Buy 80's Vintage Jewelry
80s Jewelry Jumpstarts A Fashion Revolution
In the 1980s, it seemed as though all of the previous fashion rules were being broken. Suddenly the smaller, daintier pieces of jewelry were giving way to an onslaught of necklaces and bracelets that proclaimed “Big Is Better”. No longer was it considered tasteful to only wear a matching set of jewelry. Now it was “IN” to mix and match; and MORE was far more desirable than LESS.
The preppy years and its delicately feminine chains and bracelets were suddenly steamrolled by the new 80s jewelry designs. The Look that defined the 80s would be Bold and Distinctive. Just like an unstoppable juggernaut the new fashion wave swept into stores and filled display shelves and counters with large, colorful and unusual pieces of jewelry. People began to explore using jewelry of the 80s to make their own statement about fashion and style.
Costume jewelry was originally a substitute for those who could not afford real jewels, but this was about to change. In the 80s it was costume jewelry items that took front and center stage in the world of fashion. Who wanted real gemstones when the fakes were just as beautiful and only cost a few bucks.
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One of the biggest hits in 80s fashions was the “break out” style success of Costume Jewelry. Both women and men suddenly found chains, necklaces and rings to be an affordable and dynamite look that let them express their feelings to the world.
Neck Chains and Necklaces
In the 80s, Gold was still the choice for jewelry, but it did not have to be 18K, 14K, or even 10K. Electroplating and gold color metals could give people the look of gold for a small fraction of the price. Heavy chains were very popular and many people could be seen layering several necklaces and chains together to create a new look.
Medallions, large beads, crystals and crosses all could be seen dangling from chains. These items could be worn at any time of day or night. Now people did not have to wait for a special time or occasion to wear jewelry. If you had it, you could wear it.
Rings Got Bling
The 80s rings had plenty of bling and people tossed out the rules about proper pairing of jewelry items. The use of rings became so prevalent that some businesses and health care settings began to place restrictions on wearing them for safety reasons. It was not uncommon to see a person wearing more than a dozen different rings on their 8 fingers and 2 thumbs. If they ran out of finger room, there were toe rings that could be worn for even more “bling- bling”.
Fake gemstones were being manufactured that could rival the shine, fire and sparkle of their genuine cousins and people were eager to buy them. Gold and silver bands were worn casually together. Heavy, ornate, and over the top could easily be used to describe many of the rings that were designed during the Eighties. This decade was all about over indulgence, pampering, and glamour and with high quality costume jewelry, anyone could take part.
Earrings For Eighties Earlobes
Even the ears were not overlooked when it came to jewelry styles for the 80s. Large hoops could be seen adorning many ears. Some of the largest of all earring styles were made during this decade. Ethnic designs were being brought into the mainstream and the look was embraced with enthusiasm. Ear piercing was becoming hotter than ever and you could have it done free at many stores if you purchased a pair of gold studs.
During the 80s, both clip on and pierced earrings were popular but the clip-ons were uncomfortable and beginning to decline in popularity. It was very easy for consumers to find earrings that were ostentatious and outrageous. Feathers, cork, beads, and even miniature globes were used in earring styles. Some of the 80s earrings were so heavy that they would pull the earlobe down toward the shoulder.
Brooches and Bracelets
As with all other 80s style jewelry, brooches and bracelets were now Big, Brassy, and Bold. Nothing had to match; in fact, it was considered more fashion forward to combine many different looks at once. Brooches and pins were more concerned with design and those shaped like animals were very much in demand. Consumers wanted a design that would be eye catching and unique.
Bangle bracelets were a hot fashion choice during the 80s. These were made from cork, macramé, hemp, wood, plastic, and metal. Charm bracelets, slides, and add-a-bead styles also were seen dangling from the arms of fashion divas around the world. Some of the bracelets were made to look like cuffs that fit on the wrist and there were even those styled to be worn on the upper arm. If the look of a bracelet was brave and bold, people would buy it.
June 12th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
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