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 previous 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 emergence of a new middle class with unprecedented wealth. The era of simple and austere designs was over; people favoured pompous and eye-catching pieces with statement character! Nature served as a model: flower and animal motifs dominated the designs, feathers and leaves became a particularly popular subject that is still popular today in the vintage jewellery sector.

50s jewellery: galas, glamour and gold

Gold jewellery from 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 Déco faded into the background and were replaced by colourful gemstone trimmings. 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 role model.

Mid-century vintage earrings

Earrings from the mid-century, especially clip earrings from the 1950s, were often larger. People favoured models made of yellow gold for daytime wear. Short clip earrings or grape-shaped pendants were particularly popular. 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 ear conch were given the perfect stage 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 bouquets of flowers in both classic and exotic designs. Accordingly, the designers of the time were inspired by the fauna of the jungle and the 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 designs in 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.