This month’s jewellery auction will start on the 25th of January and we already know it’s going to be an exciting one. Today’s article explains the beauty of this unique Art Deco Necklaces, which is an excellent Valentine’s gift and investment piece. Estimated value £1.500 - £2.000.
Brief History of Art Deco Jewellery
Art Deco period extended from the early 1920's to the mid-1930's, its impact can be seen throughout the 1950's and 1960's and through to the present day. The term itself was coined from Parisian exhibition's name: 'Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs Industriels Modernes, or 'The International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts'. Some of the most distinguished jewellery houses, including Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, manufactured some of their most iconic pieces during the Art Deco period. Art Deco designers blended ideas from ancient Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia and Rome with elements of the Machine Age. However, the rations imposed by the Second World War caused a decline in the popularity of Art Deco because, in a time of austerity, it was sometimes perceived as gaudy and unnecessarily luxurious.
Characteristics & Materials used in Art Deco Jewellery
The Art Deco style was inspired by Constructivism, Cubism, Functionalism, Futurism and Modernism, and influenced many other designs of the period - from architecture to furnishings, and cars to fashion. An Art Deco piece was in thrall to geometry: circles, arcs, squares, rectangles and triangles were common, therefore it often looks like it’s been machine made, which isn’t true. Geometric and angular shapes, vibrant colours, symmetrical design and theatrical contrasts resembled a new, modern look.
Materials used ranged from rubies, gold, and pearls to plastic, chrome and steel. Platinum was the new luxury metal and was used with opaque stones like coral, jade, onyx and lapis lazuli.
Popular Art Deco Jewellery Manufacturers
• Raymond Templier
• René Lalique
• Gérard Sandoz
• Jean Després
• Emile Brandt
• Cartier
• Tiffany & Co.
• G. Ravasco
• Theodor Fahrners
• Sybil Dunlop
• Harold Stabler
• H.G. Murphy
• Georg Jensen
• Georges Fouquet
• Van Cleef & Arpels
Factors to Consider When Buying Art Deco Jewellery
It is important to do some research before investing in an Art Deco piece. To find a genuine and a good quality item you need to look at:
Colour
Take a close look at the colour of the jewellery. Colours should be much brighter and vivid. This would be a first good indication of a genuine Art Deco piece.
Shape
Look at the shape – it should be straight and geometric, compared to the soft, curved shapes of fine jewellery from other eras. Common stone cuts of the era include emerald, baguette, triangle and shield.
Hinges, clasps and catches
Some good examples of findings, are the hinges, clasps and catches on your jewellery. The jewellery of the Victorian era, which preceded the Art deco period, featured tube hinges until a more streamlined design was introduced in the later part of the era.
C shaped roll over
Other types of hinges such as roll over, C shaped and safety pin types evolved over subsequent years. A lobster catch, for instance, will certainly not be used on an item of authentic art deco jewellery.
Materials
Consider the materials used and dramatic combinations of materials and stones. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires are all commonly found in Art Deco-style jewellery.
Influences
Motifs from Egyptian, Indian and Far Eastern art and design were incredibly popular during the Art Deco period, and materials from these regions ─ such as ivory and jade ─ were commonly used.
Paula Puchacz
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