80s Fashion Jewelry

80s fashion jewelry is making a comeback. Jewelry designers are looking to the 80s for inspiration for new and exciting designs.

The 1980s was a decade where big was beautiful. Everything was large and bold from hairstyles through to shoulder pads and fabric design. To match the bold fashion trends, jewelry too became large and distinctive. Unlike the tiny and discrete necklaces and pendants of previous decades, jewelry of the 80s was large and powerful. 80s fashion jewelry saw the advent of large beaded necklaces, huge earrings and big brooches.

80s Fashion Jewelry for Individuals

One of the key features of the 80s was that people were exploring their individuality. Jewelry became more than just a fashion accessory, it was also a means of making a statement. Who can forget how Princess Diana famously wore precious chokers as headbands at formal occasions.

While the rich and famous were able demonstrate their wealth by wearing large and stylish fine jewelry, for most other people costume jewelry was the jewelry of choice. This was largely down to cost – a large and heavy necklace made in gold would have been prohibitively expensive for many people. It was also, however, due to the advent of jewelry designers looking to push the boundaries of design and explore new and different materials.

Types of 80s Jewelry

The types and styles of jewelry that define the fashions of the 80s includes:

Earrings

80s inspired earrings were large. Because of their size they were often clip on earrings as they were too heavy to wear as pierced earrings. Pearls were popular in 80s fashion jewelry, although these were often imitation pearls. Gold disc earrings were particularly fashionable and these complemented large gold buttons that graced jackets and suits.

Necklaces

The styles of necklaces ranged from beaded necklaces through to large pendants. Again, gold featured in many 80s necklaces, whether it was real gold or gold colored metal. Crystal and cut glass was also popular and this complemented other styles of jewelry that used real gemstones.

Brooches

Brooches had a resurgence of interest in the 1980s. Whereas previously they had been regarded as being slightly old fashioned, the 80s fashion jewelry styles called for brooches that were as large and bold as other items of jewelry.

Rings

Cocktail rings and other costume rings were part of the 1980s style. These were worn both during the day and as evening wear and contributed to the overall sense of confidence and wealth that were part of the decade.

1980s Anti Fashion

While mainstream 1980s fashion was embracing a very distinctive style of jewelry, a new anti-fashion trend was also emerging. This trend was throwing out the rule books of fashion. Building on the punk movement of the 1970s, grunge and other anti-fashion styles rejected mainstream trends.

Fashion Icons of the 1980s

One of the best ways to get a feel for the jewelry styles of the 80s is to look at the fashion icons of the time. These include:

• Princess Diana
• Dynasty and Dallas (television series)
• Micheal Jackson
• Cyndi Lauper
• Madonna
• Vivienne Westwood

1980s Jewelry for the 21st Century

People who are interested in 1980s jewelry will find that it is regularly available for sale on online auctions sites such as eBay. There is a wide variety of second hand vintage jewelry for sale. Modern jewelry is also being created with a 1980s feel.

Here are some tips explaining how to create a 1980s look in the 21st century:

• Look for implausibly large earrings and wear with 'big' hairstyles
• Seek large pieces of costume jewelry such as brooches and necklaces to accessories 80s style outfits
• Pick primary colors for a real 80s feel
• Consider 1980s themed charms, such as the Rubik's cube
• Forget floaty or delicate styles – think bold!

The 1980s was an interesting decade for fashion and jewelry. The distinctive styles provide inspiration for those trend setters looking for something a little different from their jewelry.

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