Time Periods
Art Deco
1918 - 1940
Art Deco was the predominant style of jewelry between the World Wars. It took its name from the great Paris exhibition of 1925, Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts). In contrast to the soft, flowing lines of the Art Nouveau style which preceded it, Art Deco designs were characterized by bold, geometric patterns. Art Deco borrowed heavily from Native American, African, Asian, Islamic, and especially Egyptian motifs (Due primarily to the opening Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922).
Platinum was the metal of choice, and diamonds the stone of desire. In the 1930's white gold became an acceptable, cost effective substitute for the extremely costly platinum. Colored stones were used in simple but striking designs, usually to compliment or accentuate the diamonds. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and black onyx were the colored stones of choice. It was quite common for synthetic stones (almost always flame-fusion rubies and sapphires) to be used in both less expensive and higher end pieces.
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