Retro Jewellery

Taking in the late 30's and 1940's, the Retro era was heavily affected by World War II, and women wore more practical clothing to allow them to be better able to work whilst still remaining feminine. Austerity meant that expensive metals and gems were not readily available and so synthetic and semi-precious gems like peridot and aquamarine became more popular.

Invisible settings were used to make the most of the precious gems that were available, making smaller stones more visible. Big and bold pieces were made with enamel, glass and plastic, and big and bold was the order of the day, making as much as possible with not a lot, to make large necklaces, rings and brooches.