What is Art Deco Jewelry? — Let Us Explain

It’s not about luxury but the details that make the difference!

Every era produces unique styles and trends that take the generation on a fashion roller coaster. However, only a few eras and designs stand the test of time to become classics. Their allure refuses to fade away, continuing to influence the core of fashion in succeeding generations. Art Deco represents one such era: an artistic period that began in the 1920s, just before the First World War.

Charismatic, daring, and dazzling- the Art Deco era which was first initiated in France, was all about edgy creativity. The Art Deco style, heavily influenced by the period’s architecture and geometrical shapes, produced some of the most elegant and astonishing jewelry trends ever. The style continued from the early 1920s, to reach its pinnacle post the first world war and then subdued just around the beginning of the Second World War.

So, let’s go back in time and look at Art Deco: the art in context and the jewelry and styles designed and produced during that time.

Art Deco: The Art in Context

As the world was slowly coming out of the war tragedies, fashion took a more playful, exquisite, and pragmatic turn. Breaking free from the shackles of etiquette and constraint of the Edwardian era, Art Deco eventually made its way into mainstream society — a society that was yearning to indulge and let themselves loose.

The term ‘Art Deco’ took its name from the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts that was held at the World Fair in Paris, in 1925. The era witnessed the peak of modern and intricate artworks, which reflected the post-war sentiment of luxury, glamor, and exuberance. The designs celebrated artistic pursuits in a chaotic post-war period.

Art Deco Jewelry: The Epitome of Form and Fashion

To fully appreciate the exquisiteness of Art Deco jewelry, it is necessary to understand the nuances of that era. While we cannot delve deep into all of it, let’s read about and appreciate the jewelry trends that emerged in that period.

Jewelry With a Jazz

The 1920s was the age of Jazz. The jazz jewelry pieces reflected the era’s spirit. With unfiltered style and symmetries, this jewelry made modernism a cool thing, even before it was a catchword. Lines, angles, and other geometric forms were merged with colored gemstones and vibrant motifs to add playfulness to the jewelry pieces. Designs were heavily influenced by Egyptian motifs, Ballet Russes, and Mughal royal jewels, and featured expensive materials like ebony and ivory. Interesting to note, that most of the skyscrapers in New York City, including the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, built at that time, reflect Art Deco architecture.

Geometric Shapes

The pinnacle of the Art Deco movement was incorporating bold and sleek GEOMETRIC shapes in jewelry. Art Deco jewels cast aside the Belle Epoque themes of the Art Nouveau era (1890–1910), which focused more on flowing lines and dreamy architecture. Art Deco, on the other hand, embraced modernism and technological progress that introduced sharp edges, lines, angles, and symmetry.

In jewelry, inclinations were more toward incorporating ‘cubism’ — the revolutionary approach to representing reality, instead of the decoration of superfluous embellishments. Jewelers began to use more unusual stone combinations as designs combined different metals.

New Inspiration and Cuts

Although Art Deco jewelers were spread worldwide, they all had one goal: to break free from the unnecessary extravagance of the past and incorporate the modernism of the post-war period. More organized and rationalized jewel pieces were crafted to liberate the women’s movement.

European cut diamonds rose to prominence during this era. With 58 facets, this cut is widely regarded as the forerunner of modern round brilliant cut diamonds. Gemstone cutters had to rely heavily on their eyesight since these were hand cuts.

Conclusion

Rounding up the essence of the Art Deco Era — it inspired timeless styles, from geometric shapes, and white metal to caliber cut diamonds. This era’s jewelry is ideal for those who want to go bold with strong statements, abandoning extravagant fashion aesthetics. Whether you prefer vintage jewelry or modern styles, Art Deco-inspired pieces lend a strong expression to your personality. Shop from the exquisite collection of Art Deco jewelry at Gabriel & Co.