The 1920s is known as the “Roaring Twenties”, which is a period of economic development, women’s status, and the Art Nouveau style and modern aesthetics. Jewelry in the 1920s not only symbolizes the fashion and luxury of that era, but also reflects the background of the times and has important significance. We will explore jewelry in the 20s, learn about their popular styles and designs and their trends in the 1920s.
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Background of the 1920s
Early 1920s (1920-1923)
After the political and economic turmoil in various countries that had just experienced World War I, the United States rose to become the global economic center. As women gained the right to vote, their social status improved, and they dressed more boldly, had more free hairstyles (such as short hair), and pursued an independent and free lifestyle.
1920s Middle Part (1924-1927)
The mid-1920s was called the Golden Age of the Economy (the Roaring Twenties), when the U.S. economy grew rapidly and telephones, movies, and radio became popular. Women not only dressed more boldly, but also occupied a more important position in the workplace and cultural fields. Roaring 20’s Art Deco gradually became the mainstream, influencing furniture, jewelry, and other fields. In jewelry design, the combination of pearls, diamonds, and gemstones became bolder, and the design style was simple, geometric, and symmetrical. There is also a type of 20s costume jewelry, which is non-precious metal jewelry popular at the time, usually made of cheap materials such as glass or artificial gemstones, used to imitate more expensive jewelry. This jewelry is highly decorative and adapts to the social demand for fashion at the time.
Late 1920s (1928-1929)
Fun facts about the roaring 20’s are that in the late 1920s, the economy was overheated and social conflicts accumulated, which laid the groundwork for the subsequent global economic depression.
Jewelry in the 20s - Rings from 1920s
1920s jewelry was diverse. Influenced by Art Deco, the rings of the 1920s were mainly geometric in shape, baguette (a simple but visually striking design dominated by baguette diamonds) and cluster rings (multiple small diamonds or gemstones combined into a single design, similar to modern 20s style).
Jewelry in the 20s - Earrings from the 20s
There are two main styles of earrings in the 1920s. One is long hanging earrings: these earrings are usually designed to be long and flowing. These earrings often contain diamonds, gemstones, pearls and other elements to form a gorgeous dangling effect.
Another type is geometric earrings: geometric shapes are applied to a variety of roaring 20s jewelry. Common shapes of geometric earrings include diamonds, circles and triangles, which are both modern and artistic.
Jewelry in the 20s - 1920s Necklace Styles
It can be said that the trends of necklaces in the 1920s are the 1920s jewelry trends. With the rapid economic growth, people pursue a higher quality of life. Precious gems such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds appear on many upper-class women, and the jewelry setting process has also made great progress, making jewelry design more sophisticated. The necklaces of the Roaring 20s were the most popular and had the most far-reaching fashion influence. Necklaces in the 1920s are mainly divided into two styles:
Sautoir
The Sautoir is the most representative jewelry in 1920s. This necklace is usually waist-length and often has tassels or pendants. Sautoir can be made of platinum with diamonds, colored gemstones (emeralds, sapphires, rubies), onyx, etc. It is very suitable for the straight skirts and ball gowns popular in the 1920s. Some people also wear the Sautoir in two layers. The Sautoir is a signature accessory for high-society and fashionable women.
Pearl Necklace
In the 1920s, the pearl necklace meaning was associated with elegance and class, often worn by women to symbolize their social status and modern femininity. And the pearl necklaces are almost the most popular things in 1920. 1920s pearl necklaces are usually made of multiple layers of pearls, and the length can vary according to the needs of the wearer. There are short styles that fit close to the neck, and long styles that can hang down to the chest or longer. The long pearl necklace 1920s was the trending pearl necklace at that time, also known as flapper pearl necklace (women with short hair, free and unrestrained, and modern sense wear long pearl necklaces). Flapper jewelry in the 1920s is in line with the characteristics of women’s pursuit of freedom in the 1920s, showing women’s independence and confidence.
Multi-layer pearl necklaces are another 1920 jewelry style. Pearl necklaces in the 1920s are usually made of multiple layers of pearls, adding a sense of luxury and layering, especially at dinner parties or formal occasions, which can show women’s elegance and status. Multi-layer pearl necklaces are also classic 1920’s women’s jewelry.
Jewelry in the 20s - 1920s Actress wearing pearl necklace
- Hollywood actress Paulette Goddard became a fashion icon in the movie City Lights, wearing a multi-layered pearl necklace with an evening gown.
- Claudette Colbert loved to wear long pearl necklaces for formal occasions such as dinner parties or red carpets.
- Louise Brooks, a popular movie star in the 1920s, also loved to wear pearl necklaces, especially tassel-shaped ones, which matched her modern outfits and showed her freedom and independence.
Jewelry in the 20s - 1920's Bracelets
1920s vintage jewelry bracelets are also divided into two main popular styles. One is a slender platinum bracelet. The 1920s was a period when platinum was popular, and because platinum is suitable for different jewelry styles, platinum is a common metal in jewelry design. At that time, platinum bracelets would also be inlaid with some diamonds or other gemstones to make the bracelets look gorgeous.
There is also a wide decorative bracelet, which was mainly popular in the late 1920s, usually using a combination of metals and gemstones to show a gorgeous feeling.
Jewelry in the 20s - 1920's Ladies Accessories
1920’s jewelry and accessories also developed. Some accessories such as brooches, headbands, headdresses and hair accessories are also 1920s jewelry fashion and styles. 1920s headband history reflects how these accessories became essential symbols of women’s independence and modernity during the era. These women’s accessories usually incorporate elements such as flowers or animals in nature, or are designed into popular geometric shapes. These formal fashion jewelry are very popular in social occasions and become a must-have decoration for women’s dinners and dances.
Conclusion
In general, 1920s inspired jewelry is mainly characterized by art deco, geometric design, and the combination of pearls and gemstones. It focuses on modernity and reflects the spirit and cultural changes of the roaring 20s. The style of 20s even influence the jewellery in the 70s, which also focus on art deco. This vintage style of jewelry has been popular until now, and the art deco style is used for daily wear or important occasions such as engagement and wedding rings. If you also like the vintage and modern styles of jewelry in the 20s, customize your exclusive art deco jewelry at Amanda now!
FAQs About Jewelry in the 20s
Why was it called the roaring 20s? Is 1920 after the roaring 20s?
The roaring 20s was called so because it was a time of great cultural and social upheaval, marked by economic prosperity, rapid changes in fashion, music, and lifestyles, and a vibrant, carefree atmosphere. The era was “roaring” with energy, innovation, and the break from traditional norms, especially in urban areas like New York and Chicago. No, 1920 is considered the beginning of the roaring 20s. The decade itself is from 1920 to 1929, marking a period of significant cultural change, especially in the United States and Europe.
What is the Etruscan jewelry of the 1920s?
Etruscan jewelry of the 1920s refers to a revival of ancient Etruscan jewelry techniques, characterized by intricate metalworking, such as granulation and filigree. This style became popular in the roaring twenties jewelry scene, blending ancient craftsmanship with modern fashion trends. The designs often featured detailed patterns, gemstones, and bold, decorative elements that appealed to the era’s love for luxury and opulence.
How did Louis Armstrong affect the roaring 20s?
Louis Armstrong greatly influenced the roaring 20s by revolutionizing jazz music. His innovative trumpet playing and distinctive voice made jazz more popular and helped shape the genre’s development, making him a key figure in the cultural movement of the era.
What color was mostly wore in the roaring twenties?
In the roaring twenties, popular colors for fashion included bold and vibrant shades like black, gold, silver, flapper pink, and emerald green. These colors symbolized the era’s opulence and freedom.
What did lovers do in the 1920s in America?
Lovers in 1920s America enjoyed more freedom in their relationships, influenced by the social changes of the time. They often went to jazz clubs, speakeasies, and dance halls, embracing the carefree spirit of the roaring twenties. Dating and romantic interactions became more open and public.
