Art Deco: The Luxurious Style That Oozes Elegance

Art Deco is a striking visual arts style that emerged in France just before World War I and rose to global prominence during the 1920s and 1930s. Its name derives from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, a landmark event that showcased modern decorative arts and cemented the movement’s identity.

Distinct from the flowing, organic lines of the preceding Art Nouveau movement, Art Deco emphasized structure, symmetry, and modernity. It blended influences from Cubism, ancient Egyptian and Aztec art, Futurism, and the sleek geometry of industrial design. This fusion of historical references and forward-looking aesthetics made Art Deco one of the most recognizable and enduring design styles of the 20th century.

Defining Features of Art Deco

Key characteristics of Art Deco include:

• Geometric Forms: Clean lines, bold angles, zigzags, chevrons, and stepped patterns dominate the style.

• Symmetry and Balance: Art Deco designs follow structured, harmonious layouts.

• Luxurious Materials: Expensive materials such as gold, platinum, onyx, ivory, jade, and polished wood were commonly used in jewelry, interiors, and furniture to convey glamour and opulence.

• Decorative Motifs: Sunbursts, stylized florals, fans, feathers, and abstract patterns symbolize technological optimism and decorative richness.

• Influences: The Machine Age inspired Art Deco’s integration of industrial design, architecture, and transportation motifs like trains, ships, and skyscrapers. Important precursors include Art Nouveau’s organic lines, Beaux Arts’ classical ornamentation and symmetry, and the Vienna Secession’s embrace of modernity, all of which contributed to the emergence of a new style that defined early 20th-century design.

Art Deco in Jewelry

Art Deco’s influence extended beyond architecture to jewelry, fashion, and furniture design. Art Deco engagement rings exemplify the style’s structured forms, symmetry, and architectural details. The Art Deco ring stands out as a modernist and glamorous symbol of love, celebrated for its bold design and historical significance. Unlike earlier, more ornate styles, these rings showcased clean lines, flat surfaces, and distinctive gemstone cuts such as emerald, baguette, and Asscher. Platinum and white gold settings highlighted the luxury and modernity of the designs.

Sapphire was a favored gemstone in many Art Deco rings, prized for its deep color and durability. Sapphire pieces often featured bold geometric cuts framed by smaller diamonds or intricate metalwork. Diamonds, especially baguette and emerald cuts, were central to Art Deco jewelry, used both as focal points and decorative accents to enhance symmetry and visual rhythm.

Modern Art Deco-inspired rings continue to draw from these design principles, favoring simplicity, balance, and timeless elegance. Some contemporary designs also incorporate unique stones like moss agate, blending organic textures with geometric settings to create a fresh take on the classic style.

Sapphire Art Deco Rings

Sapphire became a central stone in many Art Deco pieces. Its deep color, durability, and rich symbolism made it ideal for the movement’s more structured and dramatic designs. Art Deco sapphire rings often featured the stone in bold cuts, hexagon, emerald, or baguette, framed by smaller diamonds or geometric metalwork. These pieces balanced luxury with clarity and restraint, making them a timeless choice even today.

Sapphire continues to inspire many of our handcrafted Art Deco designs. Whether it’s a classic blue hexagon sapphire framed by triangle diamonds or a lavender baguette sapphire set in clean, linear arrangements, the spirit of the era remains present in every detail.

Source: Luisa Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Ring

Source: Megan Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring

Source: Dolores Teal Sapphire Diamond Ring

Diamond Art Deco Ring

Diamonds were a staple in Art Deco jewelry, not only as centerpieces but also as accents framing colored stones or enhancing symmetry. Baguette and emerald-cut diamonds were especially common, used to create step-like forms and visual rhythm within the ring.

Modern Art Deco diamond rings continue this legacy, favoring simplicity over ornamentation and structure over excess. At Capucinne, we focus on clean lines, timeless cuts, and minimalist layouts that echo the past while fitting seamlessly into contemporary tastes.

Source: Olivia Diamond Ring

Moss Agate in Art Deco-Inspired Rings

Though not traditional to the 1920s, moss agate has found its place in modern interpretations of Art Deco rings. Its natural inclusions resemble landscapes or plant-like patterns, creating a unique contrast when combined with geometric settings. The mix of organic textures and structured shapes reflects the evolution of Art Deco into a more personal and nature-conscious aesthetic.

Moss agate baguette cuts or step-cut settings can emphasize both the stone’s uniqueness and the style’s architectural roots. Capucinne’s moss agate Art Deco-inspired rings capture this balance, nature captured in a clean, intentional design.

Source: Agatha Baguette Ring Set

Art Deco has been part of design for over a century. Its shapes, lines, and details still inspire jewelry today. At Capucinne, we use these ideas to create rings with clear forms, custom-cut stones, and careful craftsmanship.

If you're looking for a ring that reflects your style or want to create something custom, our team is here to help. Each piece is made by hand and can be adjusted to fit your vision. You can contact us to learn more.