The groovy glamour returns
The 1970s were bold, unapologetic, and full of personality. And that energy is back. Oversized gold hoops, sculptural cuffs, chunky gemstone rings... all radiating that unmistakable rock ’n’ roll confidence.
This was the decade when self-expression ruled. Jewellery became less about formal occasion and more about attitude — statement pieces that looked just as at home on the dance floor at Studio 54 as they did layered over a silk shirt at brunch. Whether worn by Bianca Jagger, Stevie Nicks, or David Bowie, jewellery in the ’70s blurred gender lines and embraced maximalism before the word even existed.
Today’s revival is a rediscovery of that free-spirited ethos. The return to warm golds, tactile textures, and expressive shapes mirrors our collective craving for authenticity in a digital age.
Why 1970s jewellery is having a moment
- Trend cycle reset. Jewellery editors are unanimous: the 1970s aesthetic is back. Net-A-Porter’s 2025 trend report spotlights “’70s tubogas chains, chokers and cuffs … few cooler periods in jewellery-making history.” (Net-A-Porter, 2025)
- Vintage appeal = modern values. Buyers crave authenticity. As one study put it, “jewellery designers are increasingly taking their cues from the past — and consumers are seeking the real thing, not just reinterpretations.” (Veranda, 2025)
- Craft over fast. The move away from fast fashion extends to jewellery. Hand-worked, storied pieces from the ’70s deliver tactile, timeless satisfaction.
- Cultural parallels. From fashion to interiors, the ’70s have seeped back into every aesthetic corner. Think warm palettes, organic shapes, and unapologetic glamour. Jewellery simply completes the picture.
- Sustainability meets sentiment. Investing in vintage isn’t just stylish; it’s sustainable. Pre-loved gold, gemstones, and craftsmanship carry heritage value that outlasts fleeting trends.
Design innovation: when jewellery met art
The ’70s were a playground for innovation. Designers experimented with industrial techniques and unexpected materials — steel, enamel, resin, and wood joined gold and gemstones in a new visual language.
Italian houses like Bvlgari mastered the tubogas technique: a flexible, coiled design inspired by gas pipes, fusing engineering precision with sensual form. Meanwhile, independent makers were breaking rules entirely, creating abstract, sculptural pieces that blurred the line between jewellery and wearable art.
It was a time when craftsmanship met rebellion — and the results were timeless.
Iconic ’70s styles to look for
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Oversized gold hoops | Sleek, sculptural, statement-making — the decade’s defining silhouette, worn by everyone from Diana Ross to Debbie Harry. |
| Tubogas collars & chains | Flexible interlocking metalwork that blends industry with glamour — Bvlgari’s signature innovation of the era. |
| Chunky bangles & cuffs | Stack them up or wear solo; either way, they demand attention. Think polished gold, enamel, or textured finishes. |
| Gemstone cocktail rings | Think citrine, amethyst or turquoise in bold cabochon cuts, often framed by yellow gold for an unapologetically rich look. |
| Mixed-material statement pieces | Gold with enamel, texture, and fearless form — where jewellery met sculpture. |
If you’re lucky enough to find pieces with hallmark details or designer stamps (think Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Trifari), you’re holding a piece of wearable art history.
How to style the 1970s look now
- Contrast is key. Pair bold pieces with crisp tailoring or minimalist silhouettes for a modern spin.
- Stack and layer. ’70s jewellery thrives in multiples: bangles, rings, hoops. There’s a confidence in abundance.
- Make gold your signature. Yellow gold dominates 2025 trend forecasts (Diamond Rocks, 2025). Let it bring warmth and cohesion to your look.
- Mix eras with intention. A 1970s cuff beside a 1950s cocktail ring adds intrigue, not chaos. The secret is balancing tone and scale.
- Embrace imperfection. Vintage pieces carry subtle signs of age: that gentle patina or softened edge is part of their charm. It tells the story of decades worn, loved, and passed on.
From disco to daywear
One reason the 1970s aesthetic endures is its range. Jewellery of the decade moved seamlessly from studio lights to sunlight — just as comfortable in the boardroom as it was on the dance floor.
Bianca Jagger was often seen adorned with layered necklaces and her ears dripping in hoops. She embodied power and sensuality in equal measure, everything the ’70s stood for.
Stevie Nicks brought a softer, more bohemian energy. Her layered necklaces, silver rings, and flowing fabrics gave the era its witchy romanticism. She's proof that boldness didn’t always mean polish.
Disco-inspired sparkle gave rise to daytime decadence, where a hint of gold or a gemstone ring added instant lift to simple looks. Today’s wearers are rediscovering that freedom — layering 1970s pieces into everyday wardrobes with the same carefree confidence.
The legacy of 1970s design
The ’70s redefined what luxury could look like. It wasn’t pristine or reserved; it was sensual, dynamic, and alive with texture. This is why designers continue to draw from it — and why original vintage pieces feel as relevant as ever.
At Gatsby, we see the decade’s allure in the way gold catches the light, or how a cabochon stone seems to glow from within. These details connect us to an era that dared to be bold, and still feels timeless half a century later.
Our curation
Explore our 70s vintage jewellery collection — genuine pieces from the decade that defined daring. Each one hand-selected for craftsmanship, quality, and that elusive Gatsby balance of character and elegance.
[Header runway images: Marie Claire]
