Art Deco Jewelry

The Art Deco Period 1920-1935

The Art Deco Period derived its name from the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs in Paris in 1925, however the actual Deco Period began in 1920.  Art Deco design rose in conjunction with the "Roaring Twenties".  The streamlined beauty of Art Deco jewelry reflects the exuberance and excitement of the Jazz Age and the rising importance of speed physically represented in the designs of ocean liners, sports cars, locomotives and airplanes.  The 1920's were a time for advancement and this was evident in architecture, technology and design on all levels.

With the dramatic changes in Women's fashions in the 1920's, particularly the unstructured low waist "flapper style" dress accentuating the bare neck and arms, new jewelry styles were created to complement these fashions.  Jewelry that moved freely, such as dangle earrings and long pearl or bead necklaces were popular.

Art Deco design can also trace its roots to the trends in modern art with the emphasis on geometry, symmetry, movement and speed.  The flat and sleek line bracelet was an example of this.  Linearity and geometric forms were favored while figurative motifs often appeared in a very stylized form.  Gemstones tended to be cut in geometric shapes keeping with the Deco aesthetic particularly after advances in gem cutting led to the baguette and emerald cuts.  Long strands of beads or pearls, dangle earrgings, line bracelets, double clip brooches and jeweled accessories such as evening bags and cigarette cases became fashionable.  The Deco Period also brought about the cocktail party, in spite of prohibition, and from it derived the "cocktail ring".

The Art Deco Period produced many of the finest designs in jewelry and creations from this period remain highly desired by collectors.

Art Deco Bracelets

Art Deco Earrings

Art Deco Rings

Art Deco Brooches