A Look Into 70's Jewellery Trends

A Look Into 70's Jewellery Trends

Caitlyn Rugless Caitlyn Rugless
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If you lived through the 70s or vicariously through your parents, looking back at the trends of the 70’s can give you a sense of nostalgia. The carefree lifestyle, music and fashion was a pinnacle time for revolutionising the way of fashion and paving the way for unique trends and personal expression. 

Jewellery and fashion trends in the 1970’s were a direct reflection of the events that were happening in society. With social reform and the peace movement, fashion began to shift away from neutrality and conformity, with a new-found embracement for individuality and personal expression. This resulted in present styles developing and gaining popularity such as the punk, emo, disco and bohemian trends. While not as bold as the 80’s, the 70s made its impact from its eclectic style and unique jewellery trends. 

Two of the biggest trends were disco and bohemian. Disco music had just hit the mainstream and consisted of sparkling, brilliant and dramatic pieces that included bangles, pendants and drop earrings. The bohemian style was very counterculture-ish and was more of a back-to-nature style of jewellery featuring items like dress rings, bracelets and exotic jewellery designs.

Overview: 

Go Gold or Go Home

The dominant metal for the 1970s was primarily yellow gold jewellery: from gold earrings to gold chains and gold bangles, any jewellery you could think of - it came in yellow gold. Not only does yellow gold compliment most skin tones, but it pairs well with neutral and natural colours, making it a go-to for people during this period. Chunky gold bangles and bracelets in an eclectic stack gave any look an instant upgrade. If you’re wanting to take inspiration from the 1970’s jewellery trends, then look no further than the gorgeous lustre of yellow gold. 

gold necklaces

Yellow Gold Staples

Statement Cocktail Ring Stack

A memorable style of jewellery for the 70s were unique and eclectic cocktail rings including mood rings. Mood rings contained a liquid crystal that would change colour depending on the temperature of your body, which was interpreted into various “moods”. The idea of interpreting your emotions was very inline with the free love hippy movements. The 70s also saw birthstone rings and gemstone rings become especially popular, which came alongside crystal healing. Each month is represented by a different stone which is thought to have various properties to enrich the life of its wearer. 

Big statement rings were often stacked to create, what we would now call, a maximinalist look. Mixing metals and incorporating different gemstones from amethyst and emerald to diamond and sapphire, the opportunities are endless. Stacking rings is a fun and interesting way to express your personal identity and create a look that is unlike any other.

assorted gold rings with gemstones

Our Favourite Cocktail Rings

Layering

If there’s one thing about the 70s, it’s that more is never enough. People wanted to be bold and completely unique, which meant utilising as much of their wardrobe as possible. Layering and stacking was one of the most popular trends of the decade, and wearing one type of jewellery was never enough. 

Necklaces came in groupings of 3-4 and often included a choker. Choker necklaces were shorter in length and sat close to the neck. From simple gold chains to homemade beaded pieces, the choker was a staple in creating the perfect necklace layer. Pair a choker with chain necklaces of various lengths with statement pendants and bright colours to complete the look. 

It was common to feature a chunky piece amongst more dainty pieces to ensure that there is a wide variety of different styles. This could include a chunky chain with a high gauge or a thicker choker. On the other hand, you could choose to make a statement with a unique, oversized pendant that features bright colours.

layered gold necklaces

Get The Look

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9ct Yellow Gold Diamond Cut Heart Pendant

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The Bigger the Hoop!

If there’s a singular signature look for earrings of the 70’s it would instantly come down to an iconic hoop. To take a leaf out of the books of 70s fashion icons Cher and Diana Ross, the hoop has proven itself to be a timeless and stylish fashion piece. This decade was home to some of the biggest hoops of the century, and the luxurious tones of yellow gold felt right at home. 

One of the best things about hoops today is that there are so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find something that suits your personal style and aesthetic. Whether you go for a large gold hoop earring, sleepers or fun huggie hoops, you can create a unique, interesting and 70s inspired look. 

gold hoop earrings

Our Hoop Choices

To explore further into the realm of earrings, you can never go wrong with a nature inspired earring. Flower power was a slogan coined in the late 1960s and 70s as a symbol of passive resistance and nonviolence. The idea was embraced by hippies and translated into various flower inspired jewellery and patterns. Any earring that adorns flowers or a flower pattern is the perfect way to pay homage to the peace and love era of the decade. 

Flower Power

Take your look to the next level with a 1970s inspired look that is sure to impress. The most important thing when styling your jewellery is to wear jewellery that you feel expresses your personal style. 

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