Chanel Vintage Jewelry Designed by Karl Lagerfeld Heads to Auction

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Editor’s Note

For the first time, Christie’s will auction vintage Chanel jewelry personally designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld. The pieces, emblematic of his iconic style, are part of a major online sale from the collection of his close friend Susan Gutfreund, running January 14–29.

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Historic Sale

Vintage Chanel jewelry designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld will be offered at auction for the first time by Christie’s. The pieces, which include necklaces and earrings emblematic of Lagerfeld’s style incorporating the maison’s codes, will be part of a major online auction of the Gutfreund family collection, running from January 14 to 29 on Christie’s website. The collection was owned by Susan Gutfreund, a close friend of Lagerfeld, who often gifted her runway samples and unique jewelry.

Costume Jewelry with High Estimates

All items in the sale are considered costume jewelry, containing no precious metals or gemstones. However, Christie’s estimates each piece will fetch between $2,000 and $5,000. Commenting on the relatively high estimates, Claibourne Poindexter, Jewelry Specialist at Christie’s, said:

“They are emblematic of the time, but also uniquely designed. You can see Lagerfeld’s playfulness throughout, from earrings shaped like French silverware to pieces modeled on antique wax seals. They are incredibly wonderful and chic.”
A Snapshot of a Bygone Era

Poindexter also offered a perspective on the pieces as artifacts from an era in luxury fashion before the global rise of mass-produced fashion and accessories:

“These jewels offer a glimpse into the world of 1980s and 1990s haute couture, with a level of design and detail obsession that resonates with that period. They represent a time when fashion was fun and could produce the best of the best in every possible way. These items will continue to hold immense significance in the history of 20th-century costume and fashion jewelry design.”
Unique Prototypes and Runway Pieces

Many items in the collection are one-of-a-kind or handmade prototypes created for runway shows, and thus often lack brand markings or logos. Poindexter noted:

“While nearly all Chanel jewelry on the market today was produced and sold for the end consumer, most of the Gutfreund collection was created as prototypes. Some are completely handmade and were the only jewels worn on the Paris runways.”

Consequently, she considers it “the finest collection of Lagerfeld-era Chanel jewelry from a single owner.”

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⏰ Published on: December 24, 2020