By Jane Duncan, freelance writer
February 10 2021
When it came to fine jewellery, things weren’t much different - bling was king - you only have to watch an episode of Dynasty to understand. Jewellers in the 1980s, like Bulgari and Tiffany, were experimenting with new gemstone cuts like melee and pavé to make the most of shine and sparkle.
The 1980s brought changes in buying jewellery too - it was no longer the man buying the woman a gift. Women were going out there and buying fine jewellery for themselves. They had the careers, they had the money, and they had the jewels.
During the 1980s, the cost of diamonds was at an all-time high. This meant that the popular costume jewellery, manufactured for the masses, focused more on other coloured gemstones and, of course, strings of fake pearls, worn long and knotted.
The Sapphire Engagement Ring
On 6th February 1981, Diana Spencer, who was then working as a nursery assistant, became engaged to Prince Charles (although it wasn’t until two weeks later that the public were told).
No self-respecting woman would be seen dead in silver in the 1980s. If you were buying jewellery, then it had to be gold. Spandau Ballet told you this as well! The cost of gold was somewhat prohibitive, however, when it came to making big statement pieces of jewellery. This is why the trend was for hollow chains and earrings, such as those worn by Neneh Cherry in the Buffalo Stance video. Jewellers were also using electroforming techniques to make gold stretch further without it being too weighty.
The 1980s was an exciting time for jewellers and designers - there was a huge trend for extravagant and brash jewellery. Whether it was bangles, earrings or chains, the 1980s were all about having as much sparkle and shine as possible.
