Photo Credit: Cottonbro studio via www.pexels.com
The 90s have never been cooler. The 90s weren’t even this cool in the 90s. A new wave of nostalgia for the dying gasps of the 20th century has led to renewed interest in all manner of things, from films and television to fashion to, yes, jewellery.
There are a number of driving forces behind this new wave of pro-90s propagandising amongst younger generations, all of which are worthy of exploring right here, right now. What is it that’s pulling Gen Z and Gen Alpha back towards a yesteryear we couldn’t wait to leave? From sustainability to affordability and beyond, here’s why 90s jewellery is back in demand.
Why 90s Fashion Trends Are Influencing Jewellery Again
To take a general approach to the topic of 90s fashion, the new nostalgia wave is being fuelled by a number of specific sources; minimalist 90s fashion, Y2K nostalgia and celebrity styling have pushed vintage jewellery back into mainstream fashion, via a cyclical reprisal of historical trends we’ve seen before – with the 80s, and the 70s before it. With specific regard to jewellery, we’ve seen the joyous return of chunky signet rings, pendant necklaces, chain jewellery and statement earrings, whether on the runway or the street.
This renewed popularity of 1990s jewellery is, in part, driven by a wider instinct amongst shoppers to look for sustainable methods of engaging with fashion. Nostalgia, celebrity styling and vintage fashion trends have concerns about fast fashion to thank for increased interest in old styles of jewellery – and all the better if pre-owned. 90s-chasing fashionistas are increasingly choosing vintage and second-hand pieces over newly manufactured accessories.
Sustainability Benefits To Buying Vintage Jewellery
Drilling down into this more, it’s easy to see an upward trend of second-hand jewellery appealing more to environmentally-conscious shoppers – who, themselves, are increasing in number. This is particularly true for gemstones, where a dim view has been taken over new gem mining versus the revival of vintage jewellery pieces.
It is also true that sourcing jewellery from a pawnbrokers, or other second-hand marketplace for jewellery, supports circular fashion over fast fashion, allowing older pieces to live out their lives and consequently leading to less demand for cheap, mass-manufactured pieces.
How to Shop for 90s Jewellery Sustainably and Safely
Sustainability being a key driver for 90s throwbacks, outside of conventional nostalgia mechanisms, is a cute twist on an overlying tendency amongst fashion adherents – and presents some unique approaches to getting involved in that same 90s nostalgia yourself.
In order to be a sustainable consumer of 90s-era fashion, you need to be ready to completely turn your back on the fast fashion industrial complex. Instead, you’re looking for pre-loved items as sold by individuals on auction sites, or indeed at pawnbrokers. With jewellery in particular, you want to buy from a reputable seller that can present all necessary authentication, including relevant paperwork.