Every period of the 20th century has its hallmarks
1. Art Nouveau: A stylized celebration of Mother Earth symbolism—foliage, birds, animals, and the undulating curves of the female body—Art Nouveau design flourished from 1890 to 1910. (Unsigned brooch)
Courtesy of Siegelson
2. Edwardian and Belle Epoque: The white-on-white look of diamonds on platinum is the emblem of the fin de siècle Edwardian period (1900–1914), known for its delicate filigree work and lacy, open-worked designs. (Cartier diamond bow pin)
Courtesy of Siegelson
3. Art Deco: Jewelry from this perennially popular movement, which emerged around the mid-1920s and lasted until 1939, is characterized by clean-cut lines, all white surfaces of diamonds, and exotic, Egyptian motifs inspired by the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922. (Cartier scarab brooch)
Courtesy of 1stdibs.com
4. Retro: The spare, machine-age designs of the wartime period (1940–1945) are distinctively gold, bold, and gem-set. (Mauboussin bracelet)
Christie’s Images Ltd. 2010
5. 1960s and 1970s: The groovy, semiprecious styles of the late 20th century reflect a fascination for organic and ethnic themes redolent of the East. (David Webb bracelet)