What jewelery pieces are the 1920's known for?

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#16
Although it is a timepiece and not a jewelry piece per se, I think the iconic Cartier Tank watch, which was created in 1917 (and first offered for sale in 1922) is an example of the Art Deco style, in its bold, geometric, and modern form.

A good place to see beautiful examples of Art Deco jewelry is the Christies website. Just search there past lots and there are many breathtaking examples of Art Deco jewelry.

Here is a link to a Christies Art Deco jewelry search:
http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/searchresults.aspx?toogle=p&entry=art+deco&action=search&sid=49509b94-3cbe-41d2-aab5-1d5a41eab153&searchtype=p#toogle=p&entry=art+deco&action=sort&sid=49509b94-3cbe-41d2-aab5-1d5a41eab153&searchtype=p&selectedids=7797&sortby=ehigh
 
#17
I'm a big fan of paste pieces that were popular as copies of real jewellery. This is a really wonderful French sterling deco necklace...

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#21
I have always heard the term "paste" in conjunction with antique pieces but never looked it up. this provides an excellent explanation:


Paste, according to Antique Paste Jewellery by Malcolm David Samuel Lewis, is "glass which has been cut into gem-like forms". They were used extensively from the 1700s to the early 1900s and were a desired material in themselves, not a replacement for diamonds and gem stones. Invented by Georges Frederic Strass (1701-1773) in 1730, they could be set in silver, sterling or gold and could have been foiled or unfoiled (although 18th century paste was always foiled). Foiled pastes were usually seen in closed-backed settings where the foil provided added reflection and brilliance. Pastes could be much more readily cut and shaped than diamonds, making a close-fitting pave look achievable, and a variety of shaped and sized stones makes a paste piece more desirable. Perfectly round stones will not be found in the early and best paste jewelry, nor will claw settings and knife-edge work. Cut down settings gave way to the coronet setting only in the 19th century. Paste could be fashioned in different colors, including an opaline cabochon similar to opals. Most paste came from France, England, Spain or Portugal. Some later pieces were hallmarked.

The introduction of paste in 1730 made the term "Age of Paste" applicable to the 18th century and their shimmer is as appealing today as it was when they were made. According to Antique Paste Jewellery, paste was only made from circa 1700-1865 but the term has been more generalized to include pieces up to the 1930-40s, and for some it is used to describe jewelry even later than that. But beware... paste has been reproduced for many years and it can be extremely difficult to distinguish old from new. Findings may also be replacements so it is good, as always, to do your research (references below) and buy from a reputable dealer.
 
#23
Thanks, Shanam! I have a serious vintage jewellery weakness! This piece is not 20s, but it is paste; probably 1915 or so... sorry about the photo quality. The metal loops at the end are where a ribbon would have been theaded to tie the necklace closed.

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#25
^^^^The bottom 2 brooches are beautiful misticat. The site where I got the info. on the paste has some very lovely pieces. I don't know how to post them individually so here is the site:
http://www.morninggloryjewelry.com/paste-jewelry-aid-67.html

There is one hair brooch. Are you familiar with hair jewelry. It is very difficult to find and so unusual. I had 2 hair rings that I bought when I was a teen-ager.
It spooks a lot of people but I found it fascinating and always tried to find out how it was done. Hair jewelry is more of the 1800's though.
 
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