The middle of the last century was a time when special attention was paid to jewelry. The Golden Age of Hollywood created many bright images that cannot be imagined without luxurious jewelry with diamonds and natural pearls. These are the roles of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and other movie stars of the time.
At the same time, the 1950s were also the heyday of costume jewelry. The emergence of new materials and the devastation of the post-war period led to the emergence of a new format of jewelry: affordable, unusual, luminous.
Appearance history
World War II forced the majeure part of society to forget about fashion for a long time. But in the early 1950s, the fashion industry began to slowly revive. Society was tired of austerity and deprivation: it wanted a vacation.
A new design direction was proposed by Christian Dior, who launched the Corolle clothing collection in 1947 – with a clearly defined waist and wide skirts. This silhouette became dominant in the following decade.
The recovery of the jewelry market has been longer: many families have lost theireur roof above theeur head, were forced to look for new ways to make money, or simply couldn't afford to spend money on jewelry. Development continued as social, political and cultural trends changed. The new style was formed under the influence of Parisian fashion, Hollywood films: it dictated diversity and femininity.
Décor
Jewelry design in the 1950s was dominated by floral motifs and easily recognizable symbols:
- bows;
- bands;
- animals;
- leaves;
- fleurs.
During the representation of fleurs, the masters pushed back the style of the Victorian era. They created roses, tulips, poppies and sunflowers from metal and stone. At the same time, motifs reflecting the advent of the atomic age began to appear in the design: fanciful images of explosions, stars, geometric shapes, atoms and electrons, as well as rays solar and constellations.
Types of jewelry
In the 1950s, parures became fashionable – ready-made sets of jewelry. Women wore identically patterned earrings and rings, necklaces and bracelets. Certain types of jewelry were also popular.
Earings
1950s earrings - with an abundance of decor. consumer jewelryeur wealthy were decorated with diamonds and natural pearls. These earrings are a must-have: they grab attention like shiny lipstick.
The mass decorations were no less flamboyant. In Leur design, there were colorseurs bright, large artificial stones and rhinestones.
collars
1950s necklaces are massive, bold and with a variety of decorative inserts. They are created to match the earrings, and wearing such jewelry in a pair was not shameful. Today, a vintage necklace from the middle of the last century can freshen up any outfit and give it a touch of completeness.
Bands
New Look style bracelets are dazzling, multi-layered, luminous. They were decorated with natural or artificial stones along their entire length.eur, turning them into a thin shiny ribbon. Bracelets were worn not only as a separate piece of jewelry, but also as a set with earrings and a necklace of the same design.
Broochs
The brooch in the 1950s became one of the main everyday jewels. It was used to complete any look, attaching it to a jacket, headdress, scarf or bag. Brooches from this period are both glamorous and versatile, suitable for any look. They were decorated with intricate mosaics, enamel designs and rhinestones.
materials
The jewelry fashion of the 1950s is a cult of pearls. Its popularity was influenced by Audrey Hepburn, who epitomized timeless classic elegance in her films. A pearl necklace has become the perfect complement to a little black dress or a formal suit.
Beads have been used to create dangling earrings, multi-layered necklaceseurs rows and bracelets. The colorseurThey were varied: they wore not only white, but also cream, coffee and gray pearls.
Debeers jewelers announced that the age of diamonds was approaching, proclaiming the motto “Diamonds are forever”. They were able to convince the whole world that this stone is a true symbol of love, durable and reliable. Small diamonds that were not in demand before became popular.
Semi-precious stones have also been used to create jewelry:
- turquoise;
- corals;
- amber.
Platinum was no longer considered the main precious metal: its reserves were significantly reduced, as they were used for military purposes. Jewelers began to turn more often to white and yellow gold. Later, this trend continued
In the 1950s, rhinestones became fashionable. They created a sophisticated and elegant look, perfectly complementing evening and cocktail dresses. Rhinestones reflected the glamor of the era and were present everywhere: from earrings to cuff bracelets.
Artificial jewelry materials from the middle of the last century are lucite and bakelite. They looked modern, corresponding to the spirit of the times.
How to Wear Vintage Jewelry Today
50s vintage combines with different styles: classic, glamorous or ironic. Use jewelry that matches the direction you choose. Although the New Look style has common characteristics, it has many faces.
Wear vintage with colorseurs plain neutrals. Avoid premade 1950s jewelry sets. Instead, choose 1-2 bright details to set accents.
Avoid pretensions: To prevent the look from going out of fashion, you can combine vintage jewelry with clothes made from modern fabrics and loose cuts. For example, a spectacular brooch will perfectly complement a denim jacket or a military-style jacket.
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