The 1960s were all about groovy, psychedelic vibes—bursts of color, bold shapes and eclectic materials, which found their way into clothes, home decor, hairstyles and, of course, jewelry. This era of self-expression, rebellion and exploration brought us Beatlemania, Flower Power and the first Moon Landing. Sandwiched between the refined and coordinated jewelry trends of the 1950s and the bold, bohemian, and free-spirited jewelry trends of the 1970s, jewelry of the 60s had a distinct personality. Ready to explore? Throw on some Jefferson Airplane, slip into a fringed suede vest and take a colorful trip through 10 standout 60s jewelry trends that helped define the decade.
1. Plastic Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry of the 1960s, it's impossible not to mention the bold, oversized plastic jewelry trend, where plastics like Lucite (clear, durable plastic), acrylic and other synthetics replaced traditional metals and gemstones. Think chunky bangles, oversized hoop earrings, geometric designs and statement rings in neon colors, contrasting black-and-white or clear space-inspired finishes. This trend, popular in the Mod scene (British youth subculture known for its sharp fashion, style, rebellion and nightlife), was fun, affordable, accessible and widely embraced by the youthful, fashion-forward culture of the decade. Designers began making plastic for the fashion runway, and trendsetters like Twiggy helped normalize it for everyday wear.
2. Geometric and Asymmetrical Shapes
Following the prim and proper 1950s era—a decade known for matching jewelry sets, perfectly pressed skirts and blouses—jewelry in the 1960s shook things up a bit. With less focus on the everything-must-match vibe, 1960s jewelry often featured striking geometric designs and mismatched or asymmetrical shapes, such as oversized circles or abstract patterns. This jewelry trend played well into the bold, colorful, attention-grabbing garb of the psychedelic era.
3. Space Age Influence
The first moon landing occurred on July 20, 1969, and was watched by 650 million people worldwide. With such attention and cultural impact, it’s no surprise that space-age jewelry became a major trend in the late 1960s. From metallic finishes to planetary motifs and sleek, futuristic shapes, this bold look showed up in 1960s costume jewelry as well as in pieces by influential designers, who incorporated cosmic components into their high fashion.
4. The Egyptian Revival
Egyptian motifs like scarabs (beetles symbolizing rebirth and protection), lotuses (flowers representing purity, creation and the sun), ankhs (cross-like symbols meaning eternal life) and pharaoh faces (depictions of Egyptian rulers, symbolizing power and divinity) experienced a revival in the 1960s, fueled by popular museum exhibits and movies like Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra (1963). Jewelry pieces often featured bold gold-toned metals, turquoise accents and intricate enamel work. While not quite as popular as the Mod and hippie styles, this trend brought a mystical, historical flavor and has recently resurged among modern bohemian and maximalist jewelry wearers.
5. Tassels and Fringe
Many accessories in the 1960s embraced playful patterns and textures with tassels and fringe among the standouts. From swinging tassel earrings to fringe necklaces and beaded accents, these decorative details added movement and a distinctly bohemian aesthetic. This look wasn’t reserved for just casual wear, though. Fringe and tassels, paired with glamorous metals or laid-back natural materials, appeared everywhere. Their free-spirited look perfectly captured the tone of the times. Today, tassel accessories remain a warm-weather favorite everywhere, from beach weddings to Coachella crowds.
6. Symbols: Flowers, Peace Signs, Yin-Yang and More
The 1960s saw an explosion of symbols used as expressions of political, spiritual and cultural identity. These symbols included things like the iconic peace sign as well as flowers that reflected the peace-loving mindset of many and the yin-yang symbol which highlighted the decade’s growing interest in Eastern philosophy and the desire for harmony and balance.
Astrology-themed jewelry, including zodiac pendants, charm bracelets and rings, also surged in popularity in the late 1960s. Often crafted in gold or as coin-like medallions, these pieces were especially popular in 1960s costume jewelry. Astrology has remained a popular staple in jewelry ever since, especially during times of cultural challenges and uncertainty.
7. Hoop Earrings
Though a staple across many decades, hoop earrings truly became a must-have accessory in the 1960s. Among the most iconic 1960s earrings, large hoops captured the era’s love of bold, clean shapes and fascination with geometric style. Available in everything from gleaming gold to vibrant plastics, hoop earrings were embraced by fashionistas and club-goers alike. Their versatility made them easy to pair with just about anything, from swimsuits to go-go boots. Hoops have proven their staying power decade after decade, effortlessly evolving with the times, from the bold styles of the 1960s to the edgy, oversized jewelry trend of the 1990s.
8. Long, Beaded Necklaces
Another trend that isn’t specific to the 1960s but must be mentioned is the long, beaded necklace. Often made from wood, glass or ceramic, beaded necklaces were worn long and layered in the 1960s, particularly by the bohemian crowd. These necklaces had a handcrafted appeal and reflected the growing interest in Eastern and Indigenous cultures. These necklaces were sometimes paired with spiritual pendants or worn with embroidered tunics and flowing clothing. Today, this look continues in many festivals and artisan-inspired circles.
9. Go-Go Jewelry
“Go-go” jewelry was flashy and fun, just like the dancing it was named after. The look featured bold, dangling earrings, metallic chokers, and chunky plastic pieces that moved with every shimmy. Laugh-In star Goldie Hawn was a poster girl for the trend, often seen in miniskirts and oversized accessories that captured the youthful energy of the time. Go-go style was all about movement and attitude, and it can still be a fun, bold choice today (just don’t overdo it!). Without the right balance, you risk becoming a caricature of 1960s fashion jewelry.
10. Nature-inspired Jewelry
With the 1960s counterculture turning its focus toward peace, love, and living in harmony with the Earth, jewelry started to reflect these ideals in both materials and design. Nature-inspired looks were a quiet yet impactful trend in the 1960s, featuring leaf patterns, feathers, flowers and even insects! These designs appeared in metalwork, carved wood and resin, often paired with natural stones like turquoise, amber or coal. This trend coincided with the growing popularity of craft fairs and handmade jewelry, where jewelry makers used organic shapes and raw materials to create unique pieces that offered an alternative to the polished, commercialized look of earlier decades. Instead of diamonds and fine gold, people embraced macramé chokers, hand-hammered copper cuffs or pieces adorned with seashells and carved bone.
1960s Jewelry Trends That Started in the 1950s
A new decade’s jewelry trends don’t just launch on January 1 of its first year. Many trends begin much sooner and increase in popularity over time. That’s the case for the following five jewelry trends that started in the 1950s but lasted into the 1960s.
Pearls
The popularity of pearl necklaces was a holdover from 1950s elegance and remained a staple in early 1960s fashion. Seen as proper and feminine, pearls were often worn with dresses, suits and gloves. And, while the Mod movement eventually dominated the 1960s, the pearl popularity never entirely disappeared. They’ve since been reimagined in everything from punk 1990s jewelry trends to genderless fashion.
Rhinestones
Rhinestone jewelry was a big part of 1950s glamour, especially in pieces like brooches and clip-on earrings. In the early 1960s, these sparkling pieces were frequently worn for evening events or in conservative fashion settings. If you dig through your grandparents’ jewelry boxes, you’ll likely find a starburst pin or floral clip-on earrings from that era. This style, however, faded as more relaxed and natural designs took over in the latter half of the decade.
Gold-tone Clip-on Earrings
Before pierced ears became the norm (a shift that began gaining traction in the late 1960s and became widespread by the 1970s), gold-tone clip-on earrings were a go-to accessory in both casual and formal styles. These earrings came in simple, floral or geometric designs and were often part of matching sets. Their popularity continued into the 1960s among women who hadn’t yet adopted newer piercing trends. Today they’re often found in vintage shops and estate sales.
Cameos
Symbolic motifs were part of the more traditional side of jewelry of the 1960s. Cameo jewelry—made of shell or resin featuring carvings of people (portrait-style), animals, or some kind of setting—made a comeback in the 1950s as part of a Victorian throwback trend that lingered into the 1960s, worn mostly in more traditional or nostalgic circles. Some younger wearers began to embrace cameos in iconic or vintage-inspired ways, especially toward the end of the decade. Today, they often pop up in retro and cottagecore fashion trends.
Parures: matching jewelry sets
Parures—complete sets of matching earrings, necklaces, brooches and sometimes bracelets—were the pinnacle of accessory coordination in the 1950s. The look carried into the early 1960s, especially for formal occasions like weddings, cocktail parties and high-society events. These sets often featured rhinestones, faux pearls, or ornate metalwork, representing sophistication and poise. The trend, however, started to fade by the mid-1960s as women embraced mix-and-match styles and less rigid fashion. Still, these sets are prized today by vintage collectors for their craftsmanship and unity.
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