Schmuck der 50er Jahre

The 1950s marked a key turning point in world history: After the deprivation of the war years, an all-encompassing longing for lightness, opulence and pleasure developed. This new-found joie de vivre was also transferred to 50s jewellery and manifested itself in colourful and opulent designs made from the finest materials. True to the motto more is more! Find out more

A new luxury

The shortage of materials in the preceding years led to a new perspective on luxury goods in the Fifties. Jewellery from the 1950s was seen not only as a decorative item but also as an investment. This was accompanied by the development of a new middle class with previously unheard of wealth. The time of simple and austere designs was over; people favoured pompous and eye-catching designs with a statement character! Nature served as a model: floral and animal motifs dominated the designs, feathers and leaves became a particularly popular subject that still enjoys particular popularity in vintage jewellery today.

50s jewellery: galas, glamour and gold

Gold jewellery of the 50s was worn lavishly and was part of the everyday wardrobe. Cord necklaces with fringes and bows were part of the style and were complemented with foliage, garlands or bouquets of flowers. The strict black and white contrasts of Art Deco faded into the background and were replaced by colourful gemstones. Those who could afford it wore pieces set entirely with diamonds, which were preferably combined with platinum and white gold. The world of stars and starlets served as a model.

Vintage ear jewellery of the mid-century

Mid-century ear jewellery, especially clip earrings from the 1950s, could be larger. They favoured yellow gold models for daytime wear. Short clip earrings or grape-shaped pendants were particularly favoured. In the evening, on the other hand, luxurious drop earrings in white gold were worn. Three-dimensionally curved volute motifs or interwoven bands that adapted to the curved shape of the pinna were given the perfect backdrop with short hairstyles and elaborately pinned-up hair.

Fifties brooches: A bouquet for the senses

Floral motifs were omnipresent in 1950s jewellery. The brooch of the 50s was characterised by flower bouquets in both classic and exotic designs. Accordingly, the designers of the time were inspired by the fauna of the jungle and the world's oceans, so that wild cats, flamingos, shells and seahorses now found their place on lapels.

Bracelets and rings of the 50s

The bracelet of the 50s was also striking: so-called tank bracelets - geometric bracelets made of triangular or hexagonal link segments - came into fashion and have always been a timeless classic that has become an integral part of jewellery fashion. Flexible braided gold bracelets or charm bracelets were also extremely popular in luxurious 50s jewellery.

Rings from the 50s confirm the penchant for luxury of the time. Large cocktail rings, knot or bridge rings completed the look of a new feminine archetype, which was characterised in particular by Christian Dior and to which the ladies of the time now aspired.