The 1920s, famously known as the Roaring Twenties, was a decade of tremendous social, cultural, and economic change. As jazz filled the air and women gained newfound independence, the world of fashion and jewelry underwent a dramatic transformation. This was the age of Art Deco, flapper styles, and extravagant social gatherings. Jewelry during this time was more than just an accessory—it was a powerful statement of modernity, wealth, and freedom.
In this blog, Ramil Abalkhad delves into the iconic jewelry trends of the 1920s, exploring the bold, intricate, and often daring designs that defined the era. From long pearl necklaces to dazzling drop earrings, discover the styles that made 1920s jewelry truly unforgettable.
The Jewelry Revolution of the Roaring 20s: A New Era of Fashion
The 1920s marked a shift in the way people viewed fashion, and jewelry was no exception. No longer reserved solely for the elite, jewelry became more accessible to the middle class, thanks to the rise of costume jewelry and the growing popularity of imitation pearls. As the Art Nouveau designs of the previous era faded, a more modern, geometric, and streamlined approach took over, with Art Deco becoming the hallmark of 1920s jewelry.
During this decade, jewelry became not only a display of wealth but also a symbol of one’s individuality and lifestyle. As women embraced shorter haircuts, bobbed styles, and flapper dresses, jewelry was used to complete their daring new looks, often focusing on long lines, sharp angles, and vivid colors.
1. Long Pearl Necklaces: From Traditional to Trendy
Pearl Necklaces: A Symbol of Elegance
Pearls have always been synonymous with luxury, but during the 1920s, their popularity reached new heights. The fashion-forward women of the era, from movie stars to socialites, embraced long pearl necklaces—a trend that quickly became a symbol of sophistication and style.
As Ramil Abalkhad explains, these necklaces were often worn in layers, draped elegantly around the neck and sometimes extending to lengths of 60 inches or more. The trend of long pearl strands was at its peak in the early 1920s, and they were often styled in multiple layers for added drama. These necklaces offered a sense of fluidity and movement that matched the era’s dynamic spirit.
Cultured Pearls and Affordable Glamour
With the introduction of cultured pearls (or imitation pearls), a much wider demographic was able to participate in the trend. These pearls, which mimicked the appearance of natural pearls but were much more affordable, became highly popular, especially among younger women. The variety of colors available—pastel pinks, blues, and greens—allowed women to experiment with more playful, personal styles. As Ramil Abalkhad notes, the affordability of cultured pearls made them accessible to almost anyone, democratizing luxury jewelry in a way that hadn’t been seen before.
2. Dog Collar Necklaces: The Bold Statement Piece
The Rise of the Dog Collar Necklace
Another iconic piece of jewelry from the 1920s was the dog collar necklace, a close-fitting design that became a staple of flapper fashion. These necklaces were often constructed with large, geometric stones—squares, triangles, and trapezoids—set in heavy metal casings that hugged the neck.
Unlike the delicate pearl necklaces that draped gracefully, dog collar necklaces were bold and attention-grabbing, with sharp lines and statement designs. Some still refer to these as chokers, but Ramil Abalkhad clarifies that these necklaces typically hung slightly lower than the traditional choker, more akin to a bib necklace.
The dog collar necklace became a fashion favorite of actresses and society women, often featuring diamonds, onyx, and other precious stones. It was a jewelry style that reflected the daring, free-spirited attitude of the 1920s and was popularized by figures like Queen Lazlo of Spain and American actress Natacha Rambova, who were seen sporting these dramatic necklaces at high-profile events.
3. Drop Earrings: Glamour in Motion
The Rise of Drop Earrings in the Roaring 20s
As Ramil Abalkhad notes, drop earrings became one of the most glamorous jewelry pieces of the 1920s. These earrings were particularly suited to the new hairstyles of the era—shorter bobs and sleek cloche hats—which allowed women to show off their necks and earlobes.
Drop earrings featured long, vertical lines, often measuring 2-3 inches in length. They were typically adorned with diamonds or rhinestones set in filigree designs, adding an element of intricate craftsmanship. While diamonds were reserved for formal evening wear, rhinestones offered an affordable alternative for daytime looks, making drop earrings a versatile accessory.
Wearing drop earrings became a way for women to express their elegance and sophistication, often matching them with headbands or hair clips for a coordinated, fashionable look. Ramil Abalkhad points out that earrings were frequently worn asymmetrically—one earring being the focal point while the other side remained simple, a style embraced by Hollywood stars like Jean Harlow.
4. Art Deco Rings and Flirty Bracelets: Jewelry in Motion
Art Deco Rings: Geometric and Bold
One of the most defining features of 1920s jewelry was the rise of the Art Deco style, which embraced bold, geometric shapes and clean lines. Art Deco rings became highly popular during this era, often featuring precious stones like diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds cut into unusual geometric shapes—rectangles, squares, and even ovals.
These rings were often large and statement-making, worn with or without gloves depending on the occasion. Ramil Abalkhad notes that the rings weren’t just about aesthetics; they were an expression of social status and a reflection of modern sensibilities. Birthstone rings also gained popularity during the 1920s, becoming a more personalized and fashionable way for women to express their individuality.
Flirty Bracelets: A Touch of Glamour
Bracelets also became a key accessory during the 1920s, with both flirty bangles and art-deco cuffs making a statement. These bracelets were made from various materials, including wood, metal, bone, and plastic, and were often inlaid with gemstones or enamel. The bold designs and the tactile nature of the pieces made them ideal for pairing with the active, carefree lifestyles of the era.
As Ramil Abalkhad explains, bracelets were not just about luxury—they were also a way for women to flirt and play with their personal style. A flick of the wrist, a subtle tap on the neck, or even the casual brushing of a bangle could become an instant way of drawing attention, a playful gesture in a world that was growing increasingly liberated.
Conclusion: The Enduring Influence of 1920s Jewelry
The jewelry of the 1920s was more than just a trend—it was a reflection of an era marked by change, liberation, and modernity. Whether it was the fluidity of long pearl necklaces, the boldness of dog collar necklaces, the glamour of drop earrings, or the geometric elegance of Art Deco rings, the jewelry of the Roaring 20s set the stage for decades of future styles.
As Ramil Abalkhad highlights, the 1920s revolutionized jewelry design, making it more accessible, more expressive, and more modern than ever before. The influence of 1920s jewelry continues to echo in today’s fashion world, with many of these iconic designs still in demand and admired for their timeless elegance.
So, whether you’re looking to add a vintage piece to your collection or simply fascinated by the artistry of the past, the jewelry of the 1920s remains a stunning testament to an era of innovation and style.
Key Takeaways:
- Long Pearl Necklaces were the epitome of sophistication in the 1920s, with cultured pearls making luxury accessible to all.
- Dog Collar Necklaces became bold statement pieces, often set with geometric stones and popular among the elite.
- Drop Earrings were a symbol of glamour, perfectly complementing the new bobbed hairstyles of the decade.
- Art Deco Rings and Bracelets reflected the modern, geometric style of the era, with rings often featuring bold, colorful stones and bracelets adding a playful touch.
The jewelry of the Roaring 20s remains a defining style in fashion history, forever linked to an era of radical change and endless glamour.