1950s-Style Jewelry

Vintage pieces from the 1950s are big and bold.

The 1950s was a time of change for women's jewelry: Women traded their matching pearl sets for costume jewelry. These pieces were bold and distinct. In true 1950s fashion, these pieces were well coordinated with the woman's outfit and other accessories.

Necklaces

Necklaces underwent the largest and most dramatic transformation during the 1950s. The beads and stone became larger, as opposed to the small, dainty beads of the 1940s. Multi-strand necklaces were very popular during this time as well. Coco Chanel brought the longer chain necklaces into vogue during the mid-1950s. These necklaces were often speckled with multicolored stones.

Stones

Prior to the 1950s, pearls were the standard stone for a piece of jewelry. The 1950s saw an explosion of lucite stone, white beads and Diamante jewelry.

Other Pieces

Brooches and pins are synonymous with 1950s fashion. These pieces were often used to accent an outfit or to keep a neck scarf tied. Ear piercings would not take off for another 10 to 20 years for women; therefore large, bold clip earrings were extremely popular. Charm bracelets were extremely popular gift-giving items during the 1950s. Bracelets were given to teens at 16th birthdays and to new brides or mothers.

References

• Fashion Era: Costume Jewelry
• Vintage Costume Jewels: 1950s Costume Jewelry
• Rewind the Fifties: 1950s Jewelry and Accessories
• My Mother's Charms: A History of Charms and Charm Braclets