What sets apart Edwardian and Art Deco design?

Jewelry lovers often get confused between Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry styles because both emerged during the early 20th century and they have some similarities. However, the difference between the two lies in their design elements and motifs. Here are some ways to differentiate Edwardian pieces from Art Deco ones:

• Curves or Angles:
• Rings with elegant, flowing curves are more likely to be Edwardian pieces that have flowing lines that resemble bows or ribbons.
• Art Deco rings have sharper angles and straight lines, which showcase contemporary architecture and design.
• Colors:
• Edwardian pieces often have beautiful pastel-colored gemstones, such as pearls, diamonds, and sapphires, whereas Art Deco pieces feature bright and contrasting colors.
• Motifs:
• Floral motifs, garlands, and wreaths are common in Edwardian jewelry, while Art Deco incorporated geometric forms, sunbursts, and chevrons into their designs.

In summary, although there are some overlapping elements between the Edwardian and Art Deco styles, there are significant differences between the two that you can use to distinguish one from the other.

The Era of Edwardian and Art Deco

The turn of the 20th century marked the beginning of the Edwardian era, which lasted from 1901 to 1910. It was named after King Edward VII, who succeeded Queen Victoria after her death. The Edwardian era was a time of peace and prosperity, which was reflected in the fashion and design of the time. The era was characterized by elegance, refinement, and luxury. On the other hand, Art Deco design emerged in the 1920s and lasted until the 1940s. It was a reaction to the stark simplicity of the Art Nouveau movement and was influenced by the eclectic styles of various cultures, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Art Deco was bold, glamorous, and modern, reflecting the fast-paced lifestyle of the 1920s and the optimism of the post-World War I era.

Features of Edwardian Style

Edwardian jewelry was characterized by intricate and delicate designs that reflected the elegance and refinement of the era. Here are some of the key features of Edwardian jewelry:

• Platinum was the metal of choice for Edwardian jewelry
• Edwardian jewelry featured plenty of diamonds and other precious stones
• Designs were delicate and intricate, often featuring filigree and openwork patterns
• Pieces were often designed to be worn in sets, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings
• Edwardian pieces often incorporated motifs from nature, such as flowers, leaves, and birds

Edwardian jewelry is known for its elegance, sophistication, and refinement. The pieces were designed to be worn on special occasions and were meant to enhance the natural beauty of the wearer.

Characteristics of Art Deco Design

Art Deco design was characterized by bold geometric shapes, sharp angles, and stylized motifs. Here are some of the key features of Art Deco design:

• Art Deco design was influenced by various cultures, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome
• Designs featured bold geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, and circles
• Art Deco design incorporated machine-like imagery, such as gears and bolts
• Colors were bold and contrasting, such as black and white, or red, black, and gold
• Architecture and design featured streamlined shapes and metallic finishes, such as chrome and stainless steel

Art Deco design was known for its glamour, luxury, and modernity. It reflected the optimism of the post-World War I era and the fast-paced lifestyle of the 1920s.

Curves in Edwardian Fashion and Art

Edwardian jewelry and fashion featured plenty of curves and flowing lines. This was reflected in the delicate filigree patterns and openwork designs that were popular during the era. Jewelry pieces often featured motifs from nature, such as flowers, leaves, and birds, which were rendered in elegant and flowing lines. Edwardian fashion also featured plenty of curves and draping fabrics, which were used in dresses, blouses, and skirts. The curves in Edwardian fashion and art reflected the elegance, femininity, and refinement of the era. They created a sense of grace and delicacy that was unmatched in other design styles.

Angles in Art Deco Fashion and Art

Art Deco design featured sharp angles, bold geometric shapes, and stylized motifs. Jewelry pieces often incorporated triangles, squares, and circles, as well as stylized representations of animals and people. Art Deco fashion featured angular silhouettes, such as the dropped waistline and boxy shape of the flapper dress. Architecture also featured angular shapes, such as the zigzag and chevron patterns that were popular during the era. The angles in Art Deco fashion and art reflected the boldness, modernity, and confidence of the era. They created a sense of strength and power that was unmatched in other design styles.

Common Materials Used in Edwardian and Art Deco Jewelry

Both Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry featured precious metals and stones. However, the types of metals and stones used varied depending on the era. Here are some of the common materials used in Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry: Edwardian jewelry:

• Platinum
• Diamonds
• Pearls
• Sapphires
• Rubies

Art Deco jewelry:

• Gold
• Platinum
• Diamonds
• Emeralds
• Sapphires

Both Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry were known for their luxurious and high-quality materials. The use of precious metals and stones reflected the elegance and refinement of the eras, as well as the wealth and status of the wearers. In conclusion, the difference between Edwardian and Art Deco design is reflected in the curves and angles of their respective fashions and art. Edwardian design was characterized by elegance, refinement, and delicate curves, while Art Deco design was bold, glamorous, and featured sharp angles and geometric shapes. Both eras were characterized by luxurious materials and high-quality craftsmanship, reflecting the wealth and status of the wearers.