Antique Jewelry: Art Deco Bracelets

Bracelets had their heyday during the Roaring Twenties, as flappers in sleeveless dresses piled them on in multiples, on their upper and lower arms.

Art Deco bracelets are primarily of white gold or platinum, and set with diamonds and precious stones. Styles were influenced by Cubist geometry and stylized Oriental motifs.

The very popular line bracelet consisted of a straight line of diamonds set in flexible square-shaped links. The diamonds sometimes alternated with other precious stones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds.

Diamond plaque bracelets and strap bracelets were wider, and featured pierced platinum designs. Bracelets of large diamond and gemstone-set links were also common.

During the Art Deco period, Cartier was known for its multicolored "fruit salad" bracelets, with clusters of flowers, leaves and berries made from carved gemstones. Van Cleef and Arpels was famous for its strap bracelets depicting Egyptian Revival motifs in pave diamonds and colored stones.