Art Deco Jewelry

After the end of the First World War, there was a sense of restlessness, it was a time of change both in Europe and America. This change manifested itself in new and daring artistic forms and shapes, which were the complete antipathy to the established formulae of the past. Also this was a time of change for women, with an increased freedom and independence given to them in society. The war had necessitated that men and women work side by side in the factories, and in many cases with husbands away in the war many women had become the earners in the family. After the war ladies had matured and become much more businesslike, preferring simpler, less fussy clothes, which corresponded with jewelry which was both practical and utilitarian in concept and design. France, particularly Paris was still the epicenter of artistic inspiration, and they now held a major exhibition in 1925, that had been postponed by the onset of the war, grandly entitled 'Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes'. This exhibition was a focal point for diverse and often controversial design ideas, which were combining into one dominating style. Millions of visitors came and the exhibition had a huge cultural impact and gave its name to the movement which is synonymous today with elegance and chic - Art Deco. Cubism and minimal geometric lines, this simple linear expression was quickly adopted by fashion designers such as Coco Chanel, who launched a range of elegant tailored suits for day wear, and evening gowns in silk and satin, which were incredibly sophisticated....... and figure-hugging. The gamine look was in, accentuated by boyish figures and short cropped hair. Not unsurprisingly, long drop art deco earrings mainly all diamond set in platinum, ropes of pearl and sautoirs were exceedingly popular at this time. The idea of blocks of color strongly reinforced the Art Deco Jewelry design concept. Unlike Arts & Crafts jewelry large costly precious gems were certainly back in fashion in Art Deco Jewelry. Diamonds and gemstones were cut into a shape, the baguette cut which was used in many Art Deco jewelry pieces, and was ideal for slotting into geometric frames, and contrasted with perfectly with calibre cut gemstones. The 1920's were vintage years for Art Deco bracelet designs, from pretty narrow fully articulated line bracelets. They composed of a single row of gemstones or gemstones in tandem, and several could be worn on the wrist, or wider platinum and diamond bracelets that would be worn on the opposite wrist to compliment the platinum and diamond watches of the Art Deco period. At Beverly R Jewelry just off the Magnificent Mile in Chicago we have an extensive collection of all types of Art Deco Jewelry, including Art Deco, Bracelets, Brooches, Earrings, Pendant, Necklaces and both Art Deco Cocktail and Engagement rings. As Chicago has finally opened up, we look forward to seeing you and introducing you to our fine collection, so that you to can have something to bring back some of the opulence and decadence, that has been missed due the Pandemic lock down. 1/ Art Deco Platinum & Diamond and Emerald & Diamond straight line bracelets signed Tiffany