The Art Deco Era: 1920-1935
The variety of jewellery that individuals wore mirrored the riches of the postwar era, and Art Deco jewellery was bright, colourful, and exotic.
Diamonds had been the most popular gemstones in jewellery for decades, therefore there was a drive for brightly coloured gemstones, as well as onyx and black enamel, to mark a shift in fashion.
As East Asian and Egyptian influences found their way to the Western world, gemstones such as emerald, jade, coral, lapis lazuli, and turquoise were inlaid into gold.
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This, however, did not diminish diamonds' supremacy. Because of its malleability and durability, platinum has become more popular as a base metal. The brilliance of diamonds was enhanced by the clean, chromatic gloss, leading to a magnificent all-white look. White gold is becoming a popular alternative to diamonds as a spouse. Onyx's deep blacks stand in sharp contrast to diamond's brightness.
Finer symmetrical geometric designs - an Art Deco hallmark - appeared in jewellery as a result of technological breakthroughs in metallurgy and gemstone cutting. Die-cast machinery enabled the creation of intricate filigree motifs. Calibre cut stones were gemstones that were cut to match specific jewellery designs.
Mother-of-pearl, polished metal, sculpted glass, and even ball bearings were among the unusual materials employed in the creation of jewellery during this time period.
The enormous alterations in women's attire were complimented by jewellery. The elaborate embellishments complemented the sleek, decreasing outfits. Dangling earrings complemented the dolled-up face and short hairdo. Long pearl necklaces dangled from plunging necklines and bare backs. Many ladies wore pendant timepieces around their necks.
Arms were decorated with bracelets and bangles. Wristwatches evolved from extremely useful gadgets used by men during World War I to gemstone-encrusted fashion items worn by women. Cocktail rings were another popular addition to women's jewellery sets.
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Because ladies liked to smoke in public, cigarette holders and cases had to enhance the idea of wealth. Jewellery houses used geometric patterns and East Asian motifs, as well as precious stones, in the creation of such pieces.
Art Deco’s Death and Revival
Despite the fact that the Great Depression muted the vitality of Art Deco in the 1930s, the style adapted. The devastation of World War II effectively ended Art Deco's exuberance and impact on culture and society at large. Modernism's more subdued, consistent stylings followed.
Art Deco would have a resurrection in the 1960s, owing to the efforts of art historian Bevis Hillier, who recorded works in the style in his book Art Deco in the 20s and 30s. Art Deco, with its ever-optimistic take on modernity, continues to inspire graphic design, fashion, and furniture design today.