Until the early 20th century mainly precious and semi-precious
materials were employed in the jewellery trade.
Jewellery was the prerogative of the rich until the first world war ,when
there was an increasing interest in the creativity of jewellery design.
In the 1920s coral and jade were very popular and earrings became longer
as women wore shorter hairstyles. Brooches also became fashionable and were
worn everyday on coat collars and not just as evening wear.
It also became more affordable to the middle classes and was influenced by
changing fashions and the introduction of costume jewellery.
Platinum was introduced in the 20th century.
This ductile, malleable precious white metal is very strong and jewellers were
able to create lace like settings.
It has a very high melting point of 1772 degrees centigrade, which is 700 degrees
higher than gold. This makes it difficult to work with.
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In
the 1940s to 1950s, the 2nd world war affected jewellery production, purchase
tax was 125% and 9ct gold was used for home production.
Ribbed tubes of gold were used in the 1930s and were fashionable for bracelets
and neck ornaments throughout the 1940s.
9ct gold was in prominent use, as platinum had been requisitioned for the armaments
industry.
Long lengths of pearls, glass beads and numerous bangles were the more casual
fashion, also, silver and marcasite jewellery came into its own.
Many abstract motifs were used but also flower and bird designs retained their
popularity.
The contemporary style of the 50s was for sculptured shapes in bright pastels
and primary colours, and the charm bracelet and the ankle bracelet became fashionable.
In the 60s jewellery was worn in large quantities, huge chunky
necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. |
