Art Deco jewelry, with its bold geometry and unapologetic glamour, ushered in a new age of design during the 1920s and 1930s. While many admire its dazzling diamonds, vibrant sapphires, and deep emeralds, the true artistry of Art Deco jewelry often lies in the settings that hold these precious gems. Jewelers of the period employed innovative techniques to create illusions of grandeur, maximize light, and deliver striking impressions—making even modest stones appear larger, brighter, and more luxurious. 

Art Deco GIA Asscher Cut Diamond Ring & Art Deco Baguette Cut Diamond Ring // Walton's Jewelry

The Distinction of Art Deco Settings

Unlike the ornate curves of Victorian jewelry in the preceding era, Art Deco settings embraced clean lines, symmetry, and a sense of modernity inspired by architecture and the Machine Age.

Platinum, prized for its strength and ability to hold intricate detail, became the metal of choice. Its durability allowed for ultra-thin prongs and airy openwork designs that made stones seem to float. This allowed jewelers to experiment with settings that were both able to securely showcase gemstones with minimal visible metal, leading to the invention of channel settings and invisible settings. 

Art Deco jewelers were masters of visual trickery. Through their settings, they could transform modest diamonds into dazzling centerpieces or arrange colored stones in ways that amplified their presence. Illusion settings, for example, became popular for engagement rings, as they created the look of a larger diamond at a fraction of the cost. Similarly, the use of calibré-cut sapphires or rubies to outline a diamond added depth and drama, enhancing contrast and brilliance.

Craftsmanship Meets Glamour

The precision required to execute Art Deco settings cannot be overstated. Jewelers worked with calibré-cut gemstones—specially cut to fit the exact dimensions of a design—to achieve seamless mosaics of color. The result was jewelry that sparkled from every angle, capturing the energy and optimism of the Jazz Age. Each piece of jewelry was not just an adornment but a miniature work of design reflecting the modern world.

Even the smallest details contributed to the overall glamour. The technical mastery, creativity, and aesthetic balance continue to inspire jewelers today, making authentic Art Deco pieces highly sought after. Rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches, and pendants from the 1920s and 1930s showcase not only extraordinary beauty but also a pivotal moment in design history. Art Deco settings prove that great jewelry is not only about the stones but about the vision and craftsmanship that bring them to life.

For collectors and admirers alike, these settings are enduring symbols of sophistication, ingenuity, and the timeless appeal of antique jewelry.

At Walton’s Jewelry, we have more than 50 years of experience serving Historic Downtown Franklin and the greater Nashville community. Each member of our team has trained at The Gemological Institute of America and has a deep passion for preserving the history and beauty of antique jewelry. Whether you are a Tennessee local looking to stop by our showroom, or prefer to view our selection virtually, we invite you to explore our newest arrivals and reach out with any questions you may have.