The Origins of Costume Jewellery

This time, however, the designs struggled with this dynamic rather than utilising it as an inspirational foundation for the overall style (with the machine-like geometric patterns of Art Deco), and so Retro period jewellery sought a union with more natural themes and materials along with plastic and man-made materials. Flowers, bows and sunburst designs became popular, especially in Hollywood, which in turn influenced fashion heavily via the medium of film. Also moonstones, ballerinas, horse motifs, and military influences, etc.Geometrical patterns and symmetrical designs thus predominantly replaced smooth curves and roundness. The collections were also characterised by bangle bracelets, long pendants, cocktail rings, and ornate accessories such as cigarette cases and holders. However, the Art Deco movement came to a relative end when the Great Depression took over, as well as with the onset of World War II.Next came the Retro period, which occurred about 1935 to 1940, and in this era the designs also reflected a dynamic between the genuine artisanship of traditional jewellery as opposed to mass produced jewels and ornaments.