After World War 2 life began to return to a semblance of normality. Styles of the 1940s began to change. This was necessary for people to be able to move on from a period of scarcity. No longer were women making wedding dresses from parachute silk, or drawing lines on the backs of their legs with gravy browning to resemble silk stockings.
When material that had been impossible to source during the war suddenly began to appear again on the open market, it brought with it innovative designs in every aspect of life, not least in the diamond jewellery trade.
In 1951, the Festival of Britain took place, held to encourage the people of that country to get over the war and to boost morale. Many other countries, including Australia, not only took their lead from countries getting back on their feet, but were also able to use the talents of creative designers to offer revolutionary styling to their customers. People were desperate to throw off the mantle of uncertainty that had been laying over them for more than five years and to get back to living again.
There were many exhibitors at the exhibition – much of the exhibits featured space age designs. All of the different exhibits filtered into our way of life, including the jewellery we wore. War time restrictions were at last lifted and costume jewellery began to make an appearance again. Woman wanted to wear beautiful things again, and the fashions of the day reflected this. Many woman looked to the icons of the day, such as Jayne Mansfield, an American actress who became an international sex symbol during the 50s and signed long term with 20th Century Fox and appeared in films such as 'A Girl Can't Help It.' She has been credited as being the actress who heralded the global sexual revolution; Brigitte Bardot; and of course the unforgettable Marilyn Monroe who was rarely seen without her diamond earrings and who also starred in the movie 'Gentleman Prefer Blondes,' and who also recorded the song 'Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend,' from the film.
Here are some stunning examples of vintage, yet contemporary diamond dress rings from Monroe Yorke Diamonds.
Simona - Cushion cut Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring
