DIY Flapper Jewelry

Flapper style was so eclectic that it can be personalized.

Flappers brought a looser, new look to the 1920s. The lower necklines and short-sleeved dresses called for more elaborate jewelry. This new fashion paired with the availability of synthetic materials. This development brought costume jewelry into style and allowed women to own many different pieces to adorn each look. Flappers usually wore Art Deco-themed pieces, long-beaded necklaces and brooches made from Bakelite, faux or real pearls and gemstones. Many of these pieces are still easy to find in vintage shops and thrift stores, but they can also be easily created using new and re-purposed materials.

Things You'll Need

• Long string of pearls at least 30 inches long
• Necklace clasp
• Jump Rings
• Small Pliers
• Assortment of small gemstones
• Glue
• Tweezers
• Brooch or pin backing
• Matching pair of glass, fringe or pearl charms
• Button earring posts or earring wires

Instructions

1. Assemble a necklace. Attach jump rings to the ends of a long string of pearls. Use pliers to attach jump rings to the necklace clasp.

2. Create a gemstone brooch. Glue gemstones onto the brooch backing in an Art Deco design. Use the tweezers to dip the gemstone back in the glue and place on the backing. Copy your design from the design of Art Deco architecture like that seen on the Chrysler or Empire State buildings in New York City.

3. Make earrings. Attach your chosen charms to the button earring posts or earring backs to create flapper-style earrings.

Tips & Warnings

• The brooch can be worn separately or pinned on to the necklace as a charm.

• Create several brooches and pairs of earrings so you can switch up the look.

• Find vintage brooches and charms to pair with your homemade pieces for an authentic look.

• Consider using nontraditional jewelry materials like home decor fringe or chandelier glass pendants to create a bold flapper look.

• If you cannot find a pearl string long enough, string your own beads on clear jewelry string and add a few period-inspired beads for a personal touch.

• Carefully read instructions on your supplies to make sure you find the type of glue that best attaches your gemstones to the brooch backing.

References

• 1920s Fashion and Music; Put Together a Sexy Flapper Costume; Jesse Boland; 2011
• 1920-30.com; Costume Jewelry Increased in Popularity During the 1920s; 2005
• Wright Anne Marie; 1920 Flapper; Explore Jewelry for This Era: Art Deco You Wear
• 1920s Fashion and Music; Flapper Fashion and the Modern World; The Simple Beauty of Flapper Fashion; Jesse Boland; 2011

Resources

• 1920s Fashion and Music; Fashion in the Jazz Age; Jesse Boland; 2011