I know it's costume jewellery, however the amount of detail and work that goes into these pieces are just incredible. Whenever I buy a new Chanel piece to add to my collection, I always ask about its history, what atelier made the piece, how it was made, the amount of time that went into the creation etc.
I really encourage you all to do the same next time you go in store. It will give you a complete new outlook and appreciation for the costume jewellery pieces. For instance, the fake pearls are hand blown using glass, and as such their can be a lot of waste to obtain a perfectly round, clear and pearl of appropriate size for use in a Chanel jewellery. The resin jewellery is hand painted which takes a lot of precision, and the metal work is hand crafted. Any jewellery with strass (e.g. the new Chanel whistle) is especially expensive as the crystals have to be cut exactly to size and shape and are applied by hand.
I know this video doesn't exactly show the making of costume jewellery, however if you watch from 2:10, you will see resin being applied to a button by hand using a syringe. This would be similar to how some pieces of jewellery are made.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Evjypl7Tfk
I also know for the jackets, Chanel only employ tailors/dressmakers who have had a minimum of 15 years experience making clothing.
I guess you are paying not only for the brand, but the time, effort and experience that goes into creating these beautiful, unique pieces. To be fair, a lot more work has probably gone into the creation of these beautiful Chanel pieces when compared to lower end jewellery that may be real gold or diamond. Over here in Australia we have Michael Hill and Prouds jewelers, which produce flimsy mass produced jewellery which is made of real gold and diamonds. I would rather have a more original, unique and limited Chanel piece when compared to that.
that is so interesting, I did not know that. I shall be sure to check that video out when I am home from work (yes being naughty on TPF at work.....).
Michael Hill & Prouds - yep - mass produced and often low quality workmanship in many of their items (to keep prices down I guess). I agree with all you said