With The Great Gatsby on the silver screen, fashions of the “Roaring Twenties” are in the spotlight. Many people are curious about the fashion and jewelry styles of this exciting era.

Art Deco style dominated designs of the 1920s in jewelry, fashion and architecture. It was a decade of exciting changes for the role of women in society. The end of World War I brought a great emancipation for women. Women had taken over men’s jobs during the war, and shortly after, the right to vote was won in 1920. Underscored a booming economy, there was a great sense of liberty and exuberance.

Wartime work meant women had to cast aside the corsets, gowns, sleeves and lengthy hair that had been standard style since the Victorian era. Reluctant to return to such a restrictive tradition, women started wearing trousers in the day and provocative dresses at night.  Dresses were short enough to reveal the knee and loose enough to allow dancing. Strapless and backless dresses were accessorized with long strands of pearls and lorgnettes.

Sleeveless dresses were perfect for showcasing multiple bracelets, which meant the creation of a wealth of stunning Art Deco bracelets during the decade, in addition to beautiful rings, earrings and necklaces. Art Deco jewelry was predominantly made of platinum and diamonds, with a linear style characterized by geometric designs, diverse combinations of color and abstract patterns. Color in jewelry usually came from the use of natural or synthetic ruby and sapphire. It is entirely appropriate to see synthetic gems in high-end jewelry from the era. Natural emeralds were also used, and since synthetic emeralds did not yet exist commercially, green glass was frequently used as “emerald.”

Due to the popularity of diamonds, Art Deco diamond solitaires were very fashionable. Luckily, many of these diamond rings survive today. Art deco clips were popularly worn on necklines, belts, jacket lapels, purses, shoes and hats. Another popular item was the Japanese cultured pearl strand, a common evening-wear accessory either worn around the neck or twisted several times around the wrist.

Because we buy and restore vintage jewelry to like-new condition, we often have  some very unique and intricate Art Deco jewelry available for sale.  Our showroom located centrally in San Diego has a great selection of Art Deco style designs!