1970s basket weave bombe ring

A time of awakening, the 1970s set about rebuilding a new world. Social and political upheaval reshaped beliefs, policy, and power. The cost of the Vietnam War, the fight for women’s rights, and escalating tensions in Northern Ireland marked defining moments of the era. Activism, both environmental and political, filtered into culture, bringing with it a rejection of the overly delicate, feminine designs that had dominated previous decades.

Yellow gold returned with confidence, all warmth and attitude, breaking from the cool restraint of platinum and white gold. Bold, tactile, and unapologetically visible, it came to define what is often called the Golden Age of Jewellery. 

Scale shifted and design followed. Cocktail rings became oversized and deliberate, set with saturated, jewel-toned gemstones chosen for impact rather than convention. Turquoise, amber, and coral introduced a freer, more instinctive kind of luxury, while textured finishes replaced high polish, giving gold a raw, organic edge.

This was jewellery with presence, designed to be seen. By night, it came alive under disco lights, where gold chains, diamond chokers, and sculptural silver caught every flicker of movement. Nothing was subtle. Everything was intentional.