The History of Colored Jewelry in Professional Women’s Fashion - Glim

In the 1960s, as more women entered the workforce, colored jewelry became a symbol of their newfound independence. Women embraced large cocktail rings with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires—pieces that were once reserved for men or formal events. These bold gemstones signaled that women were here to stay in the professional world. Icons like Jackie Kennedy popularized pearl and gemstone combinations, but working women took it a step further, wearing gemstone bracelets and earrings to the office as a statement of authority.

The 1990s brought a shift to minimalist gemstone jewelry as women rose to executive positions. Tiny diamond-like gemstone studs (often white sapphire or cubic zirconia) and delicate gemstone chains became staples. This was the era of “power dressing” for women, and jewelry was meant to be sleek and understated—no distractions, just polished professionalism. Women like Sheryl Sandberg (in her early career) were often seen in simple gemstone pendants or rings, letting their work speak for itself.

Today, colored jewelry is all about sustainability and inclusivity. Lab-grown gemstones have become mainstream, offering eco-friendly alternatives to natural stones. Brands are also focusing on inclusivity, creating gemstone pieces that suit every skin tone, style, and industry. From finance to tech to creative fields, there’s a colored jewelry piece for every professional woman. This era is about personal style with a conscience—jewelry that looks good, tells a story, and aligns with your values.