Antique Art Deco jewelry is a highly sought after form of jewelry found during the period before and after world war 1. It emerged in 1885 when a French jewelry designer named Louis Comfort Tiffany emerged as a leader of this style. Tiffany was inspired by the “machine age,” which brought about constant progress and development of different technologies.
His designs were modern, geometric and incorporated industrial methods such as auto-body painting in his pieces. He sought to capture an organic quality through scalloped curves and abstract motifs, which often used diamonds or sapphires placed in gold or platinum settings.
The Rise in Popularity Tiffany wasn’t the only one experimenting with this style; many designers, such as Georges Fouquet, Marius Hammer and René Lalique began creating their own original pieces along similar lines.
During this time Art Deco jewelry reached its peak of popularity due to the innovation employed by these jewelers and architects – they merged ancient mythological themes with futuristic objects such as animal carvings, sharp angles, soft curves and a variety of materials ranging from ceramic to glass and precious gems.
The resulting creations are still highly sought after today due to their beauty, rarity and historical significance.
Material Used In addition to diamonds being set into gold or platinum mountings other materials were also used for decorative purposes such as onyx, coral, mother-of-pearl and wood alongside synthetic materials like shellac resin which was prized for its ability to mimic natural gemstones such as jade or turquoise but also added vibrant colors.
Other creative methods incorporated included enameling giving an opaque finish over silver frames with geometric forms turned into detailed picture scenes known as plique-à-jour where faceted stones were also cast into intricate patterns creating captivating changes in light and shade that had never been seen before then.
What Makes Antique Art Deco Jewelry Unique
Antique Art Deco Jewelry has been popular for more than a century, and its modern appeal shows no signs of abating. The style, which began in the early 1900s, resonates with modern sensibilities by combining intricate craftsmanship with geometric motifs. Here are some of the unique features that make Antique Art Deco Jewelry so special:
- Clean, Geometric Designs
- Achievable Luxury
- Unique Settings and Styles
A key element of Antique Art Deco Jewelry is its use of clean geometric shapes, which gives the pieces a sense of timelessness and sophistication. The reduced amount of ornamentation helps to keep the design simple yet eye-catching. This underlying symmetry adds to the elegance and grace of any piece adorning it.
Antique Art Deco jewelry also provides an achievable measure of luxury without breaking the bank. These pieces are perfect for those who wish to add a touch of high-end glamour to their wardrobe without costing an arm and a leg. While some antique pieces can get expensive, there are affordable options for those on a budget as well.
Finally, what sets Antique Art Deco jewelry apart from many trends today is its wide array of unique settings and styles that feature different materials from platinum and gold to glass beads or colored stones. This allows antique art deco lovers to find something truly special for themselves or their loved ones that won’t quickly be copied or forgotten about in trend cycles like other designs have recently experienced.
The fact that you can identify this style instantly sets it apart even further from modern trends.
Brief History of Antique Art Deco Jewelry
Antique Art Deco jewelry has a long and storied history. From its inception in the early 20th century to its resurgence among modern designers, these pieces have been sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. The term “Art Deco” is derived from the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Modernes, which introduced an unprecedented style of architecture, interior design, and art that emphasized geometric shapes, streamlined forms, vibrant colors, luxury materials and intricate detailing.
The same aesthetic can be found in Art Deco jewelry from this era. Common features include bold angular designs, symmetrical motifs, millegraining or minute detailing patterns in precious metal surfaces, filigree or openwork details with gemstone accents throughout the piece. The popularity of platinum became widespread during this period as well as bright-colored stones like diamonds combined with sapphires, rubies and emeralds for a multi-dimensional look.
Notable Features of Antique Art Deco Jewelry
1. Bold angular designs: These often feature intricate geometric motifs combined with delicate filigree for an eye-catching contrast in texture and shape.
2. Symmetrical motifs: Repeating patterned shapes like chevrons and circles often appear on Art Deco pieces which creates a balanced look that is easy on the eyes.
3. Millegraining: This helps to accentuate diamond settings while giving them a more antique feel; it also adds resistance to wear with its tiny undulations along the surface of a piece’s metal prongs or plate settings for durability over time.
4. Precious metals: Platinum was a popular choice during this period because it was considered to be more valuable than gold at the time due to its rarity, allowing for more intricate designs that are resistant against tarnishing thanks to its natural resistance against corrosion when exposed to oxygen in the air around us (a property not present in gold).
5. Colorful gemstones: Bright-colored materials were used extensively during production which helped give pieces their signature look; they would often be arranged alongside diamonds in their settings creating multi-faceted looks that are highly sought after today as vintage treasures.
Notable Examples of Antique Art Deco Jewelry
The Art Deco period has recently experienced a surge in popularity with vintage jewelry collectors, and there are plenty of notable examples of antique Art Deco jewelry that have made their way onto the market. The highlight of any collection would be a Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels piece – both renowned names among fine art jewelers. In terms of motifs, there is something for every collector to appreciate, whether it be geometric shapes or abstract figures.
Cartier
One of the most sought-after pieces from the Art Deco era is an artwork designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany for Cartier. Although typically known for its contemporary designs, Cartier produced some remarkable pieces during this period as well. This particular design exhibits an intricate pattern with brilliant square cut diamonds set in platinum and highlighted by baguette-cut blue sapphires. The overall effect of this necklace makes it one of the most coveted pieces from the early 20th century.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels was another leading light in luxury jewellery during this era and vintage examples such as “Fleur de l’Eau” necklaces remain highly desirable today. This particular example encapsulates a very distinctive aesthetic in which delicate flower petals were fashioned out of white gold and diamonds, then carefully bedecked with rhinestone gems to give them exceptional glimmer and sparkle.
Such thoughtful attention to detail is a defining characteristic of Art Deco jewellery, and this piece remains one of the best known examples on the current market.
Geometric Shapes
Geometric shapes were also favored by many of these iconic artisans during this period as they saw to present themselves as ahead-of-their-time modernists and often produced several groundbreaking designs utilizing circles, rectangles, triangles etc., all combined together in different permutations to create fascinating effects.
Such complexity can be found within collections displayed by Bulgari and Boucheron for which even today rank among the most coveted antique Jewelry pieces available on market, demonstrating just how timeless these designs remain over 80 years later.
Influential Art Deco Jewelry Designers and Artists
Antique Art Deco jewelry is one of the most stylish and iconic designs in the history of jewelry. During the era of 1923 to 1939, this beautiful design style was embraced by some of the most renowned current day designers and artists. The following is a list of the most influential people from this period whose work defined this popular design style:
- Louis Comfort Tiffany
- Jean Schlumberger
- Paul Flato
- Jean Després
- René Lalique
- Cellini di Giambologna
Louis Comfort Tiffany was an American artist who created stunning pieces featuring bright color combinations and unique forms. His pieces centered on nature themes such as flora, fauna, and geometric shapes. Jean Schlumberger’s pieces feature bold colors and intricate designs.
He developed new techniques using enameling and stone settings with diamonds to create stunningly unique pieces. Paul Flato, also known as “The Jeweler To The Stars,” was well known for his luxury designs that often featured precious stones such as rubies and sapphires.
He also popularized the use of cabochon cut gemstones in his pieces. Jean Després had a penchant for luxurious materials like gold silver and decorative stones like lapis lazuli.
René Lalique combined bold colors with architectural motifs like Egyptian gods, floral patterns, and Art Nouveau movement elements into his signature designs which ranged from necklaces to buckles. Last but not least, Cellini di Giambologna was influenced by ancient myths which come through vibrantly in his vibrant creations that often consisted of chains made entirely by intricate filigree work inspired by periods such as the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Popular Types of Antique Art Deco Jewelry
Antique Art Deco jewelry has been alluring admirers since its inception during the late 1920s and 1930s. During this period, conventional materials such as diamonds, rubies and emeralds were blended with metals to create striking and bold pieces of wearable art that celebrated the era’s modernism aesthetic.
In addition to being highly sought after collector’s items, antique Art Deco jewelry is often found adorning celebrities and royalty alike. The former ‘it-item’ of evening wear and special occasions continues to be popular today due to its unique design elements and use of diverse materials.
Below are some of the most popular types of antique Art Deco jewelry:
- Diamond Wedding Rings
- Engagement Rings
- Bracelets
- Brooches
- Dinner Rings
As one can see, diamond rings highlighted strongly in this style as they provided an elegant backdrop for many fashion statements from the Jazz Age. Other gemstones played a supporting role in these designs, but it was diamond rings that were most commonly seen on society women, often displaying large central stones surrounded by pave or baguette cut stones set in platinum finishing to evoke an elegant look.
For those wanting a more affordable option, larger central gemstones – like rubies or sapphires – were available for a fraction of the price of a diamond ring. These semi-precious gems would also give wearers a pop of color which worked wonderfully in contrast with the otherwise neutral palette displayed by each item during this era.
In addition to rings, Antique Art Deco jewelry also included necklaces made up entirely of single stones arranged in intricate geometric patterns crafted from gold or platinum while sometimes even featuring additional details such as enamel highlights or flamboyantly colored stones surrounded by pave diamonds. These glamorous gems evoked the image of an elegant yet independent woman once worn by some of Hollywood’s leading ladies such as Greta Garbo.
Defining Characteristics of Antique Art Deco Jewelry
Antique Art Deco jewelry is a highly stylish and unique type of jewelry from the early 20th century. It was popularized by the Parisian jewelry designer Rene Lalique who introduced a new aesthetic meaning to jewelry through his modern and architectural designs, as well as being inspired by nature.
Characterized by geometric shapes, bright colors, and distinctive materials like gold, platinum, and diamonds, Art Deco jewelry transmits a sense of luxury and class. Other popular materials used during this era included glass, lacquer, enameled metalwork, semi-precious stones such as jade and onyx, Bakelite and crystal.
Art Deco pieces display an interesting combination of materials that blend together harmoniously. Pieces like brooches often include diamonds set among a mixture of gemstones that create an interesting visual contrast. Furthermore, the design use repetitive elements in both gold and silver for many necklaces and rings adds to balance out any pieces featuring flashy diamond or colorful gems with more subtle tones reflecting the precision seen in Art Deco designs.
In addition to being visually captivating antique Art Deco pieces offer lasting beauty with their long-lasting construction. These pieces were mae using high quality materials seamlessly connected with fine fastenings that can survive wear under normal conditions.
While some jewelry may show signs of age all wearable pieces can still look like new after being carefully maintained over time given its strength in construction. As a result modern collectors seek out these amazing vintage pieces they can treasure for years to come due to the timelessness associated with there enduring allure.
Popular Materials Used in Antique Art Deco Jewelry
Antique Art Deco jewelry was most popular during the 1920s-1930s and is a great way to add a touch of elegance to any attire. This vintage-style jewelry incorporates materials such as:
- Diamonds
- Gold and Silver
- Paste stones
- Platinum
- Semi-precious gems such as onyx, garnet, tourmaline, and lapis lazuli.
These materials were often applied to sleek, geometric shapes that are now iconic of Art Deco styles, including abstract designs with rectangular or angular lines. Combined with the vibrant colors of gemstones, this style creates bold and eye-catching pieces of timeless beauty.
The most desirable pieces are those produced before World War II (1939), although mimics of the style continue to be created in modern jewelry workshops. While an authentic antique Art Deco piece may come with a hefty price tag depending on its condition, rarity, and history; it’s still possible to find smaller pieces that can be acquired at more reasonable prices.
In addition to made pieces crafted by renowned designers such as Cartier and Lalique; there is also “costume” jewelry-made from lower quality metals like brass or sterling silver that suggest Art Deco colors and shapes for those who want an ornate style but who may have limited funds. Whether an heirloom treasure or reproduction costume piece, there is no doubt that Antique Art Deco jewelry can add an air of classic amazing grace with its sparkle to any wardrobe.
The Difference Between Art Deco Jewelry Replicas and Originals
Antique Art Deco jewelry is universally loved because of its timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Many people have pieces they cherish but are unaware of the difference between original or authentic Art Deco jewelry and contemporary replicas.
Authentic antique pieces are highly valuable due to their exclusivity and unique design that no longer exists as it used to before. On the other hand, replicas are mass-produced by companies which give them a less expensive price tag yet maintain the same aesthetic appeal as the original.
Characteristics of an Authentic Art Deco Jewelry Piece
Authentic antique pieces were created in the 1920s through the 1940s, during a popular artistic movement called the Art Deco period. The designs feature geometric shapes like rectangles, triangles, circles and curves that align with nature as well as angular lines to create a symmetrical masterpiece.
They incorporate metals such as platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold with precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds which make them exquisite collectables. Besides this, they have some definitive hallmarks like maker’s mark or signature on rings or necklaces that can be found on both sides of a piece i.e., back and front portion respectively for buyers to recognize it is genuine antique jewelry.
Characteristics of Replica Art Deco Jewelry
Today’s modern day replica is designed to look authentically vintage but made with more readily available materials such as sterling silver and cz stones in order to keep costs low. They may still contain marks but now usually comes attached from manufacturers instead of individual jewelers who crafts each piece with care.
This means that replicas do not hold any actual value if you plan on selling it because they typically aren’t worth much beyond what one originally paid for them whereas authentic antiques can be appraised based on metals, stones used in construction; however their true beauty lies in their rarity which often fetches high prices at auction houses around the world.
How to Care for Antique Art Deco Jewelry
Antique Art Deco jewelry is an exquisite and timeless piece of art. The style encompasses a variety of designs, including bold colors, angular shapes and intricate details. Many people covet Art Deco pieces, as they bring a unique sparkle and charm to any outfit or accessory.
While these pieces are usually quite durable due to their often-expensive craftsmanship, it’s still important to take proper care of them in order for them to remain in good condition. Here are several tips on how to best care for antique Art Deco jewelry:
Clean Regularly
It is important that you clean your jewelry regularly with light soap and water. Use gentle movements with your cleaning cloth as not to scratch the metal or gemstones any further. It’s also advisable not use ammonia as it can discolor the precious metals and dull the gemstones over time. After cleaning your jewelry, make sure it is completely dry before you store it away.
Use Proper Storage
When putting away your beloved antique pieces, it’s wise to ensure that they remain free from dust and dirt, and don’t become tangled up with other items of jewelry which may cause damage to its delicate settings or stones.
You should also keep in mind that some materials such as rubber or plastic can react with various precious metals so storing your pieces separately within separate sections of a box is best recommended if you have multiple types of hairlinks or items made from different types of metals.
Keep Away From Sources Of Heat And Moisture
Another factor you need to consider when storing Art Deco jewelry is direct heat sources which can affect certain materials used in the construction leading to fading or tarnishing – never leave any type of jewelry directly exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods as this will eventually lead to cracking of enamel work or dullness in colored gems used in construction.
Also moisture can be an issue so where possible try avoiding putting your jewellery near damp areas like bathrooms/kitchens etc.
- Clean regularly with light soap and water.
- Use proper storage – keep dust free.
- Avoid direct sources of heat & moisture.
Where to Buy Authentic Antique Art Deco Jewelry Online
Antique art deco jewelry adds beauty and elegance to any collection. The intricate designs of the era are timeless and captivating. Whether you’re looking to add a special piece to an existing collection, or start your own with something memorable, there are plenty of options online for finding authentic art deco jewelry. Here are just a few sites where you can find genuine art deco pieces:
- Etsy: Etsy offers a wide selection of antique art deco jewelry in excellent condition. You’ll find everything from rings and necklaces, to earrings and bracelets. Etsy also has reputable sellers who will happily answer questions about their items.
- Ruby Lane: Ruby Lane is a great resource for finding one-of-a-kind antique jewelry pieces from various eras. Their selection includes vintage rings, brooches, lockets, watches, and everything in between.
- Live Auctioneers: Live Auctioneers is one of the largest auction websites available. You’ll find great deals on genuine antique art deco jewelry from various consigners all over the globe.
While shopping around online might seem intimidating at first, there are plenty of ways to ensure you’re getting authentic antique art deco pieces by following these easy steps:
- Look for signs that they’re selling genuine antiques such as photos confirming natural aging processes like patina.
- Check out their policies before buying-look out for terms such as “no returns” or “as-is” indicating nonrefundable merchandise.
- Explore feedback from previous buyers which should help give an indication of product quality and customer service.
To ensure authenticity it doesn’t hurt to research details of periods such as Art Deco including markings that indicate age. Researching hallmarks (or signatures/stamps) can give collectors an idea if an item was created during a certain period in time or if it is simply made up of components made at different times (such as large costume jewelry). This information allows the buyer to make an informed decision when deciding which piece best meets their needs.
Additionally, some sites provide ‘What is Art Deco?’ sections, allowing newbies to learn more about the periods origins and influences.
Concluding Thoughts
Antique Art Deco jewelry is the perfect accessory for any collector of vintage and contemporary items. These nostalgic pieces are sure to bring a feeling of nostalgia from the past while still providing a fashionable statement in the present. The quality of the materials used has certainly increased over time, as designers are now able to work with metals that have been made stronger through advanced technology.
The designs that make up antique Art Deco jewelry also draw inspiration from various aesthetics such as Egyptian revival style, geometric abstraction, and nature motifs. This makes it possible for collectors to find something for almost any taste or theme. Whether you prefer simple gold or silver metalwork or sparkling gemstones in intricate patterns, there’s no lack of choices when it comes to antique Art Deco jewelry.
It is possible to find conservative pieces as well as bolder ones, allowing owners to express themselves however they feel best suits their personality and style. The fact that some of these pieces were crafted by hand also adds an additional level of character and charm, making them truly one-of-a-kind works of art.
Perhaps one thing that sets antique Art Deco jewelry apart from others is its sense of luxury and sophistication. It’s easy to see why these pieces remain popular today; not only do they maintain their classic appeal, but increase in value as years pass by – making them an investment not only aesthetically but financially too.
Many older antique pieces come with certificates confirming their authenticity which can be great talking points so presentation here is key. All in all, no ensemble would be complete without a stylish piece from this timeless era – so immortalize your look with antique Art Deco jewelry today.
Welcome to my jewelry blog! My name is Sarah and I am the owner of this blog.
I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
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