Jewelry Through The Decades Series
Explore the unique charm of 1960s jewelry, a remarkable blend of vibrant, chunky designs, and refined, minimalistic aesthetics. This era saw the rise of jewelry trends that reflected a mix of countercultural rebellion and understated elegance.
The 1960s was a transformative decade in many aspects, not the least of which was fashion, and jewelry trends were no exception. It was a decade characterized by experimentation, bold expressions, and a rejection of traditional norms. The jewelry of the era reflected the societal changes taking place, ranging from extravagant, oversized pieces that shouted individuality and freedom, to minimalistic, geometric designs inspired by the Space Age. Whether it was brightly colored plastic and resin or elegant pearls and gold, the 1960s brought about an eclectic mix of styles that forever changed the landscape of jewelry design.
Women’s 1950’s Fashion & Jewelry Illustration
Exploring the Charm of Metals and Plastics: The Dualism of 1960s Jewelry Trends
In the 1960s, jewelry styles mirrored the fashion trends of the 1950s. Gold, colored pearls, and sparkling taste remained popular. However, jewelry designers also embraced texture, with textured gold leading the way. New textures like a gritty effect and crumpled and hammered surfaces emerged. Additionally, other metals gained prominence in jewelry during this time. By the end of the decade, sleek designs in minimalistic metals took over, overshadowing the glitz of paste and rhinestones.
Gold Textured Drop Earrings
Audrey Hepburn Sporting Oversized Plastic Earrings
Meanwhile, the early 1960s witnessed significant advancements in technology, leading to the development of new plastics. Notably, designers like Kenneth Jay Lane made a bold statement with oversized plastic jewelry adorned with rhinestones, catching the attention of style icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Materials such as Bakelite, Catalin, resin, vinyl, Perspex, paper, PVC, Lucite, and even leather became affordable options, thanks to mass production and low costs. These inexpensive materials gave rise to vibrant “pop” colors like rich pink, turquoise, orange, and yellow, which jewelry designers eagerly incorporated into their creations.
Shaping the Future: The Geometric Revolution of the 1960s
Geometrically shaped jewelry made a striking impact in the 1960s, reflecting the era’s fascination with clean lines and bold forms. Triangles, squares, circles, and rectangles took center stage, showcasing a modern and avant-garde aesthetic. Statement necklaces featured large, angular pendants, often adorned with vibrant gemstones or sleek metal accents. Earrings boasted geometric drops, showcasing symmetrical patterns and precise angles. Bracelets and bangles embraced geometric motifs, with sleek bands and interconnected shapes, exuding a sense of architectural elegance. The geometric trend in 1960s jewelry captured the essence of a forward-thinking era, combining artistic innovation with a contemporary flair.
1960s Woman Sporting Matching Circular Earrings and Necklace Set
Geometric Triangle Drop Earrings
Chromatic Contrasts: Black & White Elegance and Vibrant Palettes in 1960s Jewelry
1960s Woman Sporting Black & White Jewelry
In the dynamic landscape of 1960s jewelry, two contrasting styles captivated fashion enthusiasts: the timeless elegance of black and white jewelry and the exuberance of vibrant bright colors. Black and white jewelry exuded a sense of sophistication, featuring contrasting elements in bold geometric patterns. Monochromatic pieces, such as checkerboard patterns or zebra stripes, adorned necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, added a touch of class to any outfit.
On the other end of the spectrum, vibrant bright colored jewelry embraced the spirit of the psychedelic era. Inspired by the counterculture movement, jewelry designers embraced a kaleidoscope of hues, including rich pinks, electric blues, vivid yellows, and neon oranges. These vibrant pieces, often featuring oversized gemstones or eye-catching enamel work, were the perfect statement accessories for those seeking to express their individuality and embrace the spirit of the times. Whether opting for the timeless allure of black and white or diving into a world of vibrant colors, 1960s jewelry provided endless possibilities for self-expression.
Woman Sporting Vibrant Blue Drop Earrings Circa 1960s
Flower Power: The Floral Trend of 1960s Jewelry
In the landscape of 1960s jewelry, flower, and floral patterns bloomed as a popular and cherished trend. Inspired by the era’s embrace of nature and the burgeoning flower power movement, jewelry designers incorporated floral motifs in their creations. Delicate and intricate flower-shaped pendants, earrings, and brooches became coveted accessories, adorned with gemstones or crafted from precious metals. Floral patterns, such as daisies, roses, and sunflowers, adorned necklaces, bracelets, and rings, infusing them with a sense of femininity and whimsy. These floral jewelry pieces captured the essence of the era, celebrating the beauty and free-spiritedness of nature. From delicate blossoms to bold floral arrangements, the 1960s embraced the floral trend, offering wearers a way to express their connection to the natural world with style and grace.
1960s Woman Sporting Orange Flower Earrings
Pair of 1960s Flower Earrings
Dangling Delights and Wrist Rhythm: Long Earrings and Bangles of the 1960s
1960s Woman Sporting Drop Earrings
In the glamorous world of 1960s jewelry, long earrings, and bangle bracelets emerged as captivating trends that adorned the wrists and ears of fashion-forward individuals. Long earrings, often dangling below the shoulders, added a touch of drama and sophistication to any ensemble. These elongated accessories were crafted in various styles, featuring geometric shapes, colorful gemstones, or intricate metalwork.
Bangle bracelets, on the other hand, encircled the wrists with a bold and empowering statement. Whether made from precious metals or adorned with vibrant enamel, these stacked bracelets created a rhythmic jingle and a striking visual impact. The combination of long earrings and bangle bracelets epitomized the spirit of the era, exuding confidence and a sense of bold individuality. These trends in 1960s jewelry provided wearers with a fashionable means to express their personal style and embrace the era’s culture of self-expression.
Gold Bangle
Resources:
- 1960s Jewelry Styles and History: https://vintagedancer.com/
- ¹Audrey Hepburn: https://www.pxfuel.com/
My Jewelry Repair
Continuing Jewelry Repair For Decades to Come
The 1950s saw a rise in glamorous jewelry trends, reflecting the extravagance of the era. Today, while the styles may have changed, the need for jewelry repair remains constant. Whether it’s restoring a beloved family heirloom or fixing a favorite piece of jewelry, My Jewelry Repair’s restoration services allow us to keep the memories and sentimental value of these pieces alive.
Contact us today to learn more about our easy online jewelry and watch repair service!
1960s Track Championship Ring (Before & After #44)