- HISTORY OF JEWELRY -

The retro period, an important evolution

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Lhe retro period in jewelry extends from 1935 to 1960. A real jewelry revolution will occur despite the torments that the country will experience over this long period.

From art deco to retro jewelry

The period Retro succeeds the Art Deco period which lasted for 10 years. This period is synonymous with geometric lines, abstract shapes and its main use of platinum as well as diamonds. Retro jewels are the opposite, they are very often adorned with yellow gold and small colored stones to brighten up the jewel. Finally, the patterns have taken over through representations of flowers or animals, the retro jewelry is intended to be quite imposing. The current context of the time naturally influenced the jewelry period. The International Exhibition takes place and marks the break with art deco, precious materials such as platinum are required for the war industry. In addition, the war periods are obviously in the trade of luxury items, women also enter the war and have to wear less luxurious jewelry than before. The Luxury Houses then saw their activity reduced. This is where the Retro jewel was born.

How to recognize a Retro jewel?

As mentioned just before, the Retro jewel is made mainly of yellow gold! Its use is massive and then becomes a major criterion in order to recognize retro jewellery. Then, the retro period embodies the sensuality of forms. We find rather imposing but very worked forms. During this period, jewelers worked with gold from every angle: braided gold threads, knots, pleats and openwork, tulle or even lace. Finally, colored stones are also a major feature of retro jewelry. These are lower value stones due to lack of supply due to events, but they are still large and colorful at an affordable price. Some jewels are even patriotic in the colors of the Allies blue white red, the Hawaii collection of the house Van cleef and arpels is emblematic of this phenomenon. A successful initiative that will become synonymous with freedom in the post-war period.

The Tank ring, the icon of the retro period

The Tank ring appeared during the retro period and obviously owes its name to the tanks of the Second World War. The ring is then voluminous and imposing with fairly strict geometric shapes. This atypical piece of jewelry remains elegant all the same and today embodies the trend of XXL jewelry and vintage jewelry.

Find all of our second-hand jewelry on the Retro period right here.

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