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Peace, Love, and Unity—The jewelry of the 1960s was deeply intertwined with the countercultural movements of the time, especially among the hippies. Many style elements were brought together during that time with a purpose by those who wore them. The simplicity of most of the jewelry reflected the cultural values of rejecting materialism and embracing nature and their support for causes like civil rights, peace, and environmentalism.
eBay seller pricesscerah
Flower Power was a slogan of passive resistance and nonviolence that was rooted in the resistance to the Vietnam War. The concept crossed over into the art and fashion worn by the counterculture. Inspired by the British youth subculture, the mod jewelry style became incorporated into flower power statement jewelry. This style often featured flower-shaped pendants, colorful beads, and handcrafted elements celebrating the free-spirited hippie movement. The blend of these two styles of jewelry embodied the decade’s energy and optimism, blending bold fashion with political and social ideals.
eBay seller gracies20thcenturydesign
The peace sign, first designed by British artist Gerald Holtom in 1958 as a symbol for nuclear disarmament, became a powerful emblem of the 1960s counterculture. It was prominently featured in jewelry, often as chokers or necklaces. The pendants were typically made of inexpensive materials like wood or clay. However, silver versions also became popular, giving a sense of individuality while still representing the broader movement for peace and social justice. The peace sign’s widespread use in jewelry became a way for people to publicly express their political beliefs and desire for a world without war.
Silver and gemstone pendants were also significant in 1960s jewelry, often incorporating spiritual and mystical themes. Many of these pieces drew inspiration from Eastern religions and philosophies, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, which gained popularity among the counterculture during this time. Silver was often paired with stones like turquoise, amethyst, and quartz, which were believed to have healing properties. These pendants were often handcrafted, showing appreciation for one-of-a-kind, meaningful jewelry.
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Bells and ankle bracelets also became popular in the 1960s, contributing to the era’s bohemian and free-spirited aesthetic. Small bells were often incorporated into necklaces or worn as wrist or ankle bracelets, creating a soft jingling sound as the wearer moved. Some added beautifully beaded belly dancer belts—jewelry in their own right, giving the wearer’s footsteps a playful, ethereal quality.
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Although the 1960s were turbulent times, the jewelry favored by the counterculture was evidence of a desire for just the opposite. Each piece was a small, wearable expression of ideals that reached beyond fashion, whether through the jingle of bells or wearing a symbol of peace and hope. Decades later, the hippie aesthetic remains iconic, not just for its style alone, but as a reminder of a tumultuous decade when all Americans wished for peace.
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