The Art Deco era was a movement in the decorative arts and architecture that originated in the 1920s and developed into a major style during the 1930’s. The name was derived from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925, which is where the style was first exhibited.
Art Deco jewellery represented modernism turned into fashion, with the intention of capturing a sleekness with an anti-traditional elegance that symbolises wealth and sophistication. There are distinguished features of this style with simple, clean shapes, often with a streamlined look, geometric designs and made out of expensive materials. Jade, silver, pearl and rock crystals are characteristic of this era. In our Art Deco jewellery collection at The Real Pearl Co. we use semi-precious stones, Hematite and crystals alongside our pearls to replicate the pieces of jewellery of this time.
A wonderful display of the Art Deco era on our screens is Downton Abbey, with the recent release of the second film. The films and tv series are set on a grand fictional estate, a Yorkshire country house of the Earl and Countess of Grantham. It follows the lives of the aristoric Crawley family and their servants in the reign of George V.
Rendered with a mix of vintage finds and costume recreations, the new Downton Abbey movie features a breadth and richness of jewellery styles of the Art Deco era. Jewellery is used to convey the character’s status and standing. The Crawley women wear Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco pieces, both new and inherited, mixed, layered and worn together. Dangling statement earrings and long necklaces are worn with elegance and abundance throughout.
Lady Edith embraces Art Deco style earrings and lots of long chains. Our Crystal and Pearl Tassel Necklace with our White Pearl and Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings recreate the style of this era really well, combined with our personal touch on the designs.
The eternally elegant Lady Mary is always accessorised for every occasion, with many layers of coordinating beads and bracelets often complimented with a headband style bandeau. Our flattering Baroque Pearl and Gold Plated Tube Necklaces can be elegantly layered and paired with our classic White Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings on either gold or silver hooks – this is a really simple elegant look of the time.One of our favourite pairings for a really Art Deco inspired look is our White Pearl Lariat Necklace with CZ Feather Clip – this is a beautiful and versatile piece which goes exceedingly well with our White Drop Pearl and CZ Line Earrings.
One of our favourite pairings for a really Art Deco inspired look is our White Pearl Lariat Necklace with CZ Feather Clip – this is a beautiful and versatile piece which goes exceedingly well with our White Drop Pearl and CZ Line Earrings.
Precious stones were popular in this era. Our White Pearl and Lapis Lazuli Necklace, sports Lapis beads interspersed with White pearls, and can be worn long, doubled or tripled for a real Art Deco style. Twin with our Semi Precious Stone and Pearl Elasticated Bracelets in a range of colours and you’ll truly encapsulate this era.
Long necklaces are certainly a strong theme within Art Deco inspired jewellery, so we have created several necklaces to replicate this style. Our multi-functional Crystal and Pearl Long Necklaces come in five variations and offer a wonderful piece of jewellery you can adapt to create your look. You can’t go wrong with a simple Long Graduated Pearl Necklace – this elegant look has been passed on from this era and is still worn today to denote the status and power of the people who wear them.
So if you love Downton Abbey and are keen to bring a touch of the glamour of this era to your everyday, or are looking for the perfect gift for a Downton Abbey fan, visit our shop page to explore our full collection of Art Deco pieces.
