The 1960s was an iconic era in fashion, with jewelry and accessories playing a vital role in defining the look of the time. From vibrant and bold pieces to statement-making designs, retro jewelry and accessories were at the forefront of fashion trends. In this article, we will delve into the most popular jewelry and accessory trends of the 1960s and explore how you can recreate them today.
The Evolution of 1960s Jewelry
In the early 1960s, jewelry styles still bore similarities to those of the previous decade. However, a shift was already taking place, with bolder and more expressive designs gaining popularity. By the end of the 1960s, the jewelry styles had transformed from the flashy gold parures of the 1950s to eccentric creations made of cheap plastics.
Some of the most popular trends in 1960s jewelry included Mod or pop art colors such as yellow and green, black and white, and pink and red. Women adorned themselves with big dangling earrings in geometric shapes, stacks of dense or thin bangles, colorful floral necklaces, and cute plastic pins.
Long Retro Earrings - Making a Statement
In the 1960s, pierced ear lobes became the new norm. Women sought out long and large earrings, with many intentionally searching for the biggest ones they could find. With shorter hairstyles or hair tucked behind using a headband, the focus shifted to the neck and ears, providing ample space for oversized hoop rings.
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60's Bangles - Affordable Fashion
Thanks to mass production, jewelry became extremely affordable in the 1960s. Women could now effortlessly complement their outfits with various accessories without breaking the bank. Bangles, available in a variety of colors and designs, became a popular choice for adding signature pops of color to sixties fashion.
Bangles allowed for versatility, easily mixing and matching with different outfits and trends. Stacks of bangles worn down the arm became a popular layering technique that remains fashionable today.
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1960’s Jewelry Trends: Black and White - Timeless Elegance
Fashion and art often went hand-in-hand in the 1960s. Simple black and white jewelry styles gained popularity, as they paired well with almost every outfit. Made of low-budget plastics, these pieces were not only fashionable but also affordable.
1960S Jewelry Styles: Geometric Shapes - Artistic Expression
The influence of the Pop and Op Art Movement of the 60s extended beyond fashion and into the realm of accessories and jewelry. Geometric designs, including circles, spirals, diamonds, and hexagons, became prominent. These bold and sculptural shapes were seen in both fashion and home decor of the era.
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Flower Power! and Floral Designs - Nature-inspired Beauty
Floral designs had been inspiring jewelry designers for decades, with the 1960s seeing a surge in their popularity. Floral jewelry designs grew larger, exclusively fashioned from new plastics. The rise of the Hippie movement further increased the popularity of floral styles, firmly establishing them in the realm of fashion.
Lea Stein: A 60s Jewelry Design Icon - Timeless Artistry
No exploration of 1960s jewelry would be complete without mentioning the remarkable work of Lea Stein. From starting a small textile company to experimenting with designing buttons, Stein's journey led her to create her own jewelry designs. She used layers of painted fiber acetate to make her signature jewelry, often featuring colorful and comical figures, animals, birds, or cars.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Simply browsing through the most popular jewelry looks from the 1960s highlights the enduring nature of these styles. Bold colors, geometric designs, and floral accents still play a significant role in modern, edgy jewelry styles today. If you're looking to recreate the timeless '60s look, there is a wealth of inspiration for you to explore. Check out our 1960s fashion guides or browse our retro clothing styles for some serious sixties style inspiration.
What's your favorite jewelry look from the 1960s?
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