With the war in Europe, jewelry production in the United States came to the forefront. Many of the jewelry firms in Europe were shut down and several of the European designers immigrated to the United States. While Europe was in a deep depression, the United States was enjoying an economic recovery. The jewelry market in the United States had never before been so important.

Jewelry took on an American look, incorporating the flowers, bows, and sunburst designs of previous periods, but with a Hollywood flair. Hollywood stars became the trendsetters as royalty had been previously. Jewelry during from the mid 1930's until the late 1940's became bigger and bolder than ever before. Large gemstones, many well over 100 carats, were often used. Aquamarine, citrine, topaz, and synthetics became ever more popular. Rose gold replaced the platinum used during the Deco period, since much of it was needed to fund the war.

Following World War II, the jewelry designs became more traditional and understated. Platinum came back into use and rose gold diminished. The big, bold styles of the Retro period went out of style and were replaced by the more tailored styles of the 1950's and 60's.

Introduction

Victorian

Art Nouveau

Edwardian

Art Deco

Retro

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