| Description: | The 1950s saw the emergence of textured metals, art glass and beads, used in jewelry sets and bib necklaces. Popular designers continued to be Weiss and Ciner. New designers rose from the austerity of the 1940s – such as Christian Dior (more famous as a fashion designer), Hobe’s (founded by Jacques Hobe, most famous for its beaded necklaces), and Juliana (a line founded by Frank DeLizza and Harold Elster). The swinging 60s saw an upswing in large pendants, ball drop necklaces, and hoop earrings, crafted from textured metals, plastics and vinyl and featuring beads and art glasses. One of the most popular designers at this time was Kenneth Jay Lane, who began in the early 1960s doing work for Dior and other designers, before establishing his own reputation. He was famous for creating copies of fine jewelry pieces for use by socialites such as Jacqueline Kennedy. The 1970s saw an uptick in a love for vintage costume jewelry as well as new creations of stone, wood, shell or bone, with Haskell emerging as one of the most popular designers. Haskell, founded by Miriam Haskell in the 1920s, really came into its own in the 1970s. As with other top designers, Haskell costume jewelry was worn by such luminaries as Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn and other actresses. The 1980s saw the debut of jelly bracelets and cocktail rings. The jewelry was noted for gold plating, faux gemstones, and faux pearls, large brooches and hoop earrings, jelly bracelets and cocktail rings. The big name making its debut in the 1980s was Westwood. Although Englishwoman Vivien Westwood gained fame in the 1970s with her punk fashion pieces (she was married to the manager of the punk rock band The Sex Pistols) the 80s saw her debut her “New Romantic Era” line. This is just a taste of the vintage costume jewelry that may be in your jewelry boxes, or found in estate sales. Call Florida Jewelry Brokers today!! |
