What is Art Deco?

If you are looking for a great gift-giving idea, you will be hard pressed to make a better choice than jewelry from the Art Deco era.

The Art Deco movement originated during the 1920s and its name comes from the enormously influential 1925 Exposition Internationale Des Arts Décoratifs et Industrials Modernes, shortened to Arts Décoratifs or Art Deco, which was held in Paris. It was an eclectic visual arts design style which combined traditional craft motifs with images from the Machine Age. It influenced architecture, automobiles, fashion and jewelry and is characterized by bold color combinations, abstract patterns and strong geometric shapes. The Chrysler Building in New York City is a perfect example of Art Deco architecture.

In 1922, the opening of Tutankhamen’s tomb inspired an instant revival in Egyptian art, and you will see many examples of the famous black and gold design echoed in Art Deco pieces. Influences from cubism, Oriental and even Native American design are also common in Art Deco jewelry, which is symmetrical, geometric, sleek, streamlined, often simple, and pleasing to the eye.

The look is dazzling and decadent, lavish and spectacular.

The famous 1920’s Flapper girls wore their hair bobbed and their dresses shockingly short. They were able to vote, at last, and could earn a decent living in white collar jobs. Prohibition had been introduced but it didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits. In fact, quite the opposite; it was the age of parties, drinking, dancing, jazz, speakeasies and gangsters. Women celebrated their new-found prosperity and enjoyed their new-found freedom by indulging in lavish jewelry.

Art Deco Jewelry

As women’s hair was now worn shorter, long, chandelier earrings, many with tassels, became popular. See Dover’s Art Deco earrings for a lovely example of the look.

Head-hugging jeweled caps and headbands, some with feathers were also popular. Evening fashions of low belted sleeveless tunics were also paired with multiple Art Deco bracelets, which featured large gemstones often studded with diamonds or crystals. Platinum and diamonds were in vogue and were seen in flexible link strap or band bracelets, which featured the new square cut diamonds developed in France. Wealthier women wore tennis bracelets with diamonds and gemstones in the new French square cut.

Dover has an amazing selection of heirloom-worthy Art Deco Diamond bracelets ready for holiday gift giving

The so-called Art Deco cocktail watch made its first appearance in the late 1920’s, allowing free-thinking Flappers to laugh in the face of Prohibition. They were small Art Deco diamond-encrusted watches paired up with machine-made diamond bracelets.

Another popular accessory was the Art Deco brooch in a clip or pin style, sometimes worn in pairs. They were worn on hats, jackets, purses and even on shoes. Dover carries some superb examples which can be found in our Antique Diamond Jewelry Collections.

A typical Art Deco Diamond ring is cocktail style, featuring an oversized centered gem or jewel, typically a diamond solitaire in a geometric cut such as a baguette, emerald cut, triangle or shield; other stones such as rubies, sapphires, onyx, emeralds, coral or jade were used as accents with the diamonds. Women wore these eye-catching rings at illegal speakeasies to show off their style and thumb their noses at authority. Art Deco gems were usually channel or bead set in platinum or white gold, with hand engraving and even mill graining on the better pieces.

Getting engaged over the holidays?

An Art Deco Diamond engagement ring is elegant, eye-catching – and so different.

Some of the most famous jewelry houses in the world started during the Art Deco era. Leading designers include Cartier, Tiffany, Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels. Their pieces are highly prized. Of all the periods in jewelry, Art Deco’s value has held its own the best, according to top experts in the field.

Art Deco pieces from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Schlumberger and David Webb always catch a collector’s eye. Last year, while the pandemic raged, the highest price ever paid for a jewel in Sotheby’s online sale was realized, when a Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelet sold for $1.34 million. These are jewels inspired by the adventures of Jacques Cartier during his travels. They feature dazzling carved sapphires, rubies and emeralds from India. In fact, Cartier’s place on the world stage was established during this time.

Art Deco was a time of liberation, glamor and decadence, speakeasies, jazz and parties! Art Deco jewelry is wearable, classic, elegance and the workmanship is extraordinary.

Fine Antique Engagement Rings for Your Personal Jewelry Collection

Our unique collection of vintage, estate and antique engagement rings handcrafted by master jewelers convey enduring love and devotion through the brilliance and serenity of a classic diamond ring. Getting engaged is a personal experience that requires a unique ring to commemorate and celebrate the occasion. Purchasing an antique diamond engagement ring, or another type of fine period engagement ring piece, can be the perfect way to romantically showcase your commitment to one another.

At Dover Jewelry & Diamonds, we offer unique Authentic Antique Diamond Jewelry that is truly one-of-a-kind. Each engagement ring we sell has been inspected by our expert team which includes certified gemologists, and most vintage and antique diamond engagement rings come with a certificate of authenticity. You can browse our current collection of luxurious antique engagement rings online.

If you have questions about any of our antique engagement rings or other fine jewelry, please contact us at (877) 777-6111 for a private consultation.

We invite you to consider Art Deco jewelry. It’s a cool look and a hot investment.