| 1950's- The invention and explosion of the Atomic | | | | vogue, drawing unknowingly to most wearers |
| bomb influenced this period with designs of | | | | from African origin. Bangle bracelets of rubber |
| starbursts and sprays of diamonds. Jewelry was | | | | were popularized by Madonna and other pop icons |
| classified into day (gold with no adorning stones) | | | | as the global fascination with fame and superstars |
| and night (diamonds) wear. Florentine finishes, | | | | began to trump obsession with royalty. |
| twisted rope, mesh, piercing, fluting, foxtail chain | | | | 2000- present day- Hybridizing metals and |
| and braided wire became popular textures for | | | | non-precious materials became fashionable with |
| gold jewelry. Cultured strings of pearls became | | | | new techniques and designers collaborating colored |
| fashionable for daywear and turquoise, coral and | | | | diamonds or pearls with rubber, stainless steel and |
| amethyst were the in vogue colors and | | | | even plastic. Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is |
| gemstones for the period. | | | | employed along with synthetic gemstones for |
| 1960's- Few restrictions in the groovy 60s | | | | unique, new designs. |
| brought a hybrid of gold, platinum, silver, natural | | | | Traditional gold wedding bands have been replaced |
| gemstones and geode crystals. Faceted gems and | | | | by the platinum wedding band as the ring of |
| round brilliant cut diamonds along with organic, | | | | choice for matrimonial wear. Sea glass has |
| abstract and jagged shapes dominated metalwork. | | | | become a popular material in jewelry design. |
| 1970's- In this feminist era, women saw fit to | | | | Tough resins of adaptable, colorful and |
| purchase their own jewelry and define their own | | | | waterproof materials are increasingly used as |
| style. New and different materials were used such | | | | technology makes them available. The anklet has |
| as wood, ivory, rock crystal and coral were | | | | become a popular choice for adornment and is |
| incorporated into jewelry design. The 50s | | | | seen everywhere around the world. Black pearls |
| austerity of diamond daywear and nightwear was | | | | have become highly desirable in jewelry pieces |
| abolished and diamonds again saw the light of day. | | | | and Kokichi Mikimoto is the leading designer and |
| Other prominent stones were onyx, lapis lazuli and | | | | harvester of these gems. The rolex watch is also |
| coral and other non-precious materials. Theme | | | | a status symbol for the rich and famous. |
| bracelets or charm bracelets are introduced, with | | | | Depression-Era Bakelite has come full circle and is |
| add-on attributes and purchased separately. | | | | enjoying a Renaissance in modern jewelry wear |
| 1980-1990's- The affluent 80s brought a demand | | | | with polka dot or multicolored bangle bracelets and |
| for sparkle, glamour and glitzy "Dynasty" and | | | | pins of butterscotch and pea green colors. These |
| "Dallas" type of ornamentation. This was | | | | pieces, although recycled from days gone by are |
| countered by the elegant Princess Diana's | | | | not cheap and the value of these items is |
| marriage which saw refined taste and grace | | | | increasing. Hip-hop culture has infiltrated jewelry |
| reemerging. Like most fashion of the 90s, jewelry | | | | design and wearers with 'Bling-Bling' style of large, |
| design was produced in many retro forms, a | | | | elaborate diamond and gold jewelry and pendants |
| collection of times past. Aquamarine, tanzanite, | | | | as a statement of affluence and status. The |
| colored pearls and silver were incorporated into | | | | entire human history of jewelry making is known, |
| sophisticated or chunky styles. Many teenagers | | | | excavated and documented, nothing is taboo and |
| began wearing multiple earrings in both or either | | | | styles are recovered and fashion trends follow, |
| ears, and Punk Rock influence was seen with the | | | | making modern jewelry wear the choice of the |
| advent of safety pins and other household items | | | | consumer. |
| being used as jewelry. Body piercing came into | | | | |