Mid Century Jewellery
Mid century jewellery brings together bold 1950s and 1960s design, precious gems and striking costume pieces that collectors prize for everyday elegance.
Mid Century Jewellery
Mid century jewellery spans the vibrant decades of the nineteen-fifties and nineteen-sixties, capturing the confident aesthetic shifts of the post-war era. When buyers search for mid century jewellery, they encounter everything from fine platinum diamond rings and cultured pearl strands to theatrical costume sets adorned with glittering rhinestone.
The objects on this page range from complete parure suites featuring necklaces, earrings and brooches to individual engagement rings and drop earrings set with aquamarine and sapphire. Both high-end atelier pieces in yellow gold and dramatic fashion items from established couturier houses represent the core of what appears in these listings.
Materials and construction
The construction methods rely heavily on the combination of precious metals such as platinum and eighteen-carat yellow gold with carefully selected gemstones. Diamond, sapphire, emerald and aquamarine appear alongside cultured pearl, black onyx, glass and rhinestone.
Atelier pieces utilise traditional fine metalworking techniques to secure intricate stone settings, while costume suites often employ soldered metal frameworks to mount faceted glass and rhinestone clusters securely.
Mid Century Jewellery Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for mid century jewellery among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Materials recorded across the archive include diamond, sapphire, emerald, aquamarine, pearl, onyx, glass, rhinestone, brass, mahogany and rosewood.
Judging quality in mid century pieces
Design integrity also dictates worth, where coordinated suites by known houses demonstrate a cohesive vision across every component. The clarity of unheated sapphires, the depth of old-cut diamonds and the matching lustre of multi-strand pearls elevate individual pieces well above standard commercial examples.
Christian Dior·Kria Gioielli
The Mid Century Jewellery Glossary
- Parure
- A matched set of jewellery intended to be worn together, typically comprising a necklace, earrings, brooch and sometimes a bracelet. Such suites were particularly popular during the nineteen-fifties for formal evening wear.
- Old cut
- A traditional diamond cutting style that predates modern brilliant cuts, characterised by a smaller table, higher crown and open culet. These stones project a softer, warmer candlelit sparkle.
- Baguette cut
- A step-cut style for gemstones resulting in a rectangular or tapered shape with straight parallel facets. It frequently frames central stones in mid-century ring and earring designs.
- Unheated
- A descriptor for natural gemstones that have undergone no thermal enhancement to improve colour or clarity. Unheated sapphires command greater interest among collectors for their unaltered origin.
Mid Century Jewellery: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a parure?
A parure is a matched set of jewellery designed to be worn together as a complete ensemble. These sets typically include pieces such as necklaces, earrings and brooches sharing identical stylistic elements.
During the nineteen-fifties, parure suites were essential for formal wardrobe coordination. Owning a complete surviving set remains a major draw for collectors today.
How do I date mid century jewellery?
Dating relies on examining hallmarks, material composition and stylistic motifs characteristic of the nineteen-fifties and nineteen-sixties. Settings often feature specific metal purities and construction hallmarks linked to this post-war period.
Designer signatures stamped onto the metal or clasp also help pinpoint the exact workshop origin. Comparing stone cuts against known historical eras narrows down the timeframe further.
Are old cut diamonds common?
Old cut diamonds frequently appear in mid-century rings, bridging earlier cutting traditions with modern post-war mountings. These stones exhibit distinctive proportions that set them apart from contemporary brilliant cuts.
Collectors value old cut stones for their unique optical charm under low lighting conditions. They provide an authentic period look to engagement rings from the nineteen-fifties.
Can I wear these pieces daily?
Many mid-century items, particularly sturdy gold rings and platinum diamond pieces, suit regular daily wear. Robust settings protect the stones during routine activities.
Delicate items like pearl strands or multi-piece costume parures require more careful handling to preserve their integrity. Proper storage and occasional clasp checks keep wearable pieces safe for frequent use.