The Worlds fair was the setting for the exhibition of the first jewelry collection pre-World War II. High polished rose, yellow and green gold are the principle coloured metals used incorporating emeralds, rubies, aquamarine, citrine and amethyst. The kind of jewelry pieces used was bracelets, watches, necklaces and cocktail rings.



The look of the Retro inspired jewelry was worn by the most glamorous of Hollywood Femme Fatales and the ordinary ladies who aspired to be as glamorous as the Sirens on the big screen. World War II meant that the usual metals used for jewelry manufacturing were no longer available so alternative metals had to be used. Just like the movies that transported the public to another world the jewelry of the time brought some escapism from the harsh realities of war especially for the women left being who wore bright coloured trinkets from their men away at war.



The movies of the 1930`s was the time Technicolor was introduced prior to that the films were black and white and the budgets for the movies were bigger as the character on screen were. Movie start like Betty Davis, Clarke Gable, Cry Grant and sultry sirens Like Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable,( the pin up girl of the war weary boy’s off fighting in the war) Vivien Leigh and Ginger Rogers were on screen larger than life. Gone with the wind a big budget film based around the civil war in the south was the first big budget



Technicolor film made for the big screen with big costumes and jewelry pieces worn by the ladies of the south pre-civil war America .The movie was a story of unrequited love lust betrayal and family loyalties famous to this day the movie is a Christmas favourite whether on T.V or on D.V.D. Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Walt Disney’s new addition to the collection of family favourites. Retro jewelry is worn today with the same love of bold bright colours and a since of individuality. Sterling was the base metal for Retro jewelry as other metals were recalled for war time use.



The concentration of metal in some Retro original pieces however was not high enough to be considered Sterling Silver. Plastic and fabric materials were also used for Retro jewelry, rhinestones Faux Pearls and crystal. In the 1950`s base metals became available Post War and Costume jewelry was bigger than ever. Today stars like Imelda May can be seen wearing Retro Jewelry that is reminiscent of the style of the 1930`s and 50`s. Portrait brooches rings and earrings are a big feature of Retro jewelry.



Vintage Art Deco or Retro whatever the name the principle is the same bold bright colours with coloured metals gemstones pearls and glass for a timeless look that wouldn’t look out of place on the catwalks of Paris, New York or Milan today. Costume jewelry is big with the stars of the big screen today and can be seen adorning the bodies of the glamorous ladies on the red carpet on Oscar night. Vintage diamond engagement rings are very popular
today with stars like Jessica Simpson and Jessica Alba to name but a few wearing colourful diamonds instead of the classic white diamond rings. Ladies who have been married before or who want a ring the is a depiction of their own personality will often choose a colourful vintage



Retro or Art Deco ring that is made to particular specification to resemble the look of the 1940`s. Style glamour sophistication and opulence were the looks of the 1940`s Retro or vintage engagement in a dome shape in yellow gold platinum with accented sapphires black diamonds enamel or pearl and opal were the preference of the day. Two tone metals hexagon oval pave shapes in high setting are a different choice for ladies looking for that special ring that stands out from the crowd.



Estate Retro Art Deco Art Noveau Edwardian Georgian and Victorian are all included under the heading of” Vintage” engagement rings. Marquis Round Emerald and Cushion cut are the shapes used in vintage engagement rings. Matching wedding rings are also available for the all round glamorous package. Jewelry designers and gold smiths alike have their own twist on the Retro styled engagement dress and wedding rings for a new old looking ring that makes a bold statement.



The shapes of diamonds that are popular with ladies today were conceived in the 1930`s and 20`s like the Emerald Princess and the popular Cushion used for many engagement ring today. Retro inspired rings and jewelry are “Hot Hot Hot”. When you purchase a Vintage or Retro engagement ring you can be sure you ring will never date or go out of fashion as the shapes of diamonds and metals are basically the same Marquis the cut of the royalty that is a twist on the pear and the round, the Round that is a timeless classic worn as a solitaire or accented in a 3 ring setting,



The Pear that is a tasteful elegant change from the Marqiuse and Round, the Asscher a bold mirrored effect step diamond created in the 1920`s is an alternative to the emerald square diamond shape and the Princess a favourite among a large percentage of ladies looking for an alternative to the round, the Emerald that is classical elegant understated shape that stands out from the crowd in a solitaire or as a 2, 3 or inset piece.



The best of the popular asymmetrical colourful gemmed jewelry is evident when you take a look at Retro jewelry.The popular costume replicas we wear today from the high street beckons us back to a time of glamour in rose yellow sterling silver and platinum metals with pearls diamonds faux gems rubies emeralds and sapphires to name but a few. The cocktail ring is trend to wear with the ever popular little black or tangerine dresses big this season.



Famous celebrities like Catherine Heigl can be seen wearing a Retro shaped diamond engagement Marquise ring. Whatever you final choice of jewelry be it a stunning engagement ring a bracelet or necklace you can rest assured your Retro piece will be a talking point and stand out from the rest of the crowd in jewelry terms for many years to come and be a timeless trinket. to pass on to future generations. The internet is a great place to start to guide you through the maze of Retro jewelry.