Vintage 1960s Jewellery
Vintage 1960s jewellery brings together sculptural mid-century forms, colourful gemstones and bold silver or gold work that stands out today.
Vintage 1960s Jewellery
When you search for vintage 1960s jewellery, you encounter rings, necklaces, earrings, bangles, bracelets, and brooches spanning mid-century, modernist, and Scandinavian styles alongside Victorian revival pieces.
The selections on this page feature precious stones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, as well as semi-precious gems such as amethysts, garnets, and rose quartz set in sterling silver and various carats of gold.
Materials and construction methods
Maker workshops utilised sterling silver, 14ct, and 18ct white and yellow gold alongside 9ct gold to mount cluster, statement, and band rings.
Enamelling techniques produced colourful guilloche work on silver and silver-gilt brooches and earrings, while pearls were strung into double strands and long rope necklaces.
Vintage 1960s Jewellery Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for vintage 1960s 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.
Listings feature 1960 and later than 1960 periods alongside 1950 pieces.
Distinctions in quality
The standard of design and execution separates mass-market items from distinctive pieces produced by notable European silver workshops and fine jewellers.
Substantial weight in the precious metal mount and the choice of unheated rubies, minor oil emeralds, or clean Ceylon sapphires elevate the character of cluster and cocktail rings.
N E From·K A Rasmussen·Georg Jensen·Vivianna Torun Bulow Hube·Kutchinsky
The Vintage 1960s Jewellery Glossary
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished with a smooth convex surface rather than faceted. This cut highlights the natural depth of stones like amethysts and garnets.
- Guilloche
- A decorative technique where a precise pattern is mechanically engraved into a metal surface beneath a translucent layer of enamel.
- Cluster ring
- A ring featuring a central gemstone surrounded by a border of smaller stones, typically diamonds forming a floral shape.
- Signet ring
- A solid metal ring traditionally engraved with a crest or initials, appearing frequently in 1960s gold menswear.
Vintage 1960s Jewellery: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines 1960s jewellery style?
The decade moved away from traditional restraints into modernist sculptural silver, textured gold surfaces, and clean Scandinavian lines. Enamelling and bold gemstone clusters also defined the period.
Pieces often combined organic shapes with geometric precision, reflecting contemporary art and architecture of the era.
How can I date 1960s jewellery?
British pieces often carry hallmark letters corresponding to specific assay office date stamps between 1960 and 1969. Maker signatures and stylistic cues also help place items accurately.
Looking for hallmarks from London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Chester provides a reliable year of assay.
How should I care for pearl necklaces?
Cultured pearls require gentle cleaning with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and cosmetics. Storing them flat prevents the silk thread from stretching.
Many vintage pearl strands benefit from occasional restrung maintenance to ensure the security of the clasp.
Were 1960s rings worn as everyday items?
Signet rings and wedding bands served as daily wear for men and women, while cocktail rings and diamond clusters were reserved for evening events. Substantial 9ct gold weights made these mounts durable.
Many styles transition easily into modern wardrobes as statement accessories.