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Seven Best Antique and Vintage Christmas Gift Ideas for Her
Posted by Chris on 18/11/2024
Another Christmas is on the horizon – yet the last one seems like it was only yesterday.
That means only one thing: special Christmas gifts must be sought out for her – your wife, partner, girlfriend, mother, sister. Some find it relatively easy to think up another round of excellent gift ideas for her, but many of us aren’t quite so inspired.
So where do you start, if you’re looking for unique Christmas gift ideas for the special woman (or women?!) in your life?
If you’re reading this article, then you’re in the right place...
Why buy antique and vintage Christmas gifts for women?
Even better than throwing money away on yet another White Company gift set, a spa voucher or some fancy clothing that she may or may not like, there is a much better option.
And that option is something totally unique that nobody else will have thought to buy her for Christmas. We promise you – she will be very impressed.
Buy a Christmas gift that will last a lifetime – a really special antique or vintage piece that no-one else has. Buying a one of a kind gift will let her know that in your life, she is a one of a kind, too.
Below you'll find seven of the best ideas for gifts, with some fantastic examples of items you can buy 24 hours a day, seven days a week - from wherever you are in the world.
Because the past makes a GREAT present.
Best antique and vintage Christmas gifts for her:
+ Bonus Christmas gift idea for her
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Don't miss your next read: the Seven Best Antique and Vintage Christmas Gift Ideas for Men
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Diamonds
Diamonds really are a girl's best friend, as they say. And there's nothing that says 'I really care about you' more than an antique or vintage diamond piece. Listed with us are hundreds of beautiful diamond rings, bracelets and necklaces to suit all budgets - so take a look at our selection below to get you started, and explore onwards from there.
- Vintage Black Onyx and Diamond Ring, 1920-40, £1,199 (pictured, above)
- Vintage Five Diamond Scrollwork Ring, 1950-80, £829
- Antique 1911 Diamond Star Ring, 1911, £589
- Vintage Diamond Wave Ring, 1950, £289
> View all diamond rings, bracelets and necklaces
Rubies
Show your passion, and love, for her this Christmas - with a beautiful antique or vintage ruby, one of the most beautiful gemstones in the world. They evoke emotions of love, lust and true romance, and are said to bring the wearer love and power. Rubies have long been a symbol of passion, energy and life, stemming from their intense red colour. Again, you'll find rubies in rings, bracelets and necklaces to suit your budget.
- Antique Victorian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Magnificent Ring, 1876, £4,699 (pictured, above)
- Antique Opal and Ruby Magical Ring, 1911, £2,249
- Vintage Ruby and Diamond Claw Ring, £1,249
- Antique Victorian Diamond and Ruby Ring, 1893, £899
- Antique Victorian Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring, 1880, £749
Compacts
Compacts are a wonderful, meaningful, and inexpensive idea for a Christmas gift for her. You can pick up these small (and thus, easy to wrap) compacts at very little cost, and they'll bring with them a lovely, untold story with them. Perfect for a tree present or stocking filler.
- Small Sterling Silver & Guilloche Enamel Compact - English, 1930, £POA (pictured, above)
- Three Vintage Art Deco Compact Mirrors, £36
- Gwenda Enamel Art Deco Compact, 1920s, £25
- Musical Ladies’ Compact, £65
> Explore all Ladies' compacts
Couture
Moving on from precious stones, we really don't think you can go wrong with vintage couture, whether that's Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier... Who doesn't love the decadence of an original designer item? They're of exceptional, long lasting quality, and will make the woman in your life feel like a million bucks. As they say, they don't make them like they used to - and you can get your hands on the real thing at very reasonable prices.
- Rare Silver Cartier Magnifying Glass, France 20th Century, £1,252 (pictured, above)
- Original Louis Vuitton Suitcase, 1960s, £3,750
- Vintage Chanel Belt with Large Pearls, Medallion and Pearl Tassel, £1,750
- Rare 1940s Chanel Eagle Brooch with Drop Pearl, Pin Closure, £485
- Chanel Long Scarf, Midnight Blue & Silver, £525
- Silver Gucci Neck Chain, £195
- Leo Thissandie Haute Couture: Rare Fashion Designer Drawings, circa 1930, £200
Dior
Christian Dior was a French fashion designer and founder of one of the world's top fashion houses. Today you'll find Dior's flagship store on Paris's Champs Elysee - but you don't need to go all the way to France to pick up one of the company's iconic pieces. They're listed right here on Antiques.co.uk. Dior is a simply fabulous Christmas gift idea for her.
- Vintage Rare Mid-century Christian Dior 2 Tone Necklace Choker (boxed with tag), £325
- Large Vintage Pure Silk Christian Dior Scarf, £225 (pictured, above)
- Christian Dior - Rare Brooch & Earrings by Mitchel Maer, £POA
- Vintage 1967 Christian Dior Brooch & Earrings, £POA
> Shop all Vintage Dior pieces
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co., founded in 1837, is an American luxury jewellery and specialty design house headquartered on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It is today regarded as one of the most iconic and definingly 20th century luxury brands. And while vintage pieces can go for several thousand pounds, you can still pick up some really interesting items here for a lot less.
- Tiffany & Co. Voile Platinum 1.5ctw Diamond Octagon Dangle Necklace, £4,500 (pictured, above)
- Tiffany & Co Voile - Platinum & Diamond Dangle Earrings, £3,500
- Sterling Silver 925 Unique Tiffany & Co. Tag, £50
- Superb Antique 19thc French Tiffany New York Rococo Mantel Clock, 1855, £POA
- Grand Antique Tiffany Sterling Silver Soap Box c.1900, £POA
Purses, Clutches, Bags
Like the compacts listed above, purses and bags are another unique and affordable idea for Christmas gifts for women. You'll find a varied and interesting selection listed with us - but here are a few ideas to get you going:
- Chanel Silk and Leather Clutch Bag (in original box with dust bag), £2,050
- Silver Lady’s Purse, £295
- 1930s Silver Mesh Evening Purse, £POA
- Silver Evening Purse with a Change Purse, circa 1920, £POA (pictured, above)
- Antique Victorian Mother of Pearl & Silver Purse Type Card Case, circa 1950, £140
- Vintage Chinese Satin Clutch Bag Purse with Brush Comb and Mirror, circa 1950s, £48
- Stylish Art Deco Woven Wicker Willow Bag, £375
> Explore more vintage handbags & purses
Bonus Christmas gift idea: original William Morris
If sparkly diamonds, gems, or vintage couture isn't the right fit for your Christmas gift for her - how about some original William Morris designs? Morris was a pioneer of the late 19th century arts and crafts movement, and has of late seen a resurgence in interest from collectors and interior designers alike.
- William Morris Room Divider, 1890s, £895
- Stained Glass Panel, the design of William Morris, £395
- William Morris Design: Hand-painted Table or Desk Top Box, 1890, £175 (pictured, above)
- William Morris Tree of Life, Designed Flemish Woven Tapestry, £295
> Explore more William Morris antiques
More antique and vintage Christmas gift ideas
Read next: the Seven Best Antique and Vintage Christmas Gift Ideas for Men