Jewelry is a mirror of the times. From glamorous pearls to chunky gold chains to rhinestone-covered everything, the jewelry Americans wore has always reflected culture, fashion, and identity. Here are six iconic decades of jewelry in the U.S., from the classic 1950s to the big bling of the 2000s.
1950s: Hollywood Glamour
The 1950s marked a return to elegance. Women embraced ladylike looks, with pearls, diamond solitaires, and big cocktail rings at the forefront. Jewelry was a sign of prosperity and sophistication. The release of Marilyn Monroe's song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” made diamonds the ultimate must-have.
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Fun Fact of the 50's: Cultured pearls became a sensation, suddenly every fashionable woman could channel Jackie Kennedy’s timeless style.
Oh Clem Spotlight: Our classic pearl necklaces are a timeless nod to 1950s elegance, just like Jackie Kennedy’s signature style.
1960s: Mod & Youthful Playfulness
The swinging 60s brought a clash of refined and playful. On one end, Jackie Kennedy’s elegant brooches and pearls defined First Lady chic. On the other, the youth-driven “mod” movement embraced bright plastics, bold shapes, and colorful beads. Andy Warhol’s pop art inspired jewelry that was graphic, experimental, and fun.
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Fun Fact: Jewelry became more affordable as costume pieces surged, letting teenagers express themselves without breaking the bank.
Oh Clem Spotlight: Bright pops of color? Our beaded earrings channel that 60s mod spirit perfectly.
1970s: Boho Meets Disco
In the 70s, jewelry went two ways: earthy bohemian and glittering disco. Turquoise, natural stones, and handmade looks defined the hippie scene, while gold chains, medallions, and long earrings lit up the dance floors. From flower child to disco queens, jewelry was about personal identity and expression.
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Fun Fact: Men’s jewelry went mainstream—thick gold chains and medallions became a bold fashion statement.
Oh Clem Spotlight: Layer on our gold necklaces and beautiful natural stone jewelry and you would have gone from Woodstock to the dance floor!
1980s: Bigger is Better
When it came to 80s jewelry, subtlety was out. Think oversized earrings, chunky gold hoops, rhinestone-studded brooches, and heavy chains. Jewelry was bold, loud, and unapologetically glamorous. TV shows like Dynasty and music icons like Madonna embodied the “more is more” mindset.
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Fun Fact: Clip-on earrings were everywhere, perfect for switching out oversized looks without the commitment of a piercing.
Oh Clem Spotlight: Bold and unapologetic, our oversized earrings capture that power-jewelry vibe.
1990s: Minimalist Cool vs. Pop Culture Fun
The 90s were all about contrasts. On one hand, kids kept it simple with silver bands, leather cuffs, and chokers. On the other, pop culture brought mood rings, friendship bracelets, and bedazzled accessories. Not to mention shell inspired jewelry! Clueless popularized preppy sparkle, while MTV introduced rhinestones and playful charm jewelry to the mainstream.
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Fun Fact: Chokers, whether velvet or rhinestone-studded, became the decade’s signature accessory.
Oh Clem Spotlight: From delicate chains, to pieces that keep the 90s trend alive with a modern twist, we have pieces that nod to the 90s.
2000s: Bling & Personalization
The 2000s were defined by bling. Oversized hoops, rhinestone-studded everything, and personalized jewelry (like nameplate necklaces and charm bracelets) dominated. Hip-hop culture and red-carpet style collided, making jewelry bigger, shinier, and flashier than ever. Stars like Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, and Beyoncé made “bling” an essential.
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Fun Fact: The Sex and the City “Carrie” necklace sparked a nameplate trend that’s still going strong today.
Oh Clem Spotlight: Our big hoops throw it back to J.Lo style, while our necklace charms allow you to collect and stack your favorites like you collected back in the day!
From the polished pearls of the 1950s to the bling of the 2000s, American jewelry trends tell a story of culture, style, and identity. At Oh Clem, we love taking inspiration from these sparkling eras and reimagining them in fresh, modern ways. Because jewelry isn’t just history, it’s how we express ourselves today.