ART DECO

A Glamorous Fusion of Elegance and Modernism

Art Deco jewelry is an exquisite expression of style that emerged during the 1920s and 1930s. Characterized by sleek lines, geometric shapes, and a blend of traditional and modern materials, this unique design movement transformed the world of jewelry. Let’s delve into the period, defining features, notable designers, and famous examples that showcase the allure of Art Deco jewelry.

The Art Deco movement originated in Paris after World War I and quickly spread across Europe and North America. It reached its zenith during the Roaring Twenties but continued to influence fashion throughout the 1930s until it gradually faded after World War II.

Art Deco jewelry encapsulates a distinctive aesthetic characterized by bold geometric patterns, symmetrical designs, sharp angles, and clean lines. This style drew inspiration from various sources, such as ancient Egyptian motifs discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb, African tribal art forms, and modernist movements like Cubism.

Art Deco jewelers experimented with various materials, including platinum, white gold, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies alongside vibrant gemstones like coral or lapis lazuli. They also incorporated unconventional materials like lacquer or enamel to add color to their creations.

Major Art Deco Designers

1. Coco Chanel (1883-1971) was known for her avant-garde approach to fashion and design aesthetics. She introduced innovative styles in Art Deco jewelry, using bold geometric shapes and luxurious pearls.
2. Rene Lalique (1860-1945) was a revolutionary French designer renowned for mastering glasswork. Lalique’s creations featured intricate details inspired by nature, such as flowers or feathers, set within precious metals.
3. Cartier, the iconic French luxury brand, played a significant role in popularizing Art Deco jewelry worldwide. Cartier pieces often showcased contrasting colors through delicate arrangements of gems within platinum settings.

Famous Art Deco Examples

1. The Duchess of Windsor’s Panther Bracelet: Crafted by Cartier in 1952 for Wallis Simpson (the Duchess), this stunning piece features onyx spots adorned with diamonds against yellow gold. It became an emblematic symbol of elegance.
2. Van Cleef & Arpels’ Zip Necklace: Created in 1951 by Van Cleef & Arpels for the Duchess of Windsor, this unique necklace ingeniously combines functionality with glamour. It resembles a functioning zipper worn around the neck.
3. Jean Després’ Cubist-inspired Bracelets: Jean Després was recognized for his bold use of geometric forms evoking Cubist art movements while incorporating precious metals such as silver into his distinctive pieces.

Buying and selling Art Deco jewelry is one of our passions. Let us know what you want. You’ll be surprised at what we can create and at great prices!