The daringly avant-garde jewels that captured the dynamism of the 1920s remain pure and enduring expressions of a spirited era. Broadly speaking, Jazz Age jewels can be divided into two distinct categories: the earlier, luxurious and still largely figurative Art Deco creations of Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Lacloche; and the modernist jewels made after 1925 in less precious materials by forward-looking designers such as Jean Després, Raymond Templier, Gérard Sandoz and Jean Fouquet. Nearly a century later, examples of both styles have become some of the most madly sought-after of all antique and estate jewels, and for good reason: not only do these pieces mark a turning point in jewellery history and 20th-century design, they remain enduring templates for jewellers today. Click ahead and discover ten timeless, charming Art Deco pieces from Sotheby’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels sale. –Vivienne Becker
Magnificent Jewels
25 April | New York