General Trends:
* Femininity and Glamour: After the austerity of wartime, women embraced feminine styles. Jewelry was often seen as a way to add a touch of glamour to their outfits.
* Matching Sets: Matching jewelry sets (necklace, earrings, bracelet) were very popular. These coordinated sets made it easy to create a polished and put-together look.
* "Costume Jewelry" / Fashion Jewelry: This type of jewelry was made from less expensive materials like rhinestones, faux pearls, and base metals. Costume jewelry allowed women to have a variety of pieces without spending a fortune.
Specific Popular Jewelry Items:
* Pearls: Pearls were *incredibly* popular. They were considered classic and elegant.
* Single-strand pearl necklaces: A staple.
* Double or triple-strand pearl necklaces: For more formal occasions.
* Pearl earrings: Both studs and dangling styles.
* Rhinestones: Rhinestones added sparkle and glamour to jewelry.
* Rhinestone brooches: Very popular, often worn on dresses, suits, and coats. Floral motifs, abstract designs, and animal shapes were common.
* Rhinestone earrings: Large and dazzling.
* Rhinestone necklaces and bracelets: To complete the "sparkle" look.
* Brooches/Pins: Brooches were a major trend. They were used to accessorize clothing and add personality.
* Earrings:
* Clip-on earrings: Very common, as not everyone had pierced ears.
* Hoop earrings: Smaller, more delicate hoops.
* Dangle earrings: Often featuring rhinestones or pearls.
* Bracelets:
* Charm bracelets: Still popular, often personalized with charms that reflected the wearer's interests.
* Bangle bracelets: Simpler styles in metal or plastic.
* Tennis bracelets: Simple bracelets with a line of diamonds.
* Necklaces:
* Chokers: Short necklaces worn close to the neck.
* Pendant necklaces: Featuring a single pendant or charm.
* Watches: Wristwatches were practical but also served as a fashionable accessory.
* Metals: Gold and silver were popular, but gold was seen as more luxurious.
* Gemstones: While diamonds were prized, other gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were also used in jewelry, particularly in higher-end pieces.
Influences:
* Hollywood Glamour: Actresses like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor heavily influenced fashion trends. Their on-screen and off-screen jewelry choices were widely imitated.
* Christian Dior's "New Look": The "New Look," emphasizing a cinched waist and full skirt, influenced jewelry design, with pieces becoming more feminine and delicate.
* Post-War Prosperity: The economic boom after World War II allowed more people to afford jewelry, even if it was costume jewelry.
In summary, women in 1952 embraced feminine and glamorous jewelry. Pearls, rhinestones, brooches, and matching sets were all the rage, reflecting a desire for elegance and optimism after years of wartime austerity. Hollywood glamour and the "New Look" also had a significant influence on jewelry styles of the time.