How to get Art Deco Jewelry

Art deco jewelry can serve as a unique prom accessory. It also works well for wedding day jewelry because it's been in style for decades. This way your wedding photograph won't scream whatever year you were married. The antique aspect of it makes it desirable as an heirloom. Whether you are looking for antique art deco jewelry, or you just want the feel, here is what to keep your eyes out for.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Bling it up. Art deco jewelry is meant to be noticed. It's not for someone who is going for a subtle look. This way you can still stand out in a crowd at a party even if everyone else is wearing a little black dress too. It's sophisticated sparkle that won't have you looking like an over the top beauty queen.

2. Choose necklaces over pendants. Pendants usually just have a few stones hanging off of a chain. In art deco jewelry, the tendency was to go for entire neck pieces where the metal or gem went around the entire neck.

3. Get your hair in on the act. Combs & barrettes were classic elements of art deco jewelry. Some celebrities brides have even chosen to wear these on their big day instead of a veil.

4. Think marcasite. Marcasite is often mistaken for pyrite & is common in vintage jewelry. It has the added benefit of making everything feel antique. Plus, it's usually set in sterling silver. This way you can get a natural metal instead of just buying costume jewelry for about the same price.

5. Think outside faceted gemstones. If you are new to buying jewelry you probably think of gemstones as sparkly diamonds, rubies & emeralds. These all factored into art deco jewelry. However, they are expensive & the quality of these gemstones have really gone downhill in recent years. Find more affordable gemstones that aren't faceted. You can use opals, pearls, jade, turquoise, & even coral for that art deco feeling.

6. Focus on the setting. Art deco jewelry doesn't even need to have gemstones. Focus on the size & the setting. This style of jewelry is famous for its intricate detailing that is reminiscent of Old Hollywood.

7. Go with vintage styling if you can't afford the real thing. This is new jewelry with that art deco jewelry feeling. You'll even find some lines, such as Generations 1912, that will still use the same molds that their grandfathers & great grandfathers did. It will save you money & you won't have to worry about a vintage piece that might be sized too small or will even be missing some stones.

8. Find a deco motif. Art deco infiltrated interior design & even architecture. See which shapes were prevalent in other areas of this movement to get a feeling for what you should be looking for in art deco jewelry. This can be anything from a geometric bracelet, a sea shell, or even a sunburst. You can use classic materials in an unusual shape so your jewelry is traditional but still stands out. This works well if you want a diamond right hand ring. It will still go with all of your different outfits, but it is also a chance to show off your personality.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget your watch. Choose a watch that looks more like a bracelet. This way you won't have to constantly be pulling out your cell phone to see what time it is. Plus, you can still wear it to formal occasions or even to dress up a pair of jeans.