Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Petite Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Handcrafted in 18K white gold, this Art Deco solitaire engagement ring sparkles with a small Old European-cut diamond center stone measuring approximately 0.15 carat I color SI2 clar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Tanzanite Halo Bridal Ring 925 Sterling Silver Women Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
♥ Welcome to Blue Star Gems Our Joyful and Meaningful Jewelry At Blue Star Gems, we are passionate about providing joyful and statement jewelry for everyday wear. Our collection feat...
Tanzanite, Sterling Silver, Silver, Rhodium
Art Deco 0.65ct Diamond Solitaire, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco solitaire ring showcases a wonderful 0.65 carat transitional cut diamond at its centre. The diamond has a colour of F and clarity of VS1 and is elegantly held within sp...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.70ct Diamond Solitaire, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Art Deco period, this classic solitaire ring features an old cut diamond at it’s heart. The 0.70 carat stone is of good quality at H in colour and VS2 in clarity. Claw ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.97ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
With a timeless design, this beautiful solitaire ring dates back to the Art Deco era. A single old cut diamond is on display at its centre. The 0.97 carat stone has a colour of G and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
0.86 Ct Tanzanite 925 Sterling Silver Halo Ring Bridal Wedding Ring For Women's
Located in New York, NY
♥ Welcome to Blue Star Gems Our Joyful and Meaningful Jewelry At Blue Star Gems, we are passionate about providing joyful and statement jewelry for everyday wear. Our collection feat...
Tanzanite, Zircon, Sterling Silver, Silver
Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This timeless Art Deco solitaire ring showcases a sparkling old cut diamond at its centre. The 1.00 carat diamond has been given an I in colour and VS1 in clarity, and is claw set i...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1940s, this beautiful Late Art Deco solitaire ring features a single transitional cut diamond at its centre. The 0.50 carat stone has a colour of G and clarity of VS1. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Simple yet elegant, this timeless solitaire ring dates to the Art Deco era. A single 0.75 carat old cut sits central to the design, double claw set within platinum. The diamond has a...
Diamond, Platinum
Oval Emerald Natural Diamond Open Cuff Gem Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This double stone ring features a brilliant pairing of natural emerald and natu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,095
Solitaire Diamond Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Solitaire round cut Diamond on white gold Ring. Diamond estimated weight: 0.54 carat. Modern cut. Estimated to be J-K color and Vvs clarity. Diamond diameter: approximately 5.28 millimeters...
Diamond
Late Deco 1.65ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
A timeless classic, this Late Deco solitaire engagement ring features a 1.65 carat diamond as its centre piece. The round brilliant stone has a colour of I and clarity of SI1, and is...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Deco 1.35 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Splendidly representing the Art Deco era is this tasteful solitaire ring set with a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.35 carat. The diamond has been estimated as an I-J in colou...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.78ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
Sitting to the centre of this Art Deco solitaire engagement ring is a 0.78 carat transitional cut diamond. It has been estimated as F in colour and SI2 in clarity. Running down on ea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
0.36ct Colombian Emerald Solitaire Engagement Ring In 18ct White Gold
Located in London, GB
0.36ct Colombian Emerald Solitaire Engagement Ring In 18ct White Gold This stunning 18ct white gold ring features a mesmerising 0.36ct Colombian emerald in a classic solitaire settin...
Emerald, White Gold
0.15ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Engagement Ring In Platinum
Located in London, GB
0.15ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Engagement Ring In Platinum Introducing this stunning 0.15ct Burma Ruby Solitaire Engagement Ring! Made from luxurio...
Ruby, Platinum