Art Deco Style

Art Deco Jewelry - Glamour, Luxury and Extravagance Continuing To Influence Today

You can make a statement with Art Deco jewelry that is unique and bold and reminiscent of a time period defined by glamour, luxury, and extravagance.

Originally referred to as 'style moderne', Art Deco originated in Paris during the 1920s and represented the changing attitudes and philosophies of a postwar era. Great prosperity coupled with a desire to break free from the past and focus on the future gave birth to a style that was strong, bold, and decidedly modern for its time. Art Deco influenced all areas of design from fashion to architecture, film, home décor, and advertising.

It blended together elements from several different cultures, drawing attributes from African, Egyptian, Indian, and Oriental civilizations to create a style that was so unique that it still continues to influence the world of fashion and design today. Exotic themes and flamboyant colors combined with simplistic lines and streamlined styles inspired change, promoted individuality, and helped encourage a more open-minded generation.

Art deco pieces,including jewelry, continue to be some of the most sought after and duplicated works of art in the world.

Worn by the flappers in the 1920s, Art Deco jewelry was an expression of elegance and sophistication, and exemplified the greater importance being put on opulence and luxury.

Shorter dresses, bobbed hair, bare arms, and plunging necklines allowed for more elaborate accessorizing. Simplistic fashions meant more focus on jewelry, and women from every walk of life embraced this new stylistic freedom.

Dangling earrings could now be seen, sleeveless arms could now be adorned with multiple bangles or bracelets, and bare necks combined with straight, sleek, dropped waist dresses now made the perfect backdrop for long strands of beads. Brooches and clips took center stage, and even ankle jewelry found prominence.

The clean modern lines, distinct geometric patterns, and bold colors were in sharp contrast to the previous soft curves and lighter shades that were popular during the Victorian era. New materials and white metals such as platinum, rhodium, white gold, and silver replaced the traditional yellow gold, while onyx, jade, turquoise, diamonds, and coral, became the stones of choice. Stronger, sharper shapes like the emerald, baguette, caliber, and shield cuts were preferred, and settings were simple and streamlined.

Although the designs of this era signified the glamor and affluence being popularized by the rise of Hollywood, technological advancements of the postwar era allowed for mass production, making stylistic jewelry available to everyone.

This time period knew the advent of costume jewelry as finer pieces were copied using more affordable materials such as chromium, plastics, and rhinestones. The overwhelming influence of the Art Deco style may be credited to the fact that it was not confined to the wealthy upper class, but actually spoke for an entire generation of people. It represented the times rather than only a single group, and made a statement that transcended both social and economic barriers.

Art Deco jewelry had a distinctively recognizable style that combined extravagance with simplistic lines and sleek designs. It made glamor and elegance universally attainable. It allowed for the expression of independence and individuality, and opened the doors to modern, forward thinking. It was a symbol of fun, revelry, prosperity, and luxury.

Today, authentic pieces are very valuable, but people will pay gladly pay the price, not only for the unique and beautiful style, but also for the opportunity to revisit an era that signified strength, freedom, and hope for the future.

Whether you wear an original piece or a re-creation, Art Deco jewelry will combine the past with the present to create something uniquely modern and allow you to make a strong statement without ever saying a word.

About the Author

Lesley P is the creator of Decolish a Web site dedicated to all things Art Deco. Visit her site for tips on what to look for when purchasing Art Deco Jewelry and samples of these fabulous fashion statements.

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Art Deco Style

Art Deco Jewelry - Glamour, Luxury and Extravagance Continuing To Influence Today