Even before the written language was discovered, people had embraced some forms of jewelry. What started as items made from bones and shells has evolved into aesthetic revelry by the beginning of major civilizations.
Gemstones were found in the dry riverbeds and slowly become the symbol of wealth and status.
Since the primitive ages, gemstones have a strong hold over humans. With changing facets of humanity and civilization, gemstones and their jewelry also transformed. From religious inspirations to art deco and contemporary styles, it has come a long way. Let’s find how:
Art Noveau Style of The 1910s
The period was known for the organic and flowing lines inspired by nature. During this design movement, the gemstone jewelry market shifted to modernism without going overboard.
Fantasy themes, feminine colors, and exotic floral motifs were the centerpiece of these jewels. Pearls, amethyst, and aquamarine were used predominantly during the Art Noveau era. Even Hollywood celebrities sported long and tasseled jewelry with diamonds and sapphires during this period.
Art Deco Period of The 1920s
Geometric designs with luxuriant gemstones became a norm in this era. Art Deco focuses on decorative art with a clean cut aesthetic based on industrial aspects of futurism, Bauhaus, and Cubism. It is one of the most popular historical art forms replicated even in contemporary gemstone jewelry.
Clean lines, arched corners, and stepped edges are the hallmarks of the art deco period. The emerald cut was made phenomenal in this same era. Women adored gemstones like sapphires, pearls, emeralds, and diamonds in geometric patterns made from white gold and platinum. Even diamonds mixed with opaque gemstones like black onyx became popular in the 1920s.
Statement Pieces of The 1940s
From simple ribbons to diamond-encrusted rings, women adopted elegant and glamorous jewelry trends during the 1940s. Gold became the metal of choice while precious stones were encrusted in jewels like bracelets and brooches. It gave way to the ultra-feminine styles of the 1950s when diamonds were still the most popular but classic pearls were also used in abundance.
Practical Designs of The 1960s
The era of the 1960s initiated unique trends in gemstone jewelry. It evolved from glamour and elegance to practicality. The fashion icons of this era donned versatile items like layered necklaces, cocktail rings, princess-cut diamonds, and handcrafted pieces in Bohemian style.
Gemstones like emerald and blue sapphires were mixed with diamonds in this period. You can still find these designs relevant to contemporary styles. An emerald surrounded by a band of diamonds is one of the most iconic engagement ring designs that are still prevalent.
Bold Styles of The 1970s
Women became more experimental with their gemstone jewelry in the era of 1970s. It focused on subdued designs marked by bold accents. Striking statement pieces in rich colors became a rage.
Diamond gave way to other colored gemstones like coral, turquoise, and lapis lazuli in a variety of materials including leather in this era. It was the time when the disco movement was gaining a strong foothold, giving rise to flamboyant gemstones with glam rock styles.
The Colored Gemstone Revolution of The 1980s
In the 1980s, punk rock styles introduced a new trend in fashion, inspired by bold and beautiful. It was the time when oversized brooches, headgear, and necklaces were the latest fad with giant colored rocks embedded into them.
Who can forget the iconic styles of Princess Diana who mixed and matched her gemstone jewelry on various occasions? Rubies, emeralds, and sapphires were quite big in this decade when engagement rings also evolved from classic diamonds to colored gemstones.
The Contemporary Designs
Since the 1990s, gemstone jewelry took a major leap to contemporary styles. From big punk rock style chokers to large hoop earrings and layered necklaces, jewelry has evolved and so have the gemstones.
Today, the millennials are spending much more on colored gems than diamonds. The trends have become diverse, ranging from innovative to experimental.
In the 2010s, men’s jewelry also included colored gemstones from prestigious designer stores like GemPundit. Bold embellishments and bright gemstones like alexandrite, topaz, sapphire, amethyst, tourmaline, tanzanite, emerald, red coral, and hessonite have become the new fashion trends in gemstone jewelry. These shinning beauties reflect purity, charm, and elegance.
