Jewellery Trends In History
Jewellery history shows us what people were feeling at the time, and how those feelings dazzled - or shimmered on what they wore.
In fashion, especially when it comes to jewellery trends, we wear what we're feeling.
Steel-coloured weather and government restrictions for weeks at a time made us long for glamorous get-togethers, virtual meetings helped us get creative with expressing our personal style from the shoulders up, and Work From Home Wear became the fashion staple we didn't know we needed, providing clothes that helped us balance our fused work-home life.
The result? Mastercard's Spending Pulse survey reported an increase in jewellery sales, which will continue growing long after the pandemic.
In other words, a lot of us needed a bit of sparkle to brighten up our days that looked long, and uncertain.
Jewellery history shows us what people were feeling at the time, and how those feelings dazzled - or shimmered on what they wore.
From the geometric luxury of Art Deco to the diamond-encrusted heights of Old Hollywood (Marilyn Monroe did mention a fondness for them in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes), and the bohemia of the Seventies, here are three pivotal jewellery trends in history:
Art Deco - One-Of-A-Kind Luxury, Streamlined, Exotic
After World War I the roaring 20s rushed in, sweeping everyone up on a wave of celebration and hope for the future.
A combination of influences from Cubism (bold, geometric forms), Fauvism (bright colours), and Ballet Russes (combining the arts with design), Art Deco produced jewellery that showcased excellent craftsmanship, made from luxurious and rare materials with a sleek aesthetic.
For example, our very own Unique Pinkish Red Ruby Ring With White Diamond Surround makes a statement in its symmetry as well as luscious colour, the cocktail ring perfect for the kind of champagne parties that would make The Great Gatby's Daisy jealous, almost 100 years after the fact.
Golden Hollywood - Feminine, Classic, Bold
Defined as an era that produced iconic films and film stars between the 1930s and the 1960s, Hollywood was the master system for creating an escape from the drudgery of everyday life, something that also helped millions of people cope with the fear and uncertainty of World War II.
In those days, leading ladies were allowed to wear their own jewellery for the movies they starred in, and celebrities such as Mae West, Grace Kelly and Barbara Streisand donned sparklers that included a 40-carat diamond art deco bracelet, a 10.47-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring, and a series of diamond clips and brooches respectively.
If the sophisticated and feminine calls to you, the Vintage Style Ruby And Diamond Cluster Ring might have the romantic glamour you're looking for.
The Roaring Seventies - Artistic, Striking, Experimental
The 1970s brought another wave of creativity in jewellery-making, with designers such as Elsa Peretti who brought a casual, modern elegance to Tiffany's (her "diamonds by the yard" necklace was one of the first and most popular designs for the house), Angela Cummings who is known for using semi-precious gems like mother of pearl, coral, and lapis lazuli in her designs, followed closely by long-established brand houses like Jean Été and Cartier.
Despite the heady glamour brought on by disco culture (think Studio 54, David Bowie concerts, the original Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent), the jewellery took inspiration from natural, bohemian styles, using semi-precious materials like turquoise, leather, and coloured quartz.
For the person who enjoys finery without the preciousness, the Cabochon Emerald Ring In Yellow Gold With Ceramic Detail could be the one.
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