Chanel Matelasse Clip-on Earrings

Q: Are these suitable for non‑pierced ears?
A: Yes. They have a classic clip-on closure, so no piercings are required. The clips are designed to sit securely on the lobe when properly adjusted.

Q: Are vintage Chanel earrings solid gold?
A: Most vintage Chanel costume jewellery earrings are crafted from base metal with high-quality gold plating, not solid gold. Chanel is known for using thick, durable plating that gives a rich gold finish when cared for properly.

Q: What does matelassé mean in this design?
A: Matelassé refers to a quilted, padded-look motif inspired by Chanel’s signature quilting. It creates a raised, light-catching pattern that echoes the House’s classic aesthetic across bags and jewellery alike.

Q: How large are these earrings and how do they wear on the ear?
A: The approximate dimensions are 9 × 2 × 0.5 cm (H × W × D). They are a statement, dangling style; for exact sizing please refer to the Measurements on this page and compare with a ruler to visualise the drop on your ear.

Q: Will clip-on earrings be comfortable for several hours?
A: Comfort varies by ear shape and tension. For best results, ensure the clip tension is not overly tight, add soft silicone clip cushions if needed, and give your lobes brief breaks during long events. A jeweller can fine-tune clip tension if you prefer a professional adjustment.

Q: How do I clean and care for gold‑plated vintage jewellery?
A: After wear, gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid soaking, ultrasonic cleaners, polishing compounds, or abrasive cloths, which can thin the plating. Keep away from perfume, hairspray, lotions and moisture. Store separately in a soft pouch to prevent surface scratches.

Q: Can clip-on earrings be converted to pierced backs?
A: Some jewellers offer conversions, but it depends on the construction and may affect collectability and value. We recommend consulting a trusted jeweller; A Retro Tale does not perform modifications on listed items.

Q: How can I tell if Chanel vintage earrings are authentic?
A: Authentic pieces often feature an oval or circular plaque on the reverse with CHANEL and a country of origin (commonly France or Italy), and many later pieces include season codes. However, stamps can vary and are not the sole indicator—quality of materials, weight, construction and finishing are all assessed. Every item at A Retro Tale is rigorously authenticated by our in‑house experts before listing.

Q: What is included with this pair?
A: Everything that comes with the earrings is listed under the product information on this page. If items such as a Chanel box, dust pouch or spare clip cushions are not listed there, they are not included.

Q: I have sensitive skin—are these hypoallergenic?
A: As with most vintage costume jewellery, the base metal may contain alloys that can bother very sensitive skin. If you are reactive to certain metals, consider using silicone clip cushions as a barrier and avoid prolonged wear if irritation occurs.