The Arts and Crafts Jewelry Era

Between the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras there was a transitional period known as the Arts and Crafts Era. Sometimes you can see elements from all styles in a single jewelry piece. However, the Arts and Crafts era was more than a simple design style. It was also a political and philosophical movement. Those who were interested in this art form were also interested in social reform and individual rights. The Arts and Crafts style was a way to revolt against new technology which many individuals felt was destroying craftsmanship. Individuals felt the imperfections and inconsistencies in hand made jewelry pieces only enhanced the beauty of jewelry. The design was of more importance that stones or precious metals. Designs often focused on nature and were often abstract or symbolic in nature.

A major influence on the Arts and Crafts movement was the Pre-Raphaelite artists. Painters such as Rossetti, Hunt and Millais would often have specific jewelry pieces created just to have a prominent place in their paintings. Some popular names that came from this group was Horner, Liberty and Ashbee.

The preferred cuts for Arts and Crafts jewelry was cabochon cuts rather than the faceted stones of earlier eras. Silver was also the preferred metal rather than gold. Like Art Nouveau jewelry, during this time humble materials were preferred such as brass and copper. Enamel continued to be popular, but it became simpler with less flowing lines than you seen in Art Nouveau styles.

A style that can be difficult to place in a specific category is the Renaissance Revival. The artistic style reminds one of the Art Nouveau period, but the manufacturing style is a lot closer to Arts and Crafts workmanship. Renaissance Revival jewelry is handmade and completely different from the jewelry that was machine made and mass produced during the same period.

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