Vtg Chanel Camellia Flower Brooch

Used💍 Jewellery · Victorian–1980s

The edit · Jewellery

A used piece of jewellery. Nothing on a vintage jewellery tray was designed by committee. Chunky chains and carved cameos share the same handmade quality that modern production cannot copy.

The woman who changed how women dress.

Founded by Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel in Paris in 1910. She gave women the little black dress, the tweed suit and, in 1955, the first shoulder bag with a chain strap, the 2.55.

Chanel is collected across everything from the 2.55 and Classic Flap to costume jewellery and silk scarves. The interlocking CC and the chain strap are among the most recognised marks in fashion.

What to look for

On bags, check the stitch count per diamond, the hardware weight and the hologram or serial. Gold-tone hardware and lambskin age fastest, so condition drives price hard.

Hallmarks tell the story. A clear maker's mark or metal stamp is worth more than a pretty setting, so turn the piece over before you fall for it.