1950–1969 · Chapter 06 of 06
Mid-Century Modern
A new generation of British jewellers.
Restrictions eased after the war and a new generation of British designers came through. The International Exhibition of Modern Jewellery at Goldsmiths’ Hall in 1961 put names like Andrew Grima, John Donald and Gerda Flöckinger in front of the public, with textured gold, sculpted shapes and unusual stones. On the high street, 9ct gold stayed the everyday choice.
- Textured gold
- Abstract shapes
- Rough crystals
Where Mid-Century Modern sits: after Wartime, the last era on the timeline.
Defining features
- Textured gold with a bark-like or molten surface
- Abstract, sculptural shapes
- Rough crystals and unusual semi-precious stones
- Everyday 9ct dress rings and bracelets
- Matched sets of necklace, earrings and bracelet
How to spot it
Look at the surface first. Textured, almost molten-looking gold and stones left rough are typical of British design from the 1960s. British gold of this period is usually hallmarked, though it wasn’t compulsory until the 1970s. 9ct carries “9” and “.375”, and 18ct a crown with “18”, along with a date letter that gives the year.
Materials
Metals
- 9ct yellow gold
- 18ct yellow gold
Stones & materials
- Amethyst
- Citrine
- Aquamarine
- Topaz
- Rough quartz crystals
- Synthetic sapphire
- Cultured pearls
