Vintage jewelry from the 1960s to 1990s

A look back at costume jewelry from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s

Jewelry has been an essential part of human expression and adornment for thousands of years. While the creation of custom jewelry dates back to ancient times, the 1960s, 1970s through to the 1990s were transformative periods that saw significant changes in the world of fashion jewelry.

The 1960s: rebellion and innovation

The 1960s were a time of social and political upheaval, and jewelry from the era reflected this turmoil. Jewelry designers were inspired by a new wave of creativity and their work reflected changing attitudes and individuality.
Jewelry from the '60s was bold, colorful, and often incorporated new materials like plastic and acrylic. Costume jewelry makers experimented with unconventional shapes and sizes, and the results were often fascinating.

One of the most iconic costume jewelry trends of the 1960s was the use of psychedelic and pop art-inspired designs: bright colors, abstract shapes, and playful designs like flowers and butterflies. These creations were often worn by young people attracted to the counterculture movement of the time.

Materials used in costume jewelry in the 1960s were often unconventional and included a range of natural and synthetic materials.

For example, semi-precious stones like amethyst and turquoise were popular, as were natural materials like wood and bone.
Synthetic materials such as plastic and resin were also used, as they allowed the creation of bold, colorful patterns and color schemes with transparencies.

The 1970s: Disco and Glam versus Bohemia

The 1970s was a decade of individualism and self-expression, and this was reflected in the jewelry trends of the time. Costume jewelry became increasingly popular as people sought unique pieces that reflected their personal style and identity.

Materials used in costume jewelry in the 1970s were often unconventional and included a range of natural and synthetic materials. For example, semi-precious stones such as turquoise, amethyst, and coral were commonly used, as were natural materials like wood and bone. Synthetic materials like plastic and resin were also popular because they allowed for the creation of bold, colorful designs.

Materials like natural stones, wood, and leather were commonly used, and jewelry became a way for people to express their individuality and beliefs. .

Another popular costume jewelry trend of the time was the use of personalized or engraved pieces. Many people opted for jewelry with their initials or names engraved on it, while others chose to have custom designs created that represented their interests or hobbies.
The popularity of costume jewelry in the 1970s was also due in part to the rise of the hippie movement. Many young people of the time were attracted to bohemian fashion and sought free-spirited and unconventional jewelry.

The rise of the feminist movement in the 1970s also influenced costume jewelry trends. Many women were looking for bold and empowering pieces, such as large rings or earrings. Some women have even started wearing multiple earrings in one ear as a symbol of rebellion against traditional gender norms.

The 1980s: glamor and excess

The 1980s were a time of excess and extravagance, and jewelry was no exception. Custom jewelry during this era featured a wide range of styles, from punk rock to glam. The era was marked by the birth of rap and hip-hop which fashion quickly adopted with daring designs, a very glamorous style meeting street codes: neon, “flashy” bling. with accumulations of large pieces, chains, colors using mixtures of materials such as leather, metal and rhinestones. The eccentricity of the look is in the spotlight.
We customize and personalize our style to stand out and contrast the more artisanal and natural codes of the 70's.

The rise of fantasy

The 80s and 90s saw a boom in costume jewelry, with more and more people looking for jewelry that was unique and reflected their individual style; this was the beginning of the mass consumption industry.

The 1990s: a decade of contrasts

In the continuation of the 1980s, the beginning of the 1990s will be marked by strong, colorful pieces, in accumulation.

In the opulence of materials and the excess of shapes, the early 90s will be the golden age of costume jewelry on the runways of the greatest couturiers pushing the limits of what was possible with materials, designs and techniques .

In contrast, Grunge was also born, coming from rock culture and promoting a nonchalant and anti-fashion look, often with torn or torn clothing, layering and loose silhouettes. The Grunge fashion movement took heavy inspiration from the underground punk and metal music scenes of the time.
In terms of jewelry, grunge fashion often included unconventional materials such as leather, silver, and brass, and emphasized darker, more masculine designs. Popular jewelry styles included necklaces, studded leather bracelets, and chunky rings.

In conclusion, vintage jewelry from the 60's to the 90's represents a diverse range of styles and trends. The 1960s saw a rise in fashion and psychedelic styles, while the 1970s embraced bohemian and naturalistic designs. The 1980s were characterized by bold and glamorous styles, carried over into the 1990s.
Their materials have evolved in step with scientific and technological discoveries but sometimes returning to more traditional techniques.

Vintage jewelry from this period continues to be popular today because it represents a unique intersection of cultural and design trends.

And current trends tend to take designs from this era but not always in the same quality given the increase in industrial production and consumption practices of the 2000s...