Vintage Gucci Jewelry Buying Guide

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Gucci jewelry is an unrivaled combination of opulence, high artistry and contemporary glamour. It is both daring and elegant and carries a mystique that eludes other brands.

If you are looking to add vintage Gucci jewelry to your collection, you have come to the right place. Gucci is a brand worth collecting and you will find all the information you need here to start collecting today!

Brief History of Gucci Jewelry

Guccio Giovanbattista Giacinto Dario Maria Gucci was born in 1881 in Florence, Italy, the son of a leather craftsman. He became interested in luggage when, as a teenager, he operated an elevator at the exclusive Savoy Hotel in London. He was fascinated by the guests’ luxurious luggage. While he was in London, he apprenticed with a leading British luggage maker, and he started his own business making travel bags and accessories when he returned to Florence. In 1921, he founded the House of Gucci, small and family owned but with a sterling reputation for high quality materials and workmanship.

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In 1935, the League of Nations imposed a trade embargo on Italy due to Mussolini’s aggression. Leather was scarce, and the ever innovative Guccio substituted raffia, wicker, wood, linen and jute. In 1937, he launched handbags, and in 1938, he expanded his business to Rome. After the World War II, Guccio brought three of his sons, Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo, into the business. Aldo convinced his father to expand the accessories line with gloves, belts, wallets, key chains, and the iconic Gucci loafers. In 1953, a store was opened in New York City (soon to be known as “Gucci City”). That same year, Guccio died in Milan.

The Horsebit, a joined double ring and bar, a Gucci signature design, was originally seen on the loafers and later on handbags. Aldo, however, designed the logo that would become the most recognizable trademark in fashion history—the Interlocking Gs (aka Double Gs). He honored his father by using Guccio’s initials and ensured Guccio’s legacy would live forever. It was first used in 1964 as a clasp on handbags in gold or black. In 1966, watches and jewelry were added to the company’s luxury lines.

Vintage Gold Plated Gucci bumblebee bee brooch from OKHSTUFF on Etsy

Vintage Gold Plated Gucci bumblebee bee brooch from OKHSTUFF on Etsy

The first pieces of jewelry were the Double Gs and the Horsebit in gold and gemstones. Since then, the jewelry line has grown exponentially. Today, it includes made-to-order parures that are the height of innovation and craftsmanship as well as gold and silver rings, earrings, bracelets, cuff links, and necklaces. All are timeless designs that become treasures.

Timepieces and jewelry are produced by Gucci’s own skilled craftsmen: master watchmakers work in Gucci’s own ateliers in Switzerland, and goldsmiths create magnificent pieces in Italy.

In 1969, an epic family feud erupted and did not end until 1993 when all the family members were bought out by a corporation. Today, Gucci is a subsidiary of the French luxury group Kering. In 2018, Gucci had 540 stores, 14,000 employees and more than $3 billion in annual profits.

Gucci Jewelry Marks

  • “® GUCCI made in italy”
  • "GUCCI Made in Italy”
  • "GUCCI ITALY”
  • “Gucci”
  • Interlocking Gs Pictomark
Gucci maker mark
gucci mark
gucci hang tag

Materials Used

  • Platinum
  • Gold
  • Gold plate
  • Sterling silver
  • Non-precious metals
  • Diamonds (white, black, grey, green and blue)
  • Emeralds
  • Rubies
  • Blue sapphires
  • Pearls
  • Opal
  • Onyx
  • Garnets
  • Tourmaline
  • Topaz
  • Turquoise
  • Tiger’s eye
  • Crystals
  • Glass beads
  • Cat’s eye beads
  • Enamel
18K GUCCI Crystal Facet Drop Necklace from AskaArtisansbyLisa on Etsy

18K GUCCI Crystal Facet Drop Necklace from AskaArtisansbyLisa on Etsy

Our Favorite Collectible Vintage Gucci Jewelry

GG Logo Medallion Necklace

The medallion with interlocking Gs is gold with red and blue enamel, measuring 2” in diameter. The oval link chain is 24” long.

Tiger’s Eye Ring

Created circa 1985, the iconic Gucci horse buckles hold a large tiger’s eye.

Perfume Bottle Necklace

1980’s vintage Gucci 30” gold-plated chain necklace with navy motif perfume bottle that measures approximately 1” x 1.3” x .4”.

Enamel 18k Gold Cuff Links

From the 1970s, 18K gold cuff links (.55” wide) with the iconic Double Gs enhanced with blue and green enamel.

Timepiece Brooch in Black Silver

Vintage 1990s, Swiss-made timepiece pin in black silver and stainless steel, measures 1.25” x .75”

Enamel Logo Link Necklace

From the 1970s, twisted gilt rope links punctuate the orange-y-brown enamel with white enamel GG logo. Necklace is .5” wide and adjusts from 18” to 21”.

Gucci Equestrian Horseshoe Ring from HERITAGEMS on Etsy

Gucci Equestrian Horseshoe Ring from HERITAGEMS on Etsy

How to Identify Authentic Vintage Gucci Jewelry

  • Due to its incredible popularity and value, there are many sellers who try to pawn off fake Gucci jewelry. Forewarned is forearmed.
  • The price can be a clue. Check out Gucci prices on their official website to get an idea of the prices. If the price is too low, or too high, pass the piece up.
  • Read and check the Gucci logo. Counterfeit products (Gucci silver included) is notorious for being spelt and designed incorrectly. The silver may have been made in a foreign country where the spelling is unfamiliar or it could be that the seller is avoiding copyright infringement by pressing the silver with a slightly altered logo.
  • Gucci always provides its registered symbol and "Made in Italy" embedded clearly on their products.
  • All Gucci silver is made in Italy except for timepieces, which are made in Switzerland. If the piece has been engraved or created in any other country, then it is fake piece of Gucci silver.
  • There are certain places and people that are more likely to sell counterfeits. For instance, a seller who does not settle in one place long, is always moving, sells from a suitcase is suspect.
  • Do not allow yourself to be rushed into making a decision to buy. A reputable vendor will give you all the time you need.
  • The vendor should look and act professional.
  • Counterfeit products often have incorrect spellings or designs.
  • If you can get to know Gucci up close and personal, you will become familiar with how it looks and feels and are less likely to be fooled by fakes. Your local authorized Gucci dealer will be glad to give you a crash course in Gucci.
GUCCI Vintage Perfume Bottle Necklace from Proud Boutique on Etsy

GUCCI Vintage Perfume Bottle Necklace from Proud Boutique on Etsy

How to tell if a Gucci necklace is Real

Real Gucci necklaces are often hard to tell from fake. This is most apparent when comparing silver pendant necklaces. Look for the Gucci symbol which will be discreetly hidden on the clasp. Fake pieces are often made with an effort to make the logo stand out. You will also find some funny brand spellings in counterfeit Gucci jewelry such as Guci with one “c” or even Gucco with an “o” replacing the “i”.

A reputable dealer of vintage Gucci jewelry will often have original authentication documents and/or packaging to verify what a buyer is purchasing.

How to tell if a Gucci bracelet is Real

Again, when looking for vintage Gucci bracelets look for the correct hallmarks, a well-made item, strong clasps, and no signs of welding marks. Ask for a certificate of authentication.

How to tell if Gucci earrings are Real

Beware of fake Gucci earrings. Inspect the earrings. If shopping in person feels, the earrings in your hands. Each should be free of rough edges, weighty, and made of high-quality materials. Search for the logo on the back of each earring.

Price can also be an indicator. As mentioned, Gucci fashion earrings sell for $150 or more. If you see a pair for $25 you can be sure you are not buying authentic Gucci jewelry.

How to tell if a Gucci ring is Real

Gucci rings have finer details than fakes on the market. Real Gucci rings, with the double G logos embedded for design, have slimmer and more refined Gs. The same goes for any motifs such as animal faces which will be much more detailed in the real deal. Again, Gucci uses sterling silver to create a more antiqued look, and vintage pieces will always be oxidized. If you see a shiny sterling silver ring by Gucci it is likely a fake.

Is Gucci Jewelry a Good Investment?

Vintage Gucci jewelry is worth investing in. The design house is known for its stellar style with an international reputation to match. Their insignia of two intertwined Gs is their branding. This is recognized as a symbol of quality. You’ll find the Gucci fashion jewelry line with fun mid-priced vintage pieces. There is also a Gucci fine jewelry line priced appropriately.

Gucci logo stud gold plated earrings, with white rhinestones and, gold, red rhinestone studded strawberries are an unexpected look. Gold-tone clip-on earrings, with black glass cabochons close to the ear, fall into dangling riding stirrups. In general, these are priced at the $150 mark. Also popular is the bumble bee motif.

Smaller Gucci costume jewelry earrings that could be mistaken for the real thing are priced even higher. Think gold-toned delicately double Gs locked in a rectangular frame of crystal. These are priced at over $250.

Bracelets are still well-priced, even bold chunky pieces. The Queen Bee Bracelet with its signature red and green stripe is priced under $50. Centrally placed is the large royal bee embellished with faux pearl and rhinestones. It is a wearable statement piece that is sure to start a conversation.

Brooches are also priced in the mid-range at between $50 and $75. Gold-plated interlocking Gs form the central element on many designs, bejeweled around the circumference with gem-cut glass placed in decorative borders.

Gucci watches with multi-colored removable bezels were all the rage in the 1980s and 1990s. Today you can purchase one for just over $500, with a certificate of authenticity. A less recognizable Gucci watch is the 18K gold-plated dial, black-faced women’s watch on black leather. It’s priced at just under $150. The double G logo sits at 12 o’clock.

Fine Gucci jewelry is available at various rates. A simple vintage logo necklace in sterling silver costs about $150. A Gucci-style sterling silver and blue enamel link bracelet can fetch close to $1000. Rings such as the 18 K gold band Gucci logo embossed, including small diamond decorative elements are priced at $4000, in the previously loved category. Earring in 18K gold crafted into the popular horse bit motif, embellished with diamonds can fetch over $5000.

Conclusion

Buying Gucci jewelry a lot like buying art. You can think of your treasures as an investment—and they are, because surely demand for Gucci jewelry will stand any test of time. But you also want your collection to have aesthetic value; you want to be able to enjoy it for its beauty. 

Please see the Gucci jewelry pages on Etsy and Gucci Fine Jewelry on eBay.

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3 thoughts on “Vintage Gucci Jewelry Buying Guide”

  1. Pingback: Anonymous
  2. Help, I have a vintage 1980’s Gucci Puffed mariner chain, 14K yellow gold, but the odd thing is it is measuring 21 and a half inches long. Why? I know the original owner, he does not buy junk jewelry

    Reply
    • Hi Sheri,

      We’ve seen similar Gucci Mariner chains at 20″ and 22′ in length. 21 1/2″ does seem a curious length, but maybe a link was taken out to better fit a previous owner? Does yours have the GG logo or a Gucci scripted signature on it? That is the key to its authenticity. If you’d like to check it out with a third party, try one of these websites: whatsitworthartappraisals.com, valuemystuff.com. or drloriv.com.

      Best of luck!
      Susannah

      Reply

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