Jewelry in Fashion History: 1960s Mad Men Era – Necklaces and Jewelry Sets

During the 1960s, necklaces and jewelry sets were so popular. You could walk into any department store and find an abundance of chains, beads, pendants and lovely matching sets with any combinations of necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and earrings.

1960s Necklaces

In prior eras, much of the jewelry had the same look or style, but in the 1960s the jewelry industry exploded with a wide variety of styles. Glass, crystal and plastic beads were all the rage, but chunky chain necklaces were also very popular. In the photo below we see the Mad Men ladies wearing classic pearls, crystal beads, and a fabulous 4 strand necklace of faux pearls with beads.

Hong Kong and Japan Imports

During the 1960s jewelry took on a very bold look and beads were all the rage – the more strands the better. Hong Kong necklaces featured lightweight Acrylic beads, while the Japan necklaces were usually glass or a combination of glass and plastic beads. The blue and pink necklaces in the photo below are typical Japan necklaces of the era that women would wear for work or play, while the crystal fringe necklace in the center is more appropriate for a special evening out.

Parures: Demi, Full, Grand

A full parure, or three piece set, usually included a matching necklace, bracelet, and earrings. Demi-parures are two matching pieces, such as a necklace with earrings or bracelet with earrings. A grand parure is four matching pieces and usually includes a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and a brooch or a ring. Below the Mad Men ladies are wearing demi-parures, necklaces with matching earrings.

Variety of 1960s Jewelry Sets

In addition to necklaces with matching earrings, designers of the 1960s produced sets with various combinations in a variety of materials and colors. Shown below are a beautiful Trifari pink enameled brooch with earrings flower set, a smashing aqua enameled bracelet with earrings from Original by Robert, and an elegant Renoir necklace and earrings set made with anondized copper insets.

We Can Wear the 1960s Necklaces and Sets Today!

We’re living in the best of times as far as necklaces and jewelry sets are concerned. We have the advantage of looking back over history’s designs as well as seeing what’s available today. A huge range of styles is available online and can be yours with just a quick click of the mouse!

Click to view vintage necklaces at My Classic Jewelry Shop:
My Classic Jewelry Shop Vintage Necklaces

Click to view vintage jewelry sets at the My Classic Jewelry Etsy Shop:
My Classic Jewelry Vintage Jewelry