Art Deco pendant jewelry originated in the early years of the twentieth century and was popular from 1920-1935. The style is recognized for its vibrant use of bold geometric shapes, zigzag angles, and symmetrical designs inspired by modernism.
Metals like silver and gold were used to create unique pieces that were often set with colored stones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Art Deco pendant jewelry was known for its intricate craftsmanship and luxurious materials and quickly became a favorite amongst the elite during this period of history.
This period saw an unprecedented demand for Art Deco pendants; they could be seen draped around the necks of royalty, movie stars and business elites alike. Major cities like Paris, London and New York acted as creative hubs in which artisanal artists battled to create stunning pieces who’s adornments were full of symbolism ranging from ladybugs (meaning luck) to arrows (representing soulmates) or wreaths signalling eternal life.
Iconic symbols like nautical wheels or images depicting aircraft also made great use of chrome details which added vibrancy to a piece but none more so than the classic art deco tassel style piece which has been recently been given huge popularity due to it being featured in major motion pictures such as ‘The Great Gatsby’.
Truly unique examples of Art Deco pendants can still be found in leading antique shops across America and Europe today selling at highly sought-after prices lasting testament to the popularity and allure these pieces have even after standing the test of time for almost a hundred years.
In comparison vintage copies have become widely available over time making them accessible to consumers on any budget who wish to experience the feeling of wearing something handmade from another era – helping keep this fashion trend alive.
History of Art Deco Pendant Jewelry
The Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s is often associated with bold colorful architecture, designs, and furniture. But what many people may not realize is that the movement also incorporated jewelry – a style which continues to be popular today. While it originated in Paris in the early 20th century, art deco pendant jewelry has now become a mainstay of modern fashion.
Art Deco pendant jewelry features geometric shapes, abstract motifs and stylized images. The look was first popularized by French jeweler Paul Iribe in the late 19th century, though it was not until famed fashion designers Coco Chanel and Jean Patou adopted it that this style took off with wider attention.
During World War I, exotic stones such as onyx and turquoise were used to accessorize military uniforms. As this usage spread, these stone pendants started popping up as fashionable pieces of jewelry for both men and women.
Nowadays art deco pendant jewelry is just as popular as ever. These statement pieces are usually found crafted from a variety of precious metals including sterling silver and gold, but are also available in customized styles like vintage-inspired ones or with gemstone settings. Some popular materials used include glass cabochons, crystals, pearls or colored beads such as jade or turquoise.
There’s something here to suit any taste – from classic styles to more contemporary looks – allowing users to make an individual statement with their choices. How these pieces are worn depends on individual preference: dangling from necklaces or bracelets for a more traditional kind of adornment; adorned onto lapel pins for an edgy vibe; or oversized domes used as brooches on coats or jackets are all options well worth considering.
Iconic Art Deco Pendant Jewelry Pieces
The 1920s saw a surge in the popularity of Art Deco pendant jewelry, with many iconic pieces coming out this era. These pieces were often featured bold geometric designs along with vibrant colors that gave them dramatic flair. One example of a classic Art Deco pendant is the Cartier “Tutti Frutti” pendant necklace.
This piece consists of colorful carved stones set in 18k gold and pearls, crafting an opulent and beautiful look. Another example from this era is the Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond creation, which features an exquisite cluster design made of diamonds and sapphires set in 18k gold for a luxurious feel.
These pendants often feature intricate details such as engravings and milgrain edges that add a unique touch to these vintage pieces of jewelery. The Cartier Panther Pendant Brooch combines goldwork, exquisite diamonds and emerald eyes to create an eye-catching piece from this era. The magnificence of these pieces make them highly sought after by collectors who acknowledge their beauty and quality craftsmanship.
Finally, it should be noted that some iconic Art Deco pendants are those made with colored gemstones such as sapphires or rubies to create striking geometric patterns. These gems are typically surrounded by bird motifs or floral shapes, giving the piece a unique sense of movement when viewed from different angles. A great examples is a blue sapphire brooch created by Vever’s jewellery house featuring multiple graduated sapphires spiraling around three eagle heads set with rubies – truly breathtaking.
Design Inspirations for Art Deco Pendant Jewelry
The Art Deco movement first emerged in the 1920’s, largely influenced by the modernization of Paris, including its architecture, furnishings and art. Over the years it has been a dominating influence in jewelry design and it continues to be so today.
Art Deco pieces feature geometric shapes and geometric line patterns, as well as classic motifs such as stars, chevron and zig-zags. Jewelers often incorporate traditional hand craftsmanship into their work with intricate designs featuring filigree detailing, engraving and milgrain edges.
The design of modern Art Deco pendant jewelry has been heavily influenced by pop culture and trends over recent years as well. Designers have utilized classic Motifs such as birds and butterflies, taking cues from popular shows such as Game of Thrones or fashion magazines featuring Hollywood royalty wearing these iconic pieces. They often implement fresh takes on classic design elements from celebrity favorites like diamonds or pearls to create truly special pieces that are totally customizable for individual clients.
In recent years trends have incorporated more organic inspired motifs such as floral patterns into the pieces, reflecting appreciation for nature especially during this time of pandemic fatigue when people are longing for outdoor exploration even more than before. Natural materials such as moonstones, rubies and turquoise are being used to embellish necklaces which provide splashy colors alone or in combination with complimentary stones creating lovely romantic touches that everyone can enjoy.
Designers also often include combinations of metals creating an updated look where brass fixtures have become widely popular in trendy collections that are both contemporary chic and timelessly classic at the same time perfect for any season or mood.
Crafting Techniques of Art Deco Pendant Jewelry
Art Deco pendant jewelry is a unique style of jewelry that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It draws inspiration from the architecture, fashion and style of the 1920s and 30s while still allowing for modern interpretations. The design of these pieces tends to be very geometric and feature linear patterns with strong lines and symmetrical shapes. To create these pieces many different techniques are used including metalworking, casting, soldering, engraving and enameling.
To begin creating art deco pendant jewelry the metalworker will start by hand forming the base material which could be gold, silver or brass depending on what type of piece is being made. The metalworking process typically involves heating up the current form and then shaping it with special tools such as hammers, anvils and stakes. This process allows for customizing the form to create more intricate designs such as marquise shapes or curved edges.
Once a piece has gone through basic metal shaping processes it can then move on to another technique known as casting which involves pouring molten metals into molds that have been specially carved out to preserve the design. Casting allows for creating a variety of shapes such as mottles, stars or circles that would otherwise not be achievable with traditional hammering techniques.
Once these casted pieces are cooled off they can then further customized and decorated through engraving or enameling where glass is applied onto the surface in intricate patterns and colors to really make them stand out.
The last step is soldering which entails fusing two separate pieces together using an alloyed soldered joint for added strength when attached together correctly. Because art deco pendants often come with several components all expertly crafted together this final step is especially important for keeping all parts attached securely no matter how much movement or daily wear each piece faces over time.
Caring for Art Deco Pendant Jewelry
Most people understand the importance of taking good care of their jewelry, but when it comes to Art Deco pendant jewelry, special consideration needs to be taken. These pieces from 1920s and 1930s often feature more intricate designs than traditional pieces, making them particularly fragile. Properly caring for your vintage Art Deco pendant is essential to keep it in prime condition for years to come.
When it comes to cleaning your delicate Art Deco pendants, use only the softest cloths with lukewarm water and a mild detergent if needed. It is also important not to submerge any jewelry, especially those with stones or pearls, in order to avoid loosening of glue or stones based on the metals they are set in.
If a more vigorous clean is required then professional cleaning should be sought as this will reduce any risk of damaging the integrity of these delicate pieces.
Proper storage of your Art Deco pendant jewelry is essential. As many of these pieces have decorative stones or other details that can easily be damaged, a jewelry box or holder designed specifically for storing necklaces and pendants should be used instead of merely tossing it into a pile with other items like watches or rings. Insurance coverage is also important in protecting these beautiful pieces from theft or damage due to natural causes such as fire or flood.
A specialized insurance broker can provide specific advice on what type and limits should be purchased correctly cover all kinds of vintage heirloom jewelry pieces. Occasionally you might notice that some components like clasps need repair work done by an experienced jeweler – always ensure that a qualified professional does this job and never attempt to tinker around with tools at home that could potentially cause irreparable damage to the piece itself.
In conclusion, caring for fine Art Deco pendant jewelry requires extra caution and attention compared with traditional everyday jewellery but following best practice guidelines can allow you enjoy precious memories associated with these vintage although timeless pieces for many years coming.
Where to Find Art Deco Pendant Jewelry
One of the best sources to find ready-made pieces of art deco pendant jewelry is typically found at antique stores and specialized jewelers. These marketplace vendors offer a fantastic selection of exclusive pieces, hand selected by their curators, that range from classic designs to more modern interpretations.
Oftentimes, these stores will even have workshops or classes that are dedicated to teaching customers about the history and function of art deco jewelery and allowing them to create uniquely designed items for themselves.
Alternatively, if someone is looking for custom made art deco pendant jewelry, then there are two main options: visiting a local artist or ordering custom pieces online. A local artist typically offers one-on-one consultations in which clients can discuss their style preferences and create unique engagement or wedding jewelry tailored specifically for them.
On the other hand it’s also possible to find quality creators who work exclusively through the internet with similar levels of service – often with pieces depending on budgets or requests from customers.
Finally, it’s also possible to find art deco pendant jewelry through various auction houses or online marketplaces such as eBay or Etsy. While they may not have the personal touch associated with working directly with an artisan, these venues offer a wide range of prices (from incredibly affordable to highly exclusive) as well as convenient access enabling buyers to research products quickly and purchase items remotely.
Plus many sites provide entry into ‘hidden stores’ where experienced curators carefully select their inventory meaning that those seeking out rarer items may be able search far and wide before finalizing their purchasing decisions.
Conclusion
Art deco pendant jewelry has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Its unique geometric shapes, contrasting lines, and bold colors have captivated people from all walks of life. Its timeless trendsetting style and long lasting design speak to nearly anyone who appreciates the intricacies of this iconic period of art and fashion.
As the world continues to evolve and traditional tastes become more modernized, art deco pendant jewelry is poised to experience another surge in demand. Its abstract nature allows it to be easily adapted into new styles as yet unseen.
It is likely that we will see variations of this iconic style throughout all forms of fashion moving forward. We may even start seeing these pendants take on a new life through interactive technology as they begin incorporating elements such as virtual reality or artificial intelligence into their designs.
Undoubtedly, art deco pendant jewelry continues to enchant and inspire people from all time periods the ever-changing landscapes of life. It is no wonder why its popularity continues to thrive, even though we are now over one hundred years since this movement was first introduced.
If you too are curious about exploring this remarkable form of artistic expression, look no further than your local jeweler or online stores for an unforgettable piece that is sure to stand out amongst any crowd.
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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