100 Years of Art Deco: The Jewellery Trends Defining 2025/26
The Roaring Twenties. Think Clara Bow, Charlie Chaplin, Chanel’s little black dress, secret speakeasies, and Gatsby-style glamour.
It was the golden age of jewellery – when cocktail rings, opera-length pearls, and platinum-set diamonds lit up Hollywood red carpets and shimmered on the hands of flappers clinking illicit martinis.
Now, a century on, Art Deco jewellery is back – and bolder than ever.
Image: 18ct White Gold, Bi-Colour Tourmaline, Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Necklace/Brooch, featured at GemGenève 2025
A Global Stage for Deco’s Return
At this year’s GemGenève high jewellery fair, Matthew Ely Jewellery was named one of just 12 global designers selected by renowned jewellery expert Katerina Perez for her Art Deco showcase.
Held in Geneva from May 8–11, the prestigious event celebrated the world’s finest jewellers. This year’s theme—A Legacy of Timeless Elegance—paid tribute to the enduring power of Art Deco design.
Alongside icons like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron, Matthew’s piece offered a bold, contemporary take on 1920s glamour.
“It was a real moment of pride,” says Matthew. “Art Deco has always influenced my work—so to be showcased in that company, and as part of such a beautiful tribute to the era, was incredibly special.”
Why Art Deco Jewellery Is Trending in 2025?
Far from frozen in time, Art Deco design feels fresher than ever. Clean lines, bold colour, and a striking sense of balance are defining this year’s most sought-after styles.
Here are the trends leading the Deco revival:
1. Geometric Design
Symmetry, repetition, and architectural motifs remain at the heart of Deco—and they’re everywhere this year. From chevrons and stepped profiles to fan shapes and bold ring galleries, the geometry is unmistakable.
“There’s real discipline in Art Deco geometry,” Matthew explains. “It gives each piece rhythm and strength, which clients are drawn to—it’s refined without being fussy.”
2. Mixed Metals & Materials (including Platinum)
Art Deco was always about contrast—and in 2025, that means mixing metals: cool-toned platinum with yellow or rose gold, brushed finishes with high-polish shine.
“There’s a boldness in mixing metals,” says Matthew. “It adds depth and lets us play with light and structure in a way that really elevates the design.”
Platinum, in particular, is having a moment. Cool, sculptural, and timeless, it’s the perfect match for crisp Deco lines.
3. Mosaic Settings & Custom Cuts
This year’s jewellery is all about precision and play. Expect mosaic-style settings and unusual gemstone cuts—baguette, kite, trapezoid—arranged in clean, geometric layouts.
“We’re using these cuts to create jewellery that feels almost like stained glass,” says Matthew. “It’s highly technical—but the result is striking.”
4. Vibrant Gemstones: Emeralds & Aquamarines
Emerald and aquamarine cocktail rings are taking centre stage this year. Their vivid colours and clean, step-cut lines are a perfect match for Deco-inspired design—bold, elegant, and enduring.
“Emeralds have this rich, timeless intensity,” says Matthew. “Aquamarines bring a cool, serene glamour. Both look incredible when framed in platinum or diamond accents—it enhances the geometry.”
5. Deco Drop Earrings
Elongated and elegant, Deco-inspired drop earrings are dominating both bridal and eveningwear. Designed for movement and symmetry, they shimmer with every turn.
“We’re creating earrings that feel light but structured—lots of movement, but with that classic Deco symmetry,” Matthew says.
Expect long lines, baguette diamonds, stepped forms, and refined architectural detail.
6. Revival of Brooches
Brooches are making a comeback—and not just for lapels. Designers are reinventing them with geometric shapes, vibrant gems, and abstract forms worn in unexpected ways.
“They’re being worn on dresses, cuffs, even in hair,” Matthew notes. “It’s a chance to design something sculptural and striking, without boundaries.”
7. Sautoirs & Statement Necklaces
Long sautoirs are returning with dramatic flair—often adorned with tassels, oversized gems, or a flash of diamond sparkle. Statement necklaces in bold yellow gold are also on the rise, blending clean geometry with Deco drama.
“We’re seeing a shift toward bold, statement gold designs, often set with angular gemstones and just a hint of sparkle,” says Matthew.
“They layer beautifully but also hold their own. It’s jewellery that feels like art.”
8. Pearls with a Deco Twist
Forget classic strands—pearls in 2025 are bold, asymmetrical, and full of personality. Baroque and Keshi pearls are taking the spotlight for their organic shapes and sculptural charm.
“Clients are loving the irregularity,” says Matthew. “When you contrast the softness of a Baroque or Keshi pearl with sharp Deco lines or platinum settings, it creates something incredibly modern.”
9. Personalised Vintage-Inspired Pieces
Today’s Art Deco jewellery revival is also deeply personal. Whether it’s a hidden engraving, a birthstone, or a redesigned heirloom, bespoke details are giving vintage-inspired pieces new life.
“Clients love the structure of Deco, but want their own story woven in,” says Matthew. “Those personal touches—that’s what makes it an heirloom.”
A Century Later, Still Ahead of Its Time
As the world celebrates 100 years of Art Deco, its signature style remains as relevant as ever—bold but balanced, classic yet forward-thinking.
“Deco has a kind of effortless sophistication,” says Matthew. “It’s always had one foot in the past and one in the future—and that’s what makes it so timeless.”
