December 26, 2012

Jewelry in the Early 20th Century






1920s Egyptian Revival Necklace Set
1920s Egyptian Revival
From the Egyptian Revival jewels of the mid-1920s and early 1930s, to the gold chain necklaces of the 1940s, the fashioning of jewelry to accommodate modes of dress in the 20th century certainly mirrored political, social, and especially artistic trends. The excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 spurred the incorporation of Egyptian and stylized Oriental motifs in earrings, brooches, and necklaces. This exceptional necklace offers an idea of the exotic Egyptian-inspired works meant to grace the body with unique and eye-catching decorations. 

Miriam Haskell Pendant
The theme can also be observed in the following Miriam Haskell piece, which connects the 1940s draping gold chain motif design to a pharaoh’s mask and a carved scarab pendant. Fashions fluidly adapted to the times throughout the decades, and costume jewelry provided an affordable way to follow the changing styles when precious stones were not within one’s means. 

Edwardian Amethyst Glass
Another early 20th century movement which produced remarkably ornamented pieces of jewelry was Art Nouveau. The sensuous elements and the intense elaboration of the designs varied by country, yet the characteristics of the Art Nouveau style are unmistakable. Curls, coils, and romantic, symmetrically curved designs marked many of the unconventional necklaces, brooches, and pins produced throughout this period. Semi-precious stones also experienced popularity within the ornate designs. This was naturally dependent on consumer preferences and was also arguably proportionate to the growth of the Art Nouveau trend. The following two pieces demonstrate the primary facets of Art Nouveau’s signature distinctions. In the first, sinuous flowers and leaves connect to a lattice motif and frame a rectangular amethyst glass stone. The size of the pin suggests a versatility of use for a variety of dress styles and accessories. 

Edwardian Stone Trio Brooch
The second piece provides an example of three carved stones set within gracefully curving flowers and leaves. This intricate circular design rests on an ornate geometric background. The similarities and differences between these pieces illustrate the diversity of Art Nouveau jewelry.

Art Deco designs were also quite popular in the 1920s and 1930s, with their staged, geometrically sharp lines and the controlled, formalized motion of the jewelry’s focal point. Travel and exoticism were widespread themes for the designs, some of which included symbols of speed, transportation, and luxury, or alternatively, ancient historical motifs. ­ 

While this greyhound pin is from the 1960s/70s, the trend to use greyhounds or gazelles to signify fast and nimble animals dates to the 1930s. Pins and brooches in particular were produced to characterize the excitement of victory and speed on the racing track, often times with precious stones set within the geometric background. This motif is present on the rhinestone-studded blanket which has been placed on the greyhound’s sharply pronounced back.
Racing Greyhound

Brooches made in chrome and enamel, or plastic, were widely produced as well. In the United States, Art Deco jewelry was greatly shaped by Hollywood style, with artificial replacements for precious stones, and often restrained in color but glamorous in choice of background metal.

Although these artistic trends had unique characteristics, they continued to influence designs throughout the latter part of the 20th century. The rise of abstract, geometric patterns contributed to the emergence of a strikingly distinctive modernist style. Less ornate jewelry, with a more simplistic emphasis, became available in many materials, which provided increased accessibility to these trends for the general public. Modernist jewelry would come to be defined by soft abstraction, forgiving geometry, and understated sophistication. Perhaps this was an amalgam of complementary details, inherited from its diverse early roots. 

 -Blog post contributed by Ivayla Ivanova

26 comments:

  1. Nice post! thanks for sharing. Marriage problem solutions - Are you facing problems in married life? They seems to be unending then do not worry.
    WEBSITE: free astrology predictions

    ReplyDelete
  2. I always like to read a quality content having accurate information regarding the subject and the same thing I found in this post. Nice work
    GST Registration | Company Registration

    ReplyDelete
  3. I always like to read a quality content having accurate information regarding the subject and the same thing I found in this post. Nice work
    Website Kalyan Result

    ReplyDelete
  4. Play premier league fantasy cricket on India's no.1 App and get a chance to win up to 50 lakhs in every match. Download the app now!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Post is very good its amzazing post I love them thanks for sharing.
    visit here- cartoon funny video in hindi

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fantasy Power 11 if you have a good knowledge of Cricket you Can earn real money or Paytm cash. Download Link, and Review.If You have skills related to cricket, football, Kabaddi so you can play fantasy cricket in Fantasy Power11 and win real Cash.Fantasy Power 11 app is available only for the Android platform Play cricket and win money, find the best fantasy cricket tips only at Fantasy Power 11. top 10 fantasy cricket apps

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think this is a really good topic. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of post. Free Astrologer Consulatation

    ReplyDelete

  8. I’m impressed, I must say. Genuinely rarely can i encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is outstanding; the issue is something that too little individuals are speaking intelligently about.
    law assignment help online
    essay help
    essay typer

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you for sharing. Excellent post...! It is a very great idea and unique content. Thank you so much.
    Replica hublot mens watches

    ReplyDelete
  10. I read this article fully on the topic of the difference of most up-to-date and earlier technologies, it’s awesome article.
    Website: malaysia passport renew

    ReplyDelete
  11. My assignment help given by our devoted authors are of premium quality. If you need assignment writing service, get in touch with us.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Looking for all the latest styles of jackets valorant phoenix jacket and coats for men? Shop the best collection of men's jackets and coats. Free shipping available.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is very useful software for you and me. No errors were found during the check.
    You can use it. I hope you like it.
    Vinyl Graphics in Denver

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own BlogEngine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it.
    เกร็ดความรู้ฟุตบอล

    ReplyDelete
  16. Consequently, starting in the amount of electronic marketing strategy, is whenever a company's existing website, which will be to review the present site and its purpose is to improve the potency of the future. There is no evidence that the development an เว็บข่าวฟุตบอลต่างประเทศ

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is really great post. Thank you for sharing such a useful information here in the blog.
    Visit groceries shopping online

    ReplyDelete
  18. We run a community that promotes massage and leaves reviews, so why don't you come in and take a look? bovine based baby formula

    ReplyDelete
  19. I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to thisC topic. Liked the material. . .
    alternatif tos885 link

    ReplyDelete
  20. Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! bioskop keren

    ReplyDelete
  21. I read this article. I think You put a lot of effort to create this article. I appreciate your work.
    agen togel online

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very good article,Thank you. For best astrology services contact us Best Astrologer In Nunavut

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank You for Providing Such insightful information. If someone is looking for the Quickbooks customer service in US.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article.
    Visit here :- malaysia visa application online

    ReplyDelete
  26. This is so cool. I like jewellries in 20's century. https://www.treeremovalnc.com

    ReplyDelete