Jewelry trends, fashion, hairstyles and even beauty standards change over time. But how different is the jewelry we wear today from what women used to wear a hundred years ago? How do jewelry trends make a comeback when everybody thought they were water under the bridge? And, most important, can we predict trends?

The answers to all the above questions are very much related to the history of jewelry trends. If you are curious to find out which were the most important trends in each decade, stick with us. Ana Luisa’s jewelry fashion experts have created for you a fun and informative history lesson which will offer you lots of inspiration.

Jewelry trends in the 20s – lots and lots of pearls

The economic boom, lavish dresses, and outrageous parties – these were the 20s. In such a prosperous and glamorous environment every woman needed to have at least a strand of pearls. Women in the 20s spent a lot of time to learn everything they could about fashion. Sophisticated hairstyles, dresses made of precious materials and expensive jewelry were must-haves for women who wanted to make an impression.

Besides pearls, women used to wear art deco jewelry, diamond earrings, and geometric pendants. Luxury and style are the two words that can sum up the 20s.

jewelry trends
Source: http://mote-historie.tumblr.com

The 30s and – bold & glamorous colors

You know how after a great party you wake up the next day with a terrible headache? After a decade of extravagant parties, the Great Depression came and along with it, art deco jewelry faded away. People couldn’t afford to spend as much on diamonds so plastic jewelry was introduced to the scene. The styles became simpler, but the colors became bolder. Flower-shaped necklaces and semi-precious stones such as the moonstone became very popular in the 30s.

jewelry trends
Source: http://www.marieclaire.co.uk

The 40s and their sparkling diamonds

You would think that during the War, the resources would be scarce. But if the 40s taught us something, it was never to underestimate the power of good advertising. “A diamond is forever” campaign managed to convince every woman that an engagement ring should feature no other gemstone but a diamond.

Jewelry makers started to use more and more yellow and white gold in their creations along with dazzling diamonds. Iconic jewelry was created in the 40s and, as it turns out, tradition as well. Almost 80 years later, we remain faithful to the tradition of getting diamond engagement rings.

jewelry trends
Source: http://iv1.lisimg.com

Jewelry trends in the 50s – feminine sets & pearls

We said “pearls” too many times already but, as it turns out, there are some timeless jewelry pieces. In the 50s women were concerned with grace and elegance and preferred the delicate femininity offered by matching sets. They also started to wear brooches a lot and their pearl strands became shorter and more delicate. As you can guess, every woman wanted a strand of pearls and, if we are to believe the commercial posters from that time, they would do chores wearing pearls.

jewelry trends
Source: https://timedotcom.files.wordpress.com

The 60s & “the rupture”

How does fashion go from pearls, diamonds and matching sets to psychedelic colors, wooden chunky jewelry, and stacked rings in a heartbeat? The flower-power hippie fashion helped with this, but there was also another reason. Matching sets and glamorous expensive jewelry is great, but women felt the need for more freedom. They were quick to embrace the 60s jewelry trends because of what they offered – completed freedom. Stacked rings, bangles, pop art plastic jewelry, layered necklaces and handmade jewelry were just some of the amazing pieces born in the 60s.

jewelry trends
Source: https://i.pinimg.com/

The 70s – boho & disco styles

The 70s maintained the same bold fashion introduced in the 60s and added a couple more charming items. Beaded necklaces became the fashion statement of the 70s, along with large disco golden earrings and boho necklaces. Jewelry makers started to mix leather with hemp and metals to create beautiful and inventive pieces which women loved to wear.

jewelry trends
Source: https://flashbak.com/

The 80s – when size matters

In the 80s everybody wore big statement necklaces and oversized cocktail rings. The punk rock look became popular and women started to match bold statement earrings with leather jackets and voluminous hairstyles. Minimal necklaces took a backseat and left statement necklaces behind the wheel. And, of course, since all the jewelry was big and flamboyant, the hairstyles followed the same line.

jewelry trends
Source: https://i.pinimg.com

The 90s – chokers & gold hoops

In the 90s it seemed that the rebellion started in the 60s found its high point. Instead of delicate strands of pearls and diamond earrings, women chose rebellious chokers and fun gold hoops. They also started to wear mood rings and had a lot of fun with jelly bracelets. Well, we do hope that some fashion trends never make a comeback (jelly bracelets, we’re looking right at you). Overall, the 90s were all about being fun and mischievous and the jewelry trends showed it.

jewelry trends
Source: https://s2.r29static.com

The 2000s – new millennia, old diamonds

At the beginning of the new millennia, women were still wearing large gold hoop earrings, layered necklaces, and colorful jewelry. But it seems that a diamond really is forever because, with the 2000s, diamonds became very fashionable once more. Some may argue that they were never out of fashion, but let’s face it. Starting with the 60s, the focus had been on rebellious jewelry.

jewelry trends
Source: http://www.silverrushstyle.com

The 2010s – wooden beads & metal

Eight years ago, wooden beaded necklaces were very popular. Cuff bracelets, sterling silver, and all-metal jewelry were also in high demand. The jewelry trends in 2010 revolved a lot around natural colors and textures. Nature-inspired accessories were also very fashionable.

jewelry trends
Source: https://ro.pinterest.com/artislands

So what about today? Well, if you take a closer look at the trends in the last century, you will notice a couple of jewelry pieces from each decade that we are still wearing today. Jewelry fashion nowadays recognizes the beauty of each decade and allows more freedom of expression than ever. You can wear matching sets or you can wear a leather choker and gold hoops. You will look fashionable either way because, somehow, we have managed to take the best from each decade and bring it to our modern lives.

Of course, there are still exciting contemporary jewelry trends to discover, which is why you have us. Ana Luisa’s jewelry stylists have created this fashion advice category especially for you. Read our other articles as well to find out the latest trends in jewelry. Visit our online shop to discover stunning and fair-priced designer jewelry collections.


Shop jewelry online

Others interesting posts about this topic :

Ruxandra
Ruxandra is a fashion blogger who teaches fashion stumped twenty to thirty somethings how to shop their jewelry boxes for polished new ensembles. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Fashionista, Nylon, and Refinery29.