordinary beauty. His designs have never gone out of style. His jewelry continues to inspire jewelry designers today.

> Learn more about Seaman Schepps Jewelry.

David Yurman

David Yurman jewelry has reached fashion icon status. His mixed-metal, diamond-in-silver and innovative gemstone designs have revolutionized the jewelry industry and continue to transcend fashions and fads. They are designs “for all seasons,” from the 1970s right up to current times.

David is one of the most famous of contemporary designers and his pieces among the most coveted. A David Yurman collectible is an excellent investment.

> Learn more about David Yurman Jewelry.

Chaumet

The House of Chaumet jewelry has been a part of French history since it was official jeweler to Marie-Antoinette. Its creations remain rooted in the sophisticated designs and exceptional craftsmanship of the Paris tradition.

Chaumet is one of the oldest brands of fine jewelry in the world, and its quality is beyond compare. When you buy Chaumet, you have a piece of the legacy of elegance developed over more than two centuries. Chaumet jewelry will increase in value every year, especially if you take care of the pieces.

> Learn more about Chaumet Jewelry.

H.Stern

H. Stern designs draw on the arts to create jewelry that are works of art fashioned in gold and colorful gemstones. Look for the influences of painting, music, dance, fashion, and architecture. The designs are creative, simple and elegant with cutting-edge chic and sleek lines.

> Learn more about H. Stern Jewelry.

Boucheron

Boucheron is famous throughout the world for its bold style, abstract and creative designs, and the use of characterful stones. The brand gives priority to the use of gold and is recognized as a superb sculptor of this metal. For 160 years Boucheron has been conquering women's hearts with their magnificent designs. 

Marina B

Marina Bulgari is renowned as one of the most important women jewelers of our time. She left her family's famed Maison in 1976 to branch out into her own brand. Her style is high regarded the world over for its boldness and timelessness. Marina's jewelry is rich and opulent, yet also contemporary. She has invented her own gemstone cuts in addition to reinventing others. 

David Webb

For over 70 years, David Webb has been creating highly original and modern jewelry. He is best known for his dramatic gold necklaces, dynamic use of pearls and diamonds, distinctive carved and enameled animal bracelets, Maltese cross brooches, and exquisite rock crystal pieces. Every David Webb piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Only David Webb jewelry with a Certificate of Authenticity can be assured of holding its long-term value.

Leo De Vroomen

For over 50 years this brand has been creating innovative and iconic jewelry. Using gold, gemstones, enamels, and pearls, their strong sculptural forms create jewelry with elegance and sophistication. De Vroomen jewelry is created with an unrelenting focus on design and craftsmanship.

B. Kieselstein-Cord

Cord is an award winning artist, designer and photographer, he is also an entrepreneur. His unusual combination of artistic expression and commercial prowess have made him one of the world’s most successful and respected designers. He has been awarded the fashion industry's version of the Oscar, the Council of Fashion Designers of America award.

Roberto Coin

One of the most coveted Italian jewelers in the world, Roberto Coin creates jewelry with multi-ethnic influences. He is known by the fashion world as the author of many trends, his creative passion push him to create over 600 new models a year. Roberto Coin signs each one of his pieces with a small ruby casted inside the jewel, in direct contact with the skin of who wears it.

Charles Krypell

Charles Krypell has been recognized as a leading jewelry designer in the world market, his name is synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and quality. His creations birth from the desire to always explore new limits in jewelry, and because of this his influence continues to innovate in the industry. New collections will mix and match, layer and stack, and balance off previous collections in a perfectly paired manner.

Lawrence Vrba

An eclectic designer who understands costume jewelry, vintage styles, and color. In the 1960's and 70's, Lawrence was a top designer for Miriam Haskell where his task was to collect and prepare crystals for jewelry. When he set out on his own, his reverence for vintage Chanel, Art Deco, and older periods of jewelry design could shine through his pieces.

Kutchinsky

Known as, "the David Webb of London", Kutchinsky is not widely known in the US, but should be. The firm of Kutchinsky in London has produced beautiful, high-quality jewelry since the 1890’s, although they are best known for pieces produced from the 1930’s on. They were very prestigious in Poland and made jewelry for King Ludwig of Bavaria. 

Buccellati

Buccellati embodies Italian splendor and luxury. The creative fusion of art and fine jewelry for maximum glamour and high-end design is the secret behind this brands success. Inspiration is derived from centuries past, from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. Gold is the metal of choice for Buccellati, with the brand’s signature trademark being items with “no untouched gold”, where every part of the surface is engraved.

Sabbadini

Sabbadini is a world renowned Italian jeweler based on two principles - creative originality and rigor of execution. For almost a century this jewelry house has been creating unique designs with the highest technical craftsmanship. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and an array of colored stones are mounted in invisible settings intertwined with unorthodox materials, from titanium to aluminum and ceramics to steel.

Picchiotti

Guiseppe Picchiotti is known as one of the best Italian jewelers in the world. His pieces are masterfully crafted in-house to ensure the highest standards. He creates with a unique combination of gold, precious gemstones, and diamonds. Traditional designs inspired by classical art make for timeless designs that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Trianon

Trianon is a New York based firm that creates jewelry out of unusual combinations of natural materials and precious stones, all mounted in 18-karat gold. Although their line is limited to earrings, necklaces, and men’s dress sets, there is extraordinary variety within those categories. If you enjoy Seaman Schepps shell jewelry, you will love Trianon's pieces.

Mauboussin Paris

A French jewelry firm famous for its Art Deco and Retro pieces. Mauboussin is known for its chunky floral-motif brooches, pendants, and bracelets often featuring bright enamels, diamonds, and colored gemstones.

Sidney Garber

Sidney Garber is committed to the highest ethical standards as a fine jewelry retailer. Some of these commitments include protecting the human rights of all individuals in the supply chain. they adhere to the Kimberly process for ensuring conflict-free diamonds. Every piece of jewelry has the unique quality to stand on its own or wear layered, and easily transition between day and night. Precise attention to detail and craftsmanship make even the most delicate pieces feel substantial and special.

Carlo Weingrill

An undisputed maestro of 18K gold pieces, Carlo Weingrill has been making jewelry entirely by hand since 1879. Carlo Weingrill was the original manufacturer behind some of the most recognizable and classic designs in jewelry such as gold cuffs of Tiffany and Co, Trinity bangle bracelets for Cartier, and Bulgari's famous tubogas-style bracelets. 

Angela Cummings Studios

Angela Cummings creates jewelry primarily in 18K gold. Her early designs were inlaid with coral, opal, wood, lapis lazui, and mother-of-pearl. Cummmings' creations are inspired by the beauty of nature and represent both floura and fauna and everything in between. One of her most-loved styles is a lifelike gold rose petal necklace and earring set.

She is known for utilizing platinum and sterling silver in her designs and showcasing diamonds and exquisite gems. Cummmings broke the rules of traditional upscale jewelry by using an abundance of color in her designs.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this list of the most valuable vintage clip-on earrings. Let us know what your favorite designer is in the comments below!

Happy Vintage Hunting,
Andrea