Like all creative fields, jewelry design is highly influenced by the world in which it is created. Current events always find their way into the minds and the designs of jewelry designers, and if you look at jewelry from different time periods with a historical perspective, it will be clear to see the interaction between modern events and the jewelry designs that were popular then. For instance, consider the world right after the atom bomb was dropped in Japan. Jewelry designed during that time often takes the shape of bursts of stars and diamonds sprayed out light an explosion. Beyond that, jewelry is usually designed with the idea of being appropriate of being worn in the night or being worn in the day. Daytime jewelry is usually simpler and understated while nighttime jewelry is bolder and more "in your face."

Nighttime Jewelry and Daytime Jewelry through the Years

During the 1950s it was all about cold jewelry. In the daytime, it was common to see so called Florentine finishes on the jewelry, as well as mesh finishes. Foxtail chains were popular jewelry designs in the 1950s, as were the ubiquitous string of pearls so associated with this prim and proper time period.

The next decade was all change in so many ways, and the jewelry of the 1960s reflects the massive changes going on in society with bold pieces. Gold took a back seat to silver jewelry, often laden with gemstones in every color of the rainbow. Platinum jewelry also gained popularity in the 1960s. Abstract designs, geometric shapes, ethnic jewelry and more outside of the box jewelry designer were the wave of the day during this time. This time period was an anything goes time culturally and an anything goes time when it comes to jewelry as well.

The 1970s brought women's liberation and different kinds of jewelry trends. Women's jewelry pieces became bolder and more dramatic, and non traditional material began to be used frequently, such as woods, crystals and leather. Ivory and African inspired jewelry was also popular in the 1970s.

The affluent 1980s brought with it a return to diamonds, gold and other glamorous jewelry styles, as people clamored for pieces that showed off their bank balances. This trend continued into the 1990s, although the style became slightly less gaudy and more understated.

In the 2000s, platinum made a comeback in a big way, as did non precious metals. Diamonds remained popular, despite concern over the human costs of diamond mining. What the future holds is anyone's guess, but look for current events to continue shaping jewelry design.