The annual party season is once more upon us, and with the little black dress and suit a staple of this festive time, what better way to make a statement than with dazzling accessories. Here at Berganza we have one of the largest collections of vintage and antique jewellery in Europe which will open your imagination to stylistic influences throughout the ages. Every piece is a one of a kind, encompassing old-cut gemstones, cut by hand, with pieces finished off with hours of intricate craftsmanship.
Throughout time, jewellery design and the materials used have reflected the unique social and cultural trends of the era. The 1970s were redefining as they encompassed powerful social transitions such as the feminist and hippie movements. These redefining concepts were beautifully echoed in the jewellery designs which went against the norms of the establishment.
The general theme of the 1970s was statement jewellery. Pieces were large and attention grabbing in both scale, design and the gemstones chosen. Yellow gold was the preferred choice of precious metal in this era as it was distinctive, yet practical. Indeed, gold prices were very low post 1971 due to President Nixon dissolving the gold standard in the US. It is in this era too that technical methods of gold manipulation advanced, as jewellers such as Sterlé (1905 - 1978), an important Parisian jeweller, challenged conventional jewellery craftsmanship.
Cocktail rings first became popular in the second quarter of the twentieth century and by the 1970s were being designed in even more elaborate styles to wear to parties. To make even more of a statement, lustrously gold chains, often worn in multiples were adorned with large intensely coloured gemstones. For gentlemen, cufflinks became one of the most popular items of men’s jewellery in the second half of the nineteenth century, and throughout the twentieth century they continued to provide that necessary finishing touch to a suit. Today it is usual for men and women alike to wear cufflinks, yet they remain primarily a gentleman’s accessory, and are one of the few jewels through which a man can exhibit his own distinctive style.
Do you have a special event approaching? Visit Berganza's newly renovated showroom, or view our website online to find your one-of-a-kind 1970’s piece of statement jewellery from our vast collection that is sure to turn heads.