Lifestyle Choices

As with textile fashion, jewelry from most time periods evokes a certain set of images. Often, those images are an exaggeration of a few elements that were popular at that time. We remember the poodle skirts, and it will be hard to forget the belly button rings.

In fact, often when you create jewelry with the feel of a time period, it may seem to capture the essence of an era better than an authentic item from the time period. The human memory is sketchy at best. It remembers icons even if those icons are only a small part of the larger whole.

Here are some tips for making retro-inspired creations today from Jewelrybox:

Accentuate accessories. Consider whether the time period was known for particular accessories that were bejeweled, bedazzled, or beaded. The 1890s sported some high collars, just ripe for the addition of cameos. The hats of the 40s scream for hat pins. And the top-buttoned crisp collars of the 80s need a pearl studded pin. (My motto is “What works for Molly Ringwald works for me.”)

Consider color. Many time periods are known for their use of particular colors (or combinations of color). The 60s were known for solid, bright colors, like oranges, pinks, and greens. The 40s saw muted colors like ambers, browns, burnt sienna, umber, grays, and black. Neon defined the 80s. And what would the grunge-filled 90s have been without plaid? (Okay, not exactly a color, but you get the picture.) If you’re designing a piece from that time period, make sure your colors are in the palette of the time period.

Size-up shapes. Many periods were known for particular kinds of shapes. Most cameos from the turn of the century were ovals, regardless of the size. The 60s emphasized true geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. And the 70s took all those shapes and stretched and smashed them. Consider how the shape of an era should impact your design.

Mull over motifs. Motifs are visual themes that show up in a certain style of jewelry making.

Set your sights on style. Different styles of jewelry make appearances throughout history. The charm bracelet has been in and out of fashion for many years. The turn of the century pieces often were threaded on a simple ribbon. 20s’ styles became tasseled and dangly as dresses became more revealing. Look at old pictures, magazines, and movies to get an idea of what styles were popular during different eras.

Look at the length. I’ve heard it said that necklaces get longer as hemlines get shorter; someday they’ll meet around the belly button. Now, I don’t have any data to back that up, but it’s the kind of thing that I look at when designing retro jewelry. Consider what lengths were hip during the time period you’re designing for.

Jewelry box offers worldwide high quality online jewelry combining all principles of classic designs. There is a wide selection of traditional Engagement Rings, generous Sapphire Jewelry earrings, ancient gold bracelets.

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