Collecting Vintage 1960’s Enamel Flower Power Jewelry

I’m always on the lookout for reasonably priced jewelry and usually have success finding a piece or two when I’m out vintage shopping.

If you’ve ever looked for vintage jewelry that shouts, “I am here!” or “I am happy!” then 1960’s era “flower power” pins, necklaces, and earrings offer just that kind of sensibility. Who doesn’t want to feel happy? So today I’m delving into the topic of collecting vintage 1960’s “flower power” jewelry.  

In some senses, it’s hard to believe that these bright and bold pieces of jewelry came into style on the heels of the very conservative 50’s.

But as most of us know, the 60’s birthed an era of freedom from stodgey styles and released a generation into a freshness symbolized best by flowers, particularly the daisy.

Enamel Flower Power Pin Examples

Many of the most popular pieces from the 60’s were take-offs on this simplest of flowers. Constructed of molded steel and enamel paint, they offered a low cost way for everyone to particpate in the colorful style of the age. 

The term “flower power,” coined by Beatnik, Allen Ginsberg in the mid-1960’s, captured that generation’s opposition to the Vietnam war and their embrace of passivism.

Reflected in their clothing and accessories, embroidered flowers embellished their jeans, wildflower crowns adorned their heads, and enamel pins decorated their jean jackets.

Cultural Influences on Enamel Flower Jewelry

Andy Warhol’s Pop Art strongly influenced the fashion trends of the 60’s and 70’s. Rather obvious when you see his vivid screenprinted flowers juxtoposed against the flower power jewelry.

One of the leading designers of the day, Englishwoman Mary Quant, introduced [scandoulous] mini-skirts, hot pants, and tights to legions of teenagers and young women who readily took to the fashions.

The same brilliant colors and daring fashion sense is reflected in flower power jewelry. In fact, Mary Quant’s iconic logo is a five petaled flower.

Quant ultimately became identified with the Mod style and continued designing right up until the year 2000. 

One of the beauties of so called “flower power” jewelry is its relative low cost for those of us who enjoy it today. In antique shops and on Etsy, expect to find pieces priced from about $10 on up.

But you can find some real deals on eBay where large lots often sell for low prices that calculate to $1 or $2 per piece. You’ll find similar prices at garage sales, which is where I get most of my pieces.

Create Wedding Bouquets with Enamel Flower Pins

Wear these little works of art on lapels, scarves, and hand bags. Collect a few in complimentary shades and frame them, or do what many brides do, including my friend Melissa (Melissa’s Antiques), and create stunning wedding bouquets and corsages.

In fact, you can find a tutorial on how to make flower power bridal bouquets, so you can make your very own.

For wearing, look for pins in great condition (no chips in the enamel), in beautiful colors that promise to compliment your wardrobe. But for craft projects or wedding bouquets, imperfect examples like the ones you see here, can often be found dirt cheap. 

To prevent chips and scratches, handle pieces gently. To clean, brush with a soft brush or rinse with water, lightly brush, and dry immediately with a soft cloth. 

More Flower Power Enamel Pin Examples

While necklaces from this period are rarer, they hold their own charm, like this cluster of flowers with rhinestones. SOLD ($14.99)

This carnation, also enameled, but not quite as cheery as the others, likely dates to the 1970’s. SOLD $12.99

And this chrome version manages to be cheerful and fun, despite the absence of color. 

Sarah Coventry, one of the main producers of this style of jewelry, sold both this large pin and clip-on earrings–pretty but toned-down versions of some of the other pieces. The center pin available in my Vintage Shop in the Jewelry section. 

I imagine these black clip-ons transformed into either cocktail rings or pierced earrings–look for a related blog post coming soon(!).

If wearing large pins (or brooches) feels like a fashion leap for you, check out Becky Stone’s blog post, How to Wear a Brooch. She blogs at Diamond in the Rough and offers thirteen ideas for styling large pins with every day, work, and evening fashions.

And for one more darling crafty idea, check out Jennifer Perkin’s delightful topiary. You’re gonna love it.

Thanks for joining me today and sharing some of the history behind flower power enamel jewelry. What’s your feeling on these bright, bold accessories? Yay or Nay? Own any yourself? If so, how do you style it? I’m dying to know 🙂

Other articles you’ll enjoy:

If you enjoyed your visit,
I hope you’ll subscribe and never miss a post.
You’ll receive access to my MEMBER LIBRARY and get loads of FREEBIES!
Sign up and receive your “Enamel Jewelry” cheat sheet:

 

Bye for now,

Pin for later 🙂