What Is Cliff Jewellery Anyway?
Alright, picture this: you’re sifting through vintage jewellery history, and “Cliff jewellery” pops up. But wait, does it mean jewellery from a cliffside or something high-tech? Nah, it’s way cooler. There are really two famous gems of “Cliff” jewellery—Castlecliff Jewellery from New York, and Clarice Cliff’s quirky pottery-inspired pieces from England. Almost like two sides of the same coin, both bringing artisan creativity and rich history to your wrist, neck, or ears.
The New York Beacon: Castlecliff Jewellery
Founded in 1918 by Clifford First and Joseph Bobley, Castlecliff started off right in the heart of New York City. This brand didn’t just follow trends; it defined a vintage costume jewellery aesthetic with flair.
Here’s the juicy part: during World War II, traditional jewellery materials were rationed. Castlecliff got innovative, bringing in wood, plastics, rhinestones, and vividly colored glass cabochons into their designs. These materials weren’t just substitutes—they became the identity of the brand. The eclectic mix, inspired by everything from Gothic cathedrals to Renaissance art, created a vibrant, collectible style loved by many.
William Markle, the main designer in the 1950s, added architectural and Art Deco influences. Fast forward to the 1970s, Lawrence Vrba infused the jewellery with dramatic, bold shapes inspired by Pre-Columbian art and museum natural history exhibits—think big, colorful, sculptural pieces that make you say “Wow!” without uttering a word.
By the way, if you’re curious about showstopping fine jewellery events, you might enjoy reading When Is Hong Kong Jewellery Show Held? Your Guide to Major Annual Events to see how global jewellery trends are shaping up.
Clarice Cliff Jewellery: From Ceramics to Sparkle
Now, hop over to England, and suddenly “Cliff” means Clarice Cliff — a celebrated name in Art Deco ceramics. Clarice Cliff pottery is famous for its bold colors and geometric shapes from the 1920s. The jewellery made from broken pieces of her pottery is a brilliant reuse story that’s both eco-conscious and chic.
Artisans carefully take fragments of vintage Clarice Cliff pottery, repairing and setting them into sterling silver pendants, cufflinks, earrings, and rings. It’s like owning a mini-masterpiece that carries history in every shard.
If you want to get a sense of how to style such unique pieces, check out When To Wear Clip Jewellery: Fashion Meets Function for tips on mixing vintage vibes with modern looks.
What About Van Cleef & Arpels? The Name Confusion
Now, we can’t talk about jewelled legends without a nod to Van Cleef & Arpels. Although the name sounds a bit like Cliff, it’s a different universe — a luxury French maison founded in 1896 renowned for high jewellery glamour and poetry in design, not related to Cliff jewellery history.
If you want to dive deeper into fine jewellery’s glittering history, this gem of a read When Did Jewellery Begin Its Glittering Journey? unpacks the evolution of jewellery’s sparkle over the centuries.
Why Collect Cliff Jewellery? Spoiler: It’s More Than Just Bling
You might think vintage jewellery is just old stuff. Nope. Cliff jewellery, especially Castlecliff’s pieces, often reflects eras of design innovation caught between necessity and artistry—like during WWII—and a boldness that challenges traditional luxury jewellery norms.
Clarice Cliff pieces? They’re miniature time capsules of one of the 20th century’s most iconic ceramic artists, transformed into wearable stories. Both offer the chance to own something genuinely unique, historic, and often sustainable by nature.
Where to Find Authentic Cliff Jewellery and Elegant Storage
Looking for authentic Cliff jewellery pieces or stunning jewellery boxes to keep your collection safe? Check out the Return Gift Collection: Explore Thoughtful Gifts for Every Occasion for curated gift ideas.
For those who appreciate storage as much as the jewels, the Jewellery Box Collection: Elegant Wooden & Fabric Designs offers beautiful options that blend style and protection.
And if you really want premium handcrafted storage, the Wooden Jewel Box: Premium Handcrafted Storage for Ornaments is a masterpiece itself.
Buying Cliff Jewellery: Affiliate Recommendations
If you’re thinking about adding some Cliff jewellery to your collection, here are reliable affiliate links to get authentic pieces based on where you are:
- For India shoppers: Castlecliff Jewellery India
- For global buyers including the USA: Castlecliff Jewellery Global
A Final Sparkle to Take Away
Whether it’s the innovative flair of Castlecliff Jewellery or the beautifully crafted pieces inspired by Clarice Cliff pottery, “Cliff jewellery” is a tribute to enduring creativity, history, and style. So, next time you’re hunting for a piece with character and story, remember cliff jewellery isn’t just about gems and metals—it’s about an artistic legacy lighting up your collection with wow-factor charm.