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.
Like a mermaid emerging from the depths of the sea, this antique sapphire engagement ring lends charm and beauty to the finger. The 14k white gold setting of this antique engagement ring has a raised square top-setting inside which lies a round faceted mixed cut blue sapphire. Nestled on each side of the 0.66-carat sapphire is a round full cut diamond. These two accenting diamonds have a combined weight of 0.07 carats. Circa 1950. Size 5.0
Like droplets of milky cream, this vintage 1950s three strand pearl necklace bathes the neckline in liquid shimmer. One hundred ninety-three light cream cultured Akoya pearls are arranged in a three strand, graduated, nested design. The 14k white gold 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 vintage 1950s antique pearl necklace is strung with 108 dark cream cultured Akoya pearls. A 14k white gold navette shaped clasp joins the strand. This filigree accent is centered with a matching spherical Akoya pearl that is slightly larger than the pearls that encircle the antique necklace. Circa 1950 or later
This 1950s classic aquamarine engagement ring shines softly with a greenish blue hue. Constructed of 14k white gold, the band of this 1950s engagement ring is shoulder set with a collection of four round full cut diamonds. This classic engagement rings diamond petals flank an 8.79 carat oval faceted mixed cut aquamarine. Circa 1950 or later. Size 6.0
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
1940's Aquamarine Antique Engagement Ring in Platinum
Like bluebells unfurling in spring, this 1940's antique engagement ring is sure to delight. The iridium-platinum band of this antique engagement ring is shoulder set with two straight baguette cut diamonds totaling 0.14 carats. The platinum-set diamond baguettes flank a captivating round faceted mixed cut aquamarine that weighs 1.11 carats. Circa 1940. Size 4.0
This antique Retro citrine cocktail ring glows with the ambience of a bonfire. The platinum-tipped 18k yellow gold band of this cocktail ring provides a gilded backdrop for the emerald cut citrine that centerpieces it. This 10.44 gemstone is accented at the shoulders with a collection of ten pyramid-set rose cut diamonds. The total diamond weight of this antique Retro citrine cocktail ring is 0.12 carats. Circa 1930s or later. Size 6.75
This antique Retro aquamarine engagement ring's design combines two of the most popular blue gemstones -- aquamarine and sapphire. The 14k yellow gold band of this antique engagement ring is accented with six round faceted blue sapphires. The piece de resistance, however, is this Retro engagement rings stunning emerald cut aquamarine which weighs approximately 11.32 carats. Antique Retro aquamarine engagement rings like this one are perfect for the bride-to-be who loves blue. Circa 1940s to 1950s. Size 7.0
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
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
1950s Mabe pearl and diamond antique rings like this one bring to mind a star-studded milky moon. The unique 18k white gold design gives the illusion that its focal point light creamy white round Mabe pearl is hovering inside a diamond orbit. A collection of twenty-five round single cut diamonds cradles the Mabe pearl for a total diamond weight of 0.32 carats. Circa 1950. Size 7.0 full
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
Brilliant constellations spiral across the inky night firmament in this Retro cabochon sapphire engagement ring. Cabochon sapphire engagement rings like this one create a starlit ambience. The 14k white gold band of this Retro sapphire engagement ring swirls the finger with fourteen round single cut and baguette diamonds for a total weight of approximately 0.26 carats. This Retro engagement rings spotlight gemstone, a round cabochon blue sapphire, weighs 3.40 carats. Circa 1950s. Size 5.0
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