Reviving Retro | The Resurgence of 60s and 70s Jewellery Designs

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Jewellery of the 1960s and 1970s was characterised by bold, unconventional design. In the sixties, we saw psychedelic and flower power influences leading to colourful, nature inspired pieces, whilst the seventies saw a rise in bohemian styles, with chunky, eclectic pieces featuring materials like wood and beads.

We have seen a real resurgence recently in pieces of this era, saying goodbye to the delicate white gold and platinum looks of the early 21st century, and rose gold in the 2010s, welcoming instead the current standout yellow gold designs mimicking those of the 1960s and 1970s. We are seeing this in celebrities being adorned on the red carpet with looks echoing the last century, as witnessed at the recent Golden Globes in Dua Lipa’s choice of a vintage 1960s Tiffany & Co. necklace. 

^{A boxed pair of 18ct gold and enamel clip earrings, by John Donald (£600-800)}

Whilst thinking of jewellery of the sixties and seventies, one key name that springs to mind is Kutchinsky. The renowned brand - founded by Russian-born Joseph Kutchinsky in the late 19th century - gained international acclaim for its luxurious and distinctive designs. The pieces often featured high-quality gemstones, intricate craftsmanship and a fusion of classic and contemporary styles. It was during the mid-20th century, however, whilst creating pieces for royalty and celebrities, that the brand really took off, becoming known for its bold designs with amazing attention to detail. We are fortunate to have a piece by Kutchinsky in our upcoming Fine Jewellery sale - a masterful tiger brooch, with emerald eyes, and diamonds adorning its face, finished off with vibrant blue enamel, this brooch really signifies everything Kutchinsky is known for. Offering a fantastic opportunity to own something from this renowned jewellers, it comes up for sale in our Fine Jewellery and Watches sale, Tuesday 21 May 2024.

_{An 18ct gold, enamel and diamond novelty brooch, by Kutchinsky (£1,500-2,000)}

If something more classic is to your style, but still embodying the era, perhaps a pair of gold and enamelled earrings are for you. Created by the British-born jeweller John Donald, who was one of the revolutionaries of his age and whose patrons included Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and her daughter Princess Margaret, these earrings also feature in our upcoming sale. With pale blue enamel in a chequerboard style, they are quintessential of the period and very wearable. Donald’s pieces are often sought after - a ring by him achieved £2,800 in our June sale last year and we are expecting much interest in these as well.

^{An 18ct gold lapis lazuli and diamond ring, attributed to John Donald (Sold for £3,600)}

Looking forward to the rest of this year, it’s exciting to see what trends will emerge and the influences behind them. Whether the sixties and seventies are your style, or not, one thing is for sure, exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail echoes through, in timeless designs that will continue to be worn for generations to come.

Fine Jewellery and Watches

Tuesday 12 November | 10am

jewellery@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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