Have you been looking for an excuse to wear your Art Deco jewellery? What if we told you that you could wear it all year round with a few simple tricks. Modernising this classic style is simple when you know how, and that’s exactly what we are going to be exploring here. Read on to find out more about this interesting time period and how you can show off your favourite pieces on a regular basis.
Understanding Art Deco Jewellery’s Origins and Characteristics
If you are looking to add some Art Deco pieces to your jewellery collection, it’s important to understand the origins of this wonderful trend. The Art Deco jewellery trend emerged during the Roaring Twenties, a decade of unprecedented economic and cultural change following World War I. This era was known for its luxury and glamour, shaping the jewellery we know and love today. Art Deco jewellery is typically defined by its geometric shapes, vibrant colours, the use of precious stones and meticulous craftsmanship.
How to Modernise the Classic Art Deco Jewellery Trend
Understanding the fascinating history behind this trend opens up many ways to style Art Deco jewellery and bring it into the modern era. As experts in this area, we have some top tips for you when it comes to styling some of your favourite pieces.
Experiment with Colour
So, how do you modernise this glamorous trend? To bring your Art Deco jewellery to life, we recommend pairing your favourite pieces with more muted outfits. Take our Clarice Cliff collection for example. Created by upcycling pieces of pottery from this Art Deco artist, every pendant, pair of earrings and ring we make is bursting with colour. Traditional Art Deco patterns tend to use contrasting colours, hues and gradients. Incorporating your Art Deco pieces as the bold accent in your outfit is an excellent way to wear them daily.
Alternatively, you can use a technique called ‘colour blocking’. Colour blocking is all about pairing colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, creating striking and harmonious combinations that make a bold, beautiful impact. With your Art Deco pieces, you can use this technique, by layering other jewellery which have modern gemstones or enamel for a contemporary feel.
Versatile for Different Occasions
For jewellery you can wear daily, choose Art Deco pieces that can easily transition from day to night. For example, our delicate Art Deco earrings can be worn during the day and then paired with a more dramatic piece for evening events. Art Deco pieces are versatile for a variety of occasions, suitable with both formal and casual attire. A classic Art Deco pendant can add sophistication to a formal outfit or elevate a casual look.
Play with Proportions
To play with large, eye-catching pieces or more delicate ones, you can also play with the proportions of your jewellery. For instance, by combining oversized Art Deco pieces with streamlined, modern clothing you can create a much more striking contrast, whereas if you are looking for a more balanced ensemble, you can balance intricate Art Deco designs with more understated or minimalist items to keep your overall look fresh and unfussy.
Embrace The Vintage Trends
Instead of trying to pair vintage jewellery with completely modern wear, why not incorporate elements of the 1920s into your wardrobe for the day? Art Deco was all about tailored suits – perfect for Art Deco cufflinks. Or, flapper-style dressers that would look perfect with our Black and Silver Art Deco collection. Alternatively, you can experiment with vintage-inspired hairstyles and makeup that echo the Art Deco era, such as a wavy hairstyle or bold lipstick.
