Art Deco Diamonds

It's no surprise that everyone loves Art Deco Jewellery. The epitome of luxurious, decadent designs using diamonds, platinum, jade, opals and enamel - the only pity is that, as Art Deco was such a short period, few original pieces in good condition exist and those that do command high prices. At Nicholsons Jewellers, we are delighted to be associated with Art Deco Diamonds, a range of superbly crafted jewellery inspired by the Jazz Age of the 1920's and 30's. The Art Deco Diamonds collection is produced a small Atelier led by a master craftsman and his small team, whose previous work would normally be seen at glamorous "red carpet" events. As the Collection is not a mass produced, machine-made product there is, naturally, limited availability and Nicholson's Jewellers are delighted to be one of only a handful of jewellers in the UK to represent the brand.

The term Art Deco refers to the designs of the early part of the 20th century, particularly those from around 1910 until the end of the 1920's, althouth the phrase Art Deco wasn't actually coined until the 1960's. Europe, and in particular Paris, was the epicentre of the Art Deco movement, which gained popularity after the First World War.

Under the influence of Cubism, the organic motifs of Art Nouveau jewellery gave way to the angular, geometric designs and patterns such as chevrons and arrows by which we all recognise Art Deco. Colour, too, played a great part in Art Deco jewellery; Jade and opals were widely used and often accompanied by diamonds, and jewellery with green, black or terracotta enamel was also popular. After the discovery of Tutenkahmun's treasures everything Egyptian style was in great demand.
Platinum, although not a newly discovered metal, became the metal of choice in this period and has become irrevocable linked with Art Deco Jewellery and luxury jewellery in general. Diamonds in Art Deco jewellery were often cut as baguette or emerald cut diamonds, reflecting the popular angular designs prevalent in this era.

Sadly, with the onset of the the Second World War, the Art Deco period came to a close. It seems that the subsequent austerity and make-do-and-mend culture forced upon the people after the ravages of the war left little time or energy for the decadence and luxury of Art Deco.