Why Art Deco Still Captivates Today
From sleek and stunning geometric designs to striking use of colour and luxurious materials, Art Deco remains one of the most iconic styles of the 20th century. It evokes a sense of glamour, elegance, and modernity that still resonates today. At Burlingtons Ltd., we understand the rich history behind these treasured pieces, ensuring that your Art Deco items are appreciated for their true value.
If you have Art Deco jewellery, watches, or solid silver items to sell, we will be glad to take you through the process of valuing them. Our expert will travel to your home, no matter where you live in the UK, to perform a specialist evaluation and provide you with a clear, accurate, market-value selling price. The offers we make are entirely no-obligation and all valuations are completed for free.
Read on to learn more about the Art Deco movement or get in touch with us to speak to a member of our team about your pieces.
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The Origins of Art Deco
Before Art Deco, the world was captivated by the elaborate and intricate designs of the Art Nouveau period, characterised by flowing lines, floral motifs, and a connection to nature. However, by the early 20th century, the world was rapidly industrialising, and people’s tastes began to change. There was a growing fascination with geometry, order, and simplicity, reflecting the rise of technology and mass production.
Art Deco embodied this forward-thinking attitude, blending a lack of excess with the notion of tradition mixed with modernity, craftsmanship with innovation, and luxury with practicality. It symbolised a break from the past, embracing a modern world full of possibilities.
The movement’s emphasis on luxury materials such as ivory, lacquer, and gold made it especially popular among the wealthy, who were eager to showcase their prosperity after the hardships of the First World War. Yet, the bold, geometric designs also resonated with a wider audience, making Art Deco a truly universal style.
The 1925 Paris Exhibition
Although the style had been developing for years, Art Deco officially debuted at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes held in Paris in 1925. The event showcased the very best in modern design, bringing together artists, architects, and designers from across Europe.
The exhibition was a celebration of craftsmanship and innovation, highlighting how traditional decorative arts could be reimagined through modern techniques and materials. The term “Art Deco” itself is derived from the name of this exhibition, though it wasn’t widely used until decades later.
The Impact of the Industrial Revolution and World War I
The Industrial Revolution of the late 19th and early 20th centuries laid the groundwork for the Art Deco aesthetic. Advances in machinery and production methods inspired designers to incorporate machine-like precision and streamlined shapes into their work. Materials such as chrome, steel, and glass became more common, and the designs of the era reflected a fascination with speed, efficiency, and progress.
However, it wasn’t just technology that shaped the style – the First World War had a profound impact as well. The war caused widespread devastation, and as countries began to rebuild, there was a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The 1920s became known as the “Roaring Twenties”, a decade of economic growth, cultural change, and celebration.
Art Deco reflected this newfound sense of joy and confidence, celebrating splendour, glamour, and modern life.
The Characteristics of Art Deco Design
Geometric Patterns
Art Deco designs are defined by prominent angular shapes, symmetry, and repetition. Unlike the flowing forms of Art Nouveau, Art Deco embraced zigzags, chevrons, sunbursts, and stepped forms, reflecting the era’s fascination with order and precision. These patterns can be found in jewellery, furniture, and decorative items, creating striking, structured pieces that still captivate collectors.
Exotic Materials
Designers used rare, imported materials like ivory, jade, onyx, mother-of-pearl, and precious woods and metals such as gold and platinum. Art Deco jewellery often featured brightly coloured gemstones – emeralds, sapphires, and rubies – set in intricate platinum designs, reflecting both wealth and sophistication.
Luxury and Elegance
Art Deco’s focus on luxury and craftsmanship made it a favourite among wealthy clients. Items were often custom-made to reflect individual tastes and social status. In jewellery, this meant one-of-a-kind rings, necklaces, and bracelets featuring sleek geometric patterns and dazzling gemstones. In furniture, it meant clean lines and glossy finishes that felt both modern and timeless.
What Influenced Art Deco?
Global Influences
Art Deco drew heavily on global cultures, reflecting a fascination with ancient civilizations and foreign motifs. Influences included:
- Egyptian motifs (inspired by the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922)
- African art (seen in bold, stylised forms)
- Asian lacquer work and floral patterns
- Mesoamerican symbols (such as stepped pyramid shapes)
These influences gave Art Deco its distinctive exotic charm while maintaining a cosmopolitan feel in every piece.
Artistic Influences
Art Deco didn’t emerge in isolation. It was deeply influenced by the art and cultural movements of the early 20th century, particularly Cubism, Futurism, and Modernism.
- Cubism, pioneered by artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, introduced geometric shapes and fragmented forms that became key elements of Art Deco design.
- Futurism, an Italian movement, celebrated speed, technology, and the machine age, which inspired Art Deco’s focus on modernity and progress.
- Modernist architecture, with its emphasis on functionality and clean lines, also played a significant role. The works of architects such as Le Corbusier influenced the sleek, streamlined look that defined the Art Deco style.
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The Rise of Art Deco Jewellery and Watches
Art Deco jewellery and watches are some of the most iconic and sought-after pieces from the era, celebrated for their eye-catching designs, sought-after materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. The first of these high-value items were often bespoke creations, made for wealthy clients who wanted pieces that reflected both modern style and personal sophistication.
Luxury watchmakers such as Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Jaeger-LeCoultre were at the forefront of Art Deco watch design, producing sleek, elegant timepieces that blended functionality with artistry. These watches often featured glamorous, fantastic materials, bold dials, and geometric cases, making them status symbols that remain highly collectible today.
Seeing Art Deco’s Cultural Significance Today
Art Deco was a design style and a cultural movement that symbolised progress, innovation, and modernity. It influenced architecture, fashion, art, and lifestyle worldwide, and its cultural legacy lives on today, with its influence seen in modern design trends and luxury collectibles.
Some of the most iconic landmarks of the Art Deco era remain celebrated symbols of the movement:
- The Chrysler Building in New York – A striking example of Art Deco architecture, known for its stepped design and radiant crown that symbolises modernity and progress.
- The Miami Beach Art Deco District – Famous for its pastel-hued buildings and sleek geometric forms, reflecting Art Deco’s influence on coastal architecture and lifestyle.
- The Savoy Hotel in London – Featuring stunning Art Deco interiors, including geometric patterns, sleek furnishings, and luxurious finishes, embodying the style’s elegance and charm.
Why Art Deco Remains Popular With Collectors
Art Deco’s timeless appeal lies in its perfect balance between tradition and modernity. It was a style that celebrated craftsmanship and luxury, while also embracing the future and innovation.
Today, Art Deco pieces remain highly collectible because of their bold designs, high-quality materials, and cultural significance. Whether it’s a jewellery piece or a decorative item, Burlingtons Ltd. recognises the value of these treasures, ensuring that clients receive accurate and competitive valuations.
Pass on the Legacy of Art Deco Pieces
Whether it’s a bold diamond ring, a geometric platinum brooch, or a vintage Cartier watch, your pieces deserve to be appreciated and preserved for future generations. We understand the legacy behind every Art Deco item and ensure that each piece is handled with care and expertise. We offer personalised valuations and immediate, competitive offers, giving you the confidence that your treasured items are in trusted hands.
If you’re ready to pass on a legacy to someone who will truly appreciate it, and receive a fair, market-value price in return, contact us today.
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