Art Deco Jewelry: For the Bold
If jewelry could throw a party, Art Deco would be the life of it.
Picture this: it's the 1920s. Fresh out of World War I, the economy is booming, and people wish to put the horrors of war behind them. The world is changing. Gone are the stuffy Victorians with their rules and regulations; these kids want to party and have a good time. Jazz is playing, skirts are shorter, cocktails are flowing, and women finally have some form of rights to call their own. Amid the sparkle of the Roaring Twenties, a whole new style bursts onto the scene—Art Deco, and it’s anything but shy.
Let’s dive into what makes Art Deco jewelry so special — and why it's still stealing the spotlight a century later.
photo found by GEM at an estate sale in Historic Wilshire Park, Los Angeles, circa 1920, depicting a young woman in a mink-trimmed dress
What Is Art Deco, Anyway?
The Art Deco movement emerged in Paris in the 1910s and gained momentum after World War I, continuing into the 1930s. It was a celebration of progress, machines, speed, and modern life. Think skyscrapers, fast cars, flapper dresses, and cocktails at 6 p.m. sharp.
In jewelry, that meant sharp lines, bold colors, and geometric designs that looked like they belonged in a Gatsby mansion or on a silent film star.
Hallmarks of Art Deco Jewelry:
Geometric shapes – Think triangles, rectangles, zigzags, and perfect symmetry.
Black & white drama – Onyx and diamonds? A match made in Deco heaven.
Pop of color – Emeralds, rubies, sapphires, jade, and enamel in fearless combinations.
Sleek metals – Platinum and white gold were the go-to choices for a cool, modern look, allowing for more intricate designs.
Worldwide vibes – Egyptian scarabs, Asian motifs, and African patterns added global flair.
Style with Substance: What the Jewelry Meant
Art Deco wasn’t just pretty—it was a symbol of change.
For the first time, women were driving cars, working jobs, voting, and owning their lives and style. Out went the fussy corsets and dainty Victorian lockets. In came long, swinging necklaces, stacked bracelets, and rings the size of small planets. These were bold pieces for bold women.
Art Deco jewelry celebrated:
Freedom – Designs were modern, daring, and ready for their own life.
Innovation – Jewelers began using synthetic stones (like synthetic sapphires), which were high-tech at the time. (Surprising? We know! Crazy to think how time changes things.)
Individuality – Every piece had personality, designed to stand out, not blend in.
What to Look For in Art Deco Jewelry
So you want to add some history to your collection? Good call. Here’s what makes a piece truly Art Deco:
✔️ Symmetry is key – Deco designs are rarely random. They’re balanced and often mirror-image.
✔️ Calibre-cut stones – Tiny gems cut just to fit into the design. Like a gemstone jigsaw puzzle.
✔️ Unusual materials – Bakelite, enamel, coral, jade, and even lacquer added unexpected color and texture.
✔️ Craftsmanship – Deco jewelry was meticulously made, with serious attention to detail.
Pro Tip: Not all "Art Deco-style" pieces are vintage. As for most vintage/antique jewelry, look for hallmarks (like metal stamps), setting styles, and signs of age to ensure you’re getting the real deal—or buy from a trusted antique dealer. (Like us… duh)
Why We Still Love Art Deco (and Always Will)
There’s something timeless about Art Deco. Even 100 years later, it feels fresh, fearless, and fabulous. For me, it's truly just something about it that's dark and vamp yet light and beautiful that appeals to everyone, no matter what gender, what age, or what style you own. I look at photos and see those girls in Cloche hats and dark lipstick and go… wow… I wish I were her.
Being from LA, Art Deco is quite literally (and figuratively) deeply ingrained in me. Most architecture around here is from the 1920s-1930s, and that's when a plot of land turned into — well — Hollywoodland. I have spent many hours driving and walking around just admiring an era long gone, but still treasured.
Whether you're wearing a Deco bracelet to a gala or a simple pair of vintage studs to brunch, these pieces speak. They tell stories. They carry history—and they turn heads.
Plus, they’re conversation starters:
“Oh, this? Just a 1920s platinum filigree ring with calibre-cut sapphires. No big deal.”
Ready to Start Your Deco Collection?
Here’s how to dip your toes into the glittering pool of Art Deco:
Start small – Try a brooch, compact, or cocktail ring to get a taste. (GEM hint: brooches are my fav, they are super easy to find, style, and collect, and are SO versatile! It's the jewelry piece I get the most compliments on.)
Go bold – Don’t be afraid of dramatic designs. Deco is meant to be seen.
Shop smart – Look for original period pieces (1920s–1930s), and when in doubt, ask questions.
And remember: you’re not just buying jewelry—you’re owning a piece of the Roaring Twenties, a slice of Gatsby glam, and a symbol of a generation that redefined beauty on their own terms.
Final Thought
Art Deco jewelry isn’t just about style. It’s about attitude. It’s jewelry that says:
“I’ve arrived. I sparkle. And I’ve got places to be.”
Here at Clover Collective Antiques, we are so honored to share these pieces of history with a new generation. This jewelry is truly so well-made that it lasts a lifetime — and more.
