What did they wear? How Jewellery has changed…

Lately, a video showing 100 years of makeup trends in 1 minute (for those interested, you can watch it here http://twistedsifter.com/videos/100-years-of-hair-and-makeup-in-a-minute/) has been doing the rounds, creating a lot of social media activity around styles and looks from bygone days.

But, whilst most of us have an innate understanding of what fashion and makeup looked like in each decade, (70s = flares, 80s = big hair dos, right?) do we know how jewellery has evolved?

Designer jewellery has indeed seen its fair share of trends throughout the last half century, fluctuating in terms of gemstone use, colours and innate jewellery style. So what were they? What did the height of luxury jewellery look like in the 50s? What style was hot in the 80s? Read on to find out, and soon you’ll be sounding like a jewellery expert. 

1950s

The 1950s was a decade of two halves for jewellery design. Starting off with traditional jewellery designs (reserved and ‘fussy’ looks - think lace patterns), within 5 years it was leaping into the uncharted world of Costume jewellery. The advancement of mass production led to more affordable pieces, but this in turn helped spark a change in style – clean lines and full sets of jewellery became more common. Women tended to reserve their best pieces for evening wear whilst enjoying their costume pieces during the day- although design the style of rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets themselves were still echoing from previous decades. 

1960s

The free thinking of the 60s was reflected in its jewellery: pieces got bigger and colours got brighter. Any conservative style left from the 50s was cast out as designers looked to the Middle and Far East for inspiration. Many organic, flower-based designs emerged (much like a modern take on the 19^th century naturalistic jewellery (learn more about it here), drawing their inspiration from the ‘flower power’ movement that embroiled the decade.

1970s
As the 70s rolled on, Glam Rock took to the fore, a style still influencing many of today’s pieces (Stephen Webster is a good example). A big part of this theme was glitter and sparkle – which featured across many designs. Big, bold pieces continued to stand firm as the designer’s choice. 

1980s 

If the 70s was bold then the 80s was extreme. We know all about the make up and hair dos, and the jewellery didn’t disappoint in keeping up. Plastic was used a lot to help achieve large, statement pieces at affordable prices whilst beads were used as an alternative to gemstones. For the more luxury end of the market, jewellery continued to be designed to turn heads and pearls garnered a lot of support. 

1990s 

And, 40 years after we started our journey, we saw the first signs of jewellery becoming more understated again. The grunge scene of the 90s helped influence jewellery that became less dressy and designs moved towards a cleaner, more contemporary look. Plastics moved out in favour of silver and more reserved sizes in precious metal. Whilst not delicate, pieces became more refined and designs simpler. 

So there you have it. You’ve now been whisked through 50 years of jewellery trends. For all jewellery houses, it is important to keep in touch with what customers want and the styles that work for the fashion at the time. But at Lolo & Galago, we also think it’s important to ensure our own unique approach to designer jewellery is kept consistent throughout the ages.