Retro Jewellery is having a moment, with looks popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s having a second lease of life this year. So what makes jewellery retro? Some classic styles of course, never date, but chunky chains, big hoops, pearls and big bold gold jewellery all tap into that current retro vibe.
Take a look at our retro guide below – which decade inspires your jewellery choices?
‘80S JEWELLERY – BIG AND BOLD
The ‘80s was the decade of excess with Loadsamoney City boys, Rave music, Material girl Madonna, Bananarama and style icon Princess Di as the ultimate Sloane Ranger.
Jewellery that harks back to the great eighties includes big earrings (to match the big hair), and bright yellow gold. Also look out for big crosses, chunky signet and coin rings, yellow gold chains and Princess Di-inspired ladylike pearls.
‘90S JEWELLERY – FROM HIP HOP TO GRUNGE
The 1990s was the golden age of hip hop, Britpop and Madchester. It was the heyday of the Spice Girls; everyone was watching Friends and reading Bridget Jones, while Nirvana and Kate Moss made grunge cool.
Jewellery with a nineties vibe includes big hoop earrings, fine silver chains and pendants all layered up, messy grunge style, or the biggest gold chains and rings you can find, iced with plenty of crystals for that retro urban hip hop look.
‘00S JEWELLERY – BRITNEY, BEYONCE AND BOHO
The decade when wearing cowboy boots was cool. From Britney to Boho style icon Sienna Miller, this decade saw the dawn of festival chic, with flouncy gypsy skirts and low rise bootcut jeans (which in turn harked back to the 1970s, making them ultra-retro), while skater fashion, Destiny’s Child and athleisure gave us velour tracksuits and crop tops.
The jewellery that takes us back to the sultry summer days of the noughties includes belly button piercings, anklets and dainty charm bracelets, adorned with rainbows, butterflies and girlie pink stone sparkles.
AND THE JEWELLERY STYLES THAT NEVER DATE
Some jewellery styles have been worn not just for decades but for centuries. Fine jewellery is an investment that can be passed down through the generations. Diamond eternity rings, luscious coloured gemstone cocktail rings, simple gold crosses and gold hoop and creole earrings are always in style. While signet rings, diamond stud earrings and simple gold and silver chains are everyday jewellery styles which will be worn and loved forever.
For more retro jewellery inspiration, take a look at what’s new at William May here: https://www.william-may.co.uk/retro-jewellery
