Antique Vintage Art Deco Costume Jewelry is a type of jewelry that rather than being made from precious metals, like silver and gold, is exclusively created with costume material, such as gemstones, glass beads and different metals. This type of jewelry became popular in the 20’s and 30’s during the art deco movement.
Many of these pieces are antique collector’s items because the design and craftsmanship have stood the test of time. Not only are they sought-after for their aesthetic value, many people also invest in them for their potential financial value.
Types of Antique Vintage Art Deco Costume Jewelry There is an incredible range of antique vintage art deco costume jewelry available on the market from rings to brooches to necklaces and earrings. The styles can range from classic traditional designs such as marcasite or filigree settings, to more modern styles with uses lots of colors and adding texture by using non-traditional materials such as leather or plastic pieces.
As well, there are pieces crafted with a variety of rare stones that add a unique style that stands out against more everyday types of jewelry. Thanks to its accessible cost, it was easy for people at all socio-economic levels to buy this kind of jewelry – making it highly collectible today.
Investing in Vintage Art Deco Costume Jewelry Many people invest money in antiques because those investments often grow over time. As certain artisanal crafts become harder and harder to find, they can become increasingly valuable as they age – much like antique vintage art deco costume jewelry which gains value depending on age and authentic design details as well condition which often influence its overall price tag.
Acquiring higher quality pieces from various periods will improve chances for better rate of return if deciding to look into investing into this hobby further. The older the piece, usually the higher price – however it has been seen recently that modern takes on vintage designs have been selling quite well too.
Historical Influences on Art Deco Style Jewelry
Art Deco jewelry emerged as an influential style during the 1920s and 1930s, making it a popular choice for “vintage” collectors today. The art deco era was rooted in a collective stylistic shift from centuries of elaborate, Rococo-style designs towards more streamlined forms. This dramatic movement to minimalism brought forth what is retrospectively considered one of the most iconic and diverse eras of modern design.
Paralleling the new modern age was the discovery of intriguing semi-precious stones and materials such as lapis lazuli, plastic, Bakelite, ivory, coral, and art glass. Alongside diamonds and sterling silver settings, these materials provided abundant opportunities for designers to explore exciting new combinations of color and texture.
The themes expressed through Art Deco costume jewelry reflect multiple historical influences that span from Egyptian and African tribal works to psychedelic Art Nouveau visions. Here are some examples:
- Egyptian Revival – Motifs inspired by Ancient Egypt architecture including wraps embossed with hieroglyphics
- Tribal – Barrel-shaped or crescent pendants with sunray motifs
- Sunburst – often seen on necklaces or bracelet pieces featuring concentric circles radiating outwards
- Geometric – Specially faceted triangles and rectangles represent raw creative style
- Aztec – Incorporates animals like jaguars in bold shapes set around a large central stone
- Fish Scales – Used as intricate detailing or overall patterning on bangles
Different Types of Art Deco Jewelry
Art Deco costume jewelry was popularized in the 1920s to 1930s, and is known for its aesthetic featuring geometric shapes, bold colors, and sharp angles. During this era, there were three main types of Art Deco jewelry:
- Designer Costume Jewelry – This type of jewelry is made by well known designers, such as Cartier. It is usually very expensive and can feature precious gems.
- Signed Jewelry – This type of jewelry features a signature from the designer or maker. Signed pieces are more valuable than unsigned ones as they are recognizable and collectible.
- Unsigned Jewelry – The majority of Art Deco costume jewelry is unsigned, but there are some exceptions. These pieces were generally inexpensive when produced and feature synthetic stones or metals.
The most common materials used to make Art Deco costume jewelry are glass, bakelite (plastic), brass, silver plate, aluminium and various alloys. Enamel work was also often added into the mix for extra detail with vivid colors applied in various shapes which add an interesting textural element. Many times this enamel work also featured shapes like birds or leaves that offered up an interesting contrast against the harder geometric lines seen in other parts of the designs.
Highly sought after pieces also include those adorned with rhinestones or even small pearls that offer up a unique sparkle and brightness to the overall piece. These simple additions really help to give their pieces a heightened level of sophistication while still keeping with the overall look and feel of the Art Deco style.
Pieces with rhinestones tend to be highly valuable due to their rarity so it’s a good idea to get these verified if you intend on purchasing one.
Lastly there is cubic zirconia which became increasingly popular during this era due its affordability compared traditional diamonds or gemstones featured on similar Art Nouveau jewellery pieces. Although naturally they don’t hold nearly as much value as these other high end items still offer that same level craftsmanship typical found among quality jewelry from this period something can appreciated by those seeking out cheaper alternatives.
Notable Art Deco Jewelry Designers
The Art Deco period saw some of the most iconic designs and masterpiece crafted pieces of jewelry in history. Many outstanding jewelry designers made their mark during this time, leading to the luxury prototypes seen today. One such designer was René Boivin, who founded his eponymous brand in 1875.
Boivin was known for using precious and unusual materials to craft stunning pieces, and his name is now synonymous with some of the finest designs of the Art Deco era. A unique example is a cherry amber heart pendant mounted in yellow gold, which combines whimsical shapes and intricate precious stones typically used within classic jewelry elements to create an unconventional piece with humor and grace.
Van Cleef & Arpels were also a noted name during this era, crafting timeless designs that fused geometric styles with exotic inspirations. Influenced by Mayan motifs, Ancient Egyptian style and Renaissance techniques, their pieces included colored stones such as turquoise which were set into rings or necklaces alongside fine platinum setting work.
Their “Mystery Setting” technique created illusion settings out of platinum where two rows of diamonds would be set on top of each other while seemingly hovering in midair – a feat that seemed magical at the time.
Amongst others active during this era was Paulding Farnham from Tiffany & Co., whose contribution lies mainly in diamond coloration and cut procedures which he combined to produce remarkable luminescent jewels – often featuring birds as main motifs – like a peacock sapphire brooch with amethyst accents set on yellow gold claws. These beautifully ornamental creatures are one way to make any plain outfit stand out due its eye-catching colors accented by its vibrant gems.
Significant Characteristics of Art Deco Jewelry
Art Deco jewelry is often referred to as “antique vintage” because much of it dates back to the 1920s and 1930s. Generally, vintage pieces are sought out by people who appreciate the design aesthetic as well as its historical significance. While some of these pieces have monetary value, many still have immense sentimental value for some people as they are tied with memories of beloved relatives or friends.
Art Deco jewelry pieces feature an array of distinct characteristics that make them easily identifiable. According to expert antique jewelers, Art Deco jewelry typically utilizes structural components such as geometric angles which emphasize linear lines and intricate abstract designs. Additionally, many of these pieces are usually created with expensive materials like sterling silver and platinum which makes them highly lustrous in appearance.
Symbolic Representation Found in Art Deco Jewelry Pieces
Vintage art deco costume jewelry also often carries symbolic representations within the design itself. This includes images such as birds, stars, flowers and other related playful objects that convey a message through visual language.
Often times these symbols represent a sentiment between two parties that could not be said through just words alone so these symbols have held great meaning throughout history. Furthermore, many pieces will also incorporate precious gemstones such as diamonds or rubies into the design for a more luxurious finish adding to its appeal even further.
Icons Who Wore Art Deco Jewelry
Notable icons such as silent film star Clara Bow and actress Marilyn Monroe were known for wearing art deco costume jewelry during their era emphasizing its popularity at the time. The iconic Daisy Buchanan character of The Great Gatsby novel was also seen regularly showcasing antique Art Deco pieces paired with her flowing gowns setting a new standard for 1920s fashion popularized until this very day.
Despite its vintage age, antique art deco costume jewelry has gone on to become an essential component in modern collections both for style purposes and also due to their fascinating history associated with them guaranteeing they remain timeless staples forevermore making them all the more special than ever before.
Sources of Authentic Art Deco Costume Jewelry
The high demand for Art Deco Costume jewelry has caused a number of replicas and fakes to flood the market. It is important, therefore, to be able to distinguish original pieces from imitations.
Authenticating Art Deco Jewelry
Authentic Art Deco costume jewelry can vary in price, depending on era and design. Inspecting the piece with a magnifying glass and careful examination can give a good indication of its age and authenticity: Look for irregularities such as uneven soldering or rough cut stones that would not have been present in the more expensive designs.
Also note if any part of the piece appears dull or tarnished – signs that it may not have been originally crafted in Art Deco style.
Additionally, evaluate the materials used to make up each component – metals, stones, etc. These will give further clues about the origin of the piece.
Where To Find Original Pieces
- Auction Houses
- Museums
- Antique & Vintage Stores
Auction houses are often a reliable way to source original Art Deco Costume jewelry, as they typically provide full authentication for items they list online or in their catalogues.
Many museums keep collections of artifacts from throughout history – this could prove to be a treasure trove when searching for rare or unique pieces of costume jewelry adorned with classic art deco motifs and craftsmanship techniques.
Antique stores are known for selling authentic pieces of antique artwork including costume jewelry crafted during Art Deco eras. Shopping at vintage stores can also be an enjoyable experience as you may uncover hidden gems from what many be forgotten or under-appreciated eras.
Caring for Antique Vintage Art Deco Costume Jewelry
Antique vintage Art Deco costume jewelry is highly sought after and often quite costly. It requires very special care to ensure it preserves its timeless beauty and remains in excellent condition for years to come. Here are some tips for caring for antique vintage Art Deco costume jewelry:
- It is best to store your pieces in air-tight fabric pouches or boxes, as this will help protect them from moisture and other contaminants.
- Be careful when cleaning the jewelry, use a soft cloth dampened with warm soapy water and gently dab it on the jewelry, never rub or scrub because this can cause scratches.
- If the piece is very delicate you should use a non-abrasive polish such as baking soda. Place a small amount on a cloth and rub over the entire piece.
Avoid wearing antique Vintage Art Deco costume jewelry when doing physical activities or if you plan to go swimming. Many of these pieces are made from materials that do not react well to chlorine, salt water or perspiration, which could cause discoloration or tarnishing of the material.
It is also recommended that you keep your jewelry away from direct sunlight as ultraviolet light and heat can damage more delicate pieces. If the piece does become exposed to direct sunlight keep it out of sight as soon as possible until it cools off again.
Make sure not to expose your pieces to chemicals such perfumes or hairspray as this too can cause damage and fading of certain materials. It’s best practice to apply make up first then add your accessories afterwards. Lastly, always examine any new pieces prior to fixing them onto clothing with clips or brooches etc., make sure there are no loose stones that could fall off later causing an annoying mess.
Collectors’ Tips for Evaluating Art Deco Costume Jewelry
The Art Deco period in jewelry design was between 1915 and 1925 and is considered a ‘Golden Age’ of costume jewelry due to its glamor and originality. To a collector, it is an exciting field as there are so many new styles to discover. Investing in this unique type of jewelry can be rewarding but it’s important to be aware of the detail and necessary steps you should take when attempting to authenticate these pieces.
Study the Style
The most important aspect when trying to determine if a piece is authentic or not is looking at the style, which is what constantly changes over different decades. It’s common for forgeries to mimic an existing period in time, but with some of the distinct details missing that signify authenticity.
When assessing Art Deco costume jewelry especially, paying attention to details such as materials used – such as enamel or glass – shape of stones, setting details, as well metal coloration will help you figure out whether it is an original piece from this era or not. In addition, researching vintage contemporary designs may also give you insight into certain hallmarks such as signatures used by popular designers from this period.
Check Markings
Most genuine decorations from this time period have markings; they were usually used to ensure that the metal wasn’t plated but solid material throughout. It’s important to remember though that plating was commonly used during this period too, so being able to recognize these marks on each ornament has obvious benefits.
Many antique costume jewelry pieces will include metal stamping or engravings which denote both manufacturer’s logo and/or country where they were manufactured – often represented through identifiable shapes like a triangle for England or Italy etc., or letters abbreviations.
Consider Condition
Ultimately condition also helps determine value; expensive antique decorations made only of solid metals should still look pristine after 100 years have passed as there has been very little deterioration over time since previous owners likely took great care of them when they first had them bought for them originally. Obviously less valuable decorations made with metallic alloys won’t stand up quite as well over time but their worth still remains depending on how well kept it looks now.
Checking clasps, backing findings (setting) and any hollow pieces within the ornament for sturdiness will indicate whether or not it has been cherished all these years.
The Reemergence of Art Deco Jewelry Design
Art Deco design burst onto the fashion scene in the 1920s, captivating those looking for something more than traditional jewels. It was introduced at a time of great social changes, and this new style was heavily inspired by modern expressionism, creating exclusive pieces that perfectly captured the Gatsby-era glamour with its geometric forms and bold naturalistic themes.
The subversive influence of Art Deco in jewelry design has made a comeback and can now be found in antique stores and online enfolding fashion trends today. For avid collectors of vintage costume jewelry, Art Deco pieces are some of the most valued items to seek out when searching the market for stunning trinkets.
Reasons to Seek Out Art Deco Vintage Jewelry
- Highly Valued Among Collectors: Art Deco vintage jewelry has become a prized collectible item for several reasons including their unique design aesthetic and long history.
- Extensive Variety: You can find everything from necklaces and bracelets to broches, anklets and rings all featuring intricate details that reflect an era long gone.
- Timeless Design: There is never a shortage of popular Art Deco designs that keep making their return to fashion season after season – offering modern twists on classic looks.
Various materials were used to make these designs such as sterling silver, gold plated metal, glass stones, crystal beads and freshwater pearls which can be found still intact in many antique stores across the globe. This time period also created one of its own subgenres of jewelry that boasted modernist details crafted with fine metals along with feathers or chunky bakelite elements.
Whether it’s a flapper necklace deeply set with men’s crystals or an opera-length double-strand bracelet spangled with ice blue drops, there’s nothing quite like owning antiques from this fascinating era.
The popularity of Art Deco trends can be seen today due to its timelessness quality that made it so iconic in fashion history especially during periods when women embraced styles meant for both daywear and evening occasion wear. With its glamorous appeal evident even today through many modern styles presented by top fashion houses worldwide; vintage art deco is something every collector should consider adding to their wardrobe.
Conclusion
The timeless beauty of antique vintage Art Deco costume jewelry is appreciated by the modern world. During the 1920s and 1930s, costume jewelry was called “keeper jewelry” or “transitional pieces” as this type of jewelry was a mix between traditionally valuable pieces and traditional fashion jewelry used to decorate. Pieces from this era are being valued more and more every day as they are quite attractive and highly sought after.
Art Deco style is seen in so many areas of design, not just in the area of clothing and accessories. This particular style saw a rise in popularity during the early 20th century when it moved away from classical approaches to embrace more modern aesthetics that were heavily influeneced by cubism, futurism, ancient Egypt and minimalist shapes (Fanelli).
There was an incredible attention to detail for these pieces, often times resulting in carefully crafted settings which include gold accents and blue-colored stones such as sapphires or aquamarines set into bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings.
These decorative adornments are especially popular with collectors due to their elegant designs that posses tremendous craftsmanship that combines geometric forms with delicate floral detailing. Looking at them today, it can be hard to believe that these exquisite works of art were made over 100 years ago.
The popularity indicates that costumer jewelry makers during this period had an excellent eye for creating unique designs while still maintaining a sense of classic timelessness. Consequently they continue to be treasured by current owners – many whom have grown up wearing beautiful family heirlooms passed down generations after generations.
From hauntingly romantic brooches to bold cocktail rings – the charm of antique vintage Art Deco costume jewellery still holds strong today. This long-lasting elegance has captivated audiences across cultures however its roots remain firmly planted in traditional French art deco style which we can all appreciate for its creative beauty. Hopefully these stunning pieces will remain cherished for generations still to come – inspiring designers all around the world forevermore.
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I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
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