The 1970s is known for its bold and daring trends, from shimmering platform shoes to exuberant hairstyles. The decade was also a major influence in the world of jewelry design, with vibrant colors; intricate metalwork; and beautiful combinations of natural materials taking center stage. Today, designers continue to be inspired by many of the distinctive styles that rose to prominence in the 70s, meaning elements of the era are still in-trend almost fifty years later.
Various Styles
In 1970s jewelry trends numerous material combinations can be found: brightly colored plastic beads combined with gold-tone metals, as well as precious stones paired with more traditional pieces like pearls or diamonds. Popular metallic shapes such as spirals, flowers and leaves were often used to create truly eye-catching pieces.
When it came to color choices, vibrant hues like royal blue, emerald green and deep red tended to dominate designs. Bold statement necklaces featuring large hoop pendants were popular at the time too.
Conclusion: A Strong Influence on Contemporary Jewelry Design
Concluding our exploration into 1970s jewelry trends overall we can see that when it comes to contemporary jewelry design, this era has had an enormous impact. Elements like bold colors, intricate metalwork and unique pairing of traditional and contemporary materials have been seen on countless catwalks over recent years – a testament to how loved they remain almost half a century later.
As style evolves so do the respective eras which feed into it; when it comes to modern jewelry design few decades come close to having such an abundant influence on today’s fashion industry as that seen during the 70s.
Statement Piece Jewelry
In the 70s, statement pieces became a popular trend in jewelry, with the ability to make any outfit “pop.” A myriad of layers, colors, and shapes were incorporated into these 70s statement pieces that created iconic silhouettes. Many styles made appearances during this time period that would go on to define fashion for generations to come.
One of the most iconic looks from the 1970s was outrageous costume jewelry. These items were often metal or plastic and decorated with different shells, rocks, gems and beads.
Large chunky necklaces and earrings were staples for eveningwear; this type of jewelry went a long way toward striking a balance between casual chic and glamourous excess. However, some pieces definitely leaned more toward either side of the spectrum – hip-hop culture spawned large accessories composed of jewels and rhinestones whereas natural jewelry featuring elements like river stones or wooden disks were favored by those wanting something simpler.
Another memorable trend that emerged in the 1970s was afterhours clubbing accessories like neon bangles or glow-in-the-dark pendants/chains. This accessory aesthetic had a lighthearted and fun feeling to it that became closely connected with disco culture.
On special occasions like Fashion Week, celebrities wearing designer pieces perpetuated this trend even further by layering on multiple glitzy chains – gold grilles in particular – and rings with big gemstone settings, to match their outré ensembles. [1] By mixing different colors and textures, putting together various shapes (large hoops or spiked medallions) and adorning items with otherworldly charms (rainbows and stars being particularly popular motifs), these styling cues became integral parts of any 70s look.
Overall, 1970s jewelry embodied a free-spirited outlook unique from anything before it: colorful designs, over-the-top embellishments combined for an eccentric mix artistically expressing individual style. From gradient clubbing pieces to plain yet eye-catching takes on classic shapes such as crucifixes or hoops – no matter your chosen aesthetics from this era you are sure to find something perfect for you.
Bold and Bright Colors
The 1970s was a period of tremendous cultural shifts, so it comes as no surprise that the jewelry trends of this era were also incredibly bold and daring. Bright colors and big shapes were at the forefront of fashion in this decade – aesthetics that challenged traditional jewelry designs.
Sterling silver became the iconic material for 1970s jewelry, with many pieces featuring an array of colorful gemstones set into intricate patterns. In particular, turquoise and coral symbols were popular during this time as they had special meaning to Native American culture – representing balance, protection, courage and wisdom.
Gold chains, geometric shapes and dangling psychedelic earrings all combined to create a look that was unmistakably 70s. The dramatic design elements often referenced nature or spiritual themes; chalices, birds and hearts were especially prominent motifs in the pieces created during this period.
Alongside bright colors, oversized hoop earrings and statement necklaces made an appearance – perfect for adding an element of wildness to everyday wear. Rather than simply being functional, jewelry in the 70s granted its wearer’s confidence and individuality – asserting their identity and conveying strong messages of individual expression. Pop-art inspired styles summarized this sentiment perfectly; acrylic buttons featuring kaleidoscopic images gave off a fantastic futuristically retro vibe.
The 70s placed emphasis on expressing personal regional identities, allowing wearers to authentically represent what mattered most to them – tying together spiritual belief systems with cultural heritage and modern fashion statements. This era did not shy away from bold statements; rather it embraced them and allowed individuals to express themselves through unconventional jewelry designs full of vibrant color schemes.
Exploring Natural Materials
The 1970s brought about an exploration of natural materials in jewelry trends. Instead of the more classic metal and stone jewelry, nature became a major source of inspiration for designers. Semi-precious stones, shells, feathers and wood began to make their way into everyday designs. From statement necklaces made from raw turquoise to wooden beads threaded into whimsical pieces, these items were highly sought after by fashion lovers who were impressed by the innovative techniques incorporated by jewelry designers.
The popularity of this trend could be attributed to folk cultural movements in the US at the time; people were looking for ways to express their free spirit and vibrancy through style and design.
For example, sustainable fashion house Chopard-known primarily for luxurious metal creations-released their ‘Wild Pop’ collection which included elegant necklaces outfitted with colorful birds’ feathers encased within glass cylinders; this luxurious boundary-pushing design became incredibly popular amongst stylish women seeking playful accessories with a modern edge.
Many have credited David Yurman – former apprentice to gems master Andre Boucher – as really driving this period of experimentation in modern jewelry designs. His diamond heartbeat pendent necklaces symbolized life energy; an apt representation of the passionate energy felt during this decade of vibrant activism and reinvigoration.
Embracing unconventional shapes, textures and colors he and other jewellers experimented with unique combinations inspired by captivating artforms such as Surrealism or creative design features like fabric-wrapped metals giving jewelry pieces a soft yet eye-catching quality that still inspires designers today.
The 1970s trended towards jewelry deemed ‘wearable art’ as craftspeople pushed boundaries on what was fashionable resorting towards handmade organic pieces that bordered between sculptural artwork yet retained a standard appeal has influenced even the most renowned luxury labels today.
Popular Styles
Jewelry styles in the 70s were reflective of the disco era’s carefree and glamorous spirit. As fashion trends moved away from geometry-inspired designs of the mod 60s, jewelry trends embraced bright, bold colors and large, noticeable pieces.
Many pieces were crafted with Lucite – a popular cheaply produced material that allowed designers to play with brightly colored plastics in various shapes and sizes. Designed to be worn all at once, they were designed to add sparkle and fun to any outfit.
One of the most iconic pieces of jewelry from the 70s is the statement necklace, consisting of large sparkling crystals or chunky, floral designs in vibrant colors. These necklaces often featured extended chains that could hang down low on a dress or blouse for added effect.
Earrings followed this aesthetic with chunky dangling crystals clustered together on ornamental hooks or as geometric shapes hung from earlobes. Along with hand painted Lucite pendants shaped like stars or flowers, these earrings finished off statements looks for the nightclub set.
Bracelets made up much of this trendy jewelry as well – many featuring adjustable bands or poles that allowed lampworking beads to spin around their wearers’ wrists like rolling dice. Enameled flowers were also popular amongst bracelet designs which often had matching clip-on earrings to complete sets.
To pull it all together as final touches came oversized thin gold rings with modern abstract designs plus cuff bracelets adorned with circular stones and romantic cabochons in swirling marbled glass hues like pink and orange. Together these created mesmerizing ensembles that will last forever in our disco folklore.
Iconic Jewelry Pieces
The 1970s was an iconic decade in terms of jewelry trends. The decade established many of the trends still seen today, such as chunky statement accessories and a range of bold colors. Jewelry pieces were often incredibly bold, colorful and eye-catching.
Gold chains and bangles were some of the most popular pieces that day and night throughout the decade. A lot of gold links jewelry was popular during this period, as people wanted to layer up their looks with different sizes and textures of links. Gold medallions featuring intricate designs such as Greek goddesses or majestic lions were seen on a lot of celebrities and popular figures during this time too – helping them become even more popular amongst regular shoppers.
When it comes to fashion trend staples from the 70s, chunky hoop earrings come at the top of the list. These oversized shiny hoops first started appearing in many high street boutiques through the 70s, quickly becoming something you’d find in almost every collection.
Available in all sorts – from large round hoops to angular and intricate shapes – Fashionistas had a lot to choose from when shopping for their jewelry box funds. Of course, these classic pieces are back again now thanks to a bit of vintage-centric style reappearing over past few years – making them just as much now as they ever were back then.
The 1970s also saw an influx of big statement necklaces that are quite similar to the items we’re wearing today, albeit with some futuristic design spins on them. We thank iconic figures like Diana Ross who would often emerge onto stage in necklace styles that featured huge architectural designs carved into substantial metal chains or rope-styled links coated in glossy enamel hues for inspiring us all here.
Replicas of these statement-making pieces can also be found on market stalls worldwide, with certain materials being specific homage’s towards classic looks from back then – brass instead silver chain-links or beads featuring bold geometric patterns engraved into each one – all make for perfect reminders about why jewelry has remained an important staple over so many generations’ wardrobes.
Incorporating Trends Into Modern Design
The 1970s was a time of great change in the world and some of that can be seen in jewelry fashion trends during this era. Clunky, bold, and vibrant 70s jewelry was made popular by an array of influential people including celebrities like Farrah Fawcett-Majors, Elvis Presley and Andy Warhol. The decade revolutionized the way people dressed and experimented with color choices and ideas for statement pieces.
Fashion statements in the 70s weren’t limited to clothing – jewelry played its role too. Chunky necklaces with elaborate designs were in high demand, along with oversized earrings adorned with jewels or simply crafted from plastic. Oversized rings were also very fashionable amongst both men and women at the time. Bold colors like deep purple, gold and silver were mixed together often to create a dramatic look while wearing multiple rings became incredibly popular as well.
Today, fashionistas have begun looking back on this trend in order to draw inspiration for modern designs. So pulling on elements of big chains especially when it comes to layered necklaces is becoming commonplace once again – as well as larger sizes being popular for some rings made out of dazzling stones such as sapphires or emeralds presented in almost bulbous structures representing creative asymmetry.
Other elements drawn from 70s fashion include chandelier earrings which featured rows of cascading stars or multicolored stones ending up in a tassel inspired finish – fueling modern designers’ desire to recreate grandiose aesthetics perfect for special occasions or simply looking extra glamorous.
Conclusion
The 70s were an era of classic fashion silhouettes and flashy statement pieces that redefined the rules of the fashion industry. As a reflection on this revolution, the jewelry trends of the decade stand out as some of the most iconic and influential designs in history. From chunky gold hoops to angular plastic bangles, jewelry quickly became an acceptable accessory for almost every outfit.
The bigger and more ostentatious, the better. This newfound love of accessories also ushered in an era of bolder materials like Lucite, sterling silver and more contemporary offerings such as carved bone and semi-precious stones.
In true 1970s style, the decade’s trends featured accessorizing with boldness and gusto. Body jewelry was especially popular during this time period, with necklaces and bracelets not just adorning fingers and wrists but also ears (think earrings) hands (rings) and navels (belly button rings). These items were often oversized, ornate or personalized – making sure no outfit felt incomplete without a piece of jewelry to match it.
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of 70s jewelry trends was how versatile they could be. Chunky hoop earrings weren’t only great for your denims but also looked amazing paired with floral dresses or long maxi skirts at nighttime soirees. Similarly, while statement necklaces weren’t restricted to any particular silhouette or gender.
Both men and women donned these intricate pieces as part of classic office wear outfits in order to make a powerful impression upon entering any room. This kind of freedom and experimentation was core to what made seventies fashion so popular then – and now – among all generations.
Ultimately, 1970’s jewelry trends embraced individual expression regardless of status or perceived place within society’s hierarchy. The materials used evolved beyond anything ever seen before, giving customers access to quality items at relatively affordable prices due to mass production techniques developed at the time. Combined with daring styling choices that continue through into modern day fashion, these original collections remain timelessly relevant despite their age or context.
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I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
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