What defines “fine” jewelry? For many aficionados, there’s a clear line separating the golden wheat from the gilded chaff. But the handcrafted pieces made by Ciner, a 128-year-old costume jewelry house with a glittering past to rival some of the hautest high jewelers, call into question our notions of what constitutes preciousness.
Quality? Craftsmanship? Painstaking detail? Vintage Ciner earrings, brooches, necklaces and other accessories have them all in spades.
Much of the Ciner’s allure can be traced to its origins in fine jewelry. Emanuel Ciner, an Austrian immigrant, founded the firm in Manhattan in 1892, crafting pieces from the traditional precious gems, gold and platinum. But World War I and the Great Depression caused purse strings to tighten and materials to become scarce. Rather than try to weather the economic downturn, which shuttered many other American jewelers, Ciner made the risky transition from fine jewelry to costume (or fashion) jewelry — virtually uncharted territory.
Emanuel Ciner’s sons, Irwin and Charles, introduced an array of innovations — rubber casting molds, which are especially durable and produce higher quality results, and white metal alloys, which affordably mimic the look of more precious materials — that would become the standard for costume jewelry. During World War II, Ciner’s advanced molding technology was utilized by the U.S. military to produce munitions and tools. This arrangement gave the firm access to the heavily rationed metals it needed for its jewels, enabling it again to endure conditions that drove others into bankruptcy.
The company hit its stride in the 1960s, when its jewelry was sold at some of the country’s toniest stores, even garnering an Andy Warhol–illustrated ad for Bonwit Teller. Its pieces were worn by the era’s brightest stars. In the famous 1957 Joe Shere photo of Sophia Loren sneering at Jayne Mansfield’s décolletage, Mansfield is resplendent in shoulder-grazing Ciner earrings.
Ciner is unique among costume jewelers in that its pieces aren’t imitations — they are coveted in their own right. Elizabeth Taylor, a voracious jewelry collector with a taste for the very finest, was a longtime client. Several suites of Ciner jewels were included in the 2011 Christie’s sale of Taylor’s collection, with one group of rhinestone-studded ear clips and a bracelet fetching $15,600 — more than 100 times the auction estimate. It’s a reminder of a time, not so long ago, when women of great style wore fine and costume jewelry with equal aplomb, often at the same time.
Today, Ciner — now run by Emanuel Ciner’s granddaughter Pat Ciner Hill and great-granddaughter Jean Hill — continues to adhere to the same exacting production specifications. It is the only jewelry house in New York, and likely the United States, that manufactures all its pieces entirely in-house. Each begins with dozens of elements that are cast in rubber molds and then individually filed and polished, plated in a particularly thick layer of 18-karat gold or rhodium, assembled on the bench and painted with enamel or set with stones. Every step is performed by hand by craftsmen, many of whom have been with the company for more than 30 years.
Find vintage Ciner clip-on earrings, choker necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Ciner Horse Head Pin Brooch Swarovski Crystals New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Gorgeous Horse Head Pin with Swarovski Crystals pave set. Garnet colored eyes. Hallmarked Ciner. Measures 2.87" Top to bottom x 1.55". The Price Tag sti...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Vintage 1990s Ciner Gold Tone and Amber Tone Round Clip On Earrings
By Ciner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage 1990s Ciner Gold Tone and Amber Tone Round Clip On Earrings with Rope Design on Outer Part and Amber Colored Rhinestone Measurements: Diameter: 1.25 "
Ciner swarovski Crystal Choker Necklace Gold tone New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another Stunning Ciner Crystal Necklace. Encrusted with Swarovski crystals. We have the Matching Bracelet on our storefront. Measures: .42 or / ...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Crystal Double Strand Zebra Necklace Goldtone 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Ciner Double Strand Cream pearl necklace. Clasp is a enameled Zebra with Swarovski Crystals. Wonderful Green Cabochons eyes. Measuring 4...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Stunning Ciner Pink swarovski Crystal Necklace 1980s New, never worn
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large Pink Swarovski Crystal Necklace with toggle clasp. New Old Stock (never worn) Measures 18 inches end to end Bezel measures 1.23 in ...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Faux Pearl With Gold and Green Bead Accent Bracelet Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Faux Pearl With Gold and Green Bead Accent Bracelet Circa 1980s. This is a beautifully crafted bracelet, and the pearls are in great condition. There are pieces of green sit...
Mixed Metal
Ciner Swarovski Crystal Bracelet 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner Gold gilt metal with stunning Swarovski Crystals. Measures . 7.25 inches end to end. will fit a 6.5 to 7 wrist. Matching Necklace listed as well. This is out of a massive colle...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Vintage Ciner Green Enamel and Gold Diamante Link Bracelet, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Green Enamel and Gold with Diamante Bracelet Circa 1980s. This is a beautifully crafted bracelet, with the inside just as gorgeous as the outside. It appears to have green e...
Enamel, Mixed Metal
Ciner Necklace Green Blue & Yellow swarovski Crystal New, Never Worn -1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large Multicolored Swarovski Crystals on this Stunning Ciner Choker Measuring .25 inches wide x aprrox 16 inches long. This is a Stationery curved choker, does not lay out flat. Matc...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Bracelet Giraffe Swarovski Crystal Bangle New, never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner Giraffe Rhinestone Enamel Bracelet Has a gold-toned base with black enamel, Swarovski Crystals adorn this bracelet. Will fit a 6-7 wrist nicely. In...
Crystal
Vintage Hemisphere Faux Coral Ciner Clip-On Earrings, 1980S
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage hemisphere clip-on earrings in gold tone setting by Ciner. Decorated with faux coral matte cabochons. Signed. Period: 1980s Condition: Very good. Light scratches through meta...
Tiffany Inspired Crystal & Chandelier Clip-On Earrings circa 1970s
By Ciner
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Ciner Crystal & Chandelier Clip-On Earrings from the circa 1970s are a stunning example of vintage glamour and exquisite craftsmanship. These earrings feature a cascading design of sparkling crystals arranged in a chandelier style, creating a dramatic and eye-catching effect. The intricate detailing and high-quality crystal stones reflect the luxurious aesthetic typical of the 1970s jewelry scene. They are perfect for adding a touch of vintage elegance to any outfit, whether for a formal event or a stylish night out. These earrings can be beautifully styled with other designer accessories such as a Judith Leiber crystal clutch...
A soft grey baroque pearl and clear crystal 'twist' necklace, Ciner, USA, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
A very elegant necklace, made from soft grey baroque paste pearls and faceted crystals, in a 'twist', meeting in a large gilt and paste clasp, with Mabe style soft grey paste pearl a...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Swarovski Brooch Pendant black & Red, New Never worn 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
This is both a brooch and a pendant. Has Red and what looks to be black Swarovski Crystals as well as deep red cabochons. Clear Crystals as well. It has a hook on the back to use as ...
Gilt Metal
1990s Large Ciner Blister Pearl Clip Earrings
By Ciner
Located in London, GB
Wow, when we first looked at these, we thought they were high-end jewellery, such is the quality from the fabulous American designer Ciner. The company, which closed in 2022, was th...
1980s Ciner Cluster Clip-On Earrings W/ Faux Citrine Pearl & Topaz
By Ciner
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Ciner cluster clip-on earrings with faux citrine, pearl and topaz.
CINER signed vintage gold tone white glass designer clip on earrings
By Ciner
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed CINER • gold tone with glass • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 50 ❤️❤️ VINT...
1960s Ciner Single Strand Pearl Necklace with Diamante Clasp
By Ciner
Located in London, GB
This elegant 1960s faux pearl necklace was made by Ciner, one of America’s longest-established and most highly regarded costume jewellery houses. Founded in New York by Emanuel Ciner...
Ciner Pave and Gilt Flower Brooch Suite
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Ciner Pave and Gilt Flower Brooch Suite from the 1960's. Tiny heart shaped petals are hand pave set with crystals in gilt mounts. Brooch and clip back earrings. Signed. 1960'...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Enameled Clip on Earrings New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
A Pair of enameled CINER earrings. These match the Giraffe Beaded Ciner necklace that is listed as well. They measure 1.48 top to bottom x .78 at the Widest Point. This is out of a ...
Enamel
Vintage CINER signed gold coral massive maltese cross designer brooch pendant
By Ciner
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed CINER • gold tone with faux coral cabochons • vintage designer brooch / pendant MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal sig...
Ciner Faux Topaz Retro Earclips
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Ciner Retro faux topaz ear clips with faux aquamarine paste accents, all set in engraved gallery of gold washed sterling silver. Clip back fittings. 1940's USA. Excellent Condition. ...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Stunning Vintage Designer CINER Signed Faux Diamond Estate Brooch Pin
By Ciner
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant & Stylish Modernist Estate signed CINER Gold tone articulated Ribbons inter-spaced with same Ribbons set with sparkling Faux Diamanté set stones; signed by designer CINER on...
Gold Plate
Ciner Enamelled and Pave Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Bombe Ciner earrings with pave accents set in black enamel with clip back fittings. 1"
Excellent condition.
Huge Ciner Retro Floral Spray Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Large and striking Ciner Retro floral spray brooch of gold plated metal, crystal pave with focal faux aquamarine and ruby flower head. Strong dimen...
Gold Plate
Ciner Modernist Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Ciner earrings composed of a concave chrome oval set with a golden oval cabochon. Clip back fittings. 1980s USA. 1.25" x 1". Excellent condition.
Ciner Swarovski Red Green Amber Crystal encrusted Earrings New Never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Red, Green, Amber and clear Swarovski crystal Earrings. Still on original earring card. Measures .92 inches in diameter. Visit our store front for hundreds of designer costume jewelr...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Gold Tone and Rhinestone Shell Statement Brooch circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in London, GB
Ciner fine quality gold tone shell brooch, embellished with glittering rhinestones, and featuring a golden rope twist design. Length 6.3 cm / 2.48 inches by maximum width 3.6cm / 1....
Ciner Swarovski crystal earrings New, Never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner Swarovski Large Enameled and Crystal Earrings (clip on's) Ciner earrings. Still on the original Neiman Earring card, never worn. Measuring 1.38 Top to bottom x 1.07 wide. The ...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Faux Citrine and Ruby Retro Sterling Silver Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Large, dimensional Ciner Retro brooch of gold washed sterling silver. Large focal, oval faux citrine stone is flanked on both sides by faux ruby beads and...
Sterling Silver
Ciner Enamel Triple Loop Earclips
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Ciner Enamel Earclips of ivory and navy blue hard enamel on gilt metal. Formed as three overlapping fixed loops with clip back fittings. Signed Ciner. Excellent Condition L ...
Gilt Metal
1940s Ciner Art Deco Gold, Purple & Green Rhinestone Floral Brooch
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Ciner brooch from the 1940s showcases the glamour and craftsmanship of the Art Deco era. Ciner, a four generation company in NYC created jewelry for 130 years prior to...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Ciner Vermeil Heart and Bow Pin Brooch, Citrine and Ruby Crystals, Sterling
By Ciner
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish pin brooch from Ciner. Features a sterling silver, gold-plated heart and bow motif decorated with citrine and ruby-colored crystals. Gold-plated sterling silver (vermeil). ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Ciner Brooch Swarovski crystal Starfish Pin New Old Stock 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Red and Clear Swarovski crystal cover this entire Brooch by Ciner. New, never worn. Measures 3 in x 3 in. This is out of a massive collection of New Old stock items as well as Hopi, ...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner Brooch Swarovski Crystal Floral AMBER Gold NEW Never worn 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another piece of Stunning Ciner. Amber Swarovski Crystal in the center of a floral brooch. Measuring 2.44 in w x 2.16 in top to bottom. There is a nub that has a factory defect on it...
Crystal, Gold, Gilt Metal
1990s Ciner Black Enamel and Goldtone Earrings with Green Center
By Ciner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1990s Ciner Black Enamel with Rhinestones and Green Center Goldtone Clip On Earrings. These Earrings are in Excellent Condition. Measurements: Length: ...
Large Ciner 1980s Swarovski crystal earrings New, Never Worn
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Over sized clip on Ciner Swarovski Crystal earrings Circa 80s. New Old Stock. Large Blue center crystal with brown, amber and black surround...
Vintage Ciner Leopard Enamel Clip on Earrings
By Ciner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ciner, established in 1892, is renowned for its exquisite costume jewelry, blending intricate design with luxurious materials. The brand's leopard-themed enamel clip-on earrings exe...
Enamel
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Clip on Earrings
By Ciner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Ciner gold-tone clip-on earrings are esteemed for their timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Ciner, established in the early 20th century, has a legacy of produc...
Ciner Domed Enamel Target Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Enamelled dome earrings by Ciner NY in concentric circles of deep green and navy. clip back fittings, 1980s. Excellent condition
Ciner Gilded Gold Vermeil Hardware "Seashell" Earrings
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Ciner's wonderful elegant gilded gold vermeil hardware "Seashell" clip-on earrings are timeless and classic. These earrings measures 1" x 1", with a depth ...
Ciner Pearl Earrings Gold Gilt swarovski New, Never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large swarovski Crystal and Pearl Clip on earrings. New old stock on Neiman Marcus Earring Card. Measures 1.48 inches x 1.32 inches. The majority of our costume jewelry is New Old S...
Gilt Metal
Ciner swarovski Crystal Leopard Earrings Never Worn 1990s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Earrings are in a Leopard motif with enamel and Swarovski Crystals. Measuring 1.07 / 27.36 mm square. Matching Leopard Ciner necklace available on our store front as well. This is ou...
Gilt Metal
Ciner Enameled Black & White Gold Earrings New, Never worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner Black & White with gold tone detailing clip on earrings that measure 1.23 inches x .78 inches wide. On a Carolee earring card, however these are Ciner The matching bracele...
Enamel
1990s Ciner Gold Tone Button Clip-on Earrings
By Ciner
Located in London, GB
A statement pair of 1990s Ciner burnished gold tone metal clip on earrings. These striking earrings are very similar to Chanel button earrings and have the most amazing soft gold hue...
Ciner Brooch Sea Shell Gold tone New, Never Worn from 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Ciner sea Shell Brooch. Large oversized Gold Gilt Sea shell Pin. Measures 2" wide x 4.75" top to bottom. This is certainly a statement piece! This is out of a massive collection o...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Ciner 18k Gold Plated 3 Citrine-Tone Clip-On Earrings
By Ciner
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in the timeless allure of these Vintage Ciner 18k Gold Plated Citrine-Tone Clip-On Earrings, elegantly designed with three stunning shades of citrine-tone crystals. These cap...
Ciner Red White and Blue swarovski Crystal Earrings New, Never Worn 1980s
By Ciner
Located in Wallkill, NY
Still on the Neiman Marcus earring card are these New old stock Ciner Clip on's. Measuring 1.50 in diameter. This is out of a massive collection of Hopi, Zu...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Ciner 24K Gold Plated Citrine Statement Earrings
By Ciner
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Breath-taking 24K gold plated Ciner clip on earrings circa 1980s! Gorgeous jumbo gold Hollywood Regency style studs featuring an arrangement of three differ...