Retro Jewelry

The Retro period in jewelry, dating from 1935 to 1950, was set against the backdrop of economic depression and world war. As women entered the workforce and the clothing moved to a more subdued and simple place, jewelry stepped into fill the fashion void. Retro jewelry was all about bigger, bolder and brighter. Taking cues from the fantasy and glamour of Hollywood, jewelry was created on a larger scale than it had been for decades and featured the bright colors of amethysts, citrines and aquamarines. With platinum reserved for the war effort, gold resurged in popularity, and different colors of gold were created in shades of rose and green. Bold cocktail rings with large rectangular cut gemstones, oversized gold bracelets and whimsical charm bracelets were the signature pieces of the period.