Art Déco Brooches

(around 1920 to 1940)

At the end of the 19th century, industrialisation paved the way for a new, mechanised world, the effects of which were felt in all areas of life in the following decades. The futuristic, geometric jewellery fashion of the Art Déco period also reflected these trends. Art Déco brooches were a particularly versatile example of this. Find out more »

The brooch – part of the everyday wardrobe

While today the brooch is usually classically placed on the lapel, in the 1920s it was worn in a variety of ways on belts, hats or on the shoulder. Women's fashion of the time moved away from the corset-embellished silhouette of the past in favour of geometric, angular designs with a dropped waist. This new style could be either sporty or extremely glamorous, which provided the perfect backdrop for Art Déco brooches of various designs.

Brooches of the Art Déco – four types

Influenced by the newly emerging machine aesthetics and the design language of distant countries such as Asia and Egypt, Art Déco jewellery was stylised and geometric, but no less imaginative

A typical design of the time were brooches in the shape of a circle or polygon with an open centre, decorated on the sides with symmetrical and diamond-set decorative elements. Preferred gemstones for this design were rock crystal, jade, onyx or coral, which were often used in Art Déco rings as well.

Antique Art Déco brooches of the 1920s were often found in the form of diamond-studded vases containing stylised flowers or fruits made of different coloured stones (so-called Giardinetto brooch). On the other hand, people also favoured Art Déco brooches with diamonds, which were designed in a basic architectural form and consisted of arches, pagodas or pillar temples.

A classic of the early 20th century was also the Art Déco bar brooch. This design consisted of a bar element that was decorated in the centre or on both sides with ornamental shapes set with precious stones. The bar brooch in the shape of an arrow was particularly popular.

Art Déco brooches in plaque form became a trend in the 1930s. Opulently set with diamonds and contrasting coloured stones and decorated with millegrain ornaments, these brooches consisted of openwork shapes such as rectangles, ovals or octagons. The material of choice was white precious metal, especially platinum. If Art Déco brooches were made of gold, white gold was preferred.

Art Déco jewellery at Halsbandaffaire

Be inspired by our authentic antique Art Déco jewellery and complete your look with individual brooches or Art Déco earrings.

Would you like to see your favourite piece in the flesh? Feel free to visit us at our shop in Munich-Schwabing and see the quality of our range for yourself.