Jewelry of the 1950s has recently been acknowledged in a historical perspective. Modern day jewelry is everchanging and is not yet considered “historical.”
After WWII, the jewelry industry began to flourish once again. Television and rock & roll were new influences. Several large jewelry houses produced both high-end, luxurious jewelry, as well as smaller classic pieces for your average, middle class consumer. During this time, artisan jewelry emerged, inspiring “Jewelry as Art” or “Wearable Art.” Often this type of jewelry was hand-made and only included one-of-a-kind pieces. There are many collectors of Mid-Century American Studio Jewelry today.
Present-day jewelry is happening now, with trends and motifs all around us. It is only a matter of time until it makes its way into history!
Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period:
- pavé diamonds!
- open, textural designs
- braided & twisted goldwork
- yellow gold paired with gemstones; white gold/platinum paired with diamonds
- matching sets called “suites”
- animals, bumble bees, snowflakes, flowers, leaves, stars
- short necklaces, choker style; “Riviera” necklace- graduated diamond choker
Important People of the Time:
Luc Jenson October 10, 2010 at 3:38 pm:
They say "Diamonds are forever". This has already been justified, in fact, Diamonds never get out of fashion. These are kinds of jewelries that you can pass on from generation to generation. One good example is my grandmother. She had this gold ring with a big diamond in the middle. She gave it to my mom before she passed away. My mom told me that my grandmother received that ring as a gift from my grandfather in 1953. If you can see it, you won't believe that it was from 1950's because it's still shiny and when my mom wears it, she absolutely stunned! Fashion nowadays are quite good because they bring back the old fashion that we left behind decades ago.
Luc Jenson
50's Clothing
Gemstones November 18, 2015 at 10:44 am:
This is the fact that Diamonds will be forever. Its already justified, and it can't be ever out of fashion. There multiple kinds of ornaments that can be passed on from generation to generation. And Diamond jewelry, Gemstone always be green. Now a days people brings back old fashion again thatts why fashions are quite good.