Old-School Jewelry Trends From The '30s & Beyond That Are Making A Comeback

The great thing about jewelry from any era is that styles almost always come back around for another moment in the spotlight. One perfect example is the Art Deco brooch – it was in everyone's jewelry box in the '30s and now it's a valuable thrift store find that people look for today. We'll touch more on both the Art Deco style and brooches a little later, but those are just a few old-school jewelry trends from the 1930s and beyond that are making a big comeback lately.

There's so much to love about eras like the '30s, '50s, and '70s, but in this trip down memory lane, we're shining a spotlight on some of their most famous styles of jewelry (hello pearls and diamonds!) and how folks are bringing them into the modern era. An edgier take here, a bigger gem there — designers have taken these classic styles to the next level while remaining true to the charm of the old look.

While Art Deco jewelry designs began to really take off in the 1920s, this style remained extremely popular all throughout the '30s. And now, this style is back and better than ever. Think eye-catching geometric patterns, sleek lines, and statement gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. This style also perfectly fits with the common thread we've seen through all of 2026's biggest jewelry trends. Gone are the days of minimalism and perfectly matched sets. Instead, folks are favoring bold and colorful statement pieces that stand out in a crowd.

Nowadays, designers are still inspired by this era of old, incorporating it into their modern-day designs. New York jewelry designer and founder of Juju Vera, Julia Ferentinos told Vogue in September 2026 that the Art Deco era provides endless design inspiration. "I'm drawn to Art Deco's ability to reinterpret ancient references into modern forms," she said. "It combines so many influences I love —Greco-Roman architecture, Ancient Egypt, Asian lacquer work, and Viennese Secessionism — through a lens of elegance, symmetry, and restraint."

While cocktail rings certainly weren't anything new by the time the '80s rolled around, they did become ultra trendy then. This look definitely wasn't for everyone — colorful oversized statement rings aren't the most subtle. But right on-theme with updated jewelry trends, this one is gaining popularity again. Seen on the fall/winter 2026 runways, the great thing about cocktail rings is that there's a style for everyone. While some might want to try more of an Art Deco look with an oversized gemstone, you can also wear a simple single-colored ring and the effect is the same. 

While cocktail rings used to be seen as a symbol of affluence, in today's era, folks are turning that notion on its head and proving anyone can wear one. While it's nice to wear an oversized ring with a more polished outfit like a power suit, you can just as easily style it with a thrift store dress and boots for added flair.

There are so many Old Hollywood glamour secrets we can still use today. But, even more so, the fashion and jewelry of the era still provide endless inspiration for today's world. For starters, statement diamonds and pearls were just a few of the high-fashion jewelry trends that dominated the red carpet at the 2026 Emmys. Pearls are such a timeless staple that look good as a single strand necklace or earrings, but "punk pearls" are the modern upgrade you didn't know you needed. This trend features pearls with edgier pieces like safety pins, chains, or other sharper elements.

While pearls and diamonds were huge among stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Grace Kelly in the 1950s, brooches are also another beloved Old Hollywood accessory making a comeback today. Spotted at London Fashion Week in 2026 and on the streets among the fashion set, folks are styling their brooches with everything from blazers to puffer jackets and trench coats for the fall season.

There's no denying that the '70s were a great decade for fashion. There were so many iconic '70s celeb outfits that defined the era, and part of what stood out so much were the accessories. Cuff bracelets were one of our favorites, and to our delight, they're fully back. This statement accessory had so many popular iterations decades ago — from chunky gold styles to stackable bracelets. 

Spotted more recently on runways like Tom Ford and out and about on the streets, folks are going even more bold with it. We've seen everything from red and gold statement cuffs to oversized geometric styles. Ruby Beales, a buying manager at Liberty, told Vogue in December 2025 that cuffs are perfect for adding extra pizazz to any look. "I love how versatile they are," she said. "You can throw one on casually over the sleeve of a fine knit or pair with a simple tee. I'm especially loving the '70s-inspired resin cuffs from Julietta, which look incredible both day and night."