When it comes to fashion, you can never get too comfortable. One day, your thoughtfully curated outfit is turning heads and scoring compliments. And the next, your skinny jeans aren’t cool anymore and your hair is no longer “it.” Sigh.
Jewelry is an essential part of fashion. Whether your style is understated and elegant or bold and boisterous, your jewelry makes a statement about your personality well before you extend a hand to introduce yourself.
So, exactly what kind of statement is your jewelry making? Are you confidently informing the world that you’re open to offbeat trends that push the boundaries of your comfort zone? Are you rejecting fleeting fads in favor of quality craftsmanship?
If the ever-evolving nature of jewelry fashion trends sounds exhausting to you, you’ll be relieved to hear that many looks go out of style only to regain popularity a few years or decades later. That’s right – if you do absolutely nothing to adapt to the changes in jewelry fashion trends, there’s a good chance that your style will be considered fly again eventually. Just don’t call things “fly.” No one says that anymore.
Here, we’ll take a look at jewelry trends that have made a comeback. After years of living in the dark obscurity of your jewelry box, these styles are back and better than ever!
Stones and Studs
The English Renaissance gave way to an ear piercing trend in the late 1500s, particularly among wealthy gentlemen. However, ear lobe piercings date back even further! In pre-Biblical times, sailors would often pierce one of their ear lobes. While some sailors falsely believed that ear lobe piercings would improve their eyesight, others took a more practical stance in thinking that their jewelry would help to pay for funeral expenses if they should die at sea.
Now, colorful stones and studs are everywhere. Ear piercings have evolved from simple ear lobe piercings to cartilage piercings, conch piercings, daith piercings, tragus piercings, and more. If the sailors of yesteryear could see today’s elaborate constellation piercings, it’d take the wind out of their sails!
Pearls
While the use of decorative pearl dates back to 4200 B.C., pearl jewelry saw a surge in popularity in the 1920s. Once a luxury item reserved for the elite, pearls became more affordable as cultured or “fake” versions hit the market. Long strands of white, green, gray, and blue pearls graced the necks of every ‘20s It Girl.
Over time, pearls have proven to be incredibly versatile. They look good on long, layered necklaces, stud earrings, belly button rings, and even barbells! If you’re in the market for a jewelry refresh but aren’t sure where to start, check out pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, and pearl rings. There’s a good chance that they’ll never go out of style.
Florals
In the 1950s, many popular designers took notes from Mother Nature and molded jewelry into daisies, roses, tulips, and other popular flowers. Drawing inspiration from the Victorian era, jewelers offered necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and brooches adorned with delicate floral designs.
Currently, flower-inspired jewelry is totally trending. Bold sunflowers and bright red roses are some of our favorite blooms to wear on earrings, belly button rings, and nipple barbells.
Peace Signs
The peace sign became a universal symbol of harmony in the early ‘60s. Designed by a graphic artist named Gerald Holtom in 1958, the peace sign was first used in protest of nuclear arms. Its popularity grew as it appeared on signs, clothing, and jewelry at social, political, and civil rights marches across the United States.
Today, peace signs represent hope and unity. We love that peace sign jewelry looks retro-rad and modern at the same time! Pendant necklaces, beaded necklaces, and bracelets adorned with peace signs can elevate any basic outfit in an instant.
Mood Rings
Before you could use an Emoji to describe your mood, you could wear a mood ring! Throughout the ‘70s, people started to get more comfortable with talking about their emotions. Blue meant that you were feeling calm, red was a sure sign of fear, and green indicated that you were ready for romance.
We’re happy to report that mood rings are back in the style forecast! We love to layer simple, thin rings with one or two statement or “cocktail” rings for an eclectic look. Bring your summer jewelry A-game with stacked rings!
Oversized Hoops
In the ‘80s, things were bigger and brighter. Jewelry was no exception. As hairstyles grew in size, hoop earrings followed suit! Large, flashy hoop earrings were the perfect match for oversized blazers and poof skirts. Whether in neon pink or classic silver, oversized hoop earrings were a wardrobe staple in the ‘80s.
We may have left shoulder pads behind in the ‘80s, but oversized hoop earrings have serious staying power. We love to style statement earrings with a slicked-back bun and a bold red lip.
Butterflies
In the ‘90s, butterflies were everywhere. Bucket hats embroidered with butterflies, belly button rings adorned with butterfly charms, and even butterfly hair clips were the epitome of cool. We’re thrilled to see that they’ve flown back into style!
Choker Necklaces
Low-rise jeans and crop tops aren’t the only trends that are being resurrected from the early 2000s. Choker necklaces are back, and we’re so into them. We looked to magazine covers to inform our style choices in the early aughts. Now, we look to social media influencers to draw the line between fashion and flop. The consensus is clear: choker necklaces are here to stay. Wear your choker necklace alone or pair it with a chain necklace for a fashion-forward look!
Boundary-Pushing Barbells
Barbell jewelry stole the spotlight from 2010 – 2020, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Bridge piercings, tragus piercings, and helix piercings dressed up in charm-embellished jewelry grew in popularity throughout this decade.
The 2010s were all about celebrating the many unique characteristics that shape our identities. Barbell jewelry is available in so many shapes, sizes, and colors that there’s bound to be something for everyone. We love barbell jewelry not only because it looks effortlessly cool, but because it’s safe, durable, and fairly easy to clean.
Which era inspires your jewelry choices? Are you an old soul who loves vintage-style pearls and gems? Are you a peace sign-loving flower child at heart? Whatever your groove may be, Spencer’s is here to deliver quality jewelry that can keep up with your lifestyle. We can’t wait to see how you style it!
