Art Deco Jewelry and Jazz Age Modernism
Casting aside the flowing naturalistic forms of Art Nouveau in favor of linear geometries, Art Deco style was the visual embodiment of modernist principles. The Art Deco movement (1925–1940) flourished during a time of economic prosperity, exuberant creativity and societal excess that helped to usher in the emerging independence of women. From fashion and interiors to art and architecture, the opulent style had a broad-based appeal and lasting influence.
Jewelers of the time celebrated the triumph of technology and the polished forms of the machine age, adopting a streamlined aesthetic that spoke to the widespread desire for order in the wake of post-war chaos. With sleek lines and bold forms, the jewels created during this era reflected the new silhouettes and fashion freedoms enjoyed by the most stylish women of the day.
Taking cues from the great couturiers Coco Chanel and Madeleine Vionnet, women abandoned their corsets, elevated their hems and shortened their sleeves. Unbound and unrestricted, they sought out extravagant jewelry designs to adorn their sleek new looks. Characterized by the distinctive and generous use of diamonds set into platinum, this jewelry embodies a Gatsby-era confidence and glamour that is just as relevant today.