No matter the reasons for wearing vintage and no matter what country you are representing, there are some things that are rather consistent for fashion . . . like jewelry. For today's post I want to take a closer look at German jewelry or jewelry that is distinctly German. Pulling from my collection of original pieces, fashion magazines, and photographs, this is not an exhaustive study but can offer as a simple foundation for adding to a German impression or can offer some itty bitty insight to what women in Nazi Germany were wearing as jewelry. It goes to show too that no matter the country, jewelry seems to be rather important (and I think we all know why that is . . its sparkly! Well I am sure there are more legitimate reasons too). For the most part the sources that I am using are the originals from my own collection as well as some secondary source material which are listed at the bottom for your own use. Many of the pieces I have came with a little research when I bought them from Wars End Shop.
At its core, German jewelry is not that different than American jewelry but there are some small items that definitely and distinctly German such as edelweiss pieces and other nature inspired items.The most distinctive piece of German jewelry that one can add to their wardrobe is something with an edelweiss whether it be a necklace, brooch, or a pair of earrings. The Edelweiss was and still is a native of Germany and Alpine areas because it is a very hardy little flower that can grow is less than ideal conditions according to Flower Meaning.
Great items to look for are the small preserved edelweiss encased in brooches, necklaces, and other items. I have two necklaces where the flower in pressed between two pieces of plastic and then sealed. One is on a chain, the other a velvet band. Look for velvet chokers for a more traditional option. Aside from real edelweiss pieces, you can find artistic versions as well like the carved clip on earrings above. The clip on ones I believe are from the 50s but still a great piece. The real pieces are actually quite easy to find and can be a nice conversation piece as well. Where can these items be found? You can find these kinds of items online with a simple search or else keep your eyes open at your local thrift or antique mall.
Other great items for German jewelry are novelty pieces representing butterflies, birds, native German flowers, etc. Below is an American piece but can work well for a German item. It is celluloid and possibly from the 30s. This item brings me to good point in that you don't have to have real, original German pieces if you are looking to add German jewelry to your wardrobe. There are many pieces of American and German jewelry that followed similar themes, styles, etc. The reason why natural or nature inspired items were so popular in Germany was due to nationalism. Promoting German items, themes, etc. bolstered Nazi ideology and politics in a subtle way. If you would like to read more on this topic, check out my source: 1940s Fashion The Definitive Sourcebook. It offers a great foundation for fashion in Nazi Germany.
Another cute piece (and one of my personal favorites) are these little wooden shoes. This is an example of tourist jewelry. To reinvigorate the German economy tourism was encouraged and of course travel is not complete without a little trinket. For more check out the article by Kristin Semmens "A Holiday from the Nazis" in Lisa Pine's book: Life and Times in Nazi Germany.
Other German items are novelty pieces or sweetheart pieces. Below is an example of a modern reproduction of a German helmet in Bakelite from Wars End Shop:
Other great items are beaded necklaces and chain & medallion pieces. Both have a lot of photographic evidence of use. Beaded necklaces are really common or that is at least what I have noticed in my collection of German photographs. It's possible these were simply a cheap and stylish option and that would explain their popularity. Below are only two examples of beaded necklaces, both from my own collection.
Other kinds of necklaces are those of simple chains with charms or pieces suspended from them. Below, an original German photograph and necklace (own collection) showing them:
Of course, let us not forget pearls! I think these are pearls and not beads because they are consistent in size and rather white. Below, an original German photograph again from my own collection:
From felt flowers to edelweiss jewelry to novelty pieces, German jewelry from the 40s has its own distinctions that do set it aside from American pieces. It is the details, as it normally always is. Of course, German jewelry also featured more traditional pieces such as glass bead necklaces, pearls, and semi precious and metal pieces. When looking for pieces to enhance your own impression don't think that you must have German items because you can easily use items from other countries I did with my novelty celluloid bird pin. Of course, when in doubt, don't add jewelry! Keeping it simple is at times the best option of all.
Sources/ Further Reading
"A Holiday from the Nazis: Everyday Tourism in the Third Reich?" by Kristin Semmens in Life and Times in Nazi Germany edited by Lisa Pine
1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook by Emmanuelle Dirix and Charlotte Fiell
Flower Meaning
Deutsche Moden Zeitung 1941 - A German Fashion Magazine in my own collection. For the felt flowers look here
My collection of Original pieces (jewelry) and photographs
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