For time immemorial, jewellery has been a luxury desired by everyone. It has retained its status as an expression of the self and also managed to safeguard its value. However, despite its seemingly timeless nature, jewellery has also undergone continuous change over the last decade.

The 50s were a period of strictly imposed gender norms, where women began to break expected standards and explore new domains. They started to express themselves as independent, unique individuals, and the styles of the decade echo this desire. Catchy styles were in trend and often used bright, dominant colours. Ring fashions were popular and were designed using big gemstones with faux pearls.

The 60’s observed a change in the status of jewellery. Jewellery was now seen less as a representation of wealth, and more as an expression of style and professional craftsmanship was in demand, as was handcrafted jewellery. This resulted in the production of intricate designs using low-cost materials rather than expensive metals and gems. Black and white palettes began to take the place of gold, and oversized monochromatic designs were the vogue.

The 60’s and 70’s are popular for their timeless retro designs which are in trend even today. The 70s jewellery were all about making a statement, and their large sizes and flamboyant colours are proof of this. Rustic designs also came into fashion at this time and hippie styles were a favourite. Women tended to wear layered jewellery and large dangling ear pieces in the period of the 70s.

The 80s saw the growth of designs that were loud and bold. Enormous brooches, large rings, heavy danglers were all in vogue, just as were the bright and flashy colours. Pure gold began to be replaced by coated gold and imitation jewellery, and beads started to take the front seat. Crystals made a return during this time and pearls were the style of this decade.

From the 90’s the styles begin to blend together with the trends that are “in” even in current times. The 90’s saw the decline of extravagant jewellery into comparatively simplistic and elegant designs. Bracelets were a huge favourite of the time and slinky gold bracelets were everyone’s choice of accessory. Toe rings, chains and ankle bracelets came into the picture and tended to be made of pearls and crystals, smaller than the stones used in the decade preceding this.

Today, jewellery ranges from elegant to junk, from posh to hippie with different styles in each category. People prefer simple styles and monochromatic colours are loved by all. Layered jewellery has transformed into single strand designs and pearls and glitzy gold have been replaced by diamonds and light crystals among other gemstones. Chokers, multiple piercings, simple bracelets and chains, and ear cuffs are the popular choices now but of course are constantly changing.

The evolution of jewellery designs is affected deeply by the significant historical changes across the decades. The once bold and eye-catching jewellery adorned by women has now transformed into tasteful and minimalistic designs establishing the growth in their positions on the social ladder.