Tiffany Art Deco jewelry is some of the most recognizable and iconic jewelry of all time. From necklaces to earrings to bracelets, the pieces that were created in this period have continued to be timeless and loved for many years.
These designs generally feature geometric shapes made in gold or silver and are usually decorated with semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, tiger’s eye or amethyst. Since Art Deco was a movement that featured a range of different materials including ivory, white malachite, onyx, coral and even exotic metals like platinum and palladium – these pieces could be combined into unique works of art.
The art deco designs created by Tiffany & Co. between 1925-1935 often featured bird motifs along with animals in contrast with human figures made from jewels of all varieties; some drove cars or flew planes while others rode dolphins or cats.
One of the most famous examples of this style is the iconic ‘Tortue’ necklace which features a diamond outline of a tortoise against an onyx background surrounded by four circle motif pendants set with diamonds suspending from white gold chains.
Another standout design from this period is the ‘Flower’ bracelet which consists of five flower shaped motifs set with round diamonds connected by thin glossy gold bands.
The designs form this era are some of the most collectible pieces at Tiffany & Co.; there is no shortage of collectors willing to pay high prices for them due to their beauty and rarity. The piece that captures people’s hearts tend to consist either traditional materials such as diamonds, rubies and emeralds or new synthetic substances used only during this period like bakelite and Frosted Glass which lend themselves perfectly for vibrant Art Deco jewellery.
Tiffany’s in-house designers were particularly creative during this time frame as they attempted to make pieces that would stand out against others due their intricate details; today these pieces continue be very well-regarded due being limited editions or one-off models custom crafted specifically for their owners making them extremely valuable.
A Look at the Origins and History of Art Deco + Tiffany
The early 20th century was a period of great artistic innovation and one of the defining aesthetic movements of this era was Art Deco. Born out of the Art Nouveau movement and taking inspiration from a range of far eastern cultures, Art Deco style spread throughout Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. With its bold geometrical shapes and ornamental stylings, it quickly adopted by some of the most prestigious luxury goods designers in Europe, including the renowned company Tiffany & Co.
Since its founding in 1837, Tiffany’s has been synonymous with luxury products such as jewelry, watches, antiques and household accessories. During the Art Deco years it focused on becoming a leader in cutting edge design that showcased its obsession with beauty and craftsmanship.
Tiffany crafted many iconic pieces that would come to define what we think of when we hear ‘Art Deco’. Some notable contributions include:
- The Great Necklace: An extravagant necklace made of 296 diamonds which featured several large well-cut stones set amongst delicate diamond banding.
- The Japonais Collection: A set of tableware designed around Asiatic motifs such as dragons and birds.
- Popular Orchid Pieces: Inspired by nature, subtle orchids were used to adorn jewelry boxes to give them an elegant touch.
Tiffany’s also collaborated with many prominent Euro-American modernist figures such as Jean Schlumberger who created cartoon-like grotesques for their collections. These pieces combined playful yet sophisticated forms to incorporate into regular decorations like brooches or lighters for everyday use.
Some examples include brooches made to resemble animals such as crabs and elephants decorated with fine stones; earrings fashioned like jester hats with coral mounted along each side; as well as charming pendants depicting bugs or bats crafted in gold and studded with precious gems.
Finally, there’s no mention of Tiffany’s works without discussing their classic engagement rings such as one which was famously owned by Marilyn Monroe known simply as “Les Trois Mains” (the three hands). This timeless work uses three overlapping platinum arches to present an overabundance of sparkle while staying true to art deco minimalism. All this contributes to making these fabulous pieces true works of art that stand the test of time today.
Celebrating the Iconic Pieces of Craftsmanship + Design of the Era
Tiffany Art Deco Jewelry is a timeless representation of elegance and beauty that has stood the test of time. From classic brooches to intricate necklaces, this era has given us some of the most stunning pieces of jewelry ever made. The period from 1925 to 1935 was an age of bold design decisions and avant-garde style that has become famous today. Let’s take a look at some of the pieces that have become iconic during this time:
- Bracelets – Bracelets from the Art Deco era were often crafted using precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, or rubies set in platinum or white gold. These exquisite designs ranged from curving art nouveau styles to geometric shapes such as squares and circles.
- Necklaces – Necklaces in Tiffany’s art deco collections often featured diamonds set in gold or platinum settings. These elegant pieces could feature intricate patterns such as abstract swirls or solid shapes like sunbursts, which were hugely popular for evening wear.
- Brooches – Brooches were popular during this time due to their versatile nature, allowing them to be worn with both casual and formal attire. Common motifs included geometric designs like pinwheels, stars, octagons, clovers and hearts.
In addition to fine jewelry, Tiffany also produced more affordable costume jewelry during this period. These typically featured high-quality glass stones rather than natural gems. But even these more affordable options boasted stylishly designed motifs like stars and buckles or floral arrangements created with enameled metal links and brightly colored stones. Whether you opt for fine jewelry or fashion accessories, Tiffany Art Deco jewelry offers something special for everyone.
Charm bracelets saw a huge surge in popularity during this era too, before eventually falling out of fashion after World War II began in 1939. Two different bracelet styles emerged – rigid bangles with hanging charms that wouldn’t budge if accidently caught on something while being worn; and stretchable band bracelets which allowed wearers to play around with rearranging their charms for a new design each day.
If designed correctly charms could be fitted quite closely together creating beautiful compositions across the length of the bracelet making it truly unique piece of jewelry.
Examining Art Deco Aesthetics
Tiffany Art Deco jewelry entailed an assortment of ornamental shapes, lines and motifs. In the early 20th century, there came up a company that recaptured the entire aesthetic in a collection of fine jewelry. This was distinguished more by its geometric patterns which were set in platinum, rather than traditional gold. The gems echoed those same shapes too.
Many art deco design pieces have well-defined vertical and horizontal lines that offer a smart contrast to the curves of such setting techniques as filigree and milgrain, whereby metal bends are highly bejeweled with small gems or diamonds. Traditional art deco designs from Tiffany often feature straight razor-sharp angles intersected with bold stripes and colorful geometric patterns.
Typical elements found in Art Deco pieces included but not limited to:
- repetition of diamond cuts (smooth curved line becoming sharp points)
- intricate carvings
- bold shapes e.g squares
- angular gradients geometrical filigree
- creative combinations of gemstones e.g rubies & sapphire
Tiffany’s talented craftswoman crafted settings with sensuous curves and sweeping flourishes to give each piece greater depth and texture while keeping high levels of craftsmanship. The combination of precious metals and powerful pattern blocked out by prongs gives art deco pieces their enduring appeal – remaining popular even today. A classic Tiffany’s design would include asymmetrical embellishments around a marquise shaped diamond or baguette side stones surrounded by cushion halos.
Exploring the Gems + Metals Used in Tiffany Art Deco Jewelry
Tiffany Art Deco jewelry has been a popular choice for many generations. The iconic designs capture the essence of the 1920s and 1930s, when Art Deco styles were in vogue. It was during this period that Tiffany & Co. developed their signature aesthetic – one that is still cherished by lovers of antique and vintage jewelry to this day.
When it comes to materials, Tiffany art deco jewelry often features precious metals and naturally mined gemstones. Let’s explore some of the most popular choices:
- Precious Metals – Commonly used precious metals include yellow gold, white gold, platinum and silver. These metals account for the majority of settings found in Tiffany Art Deco pieces.
- Gemstones – Many art deco pieces feature gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. All of these natural stones are cut into unique shapes which emphasize their beauty even further.
- Special Alternatives – Certain pieces may include special alternatives like enamel or glass paste instead of gemstones; art deco designs often use novel materials to create something truly unique.
Additionally, Tiffany pieces from this time can also feature incredibly intricate designs that bring out the beauty of each material used as well as the combination itself. From milgrain accents on metal settings to handcrafted geometric motifs, no stone was left unturned when creating these stunning artifacts of fashion history.
One example is an elegant sapphire and diamond art deco necklace set in platinum that dates back to 1925. This delicate piece would have originally featured blue sapphires weighing nearly 4 carats, paired with ethical diamonds totaling 0.65 carats set within a milgrained frame shape pierced with small triangles for added interest.
Not only does this combination call attention to each stone’s individual beauty but also ties together all aspects of its design harmoniously while incorporating modern styles from both Edwardian and Art Deco eras seamlessly. *.
How Art Deco Has Shaped Pop Culture + Lasting Trends
The rise of Art Deco jewelry has been a hallmark in popular culture during the 20th century. With its distinct aesthetic, bold shapes and striking colors, the style of art deco represents a sophisticated yet dramatic approach to adornment. It has been embraced by Hollywood as well as street fashion and cultures across world since the 1920’s.
The Opportunity Of Art Deco
Art deco provided an astonishing opportunity to embrace both minimalist and maximalist designs. Its focus on the finer details was accentuated by quality craftsmanship, innovative technology and intricate attention to detail.
Many of the larger pieces included enameling, diamond-cutting techniques as well as metal fabrication with elements such as gold, platinum or silver being used throughout production. Wearable art became commonplace and so designed influenced developing global fashion trends dramatically effecting the way people dressed while encouraging them to incorporate new materials into their attire.
Tiffany Art Deco Jewelry
Tiffany & Co is one example of companies that incorporated art deco into their design ethos early on in development. As one of America’s first luxury jewelry stores, Tiffany strongly believed in affordable luxury for everyone who sought it while also emphasizing an ethical approach towards sourcing materials for manufacture that still echo’s today throughout their pieces.
The geometric shapes found within their designs provide a sense of beauty without compromising on durability – which is why many classic Tiffany designs remain favourites among customers today.
Continued Influence Of Art Deco
In more recent times, the influence of art deco jewelry remains strong across both streetwear and designer labels alike. It’s continued success reflects not only taste amongst those who enjoy wearing this type of jewelry but also serves as a reminder that ethical sourcing practices are achievable regardless brand size and scope – reaffirming why smaller companies are dedicated to financing social causes with every purchase made from them.
Drawing Inspiration
The stylish designs and Art Deco inspired influence of Tiffany art deco jewelry has made it a popular choice for many fashion-conscious individuals. From statement earrings to chic pendants, this range of jewelry offers something for everyone. As the name suggests, the main feature of Tiffany art deco pieces is their geometric shapes and sharp lines. These effortlessly blend innovation with traditional cuts and colors to create a unique style, perfect for standing out from the crowd.
Since its inception in the early twentieth century, Art Deco practices have been used as a way to express creativity and freedom through fashion. These days, classic designs are being given modern updates and cues taken from other eras, such as 1980s mosaics or 1990s silhouettes. With Tiffany’s collection, these principles come together perfectly – after all, who wouldn’t want to embody sophistication with an art deco flair?
Tiffany’s art deco collection includes pieces that can be worn for virtually any occasion: from everyday essentials such as stud earrings or intricately crafted necklaces, to more formal items such as cocktail rings or elegant brooches – they truly have something for everyone. Here is a list of some examples you could find in this exquisite range:
- Stud Earrings
- Geometric Pendants
- Chandelier Earrings
- Bracelets with Gemstone Accents
- Pearl Necklaces
- Cocktail Rings with Colorful Stones
- Drop Earrings with Diamond Embellishments
The Tiffany Art Deco Legacy
The Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Jewelry Collection of the 1920’s remains as one of their most revered and influential lines of jewelry ever made. This style began to emerge at a time when flapper-style clothing, short hair, and finger waves epitomized the women’s fashion scene in the jazz age.
The jewelry designs reflected this new era with striking yet elegant materials, geometric patterns in angular shapes, featuring pristine white diamonds working harmoniously with platinum or yellow gold accents.
This stunning jewelry style soon gained wide appeal among fashionable cosmopolitan societies, as it was not about flashy showmanship but rather sought to capture a certain sense of timelessness. While other Art Deco pieces often featured bright pops of color from sapphires and rubies; perhaps Tiffany’s greatest contribution to Art Deco was their preference for neutral hues that allowed the beauty of each design to be highlighted between simple yet noble metals like platinum and gold.
Tiffany & Co’s portrayal of Art Deco during this time was truly distinct from other forms available during this period. They showcased intricate detailing using clean settings and selection of fine stones that gave each piece an enchanting look that represented luxury without ostentatiousness – emphasizing an image based on discretion rather than flashiness.
This enabled Tiffany Art Deco Jewelry have an ambiance that has lasted throughout the decades – making them still sought after today with many vintage pieces being cherished not only for their physical beauty but also as heirloom items passed down from generation to generation as a reminder of past glamour and elegance in twentieth century society.
Welcome to my jewelry blog! My name is Sarah and I am the owner of this blog.
I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
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