Retro jewelry is an era of fashion that has come back in style. It emerged in the 1960s, when specialized shops and high-end designers began to reproduce vintage styles from the1920’s. Retro jewelry encompasses an assortment of colorful, ornate designs, with a heavy influence on mod and geometric designs. It also borrows ideas from Hollywood’s glamour years; featuring lush elements and luxurious finishes like pearls, rhinestones, bakelite, and lucite.
The most popular feature of retro jewelry is that it can be combined with contemporary pieces for a layered look with considerable sophistication. Retro pieces offer great flexibility for meeting modern day accessories needs while still conveying timelessness and elegance.
Plus, it will look more casual than heavily metal pieces or those covered in precious stones. Additionally, many retro pieces may contain details like filigree etching or settings like half-moons which can naturally enhance the tiniest sparkles significant to make them look far bigger than they really are.
Apart from serving as a perfect glam accessory to any wardrobe, retro jewelry offers numerous benefits such as affordability and sophistication compared to trendier high end jewellery. Because of this characteristic fashion lovers have been able to incorporate them into their everyday summer outfits without feeling overdressed for occasions which require casual dressing code yet stylish appearance.
Additionally, not only are they quite affordable they don’t really require extra maintenance since these type of accessories already come pre-designed with intrinsic charm thereby naturally granting durability then most designer pieces on the market today.
History of Retro Jewelry
Retro jewelry often comes as a surprise to many modern bearers, as it typically isn’t seen in everyday adornments. The term has been used for decades and encompasses jewelry designs from the 1920’s through the 1970’s, and possibly beyond depending on who you ask. Retro-inspired pieces can have influence from all vintage eras, however some are more recognizable by decade.
The Fabulous Fifties
The 1950’s represent one of the most profoundly influential decades in retro jewelry design because of its major symbols: Rock & Roll, pin-up girls, bold color palettes and patriotism. Therefore, common materials popular during this time were alloy metal chains carrying large pendants that could easily be noticed while dancing or attending drive-ins.
Similarly, motifs included vivid colors seen on cabs of classic cars like cherry-red and turquoise as well as abstract forms and shapes such as lightning bolts and stars – which featured with prominently with charm hoop earrings crafted using silver or gold plate materials.
Revel in the 1960’s
In sharp contrast to the classic mid-century styles, the 60’s sought out innovation for expression but still offered plenty of symbolic pieces rooted in iconic elements from rock & roll like guitars and drums.
The art deco style was still very eastablished at this time but there was much playfulness with asymmetry by way of odd layering techniques allowing gemstones to be showcased discretely against pins or pendants that feature abstract figure designed created using metals like copper or bronze.
Even hippie culture penetrated retro jewelry fashion in its trademark peace sign patterns stamped or openworked into rings or bangles to convey love, freedom and activism.
Groovy Seventy’s Vibe
Another key era for retro jewelry is naturally late 70s when punk culture took over along side global disco fever that fueled demand for large scale statement pieces typically crafted using brass embellished with enameling techniques for coloring effects – some bordered around leather cord necklaces having beads made of clay discolored.
Mismatching was also fairly common at this stage where jeweled earrings taking on these two different directions when comprising horseshoe shapes merged together across double sided rock crystal cabochons featuring faux turquoise stones encased within traditional silversmithing frames, altogether embracing multiple avant garde styles combined into one stunning piece.
Popular Types of Retro Jewelry
Retro jewelry is a popular style of jewelry from past decades or centuries that has come back in style. It is often seen as a symbol of nostalgia, offering the wearer an opportunity to relive an era gone by. Retro jewelry can be divided into categories such as Art Deco, vintage, antique, costume and ethnic jewelry.
Art Deco Jewelry
Art Deco jewelry was at its height in the 1920s and 1930s. It was characterized by designs that featured bold geometric patterns made out of precious metals such as gold and silver as well as enameled materials and semi-precious stones. Art deco pieces often feature striking shapes including sunbursts, chevrons and pyramids. These pieces are very sought after by collectors who love their unique combinations and representations of art history.
Vintage Jewelry
Vintage jewelry is generally characterized as being made before 1970-1980’s period although some collector’s define it more specifically to being between the 1920s – 1940s time frame.
Regardless of when it is made, vintage pieces contain hallmarks which help to identify it further based on its make and craftsmanship details over time for instance featuring a blacksmith’s mark etc These items have been revitalized in popularity today due to their high quality craftsmanship and playful styles like flapper glass beads or rhinestone Victorian brooches.
Antique Jewelry
Antique jewelry refers to decorative objects crafted before the late 19th century including artifacts from ancient times. These items are usually valued for their uniqueness and ornate beauty rather than for materialistic purposes because they are usually created with spectacular designs making them timeless classics with endless appeal across generations. For instance early gold bangles were intricately engraved with fine art motifs which makes them collector’s items today which you can find on auction sites like Ebay or Etsy.
Materials Used for Retro Jewelry
Retro jewelry or vintage style jewelry is often associated with designs that were popular decades ago. It’s jewelry made to look like it was a favorite of your mother or grandmother which has become trendy again. Retro jewelry can use a variety of materials that range from common metals, finishes, and even unique products like plastics and wooden beads. Let’s take a look at the most common materials used for retro jewelry:
- Gold – A timeless classic, nothing says retro quite like gold jewelry. Gold plated is common because it’s very affordable but solid gold is also available in rings, necklaces and bracelets.
- Silver – Another classic metal that looks great when styled with patience and care. Silver can come as sterling silver or silver toned – cheaper options for those on a budget.
- Platinum – More expensive but classy; platinum has a unique finish to it that exudes elegance and luxury.
- Wooden beads – Wooden beads give the wearer an earthy appeal to their outfits. Great paired with crisp whites or light browns depending on the color of the wood.
- Plastic – Popular in the sixties, plastic is making its way back into vintage fashion trends. Bold and colorful beads make for statement earrings that are sure to draw attention.
Retro jewelry typically displays the symbols of the era in which it was designed; think Mom jeans embroidered with an eagle or safety pins held together by strings with charms hanging off each end. Finishes vary from faceted cut stones to glittering stones like Swarovski crystals set against antiqued fabric designs.
Designs range from minimalist pieces with clear lines and sharp detailing to ornate ones displaying old-school motifs such as stars, flowers, shields, birds etc. One example of renewed materials used for retro style would be crystal rhinestones set onto handcrafted textiles for necklaces and belts which sit along larger statement pieces made out of luxe materials such as gemstones and diamonds.
Trends in Retro Jewelry
Retro Jewels from Art Deco
The Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s is still relevant today in modern jewelry. Classic shapes from that era continue to inspire designers and jewelers, with its geometric designs inviting a sense of glamour.
Retro jewelry pieces inspired by this iconic movement are often made up of diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and other precious stones set in bold designs ranging from chevrons to zigzags. Popular hues for an Art Deco look include aquamarine blue, champagne/golden tones, greens – either emerald or deepest teal – along with purple amethyst crystals on platinum or white gold.
Vintage 1970s Inspired Pieces
The trend in 1970s-inspired jewelry pieces has seen a comeback recently. This includes items such as charms, colored gems such as topaz, citrine quartz and smoky quartz as well as large pieces of statement jewelry such as pendants and chunky rings.
Classic styles which gained popularity during this era feature art nouveau inspired motifs or those influenced by horror films such as Dracula’s castle or dancing skeletons – just like those worn by horror film heroines such as Ava Gardner and Elvira Mistress of the Dark.
Modern Interpretations
The modern interpretation of retro jewelry sees modern materials used alongside the classic charm. Sleek metals like silver and titanium feature alongside lux materials such as leather, suede and velvet to provide eye catching looks when paired with neon colors or bright gemstones.
Natural materials are increasingly popular; bringing together found-object components with sterling silver and natural stone beads resulting in unique yet classic statement necklaces – combining the best of both worlds. Contemporary wearable sculptures have also gained popularity; featuring abstract shapes crafted out of precious metals transformed into lasting works of art that can be worn everyday.
How to Wear Retro Jewelry
Retro jewelry is an excellent way to show your personal style and add spice to any outfit. Depending on the era you choose, you can express yourself through different decades of fashion. From the opulent designs of the Art Deco era to the minimalistic hoop earrings of the ’90s, there is something for everyone. It’s important to learn how to make a retro statement while still looking fashionable and stylish in 2021.
Make It Your Own
No matter what decade you pull inspiration from, be sure to make your look unique. Incorporate items in your wardrobe that pay homage to past eras while still being modern and timeless. As long as they follow current trends and have an updated twist, it won’t look like you’re wearing your grandmother’s jewelry. Swap out an old brooch for a modern take on this classic accessory – such as clip-on earrings or bold hair clips.
Choose The Right Outfit
When you are going for a vintage or timeless look with retro jewelry, it’s important to pick an outfit that will emphasize the jewel pieces you love instead of detracting from them. Keep it monochromatic – try teaming up dark colors such as black or grey with delicate silver necklaces or earrings etched with pearls for contrast.
Add some texture with materials such as velvet or lace & finish off the look by opting for minimalist shoes like Mary Janes or classic ankle boots.
Find Inspiration
Finally, finding inspiration is key when creating a unique retro look. Look at old photos from iconic stars or magazines from past decades for ideas on where to start when choosing jewelry pieces and outfits to achieve an effortless vintage chic vibe without looking outdated. There are also great online blogs which showcase images of inspiring celebrities who have rocked retro looks both off-screen and during special events throughout their career. Glance through these articles and get inspired.
Where to Find Retro Jewelry
Retro jewelry was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s and describes fashionable pieces of jewelry that are old fashioned or classic. Examples of popular retro jewelry items include chokers, necklaces, earrings, pins, bracelets, and other accessories. Popular materials for these statement pieces include glass, crystal, pearl, Bakelite, Lucite.
Whether you’re a fan of Elvis Presley’s rock ‘n’ roll style or the mod vibe of the 60s British Invasion, there are plenty of places to find beautiful vintage jewelry. Here is a list of great places to purchase retro jewelry:
- Online Vintage Stores – one can find an extensive selection of vintage pieces available online from a variety of stores such as Etsy or Ebay.
- Consignment Shops – consignment shops often have an assortment of vintage and used pieces that could be perfect for you.
- Antique Stores – antique stores usually offer a high-quality selection of rare vintage finds.
- Craft Fairs & Flea Markets – craft fairs and flea markets often have booths featuring unique selections for those looking for retro jewellery.
Retro jewelry can make for an amazing accessory to any outfit. Care should be taken when shopping since most items will probably be more delicate than modern jewellery due to their age.
Before purchasing an item it is important to take into consideration what material it is made from (some materials may wear more quickly), how much wear has already been done to the piece, what condition its clasp is in (if applicable), and if it requires particular cleaning methods to keep its shine.
Caring for Retro Jewelry
Retro jewelry is a unique and interesting style that blends aesthetics from many different eras. It began in the 1980s when designers used vintage elements to create pieces that felt nostalgic and modern at the same time. This jewelry often uses bold colors, geometric shapes, and structural designs to create stylish pieces that make a statement. Retro jewelry is both classic and contemporary – resulting in bold conversation starters for any outfit.
In order to preserve these stunning pieces, it’s important to take special care of them. Be sure not to expose your retro jewelry to harsh chemicals or water as these can damage the material over time.
Harder metals such as silver should be polished regularly with a soft cloth to keep them looking shiny and new, while softer metals like gold can be cleaned with jewelry cleaner solution. It’s also recommended to clean your pieces more frequently if they are exposed to other external elements such as perfumes or lotions.
Proper storage is essential when caring for retro jewelry. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight in humid areas as this may cause oxidation due to the heat or moisture levels present in the environment.
It’s best practice to store your pieces away from extreme temperatures and light sources so they maintain their original shine and luster for years to come. Soft materials such as velvet can help prevent scratching if multiple pieces are stored together, while hanging jewelry racks help keep longer necklaces from tangling or catching on other items during storage.
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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