Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:33 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
The 60s may not seem that long ago, but from a collecting perspective, fine and costume jewellery from that decade is increasingly desirable and, yes, vintage. Unlike the vintage bracelets, necklaces, and earrings from earlier decades, however, estate jewellery from the 1960s was bold and experimental, as transformative as the time itself.
The jewellery designers looked at those classic, understated styles that defined the 50s and took accessories in a new, modern direction, boldly going where no jewellery had gone before. What makes 60s jewellery worth your time and money? Let’s look at some of the styles that stand out and why you should snag them before they are tricky to find.
Fine Jewellery
At the start of the decade, Hollywood glamour still ruled the roost. Stars made statements with large, opulent pieces, including the iconic yellow diamond Audrey Hepburn wore from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and the sapphire and diamond necklace favoured by Elizabeth Taylor.
Designers also grew in name recognition. Harry Winston became famous thanks to his lavish gem and gold jewellery creations. David Webb, another celebrated designer, made intricate and ornate enamel animal pieces. In addition to the liberal use of gemstones, gold jewellery also featured unique textures. Hammered, crumbled, and even etched surfaces emerged as popular options.
Costume Jewellery
When you think about the 1960s, you may not have only one image in your mind. Do your thoughts go to the space race, or do you picture the peace and love of the hippie movement? These and other defining moments of the decade influenced the style of jewellery. The 60s saw a boom in mass production, which meant that jewellery was affordable and accessible. Consider these jewellery styles when you browse for estate jewellery to collect.
Geometric Shapes
Pop art and op art emerged as artistic trends and made their way into jewelry, with chunky necklaces and large, oversized earrings.
Long Earrings
The 60s was when ear piercing really took off, taking earrings into a new dimension. Long, shoulder-dusting earrings trended, as did large hoops and geo shapes because ear lobes could do more than hold small clip-ons.
Celestial Bodies
Metallic white gold or silver jewellery looked to the heavens for inspiration. Satellite, star-burst, and other spacey shapes made for unique pieces, especially with rhinestones or gems added for a sparkly touch.
Monochrome
Fashion took a black-and-white turn in the sixties, from wild patterns to monochromatic makeup. This trend also showed up in large, beaded necklaces and other pieces. Was the use of black and white together a nod to the civil rights movement? The world may never know.
Bold Colors
Jewellery took a spin on the colour wheel, and the result was, in a word, colourful. The crazy colour combinations of clothing also took over necklaces, asymmetrical rings, and loads of bangles.
New Materials
All that colour may have stemmed from the use of new materials during the 60s. Lucite, plastic, and resin allowed for a rainbow of colours with eye-popping shapes. Costume jewellery designer Lea Stein used cellulose acetate for her quirky pieces.
Natural Elements
Part of the hippie movement of the late ’60s embraced natural elements such as leather and wood, along with Native American influences of turquoise and silver jewellery. The necklaces, rings, and bracelets of the time were so much more than peace or protest signs.
Where To Find Vintage 60s Jewellery
Expand your estate jewellery collection with a deep dive into the 1960s era. Colonial Acres Coins has a large selection of estate pieces for sale or auction, for you to explore. Contact us online or call to see what jewellery we have in stock because it is constantly changing.
