Retro

Retro is a term used for describing a style of jewelry popular during the 1940s and 1950s.

Retro jewelry started to develop during the mid 1930s, and was big, bold and three-dimensional. In contrast with the geometrical severity of the Art Deco period, the new retro style called for curving lines and asymmetrical forms. The style also drew on nature for motifs, which were designed in big proportions and were highly stylized rather than abstract.

Flowers, bows, ribbons, and ruffles, mainly in gold, red and yellow, were characteristic of Retro. Jewelry pieces were massive but were mostly hollow and were set – in addition to diamonds – with synthetic rubies and sapphires, in accordance with wartime constraints.

Prevalent in Retro style were wide, gold mesh bracelets made of small flexible links (beehive), as well as pipe-like, stiff bracelets set with one big gemstone. Also fashionable were the "clip" brooches, usually double clip, clutching the clothing with springy clamps.

As to rings, many of the Retro rings were tall and striking and set with one massive gemstone – aquamarine or citron. Other rings were bow shaped or asymmetrical, encrusted with small diamonds.