1950s
London’s post war recovery gained momentum in the 1950s, the economy flourished as trade increased, the docks were flooded with traders and the rebuild was well underway.
Skilled workers were recruited from throughout the Commonwealth to improve London’s infrastructure, to build new schools and hospitals. The birth of the NHS in July 1948 led to an evolution in Healthcare as hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists were brought to provide a free service and new Hospitals were build to accommodate them.
‘White collar’ jobs increased as office space became available creating over 50,000 new jobs in London and service took a greater share of London’s economy. The number of working women increased dramatically as they took a significant proportion of the City desk jobs that became available, eventually outnumbering men in London’s office for the first time! This increasingly affluent, style savvy middle class looked to America where Hollywood starlets were having an impact on fashion. It was a decade of timeless style. Monroe flaunted the classic, curvaceous silhouette associated with the 50s, Hepburn played with whimsical style, effortlessly pairing androgynous chic and feminine cuts and Elizabeth Taylor led a glamorous lifestyle exemplified by her astounding collection of jewels auctioned at Christies in 2012. The sale made a whopping £100,324,209, which indicates where she sat on the Glamometer!
The burgeoning middle class were equally in the market for household and consumer goods. British manufacturing prospered as people invested in the latest hoovers, televisions and appliances that became symbolic of a progressive outlook as the 50s housewife embraced modernity.
Chunky pieces in textured gold were characteristic of a decade of post war exuberance.
Cocktail rings became had their heyday as Hollywood style icons dictated trends. Dramatic shapes in mixed metal of raised, curved design mirrored the flow of fabric. Drapes, bows and ribbons were popular.
Fifties jewellery featured Florentine finishes like twisted rope, braiding, fluting foxtail chains and mesh.
Jewellery designers created abstract sprays of mixed cut diamonds in ‘atomic’ starburst shapes. Yellow gold and diamond jewellery was reserved for the evening, while during the day people opted for big pieces in yellow gold.
Turquoise, cultured pearls, coral and amethyst were all in.
1–60 of 89 items
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18ct White Gold Diamond Set Cluster Ring
£1,875
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Cultured Pearl Double Strand Necklace With Emerald & Diamond Clasp
£3,500
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18ct Gold Enamel & Diamond Bird of Paradise Brooch
£1,875
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14ct Gold & Aquamarine Stud Earrings
£375
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Silver & White Enamel Necklace by Albert Scharning
£495
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18ct White & Yellow Gold, Diamond Cluster Ring
£975
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Silver Leaf Necklace by Herman Siersbol
£375
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14ct Gold Signet Ring By Tiffany With Crest Intaglio
£1,275
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Long Silver “Prince of Wales Twist” Chain
£175
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Silver Curb Bracelet With Heart Padlock
£175
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Silver Blue & White Enamel Collar by David Andersen
£1,275
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Large Triple Drop Diamond Earrings
£6,750
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Silver Turquoise & Marcasite Earrings
£195
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18ct Gold & Platinum Three Stone Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring
£2,500
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Platinum & Diamond Solitaire Ring With Diamond Set Shoulders
£4,500
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18ct White Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Ring
£2,950
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Silver Bangle With Engraved Flower Motif
£375
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18ct Gold, Diamond & Ruby Three Stone Ring
£2,250
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18ct Gold, Ruby & Diamond Bracelet
£6,750
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Large 9ct Gold, Amethyst & Pearl Ring
£675
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Multi Stone Silver & Marcasite Bracelet
£375
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French 18ct Gold Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet
£1,875
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18ct White Gold Pearl & Diamond Ring
£675
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Scandinavian Silver Fringe Necklace
£975
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Silver & Marcasite Round Golfing Brooch
£95
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Silver & Marcasite Paisley Design Necklace
£675
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Georg Jensen Silver Double Leaf Earrings
£375
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Silver & Marcasite Racehorse Brooch
£250
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Silver, Marcasite & Amethyst Necklace
£250
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Sapphire & Diamond Drop Cluster Earrings
£1,875
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18ct Gold & Platinum Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
£2,750
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Pearl in The Oyster Shell 18ct Gold Ring
£1,275
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Alaskan Two Colour 14ct Gold & Diamond Heart Ring
£975
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18ct Gold & Platinum, Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring
£3,500
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Cartier 18ct Gold & Sapphire Stirrup Cufflinks
£3,500
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18ct White Gold Diamond Cluster Earrings
£1,875
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Silver & Marcasite Butterfly Ring
£250
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9ct Gold & Amethyst Round Stud Earrings
£375
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18ct Gold Cultured Pearl & Diamond Ring
£675
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Engraved Silver 1950s Bangle Set With Garnets
£375
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18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Queen’s English Coronation Crown Earrings
£1,275
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