The late 30’s and early 40’s saw Europe going from the Great Depression directly into WW II. All luxury production in Europe came to a halt as resources were devoted to the war effort. This was most obvious in the jewelry industry, where all the platinum, gold and silver were needed to fund the war.

     By this time the US was recovering from the effects of its Depression and enjoying the prosperity generated by the war in Europe. Red, white & blue patriotic motif was popular.

     After WW II people were tired of conserving, they wanted big and large jewelry, as influenced by American royalty, the Hollywood stars in this Post war era and the beginning of the US as the world power.

RARE VINTAGE TRIFARI ALFRED PHILIPPE BIRDS BROOCH PIN

     Large scrolls and bows designs were common in pink gold with diamonds and accented with rubies often in an architectural type design, usually more gold then stones.

     When stones were used they were extremely large, the bigger the better. A lot of novelty jewelry was made using all techniques possible.

VINTAGE MODERNIST 1.5 cts RUBY & AQUA 14K GOLD RING

     Mass production became the trend. In Latin ‘Retro’ means behind, like a Nehru jacket.

POST RETRO 1950 - 1970

     Explosion of the United States as the world’s economic power. Jewelry of this period is highly diverse using all types of designs, styles and stones.

VINTAGE SCHREINER NY BLUE/PINK RHINESTONE NECKLACE SET

     Reproductions and mass production exploded in every industry and the reproduction of earlier period pieces became more prevalent during this period. Designer pieces became more obtainable and affordable by almost everyone.