Like the jewelry of the roaring 20s, the jewelry of the 1970s also has its own distinctive characteristics and style, and the jewelry at that time was influenced by various cultural trends, with diverse and symbolic jewelry styles. In this article, we will learn about the 1970s jewelry trends and jewelry styles, as well as how to match your clothing, jewelry and accessories in modern times to embrace the 70s jewelry trends.
Table of Contents
Key Trends of 70s jewelry
Minimalist Jewellery: Showing Beauty with Lines and Geometry
The 1970s was an era full of freedom, innovation and individual expression, and the style of jewelry in the 70s also changed dramatically. Minimalist jewelry is one of the most representative 70’s style jewelry, which is also 70s men jewelry . The characteristic of minimalism is simple design, usually using lines, geometric elements, symmetrical design, and simple metals to show a unique jewelry style.
Disco Glam: Bold and Exaggerated Styles are the Mainstream
Influenced by discotheque culture, the original intention of Disco Glam Jewellery is to make you shine even in a dimly lit discotheque. Therefore, 70s disco jewelry trends are usually exaggerated and gorgeous. Disco Glam Jewellery is usually decorated with sparkling rhinestones or sequins. The size of the jewelry is also larger than ordinary jewelry (for example, oversized earrings and pendant necklaces are popular accessories in the 1970s) and the metal texture is strong, mainly gold and silver. Such 70s jewelry is very dazzling when paired with neon lights, perfectly combining luxury, personality and party culture.
Bohemian Style: Ethnic Style Prevails
Bohemian Jewellery, also known as 70s hippie jewelry, is a unique 70s jewelry for women. Influenced by the hippie culture, Bohemian Jewellery emphasizes the design of freedom, asymmetry, and natural elements. It usually uses natural materials such as shells, feathers, and weaving, and combines them with exotic styles (such as Turkey and India) to reflect the harmony between man and nature. It is often marked by multi-layered necklaces and tassel earrings.
Bold Gold Jewelry: The Era of Heavy Jewelry
Bold Gold Jewelry is represented by heavy jewelry with a strong metallic luster, among which rose gold and yellow gold are the most popular jewelry metals at the time. They are often combined with vintage engraving designs to show a unique sense of luxury, especially suitable for nightlife scenes. Large-sized jewelry such as chunky chains, oversized hoop earrings and stacked bangles became popular during this period and became iconic accessories that show personality and fashion attitude.
Vibrant Gemstones: Breaking the Rules
In the past, diamonds dominated the market. However, in the 1970s, jewelry broke with tradition and began to boldly use colored gemstones such as emerald, amethyst, sapphire, and tanzanite to show personality. Large gemstone rings or jewelry with mixed gemstones became the mainstream, emphasizing the gorgeousness and presence of jewelry.


The Influence of 70s Jewelry on Today’s Fashion
Jewelry from 70s, especially the bold use of colorful gemstones, has significantly shaped today’s jewelry trends. 1970’s jewellery styles celebrated vibrant stones like turquoise, emeralds, and sapphires, often set in large, statement pieces. This passion for colorful gems continues to influence modern designs, with designers incorporating vivid gemstones into rings, necklaces, and earrings. Additionally, the era’s love for chunky gold, oversized hoop earrings, and intricate layering remains prevalent today, blending the bold spirit of the 70s with contemporary aesthetics for a striking, timeless appeal.
The Meaning and Significance of 70s Jewelry
- Prestigious jewelry styles from the 70s became symbols of wealth and sophistication. The bold designs using luxurious materials such as gold, diamonds, and gemstones reflected the glamour and high status of the wearer.
- Vintage 70s jewelry is known for its bold use of colorful gemstones. The vibrant hues of turquoise, emeralds, and sapphires set in large, eye-catching pieces captured the free-spirited energy of the decade.
- Popular jewelry trends from the 70s, including chunky gold chains and oversized hoop earrings, remain iconic today. These pieces embodied the era’s love for bold, statement-making accessories.
- The influence of disco culture in the late 70s led to the rise of flashy, extravagant jewelry. Pieces like large, sparkling earrings and diamond-encrusted necklaces became key elements of nightlife fashion and party attire.
How to Match 70s Jewelry with Modern Jewelry and Outfits
- Minimalism: Pair sleek 1970s jewelry accessories, like thin gold bracelets or simple stud earrings, with modern monochrome outfits for a chic, understated look.
- Disco: Combine oversized hoop earrings and chunky necklaces from jewelry in the 70’s with a modern, sparkling dress to recreate the bold, glamorous vibe of the disco era.
- Bohemian: Layer large pendants and feather earrings with flowy, boho-style dresses, capturing the free-spirited essence of 1970s fashion women’s jewelry.
- Bold Gold: Match thick gold rings and bracelets with contemporary power suits or tailored dresses for a luxurious, elegant statement.
- Colored Gemstones: Pair vibrant gemstone rings or earrings from the 1970s with casual or evening outfits to add a pop of color and energy.
How to Embrace the 70s Jewelry Trend with Your Existing Jewelry?
- Layering: Layer existing thin necklaces or bracelets to mimic the retro style of the 70s.
- Bold accessories: If you have large earrings or rings, try pairing them with simple modern clothing to show the bold design of the 70s.
- Add colored gemstones: Use existing jewelry with colored gemstones, such as sapphires or emeralds, to bring out the 70s love of bright colors.
- Mix metals: Pair jewelry with gold, rose gold or other metal elements to highlight the metallic sheen of the 70s.
The Best Occasions to Wear 70s Inspired Jewelry
70s inspired jewelry brings boldness and elegance to any outfit, making it perfect for various occasions. For casual outings, woman 70s jewelry, such as large hoop earrings or chunky necklaces, can instantly elevate your look with a touch of vintage flair. When attending a party or special event, 1970s costume jewelry is a great choice to make a statement, with its vibrant colors and striking designs.
For more formal events, such as proposals and weddings, 70s engagement and wedding rings featuring unique, geometric shapes or bold gemstones offer a beautiful and distinctive alternative to traditional designs. Whether you’re looking to add a retro touch to your everyday wear or want something truly eye-catching for a special occasion, 70s inspired jewelry has something for every moment.

Conclusion
The 1970s is considered one of the golden ages of jewelry design. 70s jewelry combines the modern sense of minimalism with the free spirit of bold personality. Whether it is simple geometric lines or colorful gemstones, it shows the unique social outlook of the time.
FAQs About 70s Jewelry
What types of gemstones were commonly used in 1970s jewelry?
Jewelry from the 70’s often featured vibrant gemstones like ruby, sapphire, alexandrite, and garnet. These colorful stones were used to create striking contrasts with gold and silver settings, making the jewelry bold and attention-grabbing, in line with the decade’s daring fashion choices.
What jewelry was popular in the 70s? What was commonly worn in the 1970s?
In the 70s, jewelry was bold and distinctive. Popular styles included chunky gold pieces, large hoop earrings, layered bangles, and statement necklaces. 70s jewelry style also embraced colorful gemstones and intricate designs, with fashion reflecting the era’s free-spirited, bohemian influences.
Why were bold gold jewelry pieces so popular in the 1970s?
Bold gold jewelry from the 70’s symbolized confidence and luxury. With the era’s fascination with opulence and dramatic fashion, large gold earrings, chunky chains, and statement rings were popular, reflecting both a sense of individualism and a connection to the disco era.
Are 70s jewelry pieces still in fashion today?
Yes, 70s jewelry style continues to influence contemporary fashion. The chunky designs, colorful gemstones, and unique craftsmanship have been reimagined by modern designers, and many pieces reflect the vintage-inspired look, making 70s jewelry still relevant and fashionable today.