The 1950s: The Golden Age of Jewelry
Post-War Fashion and Jewelry Trends
After the long years of war, women became more interested in fashion, and the fashion landscape underwent significant changes following the 1947 fashion revolution. During the war, women had to make do with limited resources, repairing and reusing clothes, but with the end of the war and the influence of popular culture, a more feminine style emerged. The emphasis was on elegance and sophistication, with fashion featuring tight tailoring made from satin and silk, accentuating the waist to create a sleek silhouette.
<Panthère by Cartier - A stunning piece featuring 511 diamonds, 72 onyx stones, and emeralds>
In this new fashion era, diamonds and gold remained the preferred choices for jewelry. The typical floral motifs, along with nature-inspired designs like leaves, reflected the influence of creative French designers. Jewelry was often decorated with colorful gemstones such as turquoise, coral, amethyst, and pearls, all enhanced by textured surfaces. These dazzling accessories paired perfectly with the soft, abstract, and natural materials that characterized Scandinavian Modernism.
Scandinavian Modernism in Jewelry
Countries like Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, with their long-standing tradition of silversmithing, became known for their extensive use of silver in jewelry. One of the most prominent silversmiths of this period was Georg Jensen, whose work exemplified the modernist trends of the time.
<Pitcher by Henning Koppel, Georg Jensen, 1952><Splash Necklace by Henning Koppel, Georg Jensen, 1947>
With the dawn of the atomic age, abstract designs in jewelry and textiles began to emerge, offering a fresh perspective in post-war exhibitions. Motifs inspired by the glow of stars, the forms of living organisms, and the structure of molecules became central to this innovative design movement.
