The Retro jewelry period spans the years between 1935 and 1950. This was war-time in Europe and America and women joined the work force to lend their support. Women's wardrobe fashion dictated a severe silhouette with tight fitting jackets and skirts so jewelry designs were the exact opposite with feminine motifs and soft curves.
Retro Jewelry Designs
Jewelry during the Retro Jewelry Period became bolder, brighter and more whimsical. Gold regained popularity during the Retro period as platinum was being used for the war effort and was not available to jewelry craftsman. It was during the Retro jewelry period that different colors of gold became popular -- yellow gold was combined with rose gold and green gold in striking combinations. In Retro jewelry, everything was bigger and bolder. Gemstones like aquamarines and citrines were fashioned in rectangular cuts and massive proportions. Hollywood glamor and glitz favored anything that was big, bold, colorful, and exciting. Cocktails rings were all the rage along with oversized bracelets, watches and rings. Colored gemstones were favorites along with synthetic rubies and sapphires.
You'll feel like a glamorous movie star when you slip this antique Retro diamond ring on your finger. Retro diamond rings like this one have that popular 1940's Hollywood appeal. This antique diamond rings 14k yellow gold shank is texturally ribbed and is topped with milgrained platinum. Five single cut diamonds accent this Retro rings platinum in a gorgeous geometric design and total approximately 0.10 carats in diamond weight. Circa 1940s. Size 7.75
A glorious cabochon amethyst is set between two round full cut diamonds in this Retro antique engagement ring. Details for this Retro antique engagement ring: Circa 1950. 14k white gold. Round full cut diamonds, 0.20 carats. Oval cabochon amethyst, 4.36 carats. Ring size 5.5 scant
Straight baguette cut diamonds create an unusual display beside a slightly greenish blue aquamarine. An iridium platinum band holds the diamonds and gemstones in this Retro Modern antique engagement ring. Details: 10% Iridium-Platinum. Straight baguette cut and round single cut diamonds, 0.27 carats. Aquamarine, 1.12 carats. Circa 1940. Ring size 6.0
A silvery white pearl emerges from the 14k white gold band of this 1950s engagement ring. A collection of ten round full cut diamonds surround the pearl like crystalline water. The combined weight of this 1950s engagement rings diamonds is 0.50 carats. Circa 1950s or later. Size 5.25 full
Vintage 1950's Three Strand Pearl Necklace with Diamond Clasp
Like droplets of milky cream, this vintage 1950s three strand pearl necklace adorns the neckline in shimmer. One hundred ninety-three light cream cultured Akoya pearls are arranged in a three strand, graduated, nested design. The 14k white gold diamond clasp of this 1950s pearl necklace is fashioned in a floral design and is accented with nine round full cut diamonds that total 0.17 carats. Circa 1950 or later
This antique pearl engagement ring brings to mind twinkling fireworks bursting against a full moon backdrop. The 18k white gold band of this antique engagement ring fans out at the shoulders in a bow and ribbon design. The ribbons are accented with 20 round single cut diamonds for a total diamond weight of 0.17 carats. This antique engagement rings pièce de résistence is a silver white semi-spherical pearl. Circa 1950 or later. Size 5.0 scant
1950s pearl and diamond earrings bring to mind a magnolia tree in bloom with white blossoms. The cluster arrangement of these 14k white gold earrings lends a sophisticated touch to the ear lobe. Twelve spherical creamy white pearls swirl down the center of these earrings. Meandering between the pearls and flaring out from them like starbursts are a collection of eighteen round single cut diamonds. The diamonds accenting these 1950s earrings total 0.20 carats. Circa 1955
Two diamond streams weave in and out of this elegant antique diamond wedding ring in 14k white gold. Fourteen round full cut diamonds accent this antique diamond wedding ring for a total diamond weight of 0.54 carats. The color range of the diamonds is G to I and the clarity range is VVS1 to VS1. Circa 1940s. Size 7.75
The iridescent curved appeal of a beachside conch shell comes to mind with this Retro Modern ruby ring in rose gold. The 14k rose gold band of this Retro Modern ring provides a romantic backdrop for the collection of eleven rubies that accent it. Totaling 1.55 carats, the rubies are inner swirled with a crescent of eight round single cut and two round full cut diamonds. Inside the crescent lies an old style round brilliant cut diamond. The total diamond weight of all eleven diamonds that accent this Retro Modern ruby ring is 0.60 carats. Circa 1940. Size 8.5
This antique Retro aquamarine ring is like a cascading water fall tumbling into a quiet pool. The 18k yellow gold band of this antique ring is topped with 18K white gold milgraining and is enhanced with six single cut round diamonds. The cut-cornered rectangular aquamarine that serves as this Retro rings showcase gemstone weighs approximately 2.20 carats. Circa 1950s. Size 8.75
The appeal of caramel candy apples shines forth in this alluring antique citrine ring with floral and scroll motif. The 18k white gold band of this antique ring is ornately carved in a flowery scroll pattern that intrigues the eye. The real showstopper, however, is the oval faceted mixed cut citrine that sits front and center in this antique ring. This natural quartz Madeira citrine weighs 12.15 carats. Circa 1950. Size 5.75
A coppery golden moon shines its light on your finger in this Retro citrine cocktail ring. The 14k yellow gold band of this Retro cocktail ring provides a tonal backdrop for the yellow-orange citrine that centerpieces it. The round faceted mixed cut focal point quartz gemstone weighs 10.81 carats. A rose and green gold trimmed handmade mounting lends custom appeal to Retro citrine rings like this one. Circa 1940s. Size 6.75
This antique Retro wedding ring combines polished rose gold with a braided design. Made of 14k rose gold, the wide band of this antique wedding ring is designed in 3 sections. One rose gold coiled rope sits between two satiny smooth bands in a texturally intriguing pattern. Circa 1940s. Size 7.25