A Brief History of Feather Earrings

Feather earrings bring a boho and Native American aesthetic to any ensemble, offering something for any size or shape you can imagine Take your pick!

During the 1990s, fashion and jewelry styles were greatly inspired by music videos that featured hip-hop culture. Large hoop earrings became trendy since they could be found featured in these videos.

The '30s

The 1930s were a period of massive change that started in the Great Depression and ended with World War II. A lot of people struggled with unemployment as it grew and economies sank. Popular radio broadcasts like Amos 'n Andy and soap operas offered a welcome distraction while swing bands such as Benny Goodman and Count Basie were on stage in Art Deco dance halls.

Hollywood glamour inspired many styles of jewelry designs and the bold look-alikes of gemstones were particularly trendy. The popularity of plastic earrings grew as a cost-effective solution that produced the same effects as genuine gems.

These adorable rooster feather earrings are a great way to add a touch of fun and excitement to any outfit! They are made in a small-scale industry that puts its makers and their families first.

The 1940s

Feathers were still very popular during the time, as was jewelry depicting fruits and vegetables. Because of the wartime restrictions on rationing clothing and textiles were increasingly fashioned in utilitarian styles for everyday use.

The parure, which consists of a necklace, bracelet, earrings and brooch set - once again became trendy. Jewelry that exuded an earthy look was highly sought-after; pearls were the most sought-after as pearls with mottled, scattered or flecked surfaces were particularly desirable.

Coro was renowned for its large brooch designs featuring two sections that opened out in two faces. They also created unique pins that expressed feelings using only a few materials. While original pieces from this period can frequently be highly sought-after replicas from the same era have the same look and feel at more reasonable costs.

The '50s

Feather earrings can bring some style to your outfits and add stylish and boho style to casual or formal ensembles.

In the '50s, middle-class white Americans discovered a wealth of economic opportunities because the economy was booming and produced consumer goods like refrigerators and televisions that could be purchased. Popular culture promoted idealized depictions of suburban family life with programs like Leave It to Beaver and Father Knows Best.

The 1950s witnessed the rise of ultra-feminine glamor, as represented by matching jewelry set and pearls. However, despite these fashions, women were discontent with the status quo and sought empowerment while youth expressed their discontent through music and rebellion.

The 1960s

Feathers earrings formed an integral part in the movement of hippie which emerged in the 1960s. These distinctive accessories exemplified their edgy spirit and are popular today.

Feathers formed a significant part of cultural trends from that era, including long hairstyles, and wearing clothing made from hemp, or other natural materials. Feathers also represented peace and harmony in this movement.

Though the sixties ended with disappointment and disillusionment the impact they had on American culture cannot be underestimated. Beyond the nostalgia and generational biases is their position within larger national narratives.

The 1970s

Feathers were frequently used during this decade as symbols of justice and freedom or to promote free market concepts. The 1970s introduced a new consciousness, with movements for rights for gay and lesbians, women, and the environment.

Energy crises and the global recession also had a major impact in the United States as it struggled with social policy, foreign policy reforms and figuring out its role in an increasingly globalized world. The decade was marked by a sudden change in America away from the dominant power status; instead becoming an unstable environment that was roiled by division, conflict, polarization and strife that established what is now our reality.

The '80s

After years of wearing delicate jewellery, women of the 1980s started creating bold fashion statements using large pieces of jewelry, like large brooches were an icon that indicated wealth.

In the 1980s mixed metals were making a comeback, pairing silver and gold to create an affordable style that made big styles accessible and enjoyable to everyone.

In the 1980s, hip-hop began to emerge as a significant influence in terms of fashion and music. Its influence can be seen in rappers like Ke$ha and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler wearing boho-influenced earrings and hair clips with large hoops. These trends continued into the 1990s and are still prevalent today.

The '90s

The 1990s witnessed profound change in the world of music and fashion. Hip-hop emerged as a major movement, and bold gold jewelry became trendy. Large hoops with chunky earrings were particularly popular with young girls while chokers featuring crossed or other horns of life pendants were very popular with boys. Boys of the younger generation often wore casual clothes like jeans, layered with flannels and t-shirts; women would dress in slip dresses and patterns on their pants, as seen on shows like Boy Meets World or films like Clueless (Figure 1).

Today, a lot of our 90s fashions are making a comeback from denim overalls to maxi skirts and caps - we're seeing a myriad of throwback styles make an appearance across TikTok FYP and Instagram pages and on the faces of celebrities themselves!