Collecting Vintage Givenchy Jewellery

For more than 60 years, Givenchy has been one of the world’s most iconic and desirable fashion houses. And Givenchy jewellery has been a wardrobe staple of fashionable, independent women for over 40 of those years. The bold and gold jewellery that defined the 80s and 90s is as relevant today as it ever was and vintage Givenchy jewellery has never been more in demand.

Givenchy have always been known for producing timelessly chic jewellery as seen throughout the 70s and 80s, meaning the pieces from these eras are now highly sought after and collectable.

A brief history of Givenchy

Hubert de Givenchy Vintage Givenchy jewellery 1970s Black model In 1952 Hubert de Givenchy founded the fashion label as a couture house. He opened the House of Givenchy at 8 Rue Alfred de Vigny in Paris, garnering great success with his debut classic and versatile Separates collection, ‘Les Seperables’, including the famous Bettina Blouse. He was also the first to couture house to launch a prêt-à-porter collection.

He was always exploring new opportunities and never wanted to stand still, collaborating with other designers such as Pierre Balmain, Elsa Schiaparelli and Mary Quant, and costuming for iconic films such as and "An American in Paris” and even "Breakfast at Tiffany's.” Audrey Hepburn was Givenchy's greatest muse, wearing Givenchy clothing throughout her life and career.

Audrey Hepburn Givenchy

Audrey Hepburn, Getty Images

By the 1970s, with help from Cristóbal Balenciaga, Givenchy diversified into accessories and shoes, arriving on New York’s Fifth Avenue in 1976.

The 1970s - the launch of Givenchy jewellery

In 1975, Hubert de Givenchy, decided to revive the brand’s jewellery collection with bold and luxurious designs, fit to be worn by any it-girl of the era.

1977 to 1981 was a heyday for Givenchy jewellery, where quality and design were impeccable. Pieces from that era are especially collectable, and remain a time capsule into fashion history. The collections consisted of long snake chains, modernist pendants and enamelled earrings. The perfect compliment to those long flowing maxis, as seen on Abigail’s Party.

Givenchy jewellery in the 1980s and 90s

Bertrand Rindoff Petroff via Getty Images

Cut to the 1980’s and fashion was big; big hair and big shoulder pads, and so jewellery had to live up to that. In the 80s, Givenchy introduced a range of gold and bold jewellery to accompany their fashion line. Think oversized clip-ons emblazoned with the iconic 4G logo, shiny bib necklaces, chunky chains and wide cuffs. This was the armour women wore to face the world.

The era of power dressing continued into the early 90s, especially in the US. But this didn’t last, high street fashion was becoming much more influenced by the pared back tonal looks seen on the Armani catwalk. Givenchy jewellery mirrored this trend, with cleaner lines, simpler shapes and more silver.

‍For us, Givenchy’s vintage jewellery is a reminder of the brand’s history and its rich culture. Wearing it channels the fashion, women, the attitude of the time.

Tips & Tricks with Vintage Givenchy Jewellery

Mix and match your jewellery

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks. Some of the best outfits are the ones created by accident and gone are the days of matchy matchy metals. Creativity is key, and trial and error are essential to finding the best look for you as mixing and matching different pieces will help create your unique look and style.

Stacking jewellery

You can go bolder by stacking your jewellery. Put pieces together for instant impact and to make your look pop. For example, try to wear chains with pendants, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and anything else from your collection.

Elevate your everyday

Wearing gold earrings, necklaces, and bracelets with t shirts and casual clothes will transcend any look. The beauty of vintage jewellery is that it makes a statement, day and night. A white t-shirt and jeans is transformed by a chunky gold chain, reminding the world of your boss girl energy and stylish elegance all at once.

Make sure it’s authentic Vintage Givenchy

Signature Logo: Look out for a designer stamp. Any jewellery from 1975-1980 will be dated. In the 80s and 90s you will see the logo or the word “Givenchy" in many different guises. Genuine Givenchy jewellery usually features the brand's logo or signature, either as a pendant or engraved on the back of the piece. The most common engravings include "Givenchy," "GIVENCHY Paris," or "Givenchy Paris New York."
Quality Materials: Givenchy is known for using high-quality materials in its jewellery. I tend to find that 70s and early 80s Givenchy jewellery doesn't tarnish very easily because the plating was such good quality. The worst culprits for tarnishing are the silver pieces made in the early 90s - they can oxidise very easily. This can be removed, but it always best to keep these pieces airtight wrapped in acid free tissue. The materials should feel substantial and well-crafted, with a smooth finish and consistent colouring.
Clasps and Fastenings: Authentic Givenchy pieces typically have well-constructed clasps and fastenings. These components should function smoothly and securely, and may also feature the Givenchy logo or name. Some pieces may not be signed if they came as part of a set, but you should still see familiar characteristics such as cross hatching on the reverse of the piece. Often, necklaces and bracelets in the 70s and early 80s featured the double G clasp, less so in later designs.
Time Period: Vintage Givenchy jewellery can be dated to specific eras based on the design, materials used, and logo variations.
Condition: Genuine Givenchy vintage jewellery should show signs of wear consistent with its age. However, the overall condition should be good, with minimal damage or missing components. Authentic pieces should not show signs of sloppy repairs or alterations.
Provenance: When possible, research the provenance of a Givenchy vintage jewellery piece. This may include information on previous owners, the original purchase date, or any accompanying documentation or packaging. Provenance can help confirm authenticity and provide valuable context for the item.

Browse our collection to familiarise yourself with iconic Givenchy symbols and designs of each era, and and always check the feel and weight of the piece. Sometimes, it’s just an intuitive instinct of what feels right. Any reputable dealer should accept returns if there are doubts.

Shop slow

Finally, be patient and don't rush into buying pieces that aren't right for you. It's important to take your time when collecting vintage jewellery, as you'll want to make sure each piece is perfect for your collection.

Check out some of our favourite vintage Givenchy pieces. Browse our full collection here

1970s Vintage Givenchy Pendant Necklace

1980s Vintage Givenchy Earrings

1980s Vintage Givenchy Necklace and Earrings Set