Vintage Christian Dior Jewellery Has Dropped In Time For Party Season

A rare and remarkable collection of archival Christian Dior jewellery has been sourced by vintage purveyor Susan Caplan to sell on Farfetch. The exquisite 80-piece edit comprises necklaces, rings, earrings, brooches and bracelets dating back to 1976-1998, and was acquired from a former master solderer at the house.

“I received a telephone call from a source of mine in Germany who asked if I was interested in a large private collection from an elderly gentleman who had worked at Dior for more than 20 years, and was considering selling,” Caplan recalls. “Not wanting to lose an opportunity to purchase such an impressive collection, I looked at the jewellery immediately in detail, ensured its authenticity and purchased it there and then.”

Caplan, who has been working in the vintage costume jewellery business for 35 years, had never come across any of the items before. “The entire collection has never been worn, which to me makes the find even more appealing,” she adds, before singling out a pair of shoulder duster earrings created in 1998. “I’ve never seen such meticulous craftsmanship, detail and grandeur preserved in such beautiful condition as these,” Caplan continues. “They have an ethereal presence that will sway effortlessly with one’s movement.”

The period is significant because it spans the tenures of three Dior creative directors: Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré and John Galliano. “Bohan won international respect for continuing Dior’s signature look of elegance but with a modernity that was new for the house. Ferré was widely known for his opulence and his architectural designs. And Galliano, of course, for his theatrical inspirations,” says Caplan in a fashion history 101. “The styles in the jewellery collection showcase fine examples of all the directors’ work, which emerged from different periods and historical events that influenced Christian Dior’s jewellery.”

The treasure trove drops on Farfetch.com in time for the looming party season, but is reflective of the e-tail platform’s wider efforts around circular fashion. “We have seen an increased interest in special archive pieces as customers are looking to make more conscious choices,” comments Maxim de Turckheim, Farfetch senior category development manager (watches and preowned). “We are able to continue to grow our pre-owned and archival offering at Farfetch through our amazing partners and pride ourselves on teaming up with the very best specialists in their fields.”