World war ll had a major influence on 1940`s jewellery trends, with precious metals ( particularly gold and platinum ) being stockpiled by the military for the war effort. Due to limited supplies, designers and manufacturers looked to alternatives such as bakelite, silver and base metals. Unsurprisingly patriotic colour themes were also very common, especially towards the end of the 1940s. People were very proud of all they had achieved in winning the war and this was reflected in the bright and colourful jewellery they wore.
1940`s Bracelets : Due to the scarcity of precious metals, bakelite was widely used during the forties. Bakelite bangles were mass produced in a huge variety of colours and designs, from chunky bangles to narrows one which were designed to be stacked. These affordable bracelets became common place as bakelite reached the height of it`s popularity during the forties. Another bracelet which was at the height of it`s popularity during the forties was the charm bracelet. The charm bracelet was typically made from silver and gain popularity from soldiers sending home trinkets and charms of where they had been fighting during the war.
1940s Rings : Retro rings or cocktail rings as they are often called. Were large statement pieces and brightly coloured. The trend towards bold and brightly coloured jewellery was mainly driven as a response to the dire situation most people found themselves in as a result of the war. This trend of bright colours was intended to lift ones spirits and to create a feeling of optimism and hope. Rings and other jewellery during this time were often made from vermeil gold, which is gold plated silver. Rose gold and green gold where also commonly used. Rose and green gold get their colour from the amount of copper that was added to pure gold in order to stretch supplies. Due to their cost, diamonds were not widely used instead semi-precious gemstones such as amethyst, citrine and aquamarines were commonly seen.
1940s Necklaces : The bib necklace is a predominate style of necklace in the forties. As jewellery became brighter and larger, designers looked to find new ways of displaying their designs and so the "bib" necklace became fashionable. A bib necklace consists of a large triangular piece at the front, or in the case of beads then there would be multiple strands at the front. With each strand being longer than the previous one and so creating a cascading effect. Most other necklaces at this time tended to be worn quite short. With necklaces made from rhinestones, faux pearls, venetian or czech glass and carved bakelite being very popular.
1940s Earrings : Retro earrings for the most part tended to be short, with the button type earring being very popular. For evening wear earrings were normally worn longer. Screw back earrings and clip on earrings tended to be the dominate style of the forties. Mainly because it was not fashionable for women to pierce their ears. Keeping with the theme of affordably, materials such as bakelite, faux ivory, rhinestones and faux pearls were widely used in the manufacturing of earrings. Themes of fruit & veg were very popular along with themes of animals and floral designs.
1940s Rings : Retro rings or cocktail rings as they are often called. Were large statement pieces and brightly coloured. The trend towards bold and brightly coloured jewellery was mainly driven as a response to the dire situation most people found themselves in as a result of the war. This trend of bright colours was intended to lift ones spirits and to create a feeling of optimism and hope. Rings and other jewellery during this time were often made from vermeil gold, which is gold plated silver. Rose gold and green gold where also commonly used. Rose and green gold get their colour from the amount of copper that was added to pure gold in order to stretch supplies. Due to their cost, diamonds were not widely used instead semi-precious gemstones such as amethyst, citrine and aquamarines were commonly seen.
1940s Necklaces : The bib necklace is a predominate style of necklace in the forties. As jewellery became brighter and larger, designers looked to find new ways of displaying their designs and so the "bib" necklace became fashionable. A bib necklace consists of a large triangular piece at the front, or in the case of beads then there would be multiple strands at the front. With each strand being longer than the previous one and so creating a cascading effect. Most other necklaces at this time tended to be worn quite short. With necklaces made from rhinestones, faux pearls, venetian or czech glass and carved bakelite being very popular.
1940s Earrings : Retro earrings for the most part tended to be short, with the button type earring being very popular. For evening wear earrings were normally worn longer. Screw back earrings and clip on earrings tended to be the dominate style of the forties. Mainly because it was not fashionable for women to pierce their ears. Keeping with the theme of affordably, materials such as bakelite, faux ivory, rhinestones and faux pearls were widely used in the manufacturing of earrings. Themes of fruit & veg were very popular along with themes of animals and floral designs.