The Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1940. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specially cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would usually take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
Antique Turkish, Islamic, and Bedouin jewelry all share similar ancestral and stylistic roots, and influenced each other through trade for many, many years. This can largely be attributed to the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, which valued art and craftsmanship, and fostered the continuation of Arabic arts and calligraphy. The reign of the Ottomans in the 16th and 17th centuries introduced Turkish designs to Islamic motifs and the nomadic Bedouin culture, melding a range of styles into beautiful arabesques; repeating rhythmic patterns, which often feature geometric floral and organic designs.
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral found in the Earth’s crust. The name is derived from the German term “quarz” and originated from the Slavic word meaning hard. It is known to be one of the hardest minerals on earth which is why it has been historically utilized in making jewelry. Quartz gemstones are hard, durable and extremely attractive. The stones can come in a variety of colors and hues. Quartz is an inexpensive mineral, while some varieties can be extremely rare, most varieties and sizes are commonly available. It has been used for centuries in the creation of jewelry and other ornamental objects. Quartz is an extremely versatile material that can be cut and carved into many shapes and sizes which has made it an asset historical and antique jewelry. Today, quartz is one of the most important gemstones in the colored stone trade and in jewelry making.
Repoussé began as an ancient metalworking technique dating as far back as the 3rd century BC, involving malleable metal that was hammered onto the reverse side to create an image on the front. Examples are found all over the world; Greece, Egypt, and even the Hopewell periods in the American southeast. Reverse side hammering was also used to add detail to the front, creating intricate patterns using grooves, indentations, and channeling. The piece was then carefully polished to create a hollow, eye-catching treasure.
