The 70's are Back: Estate Jewelry Inspired by the Age of Aquarius

Author Corinne DiZoglio
Share
Date Feb 15, 2021

SchemeHolidays_0055-1024x682.jpgPhoto by MegRuth Photography for Scheme Events

In the 70s, bigger was always better. Clothing of the time was characterized by bold colors and loud patterns so jewelry needed to be big to stand out. No one was afraid to be bold with their designs. Statement pieces became a staple of the era, whether that meant a thick gold cuff or chunky necklace. The metal of choice was yellow gold and stones ranged from turquoise to lapis lazuli, big colorful stones that were more affordable at such large sizes than more traditional gemstones. Here are a few of our favorite 70s inspired pieces that dare to be bold. You'll be sure to make a statement wearing one of these!


BRACELETS

bracelets2.jpg

1. TIFFANY & CO. ELSA PERETTI BONE CUFF
SOLD!

2. 18K YELLOW GOLD MALACHITE BRACELET
ESBR3019 || $2,350 || SHOP NOW

3. 18K YELLOW GOLD MESH BRACELET
ESBR2820 || $7,150 || SHOP NOW

4. 14K YELLOW GOLD CURB LINK BRACELET
SOLD!

70s jewelry was all about bold statements, and these bracelets hit all the right marks! The most iconic of the four featured is the Tiffany & Co. Bone Cuff by Elsa Peretti (1). The Florence-born Peretti joined Tiffany & Co. in 1974 and revolutionized jewelry design. Her most famous design is the bone cuff. The bracelet was a coveted piece in the 70s, and is still popular today. It has graced the wrists of legends like Sophia Loren as well as contemporary actresses like Naomi Watts. The 18k yellow gold bracelet is designed for the right wrist, is signed Tiffany & Co. and comes with the original Tiffany’s box. We also love this 18k yellow gold malachite bracelet (2). Malachite was a very popular stone of the 70s. People gravitated towards big stones to stand out against their loud patterns and flowy outfits. The bracelet is prong set with eight pyramid shaped malachiti framed by open braided links. Other favorite 70s bracelets include an 18k yellow gold mesh link bracelet (3) and a 14k yellow gold bracelet designed with Florentine finish curb links (4).

EARRINGS

ESER5369-gold-drop-earrings.jpg
18K YELLOW GOLD CHAIN DROP EARRINGS
ESER5369 || $1,380 || SHOP NOW

Thick gold chains were another staple of 70s jewelry so it’s no surprise to see this statement mimicked in other jewelry styles like these 18k yellow gold earrings. Each earring is designed with seven flexible chains. Long dangling earrings were a common 70s jewelry trend. We love how these feel reminiscent of the hippie era and resemble feather earrings with the pointed tips on the end of each chain.

RINGS

rings2.jpg

1. 14K YELLOW GOLD JADE RING
ESRG4846 || $1,050 || SHOP NOW

2. LA TRIOMPHE EMERALD, SAPPHIRE & DIAMOND RING
SOLD!

3. 14K YELLOW GOLD LAPIS RING
SOLD!

These three rings are perfect examples of the statement pieces for which the 70s were known. Each has one large central stone that is the focus of the ring or in the case of the La Triomphe ring (2) a bunch of smaller stones that give the appearance of one large piece. The first ring (size 8) is 14k yellow gold and set with a polished jadeite stone within a brushed finish and open link side mounting. The La Triomphe ring (size 5 ¼) is 18k yellow gold and set with 9 marquise cut sapphires, 7 round cut emeralds and 4 full cut diamonds. Lastly, we have a 14k yellow gold lapis ring (size 8). The ring is bezel set with an oval cut lapis and features a ribbed band. Both jade and lapis lazuli were very popular stones of the time. We’d love to rock any of these on our finger!

FASHION ACCESSORIES

ESNK3752-tiffany-belt.jpg
TIFFANY & CO. 18K YELLOW GOLD BELT
SOLD!

The popularity of thick jewelry even translated to accessories like belts. Here’s an amazing Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Belt. The belt is designed with oval textured links, and is 33" in length. The link motif was seen in a lot of bracelets and necklaces of the time so it’s no surprise to see it in other fashion accessories.

WATCHES

ESWB0691-gold-watch.jpg
CORLETTO 18K YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMOND WRISTWATCH
SOLD!

This showy watch designed by Italian jewelry designer Oreste Giovanni Corletto fits in perfectly in the bold world of 70s jewelry. Starting in the 60s, Corletto became a new leader of style and fashion in cities such as Paris, Rome, and New York. His designs were inspired by nature and figurative art, and he was known for his fine quality and craftsmanship. This watch is 18k yellow gold with a black dial framed by 26 full cut diamonds. It is powered by a quartz movement and is completed by a tapered woven link bracelet (6.5” in length).

Which piece of Estate & Vintage 70s Jewelry do you need in your collection? Browse our online collection or visit us in stores for more groovy jewelry from the 70s!

Vintage & Estate Jewelry - Shop the Collection

Subscribe