Art Deco has always held a special place in my heart – a world of clean lines, perfect symmetry, and colours that dare to be bold. There’s a rhythm to its geometry, a confidence in its structure, and a luxurious spirit that still feels fresh a century later.
What is Art Deco?
Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, defined by sleek lines, bold geometry, and a taste for lavish detail. Named after the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, it stood in striking contrast to the flowing curves of Art Nouveau. Instead, it embraced symmetry, strong shapes, and the forward-looking optimism of the Roaring Twenties. Its charm lay in capturing the spirit of an age – one of exuberance, glamour, and an unshakable belief in modernity and progress.
Why Celebrate 100 Years of Art Deco Jewellery?
Marking a century since the rise of Art Deco is more than looking back, it’s recognising a moment that transformed design forever. Art Deco jewellery distilled the energy of its time: bold in its modernity, lavish in its luxury, and unafraid to break from tradition. Its influence still shapes the way we design and wear jewellery today, proving that creativity born from cultural change can be truly timeless.
Key Characteristics of Art Deco Jewellery
Geometric Designs and Symmetry
Art Deco jewellery is instantly recognisable for its striking geometry and perfect balance. Straight lines, sharp angles, and bold, streamlined shapes replaced the flowing curves of the Art Nouveau period, signalling a new era of design. The result was a look that felt sleek, architectural, and unapologetically modern – jewellery that made a statement without a single wasted detail.
The Use of New Materials
The 1920s and 1930s saw platinum rise to prominence, prized for its strength and its ability to hold the most intricate, delicate settings. Jewels came alive in vivid colour: deep emeralds, fiery rubies, velvety sapphires, and inky onyx, often set in dramatic, high-contrast arrangements.
The Influence of Technology and Modernity
This was an age of speed, innovation, and optimism – and jewellery reflected it. The crisp precision of Art Deco echoed the era’s fascination with machinery, architecture, and travel. Cool-toned metals like platinum and white gold perfectly captured that forward-looking spirit, giving designs a fresh, metallic sheen that still feels contemporary today.
Iconic Art Deco Jewellery Designers
Cartier
Cartier became one of the defining voices of the Art Deco era, blending innovative craftsmanship with an unmistakable sense of luxury. The maison’s now-iconic Tutti Frutti creations – vivid compositions of emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and carved gemstones captured the movement’s love of colour and pattern. Playful yet opulent, these jewels remain enduring symbols of high Art Deco glamour.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with bold design, technical mastery, and an eye for the unexpected. Its pioneering Mystery Set technique, in which gemstones appear to float without visible settings, was a triumph of precision and ingenuity. The effect – uninterrupted swathes of colour and light – perfectly embodied the elegance and innovation at the heart of Art Deco.
How Art Deco Has Influenced My Work
I’ve always been captivated and inspired by Art Deco. The precision, the confidence, the love of colour - it feels so bold and effortlessly cool.
In my work, these influences weave their way into my Modern Deco designs. I’m drawn to the architectural shapes and meticulous detailing, the way the style frames gemstones like works of art. I love taking these hallmarks and softening them into elegant silhouettes, pairing vibrant stones in unexpected ways, and adding quiet details that give a subtle nod to the glamour of the 1920s.
For me, working with Art Deco influence is not about recreating the past, but reimagining it – distilling its essence into something new while celebrating the same spirit that once inspired the great jewellers of the era.
