Vintage Art Deco Pendant Necklace: History Style and Design
robertsmith 
If you’ve ever looked at a piece of jewelry and thought it looked like a scene straight out of “The Great Gatsby”, you were probably staring at an art deco necklace. This style isn't about dainty florals or soft curves; it’s bold, sharp, and impossible to ignore. Even a century later, these pieces still feel like they’re from the future. Whether it's the obsession with symmetry or the way the diamonds catch the light, a vintage art deco necklace is basically a wearable piece of architecture.
The Origins of Art Deco Jewelry: A Glimpse into the 1920s
To really get the vibe, you have to look back at the 1920s. After the heavy, somber mood of the previous years, the world was ready for a party. Art Deco was a complete break from the past. Back then, jewelry was a way to show off a new sense of freedom. Women were cutting their hair short, wearing sleeveless dresses, and they needed jewelry that stood out. This led to the creation of the geometric art deco necklace, which used bold shapes to mirror the soaring skyscrapers popping up in cities like New York and Paris.
Key Design Elements That Define Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
You can usually spot an art deco necklace from across the room once you know what to look for. Instead of the messy, organic shapes found in older jewelry, Deco designers loved:
● Sharp Geometry: Think triangles, squares, and chevrons. Everything is balanced and perfectly symmetrical.
● Contrasting Colors: Designers loved pairing bright white diamonds with dark black onyx or deep green emeralds to make the shapes pop.
● Step Cuts: This is when stones are cut with flat, "staircase" edges (like the emerald cut) rather than being super sparkly and round.
Popular Gemstones and Metals Used in Vintage Art Deco Necklaces
The materials used in a vintage art deco necklace were all about luxury and looking high-tech for the time. When it came to the stones, an art deco diamond necklace was the ultimate status symbol. But it wasn't just about diamonds. You’ll often see "calibre-cut" stones, which are tiny gems custom-cut to fit perfectly into a specific geometric shape. Common favorites included:
- Sapphires and emeralds: Often used to get that rich, almost royal look against white metal.
- Onyx and enamel: Popular for creating strong black details that really define the style of the time.
- Coral and jade: Chosen as a subtle reference to the global influences behind the movement.
How to Identify an Authentic Art Deco Pendant Necklace?
Shopping for an actual vintage art deco necklace can be a bit of a scavenger hunt. If you want the real deal, look for these clues:
● Check the Metalwork: Authentic pieces often feature "filigree" (tiny, lace-like metal cutouts) or "milgrain" (those tiny rows of metal beads). If the work looks too "perfect" or chunky, it might be a modern cast.
● Look at the Diamonds: Old European or Old Mine cuts were common back then. They have a different, warmer glow compared to the laser-precise "round brilliant" cuts we see today.
● Find the Markings: These are usually small and found on the clasp or the back. Hallmarks can tell you the metal purity and sometimes even the maker’s mark.
Conclusion
An art deco necklace isn’t just a vintage piece. It makes a strong, confident statement. It represents a time when people weren't afraid to be bold, loud, and a little bit experimental. Whether you're wearing an original piece from the 20s or a modern take on the style, it’s a look that will never feel dated. Make sure to subscribe to our blog to learn more about vintage jewelry and find more style guides like this one!
