Jewelry has had a long history reflecting the styles and trends of a particular time period. jewelry trends by decade are a great indicator of fashion and culture during any given era, from the roaring twenties right up to modern day. A review of jewelry trends in each decade gives insight into the fashions and sentiments of people living in that era.
In the 1920’s, Art Deco styling was popular for jewelry pieces including necklaces, rings, earrings and more. This period marked a move away from the ornate designs popular in Victorian times, embracing bolder geometric shapes with bright gemstones set against platinum or white gold metalwork.
Designs were often asymmetrical which created a striking juxtaposition between bright colors such as jade green, lapis lazuli blue and ruby reds combined with feminine concentric circles or abstract squares featuring intricate details or contrasting tone-on-tone textures. Organic elements such as animal figures or floral motifs also made an appearance, inspired by Native American totems from the 1920’s revival movement toward cultural diversity.
The 1930’s was an era where sleek streamline adornments were trending due to its light weight and affordability in comparison to heavier pieces from previous decades. The Swing style dance had shown its influence on fashion leading to designs characterized by swooping curves emphasizing mobility and movement made of precious metals including gold, which became increasingly available during this decade due to greater production methods.
Art Deco designs prevailed but were mixed linear elements tied together with snaplinks for added interest as well as complementing swirling accents contributing more balance and softness – creating an overall wholesome look influenced by nature but still retaining its contemporary edge.
Furthermore, flowing ribbons added a sense of drama while maintaining subtlety as they gracefully drape along wrists forming cuffs or encasing fingers delicately with bands making them seem almost weightless on their wearers making it very fashionable at the time. Additionally, larger center stones incorporated set on delicate lightly hammered frames symbolizing strength yet still looking elegantly delicate characterizing this romantic period while celebrating not just an aesthetic beauty but also quality craftsmanship.
Overall, jewelry trends by decade prove fascinating through understanding how styles have changed over time – what has been trending at any given time yearning for further exploration into uncovering how our views towards self expression can change simply by seeing what we once deemed fashionable and even luxurious pieces treasured today.
The ’50s
The 1950s saw the jewelry industry move away from the deco-style of the 1920s and 30s, towards a look that featured large, ornate pieces reminiscent of baroque-style designs. This trend was partially dictated by fashion, which during this decade, shifted from utilitarian wartime looks to more feminine styles.
Jewelry from this time was also heavily influenced by Hollywood; bold and glamorous earrings, pendants, brooches and necklaces were seen on film stars such as Marilyn Monroe. These styles often utilized bright and colorful gemstones set in gold for a truly opulent effect.
The favorite treasures during this era included chunky statement rings boasting bold designs and colors. The influence of natural elements could be seen in various shapes like flower motifs and insects set into lockets.
Birdcage veils were also very popular and could be worn with various hairpieces including decorative combs or tiaras for a unique look on special occasions such as weddings or black tie events. Other popular items included sautoirs – long chains with highly decorated medallions at the end – which could be draped across the body for an unforgettable look.
The color palettes of jewelry during this time period revolved around yellow colors such as gold and pale copper hues along with plenty of diamonds and sparkling white gems like sapphires, topaz or pearls – whose popularity increased significantly during the ’50s thanks to their versatile nature and timeless appeal.
Large hoop earrings in combination with heavy chokers made from colored stones rose in popularity too, providing women with an easy way to dramatically change up their look without spending too much money on jewelry trends that would quickly become outdated.
The ’60s
The ’60s was a decade of experimentation and rebellion, and jewelry styles were no exception. People who associated with the hippie counterculture favoured bohemian jewelry thanks to its unique craftsmanship and aesthetic.
Key pieces included colorful beaded necklaces, macramé bracelets, chandelier earrings, pendants with symbols inspired by Eastern spiritual traditions, as well as huge wooden bead necklaces worn over full-length caftans. Despite the prevalence of hippies in this decade for their free-spirited tastes, more widely accepted trends in jewelry from the ’60s included long strands of pearls and gold chains that could be wrapped around multiple times as bigger was better.
Avant-Garde Pieces Take Wing: Jewelry Trends of the ’70s
The 1970s saw a strong interest in avant-garde designs made of unusual materials such as leather and velvet mixed with gems or feathers. Black was popular due to its rebelliousness as punk was taking over, while midi rings were widely seen on fingers everywhere – wearing several at a time to achieve a distinctive fashion. Costume jewelry pieces were still popular but modern synthetic opals and vibrant abstract sculptures often made from silver gained preference as well.
Exploring Luxury With New Metals: The Jewelry Trends Of The ’80s
In the1980s there was a great focus on precious metals with figural jewellery pieces like panthers; snake imagery became an obsession along with huggie earrings clad in diamonds or other gemstones – big bold hoops. Gold came back into fashion with chains set with pearls being extremely popular pieces particularly in Italy where they started out as very hip luxury items.
Birthstone jewelry had been effective for some years already but rose quartz carved items such stones bowls thoughout this decade gained plenty of attention too. Additionally everyone wanted bright enamel jewellery adorned with butterflies bows – it seems even people who weren’t that flash simply loved details here. For those preferring women adorned themselves necklaces they could layer up during summer seasons gold vermeil hoop earrings decorated thin chevron interlocked meant wearing two or three together guaranteed satisfaction.
The ’70s
The 1970s saw a resurgence in classical styles and designs, brought about by a nostalgic love of traditional decoration. Gold jewelry was particularly popular during this time, reflecting the folk-art revival trend of the decade. This romantic period also saw a growth in personal, handcrafted pieces, making it easier for people to purchase quality items at lower prices.
Gold jewelry reigned supreme during this period in terms of metal choice, and certain items became trendy, such as:
- Pyramid pendants
- Chunky bracelets with intricate designs
- Vintage watches with heavy gold bands
- Textured rings featuring foliage patterns
- Simple stud earrings
Many pieces were made from yellow or white gold; however, rose gold was becoming increasingly popular. The warm red hue was seen as fashionable and fashion-forward during this period. It was used heavily in chandelier earrings and bangles as an homage to the era’s romantic influence. Some items even showcased three-tone combinations of yellow, white, and rose gold for maximum impact.
In addition to rings and watches, religious symbolism was common among jewelry design trends during this time. Necklaces sporting crucifixes or Medusa heads presented powerful statements that reflected both glamorization and rebellion against authority simultaneously. Other symbols resembled art deco styles in heavy shapes framed with high-polished gold metals.
The ’80s
The ’80s is a trend-setting decade for jewelry. Statement pieces were popular then as they are now, as people would coordinate their clothing to the audacious accessories they adorned themselves with. Popular statement pieces ranged from chokers to earrings – all typically designed with layers of entertaining colors and materials. Chokers, which figured heavily into the decade’s fashion trends, became more and more ornate in design during the ’80s.
The use of synthetic fibers such as beads, string and leather was rampant, making these jewelry items truly expressive of the era’s collective style. Earrings got larger and brighter too – hoops reaching up to five inches in diameter were en vogue coupled with plain or intricate designs that created eye-catching shapes.
Rings also cropped up throughout the scene – often oversized affairs fabricated mainly out of gold and silver but accentuated with hints of other metals served to make sure even hands’ jewelry made a bold statement.
The ’90s: Logos & Subdued Colors
Gone were the days when jewelry had to be loud and proud in order to be fashionable during this decade – ’90s fashion trends saw brands ushering in daintier choices for those looking to make an accessory statement though color schemes became increasingly subtler. That said, logo-ridden accessories carried over from the ’80s remain popular this time round too allowing consumers to express their loyalty for their favorite bands and labels through their looks.
Bracelets experienced a resurgence towards the end of the ’90s due largely thanks in no small part to Hollywood stars who advocated wearing multiple ones at once for added flair – think ivory charms integrated into black straps by way of vibrant beads creating further contrast within each piece.
The Noughties: Celtic Influences & Sleek Shapes
As minimalism took off during this period so did monochromatic accents within each piece of jewelry becoming increasingly popular amongst shoppers by 2005 onwards – particularly those influenced by Celtic stylings originating from Ireland who opted for understated swirl motif rings often coupled with purple amethysts embodying both color and legend alike.
Necklaces provided another platform for these features to take hold although here we tended toward shorter chains boasting laidback pendants that provides just enough adornment whilst still keeping things on trend with its sleek shapes when combined with tea dresses or coat suites providing effortless sophistication well into modernity.
The ’90s
The ’90s saw widespread trends in minimalism that showcased a cleaner, sleek aesthetic. It was an era of style that featured sharp lines and geometric patterns and inspired many fashion pieces. Jewelry during that time was delicate and light, drawing inspiration from the minimalist movement without overshadowing the overall outfit. Jewels such as minimalist studs, thin bands, and chains woven with subtle ornamental pieces were popular staples adorning ears, wrists, and necks. This period heavily favored items such as:
- Geometric hoops
- dainty rings
- chunky chain necklaces
- premium sterling silver jewelry
Although most designs new to the scene were shiny and minimalistic pieces, gold hues also flourished during this period. Signature statement pieces of the decade included bold hoops combined with pendant charms for a unique look.
These years were laden with uncommonly shaped earrings that highlighted the simplistic trend while providing eye-catching appeal; think mid-length spear earrings or diagonally cut bars made for distinct looks. Strong statement bracelets embossed with chic designs on leather or chain straps brought added sophistication to an outfit, while layerable beaded necklaces created texture against any ensemble.
The ’90s ushered in fresh raw materials to incorporate into emerging jewelry trends such as metal alloys like titanium, tungsten, palladium and stainless steel typically paired with shining stones like turquoise, quartz, Swarovski crystals or gemstones for additional dazzle. The gemstone family extended its reach beyond diamonds by introducing trends such as large citrus zirconic stones to stand alone or to add flickers of color around smaller center stones for extra pop.
Dressy soirees had their own set of charms including floral-inspired diamond necklaces featuring intricate carvings encased in gold containers keeping delicate yet ornate jewelry at the forefront of fashion circles throughout the decade.
The 2000s
The first decade of the twenty-first century was a time of exploration and creativity for jewelers. Traditional pieces were re-imagined with unique materials and vibrant gemstones in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. From modernist designs featuring oversized sapphires to chunky necklaces strung with complimentary stones, jewelry makers made great strides in pushing the boundaries of traditional styles.
One of the most popular colors of the 2000s was pink. Jewelry featuring shades from hot pink to blush tones were everywhere. Sapphires in shades of pale purple, green, orange, blue were also common this era as well as mismatched earrings or rings that featured two different colored stones set together in creative combinations.
Another major trend from this era was bold statement pieces featuring big stones set into heavy metal designs or layered chains. Rings tended to be chunkier than ever before with oversize stones centered on thick bands often encircled by smaller diamonds for an extra wow factor. Bangles adorned with large cuts of stones such as emeralds paired with stylish charms were also quite common in bridal jewellery collections during this time period.
Materials such as enameled beads and multicolored gems added texture and vibrancy to the bold trends crafting one-of-a-kind pieces every jewelry lover wanted to show off throughout the decade. Necklaces crafted with clashing pastel tones created dramatic contrast while antique brooches rescued from vintage shops found their way into contemporary jewelry collections both on runways and stores alike giving way to endless possibilities for an edgy new look throughout the 2000s.
The 2020s
The world of fashion is constantly in flux, and the moving target that is trend setting has been given a new scope with the rise of eco-friendly and socially conscious trends. A reflection of our world’s current focus on sustainability, environmental awareness, and social equality, jewelry trends in the 2020’s are showing a shift towards mindful shopping habits.
In terms of style and design, necklaces featuring antique coins and gold plated charms are popular along with layering multiple delicate chains for an effortless bohemian look. Choker style necklaces made from wooden beads with colorful accent stones reflect both organic materials as well as sustainability.
Animal motifs, such as birds and beetles, are also seen in this vein reflecting a more wild nature element to jewelry designs. Similarly, lapel pins made from flashy medallions featuring animals have become increasingly popular too in recent times. These pieces can provide a way for customers to connect with their personal values through buying power that highlights protecting endangered species or promoting animal rights organizations around the world.
Alongside loving nature comes an increase in consumer demand for ethical production processes & transparent supply chains. The hot items now include handmade jewelry crafted out of recycled metals or small business up-cycled items.
As customers continue to use their purchasing power to communicate their social values they are replacing mass-produced jewelry found on fast-fashion sites with independent artisans working under healthier work conditions & paid fair wages overseas. As people look around for meaningful pieces that align with their values so do companies that offer traceable supplies & production steps designed to avoid exploitation or unethical practices which indirectly benefit both producers & consumers simultaneously.
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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