What’s Your Jewelry Style From the Twentieth Century?

Antique jewelry is making a comeback. There were many different periods of styles of jewelry in the twentieth century that have become very popular. Here’s a brief history to help you know where your style fits into the historical eras.

Art Nouveau

This era overlapped in the Nineteenth Century. I was from around 1890-1915. Jewelers were inspired by vines, leaves, birds, scrolls, serpents, and insects, in flowing feminine styles. Rene Jules Lalique was a major French designer who led the way in Art Nouveau, while Louis Comfort Tiffany was the American jeweler that became well-known for his designs during this period.

Edwardian Period

Named for King Edward, the jewelry out of this era is very lacy and delicate. Bows, stars, crescents, and garlands of flowers are very common. The era was one of abundance, and platinum and diamonds reigned supreme, but pearls and moonstones were also in favor. Much of this era has an all-white appearance.

Art Deco

Antique rings from this era, 1920 -1935, have strong geometrical patterns with angular shapes. Diamond and platinum were very popular, but colored gemstones such as emeralds, sapphires, and rubies also came back into fashion. Well known designers are Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, and Fouquet. In America, Harry Winston and Tiffany and Company were the most popular.

Retro Period

In the late 30s and 40s, America was in the Great Depression, but this is when America really began producing its own styles of jewelry. White metal no longer dominated the market, and much of the gold and silver went to funding the war. Gemstones were recycled, and during WWII, much of it was combined for a patriotic and militaristic look.

The 50s and 60s

The 1950s ushered in modernism into jewelry with a lot of abstract sprays of diamonds. Twisted rope and braided wire were popular during the day, with diamonds reserved for evening looks. Turquoise and coral gained favor, and cultured pearls gained acceptance as day wear. In the 1960s, there were very few restrictions to the jewelry. It is often called the "Anything Goes" period. Cabochon gems, like turquoise, mixed with diamonds that were set in yellow gold.

Women’s Rights in the 1970s

As women’s lib changed the political community, it also changed the world of jewelry. Women began purchasing their own jewelry and demanded something different. Non-precious materials like exotic woods, ivory, and coral became popular in both the day and night worlds. Long necklaces became popular.

The 1980s

Jewelry was also influenced in the 80s by women, as they gained more equality in the workplace, they wanted more glamour in their jewelry. Television shows such as Dallas and Dynasty created the demand for glitzy, large pieces that demanded attention. However, the wedding of Princess Diana also made graceful, refined jewelry very popular. Colored pearls with diamond clasps were extremely fashionable.

Which Do You Prefer?

No matter which type of jewelry meets your style demands, antique rings will set off your hand everywhere you go. Wear the jewelry you love and enjoy a beautiful gem on your hand, ears, or around your neck. Don’t save them for special occasions, but wear them whenever you get the chance.

To learn more about antique rings, click here.

John Trinh has been writing for 10+ years. He first delved into the world of writing when he wrote his first article for his university's paper.