VoxMundi – Fashion

Jewelry has long been a symbol of status, beauty, and personal expression. Over the decades, the materials and craftsmanship have evolved, influencing the cost of these adornments. Let’s explore the prices of various types of jewelry from the 1920s, adjust them for inflation, and compare them to today’s market.

1. Gold Jewelry

• 1920s Price: In the 1920s, the price of gold was fixed at $20.67 per troy ounce.   A simple gold ring weighing approximately 0.5 ounces would cost around $10.34.

• Adjusted for Inflation: Using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI Inflation Calculator, $10.34 in 1920 is equivalent to about $140.00 in 2025.

• Today’s Average Price: As of January 2025, with gold prices around $2,754.99 per troy ounce, a similar gold ring would cost approximately $1,377.50, not accounting for craftsmanship and design intricacies.  

2. Silver Jewelry

• 1920s Price: Silver was valued at approximately $1.00 per troy ounce in the 1920s. A sterling silver necklace weighing 1 ounce would thus cost around $1.00.

• Adjusted for Inflation: $1.00 in 1920 equates to about $13.50 in 2025.

• Today’s Average Price: With silver prices fluctuating around $25.00 per troy ounce in 2025, a similar necklace would cost approximately $25.00, excluding design and craftsmanship costs.

3. Pearl Necklaces

• 1920s Price: Long strands of cultured pearls were highly fashionable, with prices averaging around $3,850.00.  

• Adjusted for Inflation: $3,850.00 in 1920 is approximately $52,000.00 in 2025.

• Today’s Average Price: High-quality cultured pearl necklaces today can range from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00, depending on the quality and origin of the pearls.

4. Costume Jewelry

• 1920s Price: Costume jewelry gained popularity in the 1920s, with pieces like Art Deco necklaces selling for around $5.00.

• Adjusted for Inflation: $5.00 in 1920 is about $67.50 in 2025.

• Today’s Average Price: Vintage costume jewelry pieces from the 1920s can now be valued between $100.00 and $500.00, depending on the designer and condition.

5. Diamond Rings

• 1920s Price: A 1-carat diamond ring was approximately $100.00 in the 1920s.

• Adjusted for Inflation: $100.00 in 1920 is roughly $1,350.00 in 2025. 

• Today’s Average Price: A 1-carat diamond ring today ranges from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00, influenced by the diamond’s cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

The Shift to Affordable Options

Today, the jewelry market offers a plethora of affordable options, including gold-plated, silver-plated, and synthetic gemstone pieces. These alternatives can range from as low as $20.00 to $200.00, making stylish accessories accessible to a broader audience. In contrast, similar pieces in the 1920s, even costume jewelry, were relatively more expensive when adjusted for inflation.

Final Thought

The jewelry industry has transformed significantly over the past century, not only in design and materials but also in accessibility and pricing. Do you own any vintage jewelry pieces? How do they compare to today’s styles and prices?

Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!