Holiday Style: Wearable Vintage Fine Jewels Back In Fashion

Well-heeled jewellery collectors are starting to favour signed vintage designer pieces that are more affordable, casual and versatile for everyday wear and travel. According to the results of two recent major auction events by Christie’s and Sotheby’s, exquisite wearable creations from the ’60s and ‘70s by haute joaillerie maisons were very popular and fetched record prices never seen before.

Elizabeth Taylor was a big jewellery collector who was hardly ever seen without a piece of bling on her, even when she's on vacation or in casual mode.

This festive holiday season, we highlight four vintage statement pieces from our collection that won’t break the bank and yet are unique, eye-catching and appropriate for any occasion – from a board meeting or a fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in town, to après ski in the Swiss Alps or a poolside party in the Maldives.

A Diamond and Cultured Pearl Brooch, By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.

Designed as a stylised sea creature, this stunning brooch is centrally set with an old European-cut diamond approximately 2.5 carats, and surrounded by round-cut diamonds totalling approximately 6 to 8 carats. Mounted in yellow gold, it bears French hallmarks and partially visible maker’s mark signed Schlumberger Tiffany. Made in France.

An 18k Retro Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet, By Mauboussin, Circa 1950

This effortlessly chic bracelet features highly flexible links of pyramid design and a diamond-set buckle motif with a deployant clasp. It bears French hallmarks, is signed Mauboussin, and measures 16.5cm long.

A Set of Yellow Gold and Coral Ear Pendants with Matching Ring

The vibrant hue of gorgeous red coral takes centrestage in this set, which features a pair of dangling earrings with round bead and drop-shaped coral, and a ring with a cushion-cut coral. Accentuating the gems is masterful gold beading and rope work. The ear pendants measure approximately 7.1 cm long, while the ring is sized 5.5.

A Pair of Yellow Gold and Diamond Swirl Earrings, By René Boivin, Circa 1937

Flaunting old European and round-cut diamonds mounted on yellow gold, the earrings are designed in a swirl design very popular in the ’50s and ’60s. They also come with French hallmarks and an authenticity certificate from jewellery historian-expert Madame Françoise Cailles. They measure approximately 1.2cm by 2.5cm.