Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Fabergé Lion Egg, 18k gold, Purple Enamel, 16 Diamonds 0.198ct, Jasper, Nr. 1/75
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Lion-Egg, 18k Yellow Gold, Translucent Purple Guilloché Vitreous Enamel, Diamonds 0.198 ct G VS, Kalahari Jasper The Lion Egg, created in 2007, pays homage to the King of Be...
Diamond, Jasper, 18k Gold, Enamel
$520Sale Price|38% Off
Vintage Shell Cameo with Diamond
Located in Chesterland, OH
This vintage unmounted Carnelian shell cameo depicting the profile of the beautiful young lady is very well carved in exquisite detail. The cameo is decorated with a 0.03 ct diamond (2mm). This cameo dates back to around the 1910s-1930s. The carving on this cameo is excellent and well-detailed, with exceptional relief. This loose cameo...
Diamond
Antique Labradorite Beetle Scarab Bead Hard Stone Carving
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This unusual carving in the shape of a beetle was carved out of one piece of labradorite in the 1920's ca. The beetle has been drilled from top to bottom and is intended to be used i...
Labradorite
Beautiful Etched with Baked Enamel Ivory and Sea-Green "Dove In Flight" Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully detailed etched detailing along with baked ivory and sea-green enamel "Dove In Flight" brooch measures 2 1/4 inches in height. Width measures 2 inches, with a...
Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Pendant Designed to hide a GPS Tracking System
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Pendant Designed for GPS Tracking System. This innovative pendant, crafted in 925 sterling silver with rich gold plating, is designed with both beauty an...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Elephant Keyring in 18kt Yellow Gold - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A distinctive and charming keyring crafted in 18kt yellow gold, featuring a finely detailed elephant pendant, a symbol of strength, wisdom, and good luck. The design is completed by...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silver-Based with Lapis-Blue & Sea-Green Baked Enamel "Movable Turtle" Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Whimsical silver-based inlay with lapis-blue & sea-green baked enamel "Movable Turtle" pendant highlighted with an cream enamel underside. The length...
Silver
Wendy Brandes 18K Gold Lion Ring With Sapphire Eyes and a Secret Inside
Located in New York, NY
The Wendy Brandes "Maneater" collection consists of seven one-of-a-kind rings, each of which features a triumphant creature on top, with a tiny man tucked away inside of the band. Th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Yellow Diamond...
Vintage 1970s Yellow Gold Articulated Fish Charm
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 9 karat yellow gold charm modelled in the form of a fish; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage fish charm...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$650 / set
Sterling Silver Jungle Animals
Located in Darnestown, MD
Five sterling silver jungle animals to include: an elephant; a lion; a rhinoceros; a jungle cat and a wading bird with a fish in its mouth. The pieces ...
Sterling Silver
Diminutive Kay Ivankovic Sterling Silver & Opal Gemstone Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful 1980's handmade sterling silver vase. By Kay Ivankovic. Kay Ivankovic, the high-level contemporary British silversmith, is known for her flowing, organic forms. This hand-chased vase...
Opal, Sterling Silver
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Colored Diamond and Pink Sapphire Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Pink Sapphire Brooch 10 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.08 CT 2 Green Garnets - 0.01 CT 23 Pink Sapphires - 0.20 CT 21 Rubies - 0.16 CT 18K Rose Go...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Diamond Bow Pin
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Bow Brooch Featuring 11 Old Mine Cut Diamonds Totaling Approximately 1.00 Carat. Finished Weight Is 4.1 Grams. 1.2 Inch...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Tiger Eye Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Tiger Eye Brooch 10 Diamonds - 0.05 CT 17 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.07 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 7 Tiger Eyes - ...
Diamond, Ruby, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.79 in D 0.79 in L 9.75 in
French 1900 Edwardian Tortoise Parasol Handle in 18kt Yellow Gold Carved Citrine
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian parasol handle made in France. Very beautiful and elegant piece, created in Paris France during the Edwardian and Belle Epoque periods, back in the 1900. This fabulous parasol handle has been designed with French neo-classic patterns in the style of Louis XVI. Crafted by assembling pieces made up in 18 karats yellow gold, carved citrine and amber color faux tortoise. The baton is fitted with a screw to attach to any parasol or cane. The round gold parts on top are made with multiple leaf motifs, bows, tassels and floral clusters, typical from the Belle Epoque period. Gemstones: The top part is mounted, with 1 cylinder cabochon cut of natural translucent citrine quartz of about 120 carats. Birthstone: Citrine, for the month of November. Weight: 66.95 Grams, (42.91 Dwt). Measurements: 248 mm by 20 mm (9.75 x 0.79 Inches). Hallmarks: Both gold parts are stamped with French marks; the head of the eagle for the assay and warranty of the 18kt gold and the maker's maitre mark inside a lozange cartouche. Edwardian era, like the Georgian and Victorian eras before it, derives its name from the reign of the English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). Edwardian jewelry is known for representing femininity while incorporating a lot of the color white. Think diamonds, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They tended to be made from platinum and diamonds – the more, the merrier – and used fashionable, intricate techniques such as filigree and millegrain. Edwardian rings are works of art and best worn alone or alongside a simple wedding band...
Citrine, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$478Sale Price|20% Off
W 2.75 in D 2.68 in L 2.75 in
Bvlgari Roma 1970 Modernist Shot Cup Tumbler in Solid .925 Sterling Silver
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
Shot cup designed by Bvlgari. Beautiful vintage shot cup created in Rome Italy by the luxury house of Bulgari, back in the 1970. This tumbler has been ca...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 18kt Yellow Gold Carnelian Snuff Box, Rococo Design, Europe
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique 18kt yellow gold snuff box, featuring a carnelian stone set within an ornate, scrollwork border. Material: Crafted in 18kt yellow gold, the box showcases an ornate, Rococo-...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,980Sale Price|20% Off
Henry Dunay Seashell Brooch/Pin Hammered Finish 18K Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Perry, FL
Hammered Finish Signed Henry Dunay Seashell Brooch/ Pin in 18K Yellow Gold.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Yellow Gold Poodle Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine vintage 18 karat yellow gold brooch in the form of a poodle; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine 18k yellow gold brooch has been realistically modelled in the form of a poodle. The poodle is further embellished with inset ruby eyes and a broad collar with link chain. The poodle is secured to the reverse with a bar pin and safety catch. The hallmarks struck to the underside of the poodle's body include the 18k fineness mark (18) (.750) and the London Import Hallmarks. Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This vintage poodle brooch...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 3.45 in D 1.5 in L 3.02 in
BOUCHERON Paris 1920 Deco Desk Clock In 18Kt Gold Emeralds Jade Onyx Rock Quartz
By Boucheron
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco chinoiserie desk clock designed by Boucheron-Paris. This is a very rare and fabulous desk clock created in Paris France during the art deco period, back in 1920-22. The ...
Emerald, Quartz, Jade, Onyx, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Cameo Shell Young Girl, Unframed Cameo
Located in Chesterland, OH
A finely carved vintage shell cameo depicting the right-facing profile of a young girl, executed with excellent detail and graceful proportions. The carving remains crisp and well-defined, with clear, clean lines and attractive relief—remarkable for a shell cameo dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1920s–1940s. This unmounted cameo...
Fabergé Lion Egg, 18k gold, 16 Diamonds 0.198ct, Jasper, Purple Enamel, Nr. 2/75
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Lion Egg, objet d'art / objet de vertu, workmaster Victor Mayer, 18-carat yellow gold, 16 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.198ct G VS, translucent purple guilloché enamel, ...
Diamond, Jasper, 18k Gold
Black Americana Male Dancers Austrian Vienna Bronze Sculpture 1900 Rare
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB AND VERY RARE PAIR OF TWO BLACK AMERICANA DANCING GENTLEMEN. THE BRONZE SCULPTURES ARE ABSOLUTELY CHARMING ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE. These wonderful antique A...
Bronze
Sold
W 0.43 in D 0.43 in L 3.15 in
Cartier 1935 Art Deco Cylindrical Petrol Lighter Pendant In 14Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Petrol lighter pendant designed by Cartier. An elegant petrol lighter pendant, created by the house of Cartier, back in the 1940. It was crafted in a cylindrical shape during the ar...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.57 in L 2.07 in
Rare 18k Gold French Cartier Art Deco Money Clip with Watch & Compass Attached
By Cartier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This unique 18k yellow gold gentleman's money clip, time piece and compass accessory is very possibly "one of a kind". In all of our many years of involvement in our industry, only a handful of similar items have ever come into our possession. Crafted entirely of 18k gold, the watch was produced by Cartier in France at some point during the early 20th century and the French hallmarked compass was created during the same period. The watch is powered by a highly prestigious European Watch...
18k Gold
Sold
H 4.5 in W 1.28 in L 4.2 in
Cartier Paris 1935 Rare Art Deco Geometric Desk Clock in Black Onyx and Agate
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A desk clock designed by Cartier. A beautiful and sober desk clock, created in Paris France by the the house of Cartier during the late art deco period, back in the early 1935. This desk clock is very rare and has been designed with geometric art deco patterns and assembled from several polished pieces carved from natural black onyx and reddish translucent agate. All parts mounted in gilded bronze and sterling silver settings of .935/.999. Movement: Swiss mechanical wingding Imhof movement, Caliber 244, Fifteen Jewels, 8 days, Serial. The dial is octagonal with a unique painted scene depicting an ancient Greek ship, most probably from the Homer's Iliad or related to the wars of Troy. Analog without numbers and with golden hands and inscribed, Cartier Swiss...
Agate, Onyx, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Bronze
Chiellini Chess Board in Stone and Colored Alabaster Beige and Blue
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The “Chiellini” company is famous in all the world for it’s production of chess boards, chess made in Alabaster Stone. The translucent quality and the many colors that can be achieve...