Cartier high-jeweled diamond watch in art deco motif.The Art Deco era was a heady time of high society events and grandeur that permeated every aspect of life. For the wealthy, it was a time of great acthitecture, great fashions and incredible jewelry and accessories. The Roaring Twenties brought about a new expression that led from the florals of Nouveau to a stunning period of geometrics and elegance. Today, top watch brands emulate that look in art-deco inspired watches that make dramatic statements on the wrist.
Cartier on the wrist.Art Deco was an era wrought with expression and artistic distinction that spanned two decades. Its seeds were sown as early as the turn of the century, and the form emerged first in architecture (from buildings such as the Chrysler Building or Radio City Music Hall to ocean liners such as The Normandie), then stemmed quickly into interior, paintings, sculpture, porcelain, and fashions. It was in jewelry, watches and accessorites though that the beuaty of color, diamodns and gemstones were most expressive.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was born in the era.Encompassing an array of motifs, from minimalist to opulent designs; from streamlined geometrical forms to intricate forms, art deco was perhaps the single most revered design direction of the 20th century. The motifs were decidedly modern and languid and were a rich statement of individuality.
Graff Diamonds Art Deco inspired watch.Primary colors, including red, green, blue, white and black were predominant colors typical of the era. Jewelry featured one of three themes: stark geometrics; simple florals; dazzling combinations of brilliant precious gemstones and diamonds. Typically the designs were influenced by Egyptian, Oriental, Russian, or Middle-Eastern motifs and colors.
Harry Winston My Precious Time secret brooch watch is indicative of the era.Tuning in to the era of opulence, watch brands also made grand statements with mixtures of shapes (circles, squares, triangles and rectangles) juxtaposed in abstract patterns. They emerged adorned in rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, as well as in semi-precous stones of the day such as onyx, coral, lapis, turquoise, and more. In addition to the case design changes, straps also took on new looks, with silk and braided cords, or fabric-like bracelets adorned in gemstones.
Roger Dubuis Velvet Ribbon pendant watch.Today, many watch brands recall some of those stunning designs in weristawatches and pendent watches that will have all eyes on the wearer. Here we bring you a look at six top brands and their sensual offerings. Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas Pavée Bracelet watch was born of that era.
