Are you nostalgic for the style of the great ladies of previous centuries? If you love antique jewelry as much as I do, then you will be delighted to discover a little more about the great periods of their history. Thus, I will introduce you to the key stages in the history of jewelry, the stylistic evolutions of antique jewelry, and the most beautiful creations of the great affiliated jewelry houses!
KEY PERIODS IN THE GREAT HISTORY OF JEWELRY FROM THE 19TH TO THE 20TH CENTURIES
Jewelry has undergone significant changes throughout history, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. Indeed, like art in the broad sense, this precious ornament has followed trends and fashions, but has also evolved thanks to the modernity of techniques and the know-how of jewelers.
THE 19TH CENTURY
The 19th century was the great era of splendor and finery reigned supreme! Jewelry was worn in abundance and was widely displayed. Inspired by the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the jewelers of this century demonstrated unique artistic creativity. Girandoles, brooches, cuffs and necklaces were worn excessively and were aware of the possibilities of transformation thanks to the new techniques used by jewelers. It was also at this time that the difference between daytime jewelry and evening jewelry was made and found its full meaning.
ART NOUVEAU
Art Nouveau is an artistic movement born around 1900. It is very inspired by plant lines, Japanese art and modern glassmaking techniques. But it is also a movement that developed around the adoration of women and curves, and thus lends itself perfectly to the world of jewelry. Putting nature in the spotlight, brooches and pendants are adorned with graceful and finely chiseled patterns, embellished with pieces of glassware and luminous enamels. The most incredible jewels of the time were in fact designed by the famous René Lalique, Vevert and Fouquet!
ART DECO
More timeless, Art Deco jewelry is adorned with straight lines and geometric patterns. Thus, after Art Nouveau, the lines of this new artistic movement are simplified and synthesized. The colors are then more distinct, and black, white, green or even coral come to oppose frankly in jewelry generally made of platinum. The diamond is the stone put in the spotlight in these Art Deco jewelry which are adorned and paved with it excessively. Still very sought after on the current market, the precious jewelry of Art Deco has not finished pleasing lovers of great jewelry!
THE 1940S
After the splendor of Art Deco, and at the end of the Second World War, the jewelers of the time had to show creativity by creating a unique and retro style. In the Art Deco movement, materials and volumes were reviewed to create exuberant jewelry. Jewelry is certainly less luxurious than in the heyday of Art Deco, but it is largely regaining its letters of nobility today.
THE 1950S
The retro style of the 40s lasted until the 1950s. Faced with the shortage of precious stones, synthetic and shimmering stones were thus put in the spotlight in voluminous jewelry. The price of gold having indeed fallen following the Great War, the imposing tank rings, the thick bangles, or the voluminous necklaces with wide curves then weighed heavily in yellow gold or rose gold.
THE 1960S
One of the last famous movements in 20th century jewelry design is that of originality and exuberance! Decorative and ornamental stones, such as onyx, quartz, coral, aquamarine, tourmaline and citrine, are set in jewelry that is free from everything. This era, both artistic and social, is indeed freeing itself from all constraints. Thus, the famous animal brooches by Van Cleef & Arpels, the snake by Boucheron and the panther by Cartier adorn women all over the world!
THE 1970S
The 1970s represented the decade of eclecticism. Always heavy, voluminous and above all very colorful, these jewels were inspired by the floral, animal or ethnic world. Ancient and Egyptian inspirations were also in fashion. Great jewelers worked on spectacular creations that would make their house internationally renowned, such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Piaget or Dinh Van.
KEY PERIODS IN THE GREAT HISTORY OF JEWELRY FROM THE 19TH TO THE 20TH CENTURIES
Jewelry has undergone significant changes throughout history, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. Indeed, like art in the broad sense, this precious ornament has followed trends and fashions, but has also evolved thanks to the modernity of techniques and the know-how of jewelers.
THE 19TH CENTURY
The 19th century was the great era of splendor and finery reigned supreme! Jewelry was worn in abundance and was widely displayed. Inspired by the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the jewelers of this century demonstrated unique artistic creativity. Girandoles, brooches, cuffs and necklaces were worn excessively and were aware of the possibilities of transformation thanks to the new techniques used by jewelers. It was also at this time that the difference between daytime jewelry and evening jewelry was made and found its full meaning.
ART NOUVEAU
Art Nouveau is an artistic movement born around 1900. It is very inspired by plant lines, Japanese art and modern glassmaking techniques. But it is also a movement that developed around the adoration of women and curves, and thus lends itself perfectly to the world of jewelry. Putting nature in the spotlight, brooches and pendants are adorned with graceful and finely chiseled patterns, embellished with pieces of glassware and luminous enamels. The most incredible jewels of the time were in fact designed by the famous René Lalique, Vevert and Fouquet!
ART DECO
More timeless, Art Deco jewelry is adorned with straight lines and geometric patterns. Thus, after Art Nouveau, the lines of this new artistic movement are simplified and synthesized. The colors are then more distinct, and black, white, green or even coral come to oppose frankly in jewelry generally made of platinum. The diamond is the stone put in the spotlight in these Art Deco jewelry which are adorned and paved with it excessively. Still very sought after on the current market, the precious jewelry of Art Deco has not finished pleasing lovers of great jewelry!
THE 1940S
After the splendor of Art Deco, and at the end of the Second World War, the jewelers of the time had to show creativity by creating a unique and retro style. In the Art Deco movement, materials and volumes were reviewed to create exuberant jewelry. Jewelry is certainly less luxurious than in the heyday of Art Deco, but it is largely regaining its letters of nobility today.
THE 1950S
The retro style of the 40s lasted until the 1950s. Faced with the shortage of precious stones, synthetic and shimmering stones were thus put in the spotlight in voluminous jewelry. The price of gold having indeed fallen following the Great War, the imposing tank rings, the thick bangles, or the voluminous necklaces with wide curves then weighed heavily in yellow gold or rose gold.
THE 1960S
One of the last famous movements in 20th century jewelry design is that of originality and exuberance! Decorative and ornamental stones, such as onyx, quartz, coral, aquamarine, tourmaline and citrine, are set in jewelry that is free from everything. This era, both artistic and social, is indeed freeing itself from all constraints. Thus, the famous animal brooches by Van Cleef & Arpels, the snake by Boucheron and the panther by Cartier adorn women all over the world!
THE 1970S
The 1970s represented the decade of eclecticism. Always heavy, voluminous and above all very colorful, these jewels were inspired by the floral, animal or ethnic world. Ancient and Egyptian inspirations were also in fashion. Great jewelers worked on spectacular creations that would make their house internationally renowned, such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Piaget or Dinh Van.