Written by Cynthia Findlay Antiques.

The Roaring Twenties was one of the most exciting times for jewellery. Women loved accessorizing their flapper outfits with the most stylish and eye-catching jewellery possible — and this meant Art Deco jewellery. These architecturally-inspired pieces are true works of art. It’s little wonder why Art Deco rings, necklaces, bracelets and other items have withstood the test of time and are still so popular today.

Couples looking for something different often turn to Art Deco styles for antique engagement rings. It can often be difficult to know what makes a piece a true Art Deco collectible. Here are a few things to look for to make sure you are truly getting a special Art Deco piece:

Favorite Metals: Art Deco jewellery can come in many different types of metals, but the two most popular choices from the era were gold — both yellow and white — and platinum. In particular, platinum became very popular for Art Deco pieces into the 1920s and 1930s.

Diamond Types: You can find many different cuts of diamonds being used in Art Deco rings as inspiration was being drawn from many different sources. You might find Art Deco jewellery with baguette, French or Asscher cuts. Many of the jewellery designs drew from classic items from decadent eras in history.

Names in Art Deco Jewellery: The age of Art Deco jewellery coincided with the prime eras of some of the most well-known and respected names in the history of jewellery. Some of the jewellers who created stunning Art Deco pieces during the era included Cartier, Tiffany, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Cynthia Findlay Antiques is a seller of vintage and custom jewellery in Toronto, Canada. It sells a wide range of vintage items with a specialty in engagement rings.