The 1970s marked a time of change for jewelry trends with bold statement pieces, exuberant colors and unique shapes being used like never before to express one’s individual style or to make an audacious fashion statement. In this era, particularly in the United States, it was not uncommon to see people wearing oversized chunky necklaces, bright plastic bangles and disco inspired earrings.
This trend lasted until the end of the decade when art deco and more modern styles were influential adaptations of 70s aesthetic that became popular in the early 80s.
Bohemian Style: Accessories Moving Away From Overdone Glamour
The most iconic look of the 70s is arguably the gypsy-boho style which is characterized by its use of indigo denim, vivid colors, abundant textures and interesting prints. While many elements such as dress hemlines can be associated with this type of style; it is jewelry that brings it all together in perfect synergy. Oversized shell pendants, wooden bangles, intricate beaded necklaces; earthy elements such as animal bones and feathers are all ideas which tie into this cultural aesthetic.
Unique Ballchain Statement Pieces and Solid Gold Chains
To further add on from bohemian style accessories, another incredibly popular jewelry trend from the 70s was ball chain statement necklaces and solid gold chains, typically made from links with signs such as peace signs or decorative patterns along its length.
Typically larger in scale than most weekly worn pieces of revere; these accessories perfectly matched slouchy clothing items such a tank tops or boyfriend jeans one could wear if they were aiming for a “groovy” instead traditional look at parties or even everyday outfits – depending on personal taste.
Ultimately, during the 70s these looks truly distinguished individuals who could afford to purchase high quality materials but also express themselves through their unique pieces – which try remain largely iconic till present day trends.
Retro Glamour
Jewelry trends in the 1970’s were full of nostalgia, whimsicality, and attitude. The era was more about making a statement than subtlety, with bold designs made from vivid precious stones and plastics, elaborate Art Deco pieces, and extravagant avant-garde creations. Each piece was meant to catch the eye and turn heads.
Colors and textures ran the gamut from dusk to dawn – mod monochromatic pastels paired with bright turquoise, deep ruby reds contrasted with ivory whites. Chain necklaces, pearl earrings, and chunky cocktail rings were every bit as popular then as they are now – only back then their designs were even bigger and flashier.
With such an overwhelming sense of liberation (with popular styles like the Boho Chic trend developing) during the 70s decade came newfound interests in innovative and inspiring means of expression – jewelry being one of these outlets.
As jewelry makers everywhere sought ways to express freedom through their designs, archivist shapes evolved into something entirely new – dynamic experimentalism spurred “bling” into existence via brash twists on classic Cameos using a variety of media such as semi-precious crystals bedecked with gemstones for maximum sparkle potential.
Handcrafted pieces teemed with movement: bangles made out of colorful glass beads instead of sleek metal or jeweled encrusted chokers that wrapped around the neck in clever overlays that seemed to bring life to any look.
The decade saw designers create novel interpretations on traditional floral motifs as well – vibrant florals crafted out of articulated panels made from plastic resin blossoms is one example or thick clusters incorporating Swarovski crystals or sparkling rhinestones hanging off feathered strands designed to echo modern Art Nouveau aesthetics. The result?
Absolutely fabulous all the way up until now. Whether worn with pride or admired at a distance, accessorizing oneself with unmistakable 70’s flair cannot be underestimated – it has achieved permanent status within fashion history.
Color and Sparkle
The 1970s were a decade of bold fashion and daring style, and jewelry wasn’t any different. Big statement pieces like oversized medallions, gold chains, chunky gemstone necklaces, and full sets of bangles and bracelets easily conformed to the heady times, even if they had an air that was completely devoid of refinement.
Asymmetrical shapes found their way into jewelry designs creating pendant necklaces with a bohemian vibe that effortlessly held their own alongside ornate the jumpsuits and brightly colored disco ensembles. And those who preferred more subtle fare could opt for the intertwined style of gold chains commonly seen during this time.
Colour also had an enthusiastic part to play when it came to fashionable 70s jewelry – rarely was it done in just one material. Instead jewellers focused on combining multiple shades of gold with bright crystals or synthetic stones like turquoise-green peridot or powder blue topaz, known at the time as London Blue Topaz.
Often pairs were made in yellow, pink or two-tone hammered gold for either earrings or matching ring and necklace sets that created harmony across the wearer’s outfit no matter how bright its colors may have been.
Luxury still held some sway during this era though; classic diamond solitaire rings were available with large cuts framed by platinum rather than set into a yellow or rose bezel often seen on cocktail rings.
But perhaps the most popular pieces through near enough all trends throughout jewellery’s ages are always delicate little stud earrings – small princess cut diamonds simply presented within rubover settings always stand out – a testament both to jewellery design talent in decades past as well as present day modernity.
Brass and Chain
The 1970s were marked by a sense of individualism as people began experimenting with fashion and styling choices that reflected their own personal preferences. Jewelry was no different, especially in the years from 1975-1980. While gold and silver jewelry had been popular throughout the preceding decades, brass and chain jewelry took center stage during this period. Made from bold materials, these pieces made it easy for individuals to make a statement without saying a word.
Brass pieces in particular were grand, often large and intricately detailed. Brightly colored enamel was often featured on bangles, chokers, and necklaces in designs that ranged from geometrically abstract shapes to floral patterns. These pieces were versatile and could seamlessly transition between formal occasions or everyday casual wear.
Chains were also popular in the 70s particularly those featuring charms such as peace signs and owls on them; an indication of the political climate at the time. Chains came in varying sizes with some as thick as millimeters (mm) while others were delicate forms reaching just around one mm or less in size.
The added weight of these chains provided a contemporary look all its own; it truly symbolized boldness for those brave enough to wear them proudly during this era.
The beauty of brass and chain jewelry is that you can still find these coveted pieces today easily accessible online or even much more affordably at antique stores or flea markets around the world. Whether it’s a vintage piece or newly released design, these pieces will always be visually striking regardless of whether they’re worn formally or casually; they come in all colors too so you can express your style however you may choose.
Vintage Inspiration
The 1970s were a time of bold fashion decisions. The retro look has made a major comeback in recent years, with vintage jewelry making its way back into the mainstream.
One of the hottest jewelry trends during this era was the use of colorful beads and stones to add sparkle and texture to all kinds of different accessories. Bell bottoms, platform shoes and statement necklaces all became staples during these years as psychedelic hippie patterns made their way into everyday style.
Popular Jewelry Styles: Colorful Beads & Textured Stones
Bright colored beads and fantastic jeweled pieces were all the rage among fashion savvy stars and everyday citizens alike. Different types of stones such as amethyst, carnelian, opal, tourmaline and jasper could be found adorning all kinds of items from rainbow-colored beaded chokers to metal charm bracelets made with quartz or malachite accents. Long pendant necklaces often layered different components on top each other for maximum flair and embellishment.
Gold plated chains with gemstone drops hung from oversized hoop earrings secured together by clasps – usually topped off with jangling tassels for added drama – made an unforgettable impression that has been embedded in modern minds ever since. Gemstones weren’t only used in single pieces either; they served as the basis for entire “sets” that created an even more striking impact.
Necklace-to-bracelet sets or multi-bangle stacks decorated any outfit with lush landscape tones arranged harmoniously together in one abstract composition; resulting in greater attention to detail and craftsmanship – a reminder why they are still considered prized possessions today.
Bigger Is Better: Making Your Statement
Polyester bell-bottom jeans, big bug-eye glasses and stacks of bangles made up an anonymous glamour queen’s favorite look she probably put together herself. Cutting corners wasn’t an option when reaching for popular 70’s styles; bigger was deifinately better. Bold necklaces hung heavily from distinctive golden chains draped around strong necks, signifying strength and high self value – something we can all relate to.
In fact stronger materials like heavy metal beading matched perfectly with leather straps which provided both comfort & durability over time. Long lasting trends offered opportunities for added dimension when styling hair – whether it was tying bead strands tightly above natural curls or adding multiple layered pins intricately designed as symbols of freedom & individualism throughout that magical decade.
Influence from Europe
The 70s were an era highly influenced by European fashion norms and trends. This extended to the jewelry trends of that decade, with designers transcending the boundaries of costume jewelry and incorporating sophisticated elements into their designs.
Typical looks involved large pieces, such as cuffs and earrings, as well as gold necklaces and flower-shaped pendants. European international influence also inspired other trends in fashion design, including the presence of French string bracelets that could be worn either on a necklace or a bracelet.
When it comes to jewelry making styles used in Europe during the 70s there is a great diversity of materials and methods used across this eclectic continent. From the colored glass beads common in France to the bright enamels used across Central Europe, some truly unique approaches were taken which have heavily influenced today’s popular styles.
The jewel style of choice for many fashionable Europeans was originally strongly related to costume jewelry that featured art deco motifs but continued through retro-inspired items such as plastic cufflinks and bangles often featuring bold colors or outlandish designs. Attention to detail played an important role in these pieces, including intricate details like engraving on backings made out of various metals like sterling silver and gold plated brass.
As with most modern fashion trends, maximalism was popular in Europe during this time – often with multiple strands when it came to necklaces or earrings with cluster bodies combined from different components. With designers leading the way with bringing new possibilities via custom made options using rhinestones and pearls along with exotic stones from around Europe – gorgeous jewelry creations became commonplace during this time period.
Large and Chunky
The 70s were all about experimenting with bold and daring looks. From bright colors, bold patterns, and oversized clothing to large statement jewelry pieces, the decade was about standing out.
According to Stan Herman, a fashion designer from the period, “After 30 years of refinement jewelry moved into chunky statement pieces that state: Here I am and this is who I am”. In the 70s larger than life jewelry and accessories such as wide stretch cuffs that fit up to the elbow and enormous sunburst earrings dominated the scene.
At first glance these over-the-top accessories seemed to be too much for everyday wear, but in actuality they became so popular during this era because of how easily they could add excitement to any outfit. Also during this era people began deviating away from buying expensive gold or diamond pieces, opting instead for less expensive materials like plastic or acrylic beads in simple string bracelets.
This made it easier for anyone to create their own fashionista look on a tight budget but still be fashionable.
But huge statement jewelry wasn’t just limited to those on a budget; some platforms offered more exotic options like African themed chokers handcrafted with authentic materials like feathers and beads. Celebrity icons such as Stevie Nicks quickly caught on this trend offering aesthetic pleasure by combining ultra-feminine floral blouses and velvet skirt with these bohemian percussive necklaces known as Chokers x DREAMERS necklaces today.
With its huge range of trends being brought back for today’s modern wardrobe, it definitely looks like Fashion in the 70s sets are here to stay.
Jewelry as Art
The 70s was known as the decade of fashion, movements, and creativity. One of the most iconic aspects of this era was jewelry trends. Our style could still be seen impacting the ladies trends today with vibrant colors, bold designs and a rejuvenated attitude of self-expression. Throughout this decade jewelry trends focused on being art in itself, embracing creativity and customization.
Many exciting new materials began to appear during this time. Animal furs combined to form wild looking rings while seashells were used to make delicate necklaces or earrings designs. These unique pieces could be seen as an extension of your identity; some wished to tap into their animal instincts through fashion while others made light and sophisticated accessories from natural elements such as pearls or mica chips.
It wasn’t just about being creative though – many pieces produced during this era embody the power of positive thinking and advocacy toward natural beauty. As brave women became more accepting of themselves, accessories changed along with them to create symbols that empowered their beliefs around self-love and respect for nature. The 70s marked a revolution in which women chose to stand together for a strong sense of belonging over flashy product adornment much beloved by media outlets today.
Fashion is not only superficial but is an artistic expression symbolizing who we are at our deepest core level; jewelry embraced these ideas perfectly in the 70s by allowing individuals to customize pieces that suited their personalities as well as represent important ideas they felt strongly towards. Those lucky enough to have experienced this period can recall its many fashionable components, one being jewelry that allowed us to express our feelings through stylishly designed pieces.
Welcome to my jewelry blog! My name is Sarah and I am the owner of this blog.
I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
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