In 1925, it was announced that, in Paris, there was to be an “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes”. The main rule for the exposition was that everything on display was to be “Modern”. We had come through the heavy and dark styles of the 19th Century, and the light and natural curves and tendrils of Art Nouveau, suddenly we were in the Machine Age.
LOT 409: An Art Deco Sapphire, Diamond and Platinum Bracelet, circa 1930
LOT 363: An Art Deco Emerald, Diamond and Platinum Bracelet, circa 1920
LOT 245: An Antique Diamond and Platinum Bracelet, circa 1915
Art Deco (a contraction from the name of the exposition: “Arts Décoratifs”) was definitely modern. Geometry ruled; it was the compass of almost every element of modern design, from cars, to houses, appliances, and, of course, jewels.
The power and influence of machines was immortalized in the design of the day. Industrial design governed more and more of our lives, and filtered into the objects we used on a daily basis. We were recognizing the power and influence of machines in all aspects of a modern world.
One influence in the modern design of the Art Deco was the elegant simplicity of Japanese design. Asian style and design had been fascinating Europeans for more than a century, but it was elements of orderly geometry that were finding their way into Art Deco designs.
Another element of Asian art that is often found in Art Deco jewellery is carved jadeite jade that provides almost the only forms from nature and is a rare departure from the pure geometry of Art Deco.
Art Deco design has as much resonance today as it had when it was introduced at the Paris Exposition of 1925. Art Deco jewels from the 1920s to 1930s are eagerly sought and collected today. Art Deco represents a peak of design from a time when we saw industrial design and machines becoming an exciting complement to our lives.
LOT 300: A Diamond and Platinum Bracelet
LOT 298: An Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Bracelet, circa 1930
LOT 299: An Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Bracelet, circa 1930
LOT 237: A Diamond and Platinum Bracelet
 Lot 233 An Art Deco Diamond |
IMPORTANT JEWELS AUCTIONJune 23, 2019 PREVIEW Daily: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (except Sat. until 4:00 PM) |
