Vintage jewellery: silver, cufflinks and necklaces

Jewellery is the smallest form of design and often the most personal: a pair of cufflinks, a necklace from the seventies, a brooch with a history.

In this collection you will find used and vintage jewellery second-hand: cufflinks in 800 and 925 silver, necklaces with spiral patterns, brooches in hammered metal and the occasional piece from houses like Tiffany and Co.Every item is described with its hallmarks, condition and photos. Related pieces are among the silverware and in our art and collectibles collection.

How do you recognise real silver?

By the hallmark: 800, 835 or 925 indicate the silver content, and maker marks often sit alongside. We photograph the hallmarks where they are legible and write into the description what we found. Where a hallmark is missing, we say so just as clearly.

What makes vintage jewellery special?

It is almost always available only once. What was made in small workshops from the fifties to the eighties cannot be bought like that today, and the handwork shows: hammered surfaces, twisted spirals, settings still placed by hand.

How do you wear old jewellery today?

Singly and matter-of-factly. A pair of silver cufflinks with a plain shirt, a brooch on a coat collar, a necklace with a one-colour dress. The appeal is that nobody else wears the same piece.

Buying vintage jewellery: silver marks, cufflinks and necklaces

  • Small pieces, large effect: jewellery is the way into vintage for anyone without room for furniture. Related pieces are among the silver trays and bowls, the art and collectibles and the accessories.

    What you will find here

    • Cufflinks in 800, 835 and 925 silver
    • Necklaces and chains, often with spiral or woven patterns
    • Brooches in hammered metal and enamel
    • Individual collector pieces from known houses

    Provenance and details

    The pieces come from household clearances, collections and private sellers across Europe. Weight, hallmarks and dimensions are listed in the description of each piece, where provided by the seller.

  • silver cannot be used up

    Precious metal stays precious metal, however often it changes hands. Wearing used jewellery avoids mining and new production entirely and is therefore the most consistent way to buy it.

    How to style vintage jewellery

    One strong piece is enough. Silver goes with silver, but rarely with gold on the same wrist. Against plain clothing a hammered surface works best, because the light works within it.

    What connoisseurs look for

    • Hallmark and maker mark, ideally both legible
    • Clasps: a firm lobster clasp holds, a worn spring ring does not
    • On brooches, check the pin and the safety catch
    • Even patina rather than patchy cleaning marks

    Keep browsing

    As gifts, consider the gift ideas under 50 euros and the boxes and bonbonnieres.

Frequently asked questions and answers

What will I find in the jewellery collection?

Mainly silver cufflinks, plus necklaces, brooches, pendants and the occasional collector piece from known houses. All single pieces, and stock changes constantly.

What do the hallmarks 800, 835 and 925 mean?

They state the silver content in parts per thousand: 925 is sterling silver, 835 and 800 are older European standards common in Germany and Italy. All three are real silver, just with a different fineness.

How do I care for silver jewellery?

Polish dry with a silver cloth; for heavier tarnish use a mild silver dip and rinse well. Store silver airtight and it tarnishes more slowly. Let perfume and creams absorb before putting it on.

Can jewellery be adjusted?

Chains can be shortened, clasps replaced, brooch pins renewed, any goldsmith will do that. We sell the pieces as found and describe what stands out, so you can judge the effort beforehand.

Is vintage jewellery a good gift?

Very much so, because it is a vintage piece that is available here only once. Cufflinks are a classic gift, brooches and necklaces work without knowing an exact size. More ideas are in our gift collections.

Is this jewellery vintage or used?

Both. Vintage means pieces of roughly 20 years or older with a design language of their own, used simply means previously worn. Age, hallmarks and condition are listed with every piece.

Can I sell my own jewellery through you?

Yes, especially silverwork and signed pieces. Submit yours with photos of the hallmarks through our sell page, we check condition and demand and come back with an assessment.

How is jewellery shipped?

For questions about shipping or returns our service team will help quickly.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our jewellery pieces - from new to used and vintage.

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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