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.
A silvery white pearl emerges from the 14k white gold band of this vintage Retro pearl engagement ring. A collection of ten round full cut diamonds surround the pearl like crystalline water. The combined weight of the diamonds in this vintage pearl ring is 0.50 carats. Circa 1950s or later.
Five rubies burst out of this Retro wedding band like shooting stars. The 14k rose gold band is enhanced with five white gold decorative plates that are shaped like rhombuses. The rubies, which are round cut, are interspersed between the band's birdcage design. They are set in the middle of flowers from which rose gold sparks stream. The combined weight of these five gemstones is 0.50 carats. Circa 1950.
Bold and sassy sums up the spirit of this Retro vintage diamond wedding ring. The unusual design of this vintage wedding ring features a pair of round brilliant cut diamonds which are bead set in the center of two highly polished squares. The 14k white gold band of this vintage ring is trimmed in milgrain and the total diamond weight is 0.29 carats. Circa 1940.
This bold and classic vintage aquamarine cocktail ring demands to be noticed. The platinum band of this vintage ring rises to a playful mounting of openwork hearts, rhomboids and crowns. A 14.27-carat emerald cut aquamarine is set inside this display of metallic elements. A pair of straight cut baguette diamonds flanks the aquamarine for a total diamond weight of 0.30 carats. Circa 1950 or later.
The festive shimmer of fireworks exploding midair is captured in this starburst ruby and diamond brooch. 18k yellow gold cascades from all directions in this starburst style brooch. Radiantly accenting the golden streams are seven strategically placed round brilliant and round single cut diamonds. These diamonds total 0.24 carats. A collection of nine rubies lends a pop of color to this brooch display. The rubies total 0.50 carats of gemstone weight. Circa 1960
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.
The colorful, bold design of this antique ruby and diamond ring is representative of the Retro jewelry period. The top of the ring is set with 9 round faceted mixed cut rubies with a red purple hue. The band and setting in this Retro ring are constructed in a striking combination of white, yellow and rose gold. Five diamonds, weighing approximately 0.25 carats, add a touch of sparkle to this cheerful, stylish antique piece. Circa 1940s-1950s. .
Silver bells and cockleshells and pretty maids all in a row, that's the nursery rhyme Retro ruby and diamond antique rings like this one bring to mind. Your finger will live happily ever after in this Retro ruby and diamond antique ring. Constructed of 14k yellow gold, the band of this Retro ring is curved into S-shaped bells and is accented with 14k white gold tinklers that are set with seven round single cut diamonds. A row of round faceted mixed cut rubies totaling approximately 0.65 carats lend a bright touch of color to this antique ring. Circa 1940s.