When it comes to exquisite and affordable jewelry in today’s market, we owe much to the Roaring Twenties. This era was characterized by exuberance, romance, and luxury. As society underwent dramatic transformations, women broke free from the restrictive norms of the Edwardian period.
Jewelry played a significant role during this dynamic time, and its styles continue to influence contemporary aesthetics. Let us delve into the everlasting charm of flapper jewelry and honor one of history’s most fascinating decades.
The Iconic 1920’s Jewelry Style
The fashion of the Twenties narrates the story of a pivotal era. People were captivated by the exotic and enticed by the innovations of “the new.” This curiosity manifested in a preference for angular designs, diverse materials, and vibrant hues. Thus emerged a flamboyant and androgynous new style: that of the daring flapper.
Embodying the Jazz Age’s exuberance, vivid colors became the hallmark of the twenties. The quintessential accessory highlighted an exposed back, neckline, or arm. This era’s iconic pieces included long pearl strands, sizable gemstone brooches, bangles and bracelets, and glittering filigree rings.
Historic Trends and Origins: Popular Accessories of the 1920s
The glitz and glamour of the Twenties were inspired by various sources, including Coco Chanel, who introduced “costume jewelry” as a contrast to her minimalist designs. Angular jewelry pieces adorned women’s brooches, belts, hair clips, and sautoir necklaces, adding allure to the era’s fashions.
Flappers frequently wore Art Deco brooches on their cloche hats and fur collars, often showcasing long pearl strands, round bead necklaces, and tasseled lariat designs. Memory wire and cuff bracelets were in vogue, as were lushly colored, gem-studded pieces. Beads and gems in shades like black, teal, orange, sage, and red were fashionable in daywear jewelry. Ultimately, ornate gem brooches, oversized pearls, fringe-adorned pieces, and exquisite filigree rings dominated the accessories of the time.
Jewelry Trends of the 1920s
With a basic understanding of flapper jewelry, you might be inspired to incorporate this style into your wardrobe. Join the many modern enthusiasts who are reviving the splendor of this celebrated era. But where should you begin? Let’s explore the key attributes of 1920s jewelry.
Earrings Styles
The focus of 1920s earrings was on accentuating the skin. Long, sparkling drop earrings that cascaded down the neck were popular, as were beautifully fashioned Art Deco pearl earrings. Another trendy choice was elongated, pendulous earrings that highlighted the neck’s silhouette.
Necklace Styles
Necklaces in the 1920s were notably lengthy and appeared infinite. Dangling pendants and elaborate bib necklaces with fringe were among the popular selections. Extra-long pearl necklaces, measuring up to 60 inches, were also in vogue, with shorter variants emerging later in the decade. These pearls often ended in fringe or gemstones which could be draped across the chest, behind the back, or over a shoulder.
Ring Styles
The 1920s marked a transformative period in ring design, characterized by modern faceted stone cuts, striking color contrasts, symmetrical patterns, and geometric shapes.
With significant influences from the Edwardian and Art Nouveau eras, early 1920s ring designs featured streamlined floral motifs inspired by Art Nouveau. From the Edwardian era, platinum and diamond engagement rings were retained but presented in geometric shapes and straight lines, a departure from the flowing curves of their predecessors.
Bracelet Styles
The Twenties embraced the motto “more is better” in wristwear. Fashionable women layered multiple bracelets, which were typically green, red, or black. Materials included plastic, shell, metal, and even bone, with designs echoing African art or unique and rare elements.
Channeling the essence of the 1920s, T-Shirtmeng has curated a selection of flapper-inspired jewelry designs. Prepare yourself for a new Roaring Twenties.
