Art Deco jewellery was popular in the mid twenties to the mid thirties, when the economy was booming, Jazz culture was growing popular, and people were eager to cast off the residual stuffiness of the Victorian era. It had a bold, opulent look that matched the extravagance of the period.
It also reflected the industry of the time and was in many
ways an attempt to mix art and industry. This is reflected through the simple,
harsh geometric shapes that categorised the Art Deco movement.
The movement celebrated change and progress and hence speed
became a theme. Art Deco jewellery would often feature planes, cars and even
fast animals such as gazelles as motifs.
A forward-thinking movement, Art Deco jewellery took its influences
from all over the world. Egyptian, Oriental and Indian design elements, such as
particular colours, stones and shapes. This gave the jewellery an exotic and
mysterious feel.
As well as bold shapes, bold colours were used. Black
stones, particularly onyx
often featured, as did coral
and vivid turquoise. The flapper girl style that was popular at
the time featured simple, long and unstructured dresses and outfits so the
striking shapes and tones of Art Deco jewellery were used to add interest.
Contemporary designers continue to be inspired by Art Deco, including
one of our favourite designers Babette
Wasserman. Her Deco
collection is streamlined, yet opulent, highly artistic yet immensely
fashionable and wearable – a perfect modern interpretation of Art Deco’s
sensibilities. Wear these pieces with something dark and simple, perhaps even a
dropped waistline or plunging neckline for a touch of that thirties flapper
look.
 |  |
 |
It is easy to see why Art Deco jewellery continues to
inspire. It is inclusive of other
cultures as well interested in progress. It is utterly extravagant as well as
being concerned with the practicalities of production and wearability. No other
movement embodies so many interesting, optimistic concepts and makes them
utterly beautiful.
No comments:
Post a Comment