The Cultural Significance of Dynasty Jewellery

Dynasty was a hit TV show that aired in the 1980s and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show followed the wealthy Carrington family and their dramatic lives, featuring extravagant fashion and accessories that included memorable and iconic jewellery. The characters' bold and daring jewellery choices, especially those of Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington, became an integral part of 80s power dressing.

Dynasty was one of the most iconic TV shows of the 1980s with a lasting influence on fashion and pop culture. The extravagant fashion and accessories, including the dramatic and memorable 80s jewellery worn by characters such as Alexis and Krystle, were an integral part of the cultural phenomenon that was Dynasty.

The show's jewellery was a symbol of wealth and status, reflecting the excess and opulence of the 1980s. The bold and dramatic jewellery worn by the characters added to the show's drama and excitement, showcasing the characters' wealth and fashion sense. Dynasty jewellery was a perfect fit for the power dressing movement, characterised by bold clothing and accessories that exuded power and success.

While the entire cast of Dynasty wore incredible jewellery, it was Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington who truly stole the show. Collins was already a style icon before joining the cast of Dynasty, but her portrayal of the glamorous and ruthless Alexis elevated her status even further. Her bold and daring jewellery choices were an integral part of her signature look, inspiring women even today. Her jewellery was just as bold and extravagant as her personality, with oversized hoop earrings encrusted with rhinestones or other gems. One of the most iconic pieces of jewellery from the show was the infamous "Cleopatra necklace" that Alexis wore in the season two finale, featuring a gold serpent and reportedly worth $1.5 million.

Linda Evans' portrayal of Krystle Carrington was characterised by her timeless beauty, elegance, and impeccable sense of style. Her jewellery choices were no exception, as they reflected her high-class status and included everything from delicate necklaces to statement-making bracelets. One of Krystle's signature pieces was her simple yet elegant gold hoop earrings, which perfectly complemented her natural beauty and became a staple in her wardrobe throughout the series. Another iconic piece was her stunning diamond necklace, which added a touch of glamour to her already sophisticated style. While Krystle was known for her classic jewellery pieces, she also sported chunky gold bracelets and bold, colorful earrings that added a playful touch to her otherwise timeless style and showed off her fun-loving personality. Her jewellery not only made her look beautiful but also acted as a symbol of her confidence and strength.

Diahann Carroll portrayed the legendary Dominique Deveraux, a high-profile businesswoman and fashion icon. Her signature pieces were diamond chokers, oversized diamond drop earrings, and thick gold cuffs. Dominique's jewellery was a symbol of her strength and confidence, and her pieces were bold, elegant, and sophisticated.

Several talented jewellery designers worked on the show, creating iconic pieces that became a defining aspect of the show's extravagant style. Among them was Kenneth Jay Lane, known for his bold and statement-making pieces, including Dominique Deveraux's diamond choker necklace. Jean Schlumberger was another prominent designer who contributed many of the show's memorable pieces. His intricate designs often featured a mix of diamonds, gold, and other precious stones, including the diamond brooch worn by Dominique Deveraux. Angela Cummings and David Webb were also respected jewellery designers who lent their talents to the show. Cummings' understated designs complemented the more extravagant outfits, while Webb's bold and innovative pieces added a touch of edginess to the show's wardrobe. Les Bernard was another highly respected designer whose jewellery was worn by beloved characters like Alexis Colby and Dominique Deveraux. His intricate diamond and gold choker necklace worn by Dominique remains one of the most iconic Dynasty jewellery pieces of the decade, perfectly capturing the character's elegance and sophistication.

Together, these designers played an essential role in creating unforgettable Dynasty jewellery and shaping the era's fashion trends. Their creations not only added an extra layer of glamour and luxury to the show's aesthetic but also helped define the characters' personalities. From Dominique Deveraux's bold and powerful choker to Krystle Carrington's timeless pearls, each piece was carefully chosen to reflect the character's unique style and personality.

Beyond the show's impact on fashion, Dynasty also had a significant influence on popular culture. Its characters, storylines, and iconic jewellery have become synonymous with the 1980s, and the show's enduring popularity has led to reboots and remakes over the years. Joan Collins' portrayal of Alexis Carrington has cemented her status as a style icon, and her bold and daring jewellery choices continue to inspire women's fashion choices today.

Dynasty jewellery has left an enduring legacy for fashion and pop culture. The show's extravagant and dramatic jewellery choices reflected the excess and opulence of the 1980s while also defining the characters' personalities and contributing to the trend of power dressing. The talented jewellery designers behind these iconic pieces have shaped the era's fashion trends, and their creations continue to inspire fashion enthusiasts today. Dynasty jewellery remains a cultural phenomenon, and its impact on fashion and pop culture will undoubtedly continue to be felt for generations to come.