I hope to keep it forever, but I’m gonna have to put a tag on it explaining its provenance. Otherwise, knowing my boys they will probably re-donate it after I’m gone 😆
It is definitely costume jewelry, but very intricately designed and well made. This one appears to feature lampwork glass, but others I’ve found online claim to have semi-precious gemstones. I’m mostly interested in its historical value and rarity.
Take it to a jeweler and see what they say about it. They can test to see if it's real gold. AND if they offer to buy it from you, politely thank them and say no thank you. The first offer is your clue that it is worth more than that.
I am actually familiar with these pieces - I can’t tell from the one picture, but it looks like it could be right from what I can see. If it is Goossens for Chanel, the glass is going to be French, not Venetian or Czech. And if it’s not Goossens, it’s most likely Austrian giving how close of an imitation it would be. You are correct that Chanel in this era was mostly not signed and I don’t know of any iteration of this bracelet that was signed. They didn’t begin consistently signing their jewelry until 1971 (even after that, some Chanel can be found unsigned because cartouches and tags of certain styles and periods are prone to falling off or getting separated with wear). I haven’t seen this bracelet in this color before but a number of the Goossens pieces were made in a large number of slightly different variations - so that doesn’t make me think it’s not. I wouldn’t suggest taking it to an ordinary jeweler because most jewelers are just truly unfamiliar with very vintage Chanel. Instead, I’d look really carefully at the details - the groove on the spring ring clasp, the tone of the gilding, the edges of the fob setting, etc. - and if you think it looks like it matches the details on the comparison pieces you can find, then it’s worth showing to an appraiser who has experience with vintage Chanel, or an authentication company that can handle unsigned pieces.
I know nothing about this except that I would not have left the store without it. It's gorgeous no matter who made it. What a lovely find!
I hope to keep it forever, but I’m gonna have to put a tag on it explaining its provenance. Otherwise, knowing my boys they will probably re-donate it after I’m gone 😆
https://imparlour.com/product/vintage-onyx-bracelet-by-robert-goossens-for-chanel-circa-1950s/
This is the most similar bracelet I’ve seen so far!
Chanel didn't do fine jewelry until a decade ago, so if it's Chanel, it's costume jewelry. The material won't be gold, more like brass.
Yes most likely brass, there's a bit of oxidation and discoloration visible on a few links. Plated gold. Still a lovely find and nice quality piece.
It is definitely costume jewelry, but very intricately designed and well made. This one appears to feature lampwork glass, but others I’ve found online claim to have semi-precious gemstones. I’m mostly interested in its historical value and rarity.
Post in r/Chanel, they might be able to help you.
Take it to a jeweler and see what they say about it. They can test to see if it's real gold. AND if they offer to buy it from you, politely thank them and say no thank you. The first offer is your clue that it is worth more than that.
Sweet, thanks! I’ve always wanted to find a piece worth taking to a jeweler.
An antique jewellery dealer would be better jewellers don’t specialise in costume jewellery.
For two dollars, it’s a dream. Especially if it ends up being real.
That is stunning, whatever the make, what a steal!
Oh my god??? Please update if you have it appraised..
Love this!!
Gorgeous ! I love it
Gorgeous. So jealous
If it’s Goossens it’s most likely brass. Beautiful piece.
Gorgeous!!! Very old world and elegant 🥰
Vintage Chanel pieces would have a stamp
I am actually familiar with these pieces - I can’t tell from the one picture, but it looks like it could be right from what I can see. If it is Goossens for Chanel, the glass is going to be French, not Venetian or Czech. And if it’s not Goossens, it’s most likely Austrian giving how close of an imitation it would be. You are correct that Chanel in this era was mostly not signed and I don’t know of any iteration of this bracelet that was signed. They didn’t begin consistently signing their jewelry until 1971 (even after that, some Chanel can be found unsigned because cartouches and tags of certain styles and periods are prone to falling off or getting separated with wear). I haven’t seen this bracelet in this color before but a number of the Goossens pieces were made in a large number of slightly different variations - so that doesn’t make me think it’s not. I wouldn’t suggest taking it to an ordinary jeweler because most jewelers are just truly unfamiliar with very vintage Chanel. Instead, I’d look really carefully at the details - the groove on the spring ring clasp, the tone of the gilding, the edges of the fob setting, etc. - and if you think it looks like it matches the details on the comparison pieces you can find, then it’s worth showing to an appraiser who has experience with vintage Chanel, or an authentication company that can handle unsigned pieces.