Art Deco Period (1920 – 1935)

Early Art Deco diamond engagement rings and jewelry were decorative and fancy in style with filigree which was often accented with synthetic sapphires or natural emeralds.  Price was not a consideration when creating jewelry.  Cocktail rings were in vogue.  This was a time of high fashion and elegant style.  Cocktail parties were the rage and everyone was trying to gracefully out do the other.

At the end of World War I, the Art Deco Period came into full force.  Women had entered the work force and were standing more and more on their own two feet becoming more self-reliant and passionate.  With this new social order of prosperous people who thrived during the war, the Art Deco Period also known as the Roaring Twenties was off to a hearty start. Coco Channel was known for her faux pearls and other jewelry during that time and, in fact, materials like plastic and paste were very popular when producing such vintage jewelry. Egyptian Revival jewelry such as necklaces, for example, became more common after the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1923. Jewelry of the style boasted examples of serpents, pharaohs and sphinxes in simple flat designs. The Japanese also had influence on Art Deco Jewelry and fashion.  Carvings of jade and coral were carved in bracelets, necklaces and earrings.  Oriental garden scenes were very popular. By 1930, the ornamental vintage engagement rings and jewelry gave way to a more geometric

shape and style. Jewelry and architecture became modernized and plain. Simple brooches depicting streamlined automobiles, cruise ships and planes were in style and were created in gold and rare gemstones. Costume jewelry used these streamlined themes as well. Designers such as Tiffany, Boucheron and Harry Winston were well known then just as they are today. Art Deco engagement rings, brooches, pendants and bracelet designs followed the history of the time, such as the depression and World War II.  There is such a variety of jewelry produced during this historical time that you should find something special to your liking.