Jewelry of the 1950s

During the 1950s, yellow-toned gold reigned supreme as the favored choice for exquisite jewelry. Rose gold also gained popularity, especially when paired with rubies and warm-colored gemstones. Innovative designs emerged, including textured gold, which encased gemstones and motifs with mesmerizing depth. Gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches struck a balance between grandeur and simplicity.

Gold button earrings added refined charm, while gold flower and leaf necklaces brought nature’s beauty to luxurious ensembles. Polished gold cuff bracelets exuded timeless allure, and figure gold brooches sparked playfulness. The late ’50s saw the rise of gold chain bracelets and necklaces, epitomizing chic sophistication.

Marilyn Monro Sporting Gold Drop-Hoop Earrings Circa 1953

Revlon Magazine Feature of Rhinestone Necklace & Earrings Circa 1950s

The love for shiny jewels has always been there, but it hit a peak in the 1950s. After World War II ended, the once scarce rhinestones became popular again. They added sparkle to clothes, hats, and bags, and they were perfect for evening dresses. Jewelry for the evening could range from simple rhinestone necklaces to more dramatic ones for deep-neck dresses.

For cocktail outfits, large rhinestone earrings or a brooch were often the picks. Crystals were a pricier but brighter option than rhinestones, crafted into large necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. If a woman couldn’t afford these, pearls were a great alternative. They worked well from day to night, with bigger and more layered versions for the evening, which later became known as “evening jewelry”.

For many decades, pearls have held a coveted position in the world of jewelry. In the 1950s, their allure amplified significantly, becoming the quintessential accessory for the universally adored little black dress. Their chicness was not confined to black and white; they sparkled in a plethora of hues including champagne, coffee, lemon yellow, cream, and grey. These colors added a unique touch, magnifying a woman’s natural beauty.

The norm for pearl strands was a shorter length, designed to sit neatly above a modest neckline, ensuring they were always in view. However, a distinctive shift in trend was witnessed in the mid-1950s. This era saw the emergence of waist-length necklaces, a dramatic departure from the previous style, adding an air of sophistication and elegance to the wearer.

Audrey Hepburn’s Matching Pearl Earring & Necklace Set in Roman Holiday Circa 1953

Grace Kelly Sporting Matching Pearl Earrings & Necklace Set

Pearls added a touch of elegance to various outfits, including tailored suits, afternoon dresses, twin sweater sets, and cigarette pants, blending seamlessly into the wardrobe of a fashion-conscious woman. A modest pearl stud earring paired with a single or double-strand necklace became an indispensable part of most daily ensembles, epitomizing understated glamour.

While drop earrings were an option, the preferred choice for many women was clip-ons or screw-back versions, catering to both comfort and style. Two prominent figures in the spotlight, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, were known to be avid pearl enthusiasts. The fact that they were frequently captured in photographs adorned with pearls played a considerable role in lifting this timeless piece of jewelry to iconic status, symbolizing elegance and sophistication across the globe.

Pearl Earring Resetting (Before & After #129)