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About Art Deco Jewelry
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The Art Deco era—named for a 1925 exposition in Paris that displayed this chic new geometric style—spans the 1920s through the 1930s. Art Deco jewelry took the intricate detailing of the previous Edwardian era and streamlined it for the machine age. Following the austerity of WWI, jewelry flourished with the cultural exuberance of the roaring ’20s. Brilliant-cut diamonds in a variety of new shapes were arranged into glittering mosaics and showcased in structural new surroundings. High-quality colored gemstones centered eye-catching pieces or, in turn, were used to highlight diamonds. Jewelers were finally able to set aside sentimental impulses and fully embrace modernism.
Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
Art Deco Baguette Diamond Ring
Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring
Platinum and Diamond Bracelet
Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Brooch
Platinum and Diamond Necklace
After WWI, the women who became flappers refused to return to their previously-restrictive roles. Jewelry styles adapted to accommodate the new freer silhouette, and a wide array of beautifully decorated accessories were created for sports and leisure. Why not tie your hair back for a game of tennis with a diamond-studded barrette, or get ready for a night on the town with an enamel compact…? Some of these activities—such as smoking—no longer symbolize the freedom and chic they once did, but the objects left behind are nonetheless exquisite in their own right.
Diamond and Onyx Barrette
Jade, Diamond and Enamel Cigarette Case
Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet Watch
European and American designers became increasingly fascinated with styles and techniques from China, Japan, and India, which made their way into some of the era’s most iconic jewelry. The opening of the tomb of King Tutankhamen and other archaeological expeditions inspired the “Egyptian Revival,” and elements from classical Persian design were popular as well. Nor was the fascination one-sided: at the same time, Eastern artists and designers were experimenting with newly-discovered Western styles as well.
Carved Burmese Jade Necklace
1930s Jade and Enamel Bracelet
French Japonesque Diamond Brooch
“Tutti-Frutti” Flower Basket Pin
Egyptian Revival Scarab Pin
Platinum, Carved Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band
The 1930s and the Great Depression had a surprising effect on jewelry-making; rather than scaling it back, brooches, ear clips, and bracelets all became larger, perhaps in an effort to boost confidence. Designers created the kind of aspirational pieces needed in an increasingly uncertain world. One practical type of jewelry that did play a major role was the convertible piece, especially double clips that could be united as a single brooch. These fun and creative pieces are great for today’s casual-chic look, and for going from day to evening.
Marquise Diamond Set Bracelet
Platinum and Diamond Flower Ear Clips
Opal and Diamond Dinner Ring
Platinum and Diamond Double Clip Brooch
Emerald, Platinum and Diamond Dress Clips
Diamond and Gem Double-Clip Brooch
We don’t like to play favorites…but the sleek lines and geometric style of the Art Deco era are certainly a major part of the Lang aesthetic, and we’re proud to have many excellent examples in our collection both past and present. To learn more about this dynamic era, visit our sister site, Antique Jewelry University.