Sparkly rhinestones, cut gems and huge brooches are reminiscent of your grandma’s 1960′s costume jewelry.


While you can totally get away with resurrecting the forgotten baubles in her jewelry box (and really, what’s more fun or meaningful than wearing your grandma or great-grandma’s costume jewelry?) or searching for finds at your favorite vintage store, the new versions being sold in retail stores are a bit different.


Whereas the 1960′s version of a cocktail necklace was most likely a short rhinestone or pearl strand, the recent statement necklace trend has influenced the 2010 version, giving us long strands, multi-strands and bib designs of rhinestones, pearls and cut gems.

Ribbons: Though not so popular in the 1960′s, ribbons are being used with pearls, rhinestones and cut gems to gather multi-strand necklaces, serve in place of a necklace clasp and accent earrings and brooches.

Pearls: Pearls in various colors just scream vintage jewelry. In strands, ribbon-necklaces or in conjunction with other baubles, pearls are a popular component in this style.

Rhinestones: What’s more fun than rhinestone jewelry? Most of the rhinestones being used in this style are fairly large and are often interestingly shaped.

Cut Gems: Usually glass rather than gems, cut gems in pastels and smoky shades are key in vintage inspired jewelry.

Brooches

Because classic rhinestone brooches were so popular in the 1960′s, you can often find them at vintage stores (but snatch them up quick because of their recent rise in popularity). The modern versions are usually a combination of colored pearls, cut gems and rhinestones.

Ribbon Necklaces

Lately, necklaces made from pearls or colored gems are most often clasped with silk ribbons of similar colors. Ribbon necklaces are super feminine and can consist of one or many strands.