Iconic Art Deco Jewelry Designs for a Maximalist Style

 Art Deco is a term derived from the Exposition International des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, and this came in vogue in the mid-1920s. Paris was, of course, at the center of the movement, which involved using rich materials and fine craftsmanship to elevate the mundane atmosphere in the post-WWI era.

The designs influenced everything from architecture, boats, cars, and movie theaters to everyday objects like furniture and radios. Hence, it wasn't long before art deco jewelry soon came into vogue. Today, you can find some of the best of them in jewelry brands like Seaman Schepps.

Why Was the Art Deco Style Revolutionary?

Some of the most famous designers responsible for making art deco jewelry a cult fashion were Raymond Templier, Jean Fouquet, Jeanne Bovin, Suzanne Belperron Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels, among others. The entire point of creating this jewelry was to go all out and embrace the vitality of life.

Tutti frutti jewelry was a part of this style. It meant throwing a random mix of materials and gems together to create a very eclectic and yet very cohesive piece of jewelry. For obvious reasons, this jewelry had a slightly eccentric air. For these very characteristics, those with a maximalist sense of style found this style of expression so liberating after the dull years of the First World War.

The Uniqueness of Art Deco Style

Art deco jewelry makes use of a plethora of unique gemstones like onyx, uncut diamonds, yellow sapphire, and black pearls. As the Art Deco style started progressing, it began incorporating elements from other cultures, predominantly Asian and African. In the 1930s, the motifs were derived heavily from the Oriental styles, and jade, lapis lazuli, and quartz were used to bring intricate patterns to life.

Unconventional Patterns

The most iconic art deco jewelry features circles and arches, inverted triangles, and ovals. They are mostly seen in pieces like brooches, rings, pendants, and necklaces. The brooches deserve a special mention as they were statement pieces, and men and women used them alike. They were used to adorn and attach a handkerchief, were pinned to the lapels of a coat or the pleats of a dress over the chest, or even on a handbag. The clips made it easy to put them on.

Tutti frutti jewelry made a significant impact because no matter what sense of style one had, it went with almost every kind of attire and elevated it to a whole new level. It featured fruits and foliages and had a softer take on art deco, making them overwhelmingly beautiful and yet timorously exotic at the same time.

Few designers have managed to capture and retain the vivacity and maximalist style of art deco jewelry in present times as Seaman Schepps. Brands like these have transgressed cross-cultural boundaries and taken the maximalist, art deco style to the world.