Since its beginnings, Chanel has always had a love affair with jewelry. It’s little wonder–Gabrielle Chanel knew the power of an accessory early on. After all, she started with hats. Born in Saumur, France on August 19th 1883, she opened her millinery boutique at 21 rue Cambon under the name Chanel Modes in 1910. It was a favorite of French actresses and tastemakers of the time. By 1913, she began selling her line of clothing made of jersey (a material previously reserved for men’s underwear) at her first boutique in Deauville. By the 1920s, the forward-thinking designer had already debuted a slew of fragrances and dipped her toes into jewelry.

Statement jewelry has always been a key part of the Chanel look: Gabrielle Chanel started making high-quality costume jewelry in the 1920s and w

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