Eisenberg Vintage Brooch

Mid-Century & Retro Jewelry Collection

Vintage jewelry from the Mid-Century and Retro eras is anything but understated. From the bold forms of the 1940s to the clean lines of the 1960s, this collection captures the expressive spirit of postwar design—when jewelry became more sculptural, more colorful, and more joyful. These decades brought a dramatic shift from earlier antique styles, embracing glamour, innovation, and modern femininity in dazzling form.

The Retro period, spanning the 1940s into the early 1950s, favored voluminous gold settings, oversized semi-precious stones, and architectural motifs that echoed Hollywood’s golden age. In contrast, Mid-Century jewelry of the 1950s–60s introduced streamlined silhouettes, playful modernism, and the rise of iconic designers like Tiffany & Co., Trifari, and Marcel Boucher. Whether set in warm rose gold or icy platinum, these pieces were made to turn heads.

Our curated collection includes vintage cocktail rings, stylized brooches, geometric earrings, and sculptural charm bracelets that exemplify these exciting decades. With over fifty years of experience, we've assembled standout designs that showcase the best of both eras—many crafted by celebrated names like Van Cleef & Arpels, Hobé, and Napier.

Whether you're drawn to the lavish curves of Retro glamour or the sleek experimentation of the Mid-Century modern aesthetic, these pieces are more than just jewelry—they’re vibrant expressions of vintage style and wearable pieces of design history.

Worth Considering When Shopping for Mid-Century & Retro Jewelry

Understand the Eras

Retro jewelry (1940s–early 1950s) is known for its dramatic flair—think oversized cocktail rings, ribbon-like gold settings, and synthetic rubies or sapphires. Mid-Century jewelry (1950s–1960s), on the other hand, leans into sleek modernism, with geometric forms, stylized florals, and refined use of diamonds and cultured pearls. Knowing what defines each style helps you shop with confidence.

Materials Matter

Expect to find bold uses of yellow and rose gold in Retro pieces, often with larger, colored stones or stylized forms. Mid-Century designs often introduced platinum and white gold, along with finer stonework and sculptural minimalism. Both eras reflect high-quality craftsmanship, but their materials—and their care requirements—may differ.

Consider Condition & Wearability

Many pieces from these eras were well-loved and worn, which speaks to their quality. Look for solid construction, secure clasps, and settings that suit your lifestyle. Retro rings are perfect statement pieces, while Mid-Century brooches or earrings can add a refined touch to modern styling.

Style It Your Way

Vintage jewelry from these eras adapts beautifully to contemporary wardrobes. A Retro gold bracelet can stand in for a modern cuff, while a Mid-Century brooch looks stunning on a blazer or coat. Don’t be afraid to mix pieces from different decades—great design is always in fashion.