1940 - 1949 - Retro

The Retro Era (circa 1940 – 1949) was set against the backdrop of economic depression and world war. Retro jewelry is easily identifiable by the use of bright, highly polished yellow and rose gold. It rounded the sharp and rigid angles of the art deco period and was highly influenced by Hollywood and all its glamour. Due to the beginning of World War II in 1939, platinum became scarce, and gold was the metal of choice. Jewelry was also created on a larger scale with bold cocktail rings and whimsical bracelets being the signature pieces of the period.