Art Deco Jewelry: A Short Guide

November 17, 2025

Era: 1920–1939

Key Characteristics

Geometric Shapes: Triangles, chevrons, zigzags, circles, stepped forms.
Symmetry & Precision: Balanced, machine-influenced design.
Bold Contrast: Strong color combinations and sharp edges.
Modernity & Glamour: Reflects industrial progress, luxury, and streamlined aesthetics.

Platinum: The signature metal of the era; strong enough for fine, airy filigree.
White Gold: Introduced in the 1910s, but became significantly more popular in jewelry during the 1930s as a platinum substitute.
Yellow Gold: Less common but still used for specific stylized pieces.
Occasional Silver: Used more for costume jewelry versions.

Diamonds: Frequently used in pavé, calibré cuts, and geometric settings.
Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds: Often used as accent stones, usually in French calibré cuts.
Onyx: Black onyx provided bold, high-contrast elements.
Coral: Especially salmon coral, used for color blocking.
Lapis Lazuli & Jade: Frequent in Eastern- and Egyptian-influenced designs.
Rock Crystal: Carved or frosted for modernist, translucent effects.
Pearls: Used particularly in long sautoir necklaces.

Egyptian Revival: Scarabs, lotus forms, winged shapes (post-1922 King Tut discovery).
Asian Influence: Pagoda shapes, fans, and lacquer-like color palettes.
Machine Aesthetic: Streamlined, aerodynamic, and architectural motifs.
Sunbursts & Radiant Patterns: Representing energy and modernity.

Long Sautoirs: Pearl or gemstone strands with tassels.
Bracelets: Wide, rigid, geometric panels or diamond platinum line bracelets.
Brooches & Clips: Double dress clips that can be worn separately or together.
Rings: Geometric step settings, large central stones, diamond surrounds.
Watch Jewelry: Decorative cocktail watches with geometric links.