Design Inspirations

From the Past

Part 5 of a 5 part series

 

 

Retro Period circa 1940-1950s      

The Retro Period is also known as Retro Modern.  During this time the American jewelry market came into its own.  Hollywood and all its glamour became the leading influence.  The streamlined geometric and linear looks of the Art Deco Period evolved to become larger and more thee dimensional with curves and asymmetric motifs.  Bold, sculpted curves were often featured with sparingly set small diamonds and rubies (often synthetic) or less expensive larger gems such as citrine, amethyst and garnet.

During the war years, platinum was conscripted for the war effort.  Jewelry designers focused on using large expanses of highly polished gold.  Bicolor and tricolor gold became the norm including rose (pink), yellow and white.

The prevalent themes of Retro Jewelry were feminine, patriotic, or industrial motifs.  Feminine styles included flowers, birds, ribbons, bows, scrolls and fabric like folds. Patriotic and industrial styles included tank tread bracelets, with large repetitive links evolving tank tracks and war industry production lines as well as red, white and blue stones used stylized flags and military type insignias.