16 Gorgeous Photos That Showcase the Glamour of 1950s Jewelry

A smiling man in a tuxedo sits between two women at a round table covered with glasses and ashtrays. The woman on his right leans in with an affectionate expression, while the woman on his left is laughing, touching his chin.
Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images

The 1950s were known as a golden age in fashion and glamour — and the jewelry was no exception, especially among the elites. From Lena Horne’s understated pearl strands to Audrey Hepburn’s glitzy diamond chokers, jewelry from this era was all about making a sparkling yet refined impression.

Get ready to swoon as we showcase 16 stunning photos that prove 1950s jewelry was the ultimate showstopper.

1. French Designer Coco Chanel Boarding a Plane in Texas, 1957

A woman wearing a dark suit, hat, sunglasses, and pearl necklaces stands on the stairs of an airplane. She is holding a circular hat box. A man in a suit stands beside her, smiling.
Shel Hershorn/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Shel Hershorn/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

We bet those matching pearl earrings and necklace didn’t come cheap, but something tells us the fashion icon and acclaimed designer could foot the bill.

2. A Young Elizabeth Taylor, 1953

A woman with dark hair and glamorous makeup wears a red dress with sequins and large earrings. She gazes directly at the camera against a plain background, exuding elegance and confidence.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

When you’re Elizabeth Taylor, sometimes a sequined bathing suit and a pair of sparkly earrings are all you need.

3. Audrey Hepburn as Princess Anne During the Filming of ‘Roman Holiday,’ 1953

A woman with a tiara and matching jewelry smiles gracefully. She has a classic updo hairstyle and is dressed in an elegant off-the-shoulder gown, captured in a black-and-white image.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Bettmann/Getty Images

Diamond tiaras and necklaces defined the era’s glamorous jewelry trends. And we bet it didn’t hurt to have the world’s most perfect face to go along with it.

4. Singer Lena Horne Serving Looks at the Coconut Grove, 1955

A woman in an elegant, strapless satin gown smiles while standing beside a chair. She wears a pearl necklace and earrings, and has short, styled hair. A curtain and a lamp are visible in the background. The photo is in black and white.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Bettmann/Getty Images

Dripping in pearls and draped in satin, this was old school Hollywood glamour at its peak.

5. Queen Elizabeth II en Route to Westminster, 1952

Smiling woman in a tiara, elegant dress, and fur stole, waves from inside a decorated car, wearing long white gloves.
Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Imagine going to work in a fur coat, gloves, and a crown. Oh wait, that was just a normal day for the Queen of England.

6. Haute Couture House Schiaparelli Showcasing a New Jewelry Ensemble, 1953

Black and white image of a woman posing with her hand on her face. She wears a thick, braided necklace and matching bracelet with tassels, along with large tassel earrings. Her expression is serene and her hair is styled in curls.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Bettmann/Getty Images

Who said chunky gold tassels were not a thing back then? They clearly helped complete and elevate this look.

7. A Woman Lays the Table in Preparation for Dinner, 1955

A woman in a brown top and green skirt sets a dining table. She holds a napkin and stands beside a wooden table with elegant tableware, red flowers, and candles. The room is decorated with a red lamp and patterned tiles.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Okay, was this a dinner party she was hosting, or was she ALWAYS expected to dress like this for dinner? Asking for a friend. Also, bring back turquoise pearls! What a vibe.

8. Woman Wearing a Dark Skirt and Blouse with Matching Gloves and Jewelry in Italy, 1956

A woman in a vintage black dress and gloves poses gracefully. She wears a pearl necklace and earrings, touching her face with her gloved hand, against a minimalist backdrop. The image is black and white.
Archivio Cameraphoto Epoche/Getty Images
Archivio Cameraphoto Epoche/Getty Images

So apparently in Italy, your gloves had to match your ‘fit. You also had to pose in this awkward way that left people wondering if your neck was in pain.

9. Marilyn Monroe in the Mid-1950s

A black and white portrait of a person with short, wavy blonde hair, wearing dark lipstick and a jeweled necklace. They are looking directly at the camera with a confident expression. The background is dark.
Bettmann/GettyImages
Bettmann/GettyImages

Of course we couldn’t complete this list of 1950s jewelry without giving a nod to the one and only, Marilyn Monroe. From pearl earrings and diamonds to iconic gowns that shaped the fashion world, the woman truly slayed.

10. Dior Model Jean Dawnay During a Photoshoot in London, 1956

A woman in a long, elegant black dress and fur stole holds a champagne bottle in one hand and a glass in the other. She wears long gloves and stands on one foot, smiling against a plain background.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

When your hourglass figure matches the Champagne you’re toasting with, you’re for sure winning. Add some bling, gloves, and a fur scarf, and you’re serving class.

11. Marilyn Monroe During the Filming of ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,’ 1953

Person with platinum blonde hair wearing a strapless satin gown, long gloves, and sparkling jewelry, seated on red steps. They have their arms raised and a bright smile. The background is a dark red, enhancing the glamorous atmosphere.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Dripping in diamonds and draped in satin, Monroe once again proved that diamonds really are a girl’s best friend.

12. American Actress Grace Kelly, Later Known as Princess Grace of Monaco, 1955.

Woman with short blonde hair, wearing a dark green off-shoulder dress, pearl earrings, and a black headband, sitting against a neutral backdrop. Her head is slightly tilted, and she gazes softly at the camera.
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

These pearl and gold cluster earrings were really giving classic beauty meets understated elegance.

13. British Actress Carole Lesley Donning Jewelry Worth £2,500, 1953

A woman in an elegant strapless gown leans on a surface, showcasing a radiant smile. She is adorned with ornate jewelry, including a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet. The background is softly lit, highlighting her poised and graceful pose.
Raymond Kleboe/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Raymond Kleboe/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Sure, £2,500 (about $3,100) doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but after adjusting for inflation, that total now amounts to $32,739! Talk about some serious bling.

14. Hungarian-American Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, 1952

A glamorous woman with blonde hair and red lipstick poses elegantly at a table with a vase of red roses. She wears a strapless gown, a fur stole, and sparkling jewelry, set against a richly patterned, burgundy background.
Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images
Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images

Going out on the town in the ’50s? Don’t forget your diamond pearl earrings, matching necklace, and bracelet.

15. Actress and Dancer Vera-Ellen Posing With a Piano, 1955

A smiling woman with curly blonde hair wears a strapless floral gown with a sheer wrap and embellished gloves. She has a choker necklace and earrings. In the background, there's sheet music and a vase with red flowers.
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

Because nothing screams grace and sophistication like a lace coat layered over a floral gold bodice. And to complete the look: a sleek silver choker with some cute earrings.

16. Model Pat Burrage Dons an Entire Collection of Rose Design Engagement Rings in New York, 1952

Underwood Archives/Getty Images
Underwood Archives/Getty Images

This dazzling collection of diamond rings was worth a whopping $50,000 (about $654,782 after adjusting for inflation in today’s economy). We bet security was tight during that photoshoot.

Author
Alina Wang

From Queens, New York, Alina has a Bachelors degree in Corporate Communications from CUNY Baruch and enjoys writing and creating content on a variety of topics, including lifestyle, politics, and, of course, wealth trends. Find her on X @atlasseventeen