Eighties jewellery is making a comeback as buyers re-evaluate the designs of the decade infamous for big hair and shoulder pads.
Collectors and investors are reappraising key pieces by signature designers as bold, colourful and outgoing jewellery makes its mark in the auction rooms. Giant hoop and drop earrings and extravagant torque bangles and sprung-collar necklaces are back in vogue and commanding huge sums at sale, according to one of world’s leading auction houses.
Bonhams says jewellery characterised by abstract design, yellow gold, colourful precious stones and gem stones – the foundations of Eighties style – is attracting new interest from buyers all over the world and prices are now soaring.
Having spent the past two decades out of mainstream favour, viewed as over-the-top and even tasteless, such pieces are firmly back in favour and have even been out-performing more classic styles of jewellery in international salerooms.
The resurgence of 80s jewellery has been inspired by a new generation of young designers, reacting to the trend over several years for conservative jewellery design, and the enduring versatility of original Eighties pieces that makes them convenient for both daytime and evening wear.
Designers whose Eighties work is most sought-after and thus attracting the best prices include Tony Duquette, Paloma Picasso, Schlumberger, VCA, Cartier, Marina B, Bulgari, Aldo Chipulo for Cartier and Angela Cummings for Tiffany.
You might not want to take the shoulder pads from the back of the wardrobe quite yet, but you might want to check your jewellery box for any vintage Eighties pieces.
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