The period between 1920-1935/40 is considered the “Art Deco Period.” The period between approximately 1940 and 1950 is considered the “Retro Period.” The period between 1950 and late 1960’s is considered the “Mid-Century Period.” The period between the late 1960’s and present day is considered “Modern.” Many will attach the word “vintage” or “estate” to a description, if a modern piece has been previously worn.
The overlap in design during these periods can make it difficult to accurately date a piece of fine jewelry. There is much debate among experts on the subject of dating fine jewelry created during these periods.
During the Art Deco Period jewelry designers incorporated brightly colored gemstones into their geometric designs. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, spinel and tourmaline are examples of gemstones chosen by jewelry designers. Sourcing natural, earth mined, colored gemstones for jewelry production was as difficult a hundred years ago, as it is today.
Designers of these delicately detailed pieces were particular about the color and appearance of gemstones used in their designs. The demand for colored gemstones worldwide was very high.
By the late 1800’s, synthetic gemstones had been successfully created. Synthetic gemstones were available and used by jewelers and designers.
Well known auction houses have sold high end pieces of Art Deco jewelry, fully disclosing the synthetic gemstones used in the pieces. Art Deco jewelry is about the “art,” not the value or rarity of the gemstones (natural or synthetic) used in these pieces.
Much of the high quality jewelry created during these periods was melted down for the metal (gold or platinum). Today, intact, crisp pieces from the Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Victorian eras are very desirable and difficult to acquire.
The pieces in our collection are authentic. They are not trendy, low quality reproductions.
Noteworthy: During the Art Deco Period (1920 – 1940), the 19th Amendment granted all American women the right to vote (August 19, 1920).
