Cubism, Modernism, and Futurism were all influences on engagement ring designs during the time. Geometry, strong colors, and symmetry were the themes of Art Deco, and engagement rings in particular mirrored the era with a streamlined geometric design.
Art Nouveau and Edwardian era design periods inspired engagement ring styles before Art Deco.
Early Art Deco engagement rings, like this antique art nouveau engagement ring, borrowed some of Art Nouveau's colorful and floral accents in sleeker designs, but later replaced them with brutally geometric and symmetrical motifs.
As this antique Edwardian diamond daisy band demonstrates, the Edwardian aesthetic impacted Art Deco jewelry designers in their use of platinum and diamond on engagement rings. Art Deco engagement rings were less conservative and more geometric than Edwardian rings. In contrast to Edwardian rings, which had curving lines and nature-inspired designs, the 1920s engagement rings had straight lines and definite geometric shapes.
Geometric designs, symmetrical patterns, faceted gemstone cuts, and striking color contrast were all adopted in gatsby inspired engagement ring design throughout the 1920s. Despite the fact that much Art Deco jewelry was mass-produced, the best engagement rings of the time were handcrafted and fashioned by renowned jewelers and fashion firms.
The Art Deco era came to an abrupt end with the start of the Great Depression and World War II, but there have been several revivals of the style, and its influences are still popular today. The engagement rings from the 1920s harken back to a time of beauty and sophistication. Despite being a brief period in history, the Art Deco era had a lasting impact on jewelry design and engagement ring designs.
Art Deco Engagement Rings from the 1920s
