1920s Jewellery

The 1920s was a decade of revolution in all aspects of fashion and culture; we're likely all familiar with the chic flapper aesthetic of cropped hair, drop-waist dresses, and plunging necklines.

A major change in fashion during this period came through how it was interpreted – fashion became more of an artistic expression, a way to rebel and explore new avenues away from practicality. The 1920s represent, in many ways, the first time that women's clothing was about expressing length and straight lines, emphasising a boyish look that emulated the struggle for women to be seen as men's equals during this time.

The overwhelmingly popular preference for short, gamine hairstyles resulted in an equally popular increase in long, dangling earrings. These earrings often featured detailed filigree designs, making the most out of earrings as an accessory. Statement earrings became a focal point of fashion during this period.

The Art Deco school of design ruled the 1920s. The name 'Art Deco' is an abbreviation from an exposition held in Paris in 1925 demonstrating art, architecture and culture from around the world called the Exposition Nationale des Art Decoratifs. This was to become the seminal artistic movement which would define the style of the era.

Another considerable influence on the style of 1920s fashion and jewellery was the archaeological discoveries made during the era. One such discovery was the tomb of Tutankhamun, arguably the most well-known pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. This discovery, as well as that of other Ancient Egyptian relics, manifested itself in jewellery design with an abundance of yellow gold, lapis lazuli, turquoise and Egyptian motifs such as scarab beetles, the eye of Horus, lotus blossoms and pyramids.

The discovery of a large diamond mine in South Africa made diamonds more affordable and plentiful, however they were marketed in such a way that they remained a sign of wealth and prosperity. Diamonds were, however plentiful, reserved for evening and formal occasions only, as it was considered uncouth and gauge to wear diamonds during the day.

Jewellery became more and more of a fashion statement that would reflect self rather than the status it once represented. And with that, along came a range of stunning new necklace styles, some of which include :

Long-Stranded Pearls - With thanks to designers like Coco Chanel, a long-stranded pearl necklace was the epitome of 1920s jewellery. Necklaces were made to be longer so women could layer their necklaces to keep up with latest fashion trends.

Drop Pendants - With their sleek and elongated designs, drop pendants elevate any look with a sense of sophistication. Frequently featuring stunning gemstones, they move gracefully with the wearer, enhancing their elegance and charm. During this time, pendants frequently featured designs like flowers, animals, or abstract shapes. These motifs provided women with a way to showcase their unique personalities and styles, infusing an element of intrigue and charm.

Bib Necklace - Otherwise known as the 'dog collar necklace' or the 'choker', bib necklaces were the statement piece of the 20s. Women wore chokers to accentuate both their necks and their collarbones. This particular style of necklace was undoubtedly unique to the time with cut stones that took the shape of triangles and squares.

The 1920s marked the rise of Art Deco, a vibrant design movement known for its striking, symmetrical lines and bold colours. This style left a lasting impact on various forms of art, including architecture and jewellery, particularly rings. Art Deco rings became legendary for their geometric designs, stunning colour pairings, and the lavish use of gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds.

Bold Geometric Designs: Rings from this period often featured daring geometric shapes, like squares, rectangles, and chevrons. These patterns created a sense of modernity that was well-suited to the forward-looking spirit of the time.

Cocktail Rings as Status Symbols: With the rise of social freedom and financial independence for women, cocktail rings emerged as must-have accessories for those looking to express themselves. These bold and decorative rings were often showcased at social events, representing both affluence and a sense of liberation.

Flapper Influence: Flappers not only transformed fashion but also made waves in the world of jewellery. Their choice of rings, often set with dazzling stones, became a representation of the bold and carefree attitude that defined women in the 1920s.

The allure of Art Deco rings remains strong among today's jewellery designers, who are drawn to their sophisticated yet modern aesthetic, appealing to both those who cherish vintage pieces and those who prefer contemporary designs.

In the 1920s, earrings played a vital role as a fashionable accessory, reflecting the era's charm and whimsy. With women sporting bobbed hairstyles and elegant updos, earrings became a crucial part of their overall style.

Chandelier Earrings: These stunning, hanging earrings were ideal for formal events and paired wonderfully with the shorter hairstyles of the time. Typically adorned with diamonds, pearls, or semi-precious stones, chandelier earrings brought an extra layer of elegance and charm.

Elegant Simple Studs: While chandelier earrings are the stars of parties and special events, stud earrings have gained popularity for everyday use. Often crafted from pearls, diamonds, or gemstones, these understated yet chic accessories bring a touch of luxury to any outfit without being too flashy.

Jazz Influence: Jazz music and its lively cultural scene played a crucial role in shaping jewellery styles. Designers embraced rhythmic patterns and a sense of motion in their creations. Earrings, for instance, often featured innovative shapes and designs that drew inspiration from musical elements, perfectly capturing the fun and vibrant spirit of the Jazz Age.

Art Deco Earrings: The angular cuts of gemstones and shapes involved in Art Deco design translated seamlessly to the fashionable jewellery of the time. White on white was also a very popular element of this period; where gemstones like pearls or diamonds would be set into white metals such as platinum, palladium, and white gold. In great contrast to the popular jewellery of the late Victorian and much of the Edwardian period, these 1920s Art Deco earrings appeared cutting edge and modern due to its clean brightness.

In the 1920s, bracelets were a vibrant mix of luxury and artistic flair. The trend of stacking bracelets took off, as women began to embellish their wrists with several pieces, resulting in a beautiful layered appearance that highlighted an array of textures, colours, and designs.

Stacked Bangles and Bracelets: The trend of stacking bangles or bracelets has become a favourite among women, offering the chance to combine different metals, stones, and shapes. It's common to see gold, platinum, and silver bracelets embellished with diamonds or vibrant gemstones layered together.

Statement Bracelets: The 1920s marked the emergence of eye-catching cuff bracelets that boasted elaborate Art Deco designs. These wide pieces often incorporated bright gemstones or showcased detailed geometric patterns, making them truly stand out as statement accessories.

Charm Bracelets: The rise of charm bracelets brought a new wave of fashion, where each charm carried its own special meaning or personal flair. These bracelets provided a unique opportunity for customization, featuring charms that celebrated your passions, journeys, or important milestones.

The trend of stacking and layering bracelets added a touch of glamour and was a way for women to display wealth, taste, and personality in a subtle yet powerful manner.