Feature Gems & Gemology, Spring 1990, Vol. 26, No. 1

Jewelry of the 1980s: A Retrospective


Fluctuations in the diamond market brought a new focus in jewelry on small diamonds and colored stones. The large quantities of blue topaz, amethyst, and citrine available made these gem materials especially popular. Cultured pearls saw a phenomenal rise, especially early in the decade. A broad mix of design trends included a return to older metal techniques such as granulation, as well as experimentation in new metals and metal-working techniques. While classical European houses were credited with some important new designs, exciting innovations emerged from elsewhere in Europe as well as Asia and the U.S.