The Art Nouveau movement gave way to Art Deco, which grew in popularity between the mid-1920s and '30s. Art Deco originated in France, but soon spread throughout Europe and the United States. Unlike the softness of Art Nouveau pieces, Art Deco jewelry is characterized by geometric lines, sharp angles, and bright colors.

With the end of World War I and the evolution of women’s role in society, jewelry became highly desirable during the Art Deco period. Although fairly rare in Art Nouveau jewelry, diamonds became popular again in the Art Deco period. Watches made with diamond bracelets, called cocktail watches, were introduced in the 1920s, and strings of pearls continued to be in vogue, worn either as a necklace or a bracelet.

Many Art Deco pieces were made of bakelite, celluloid, or enamel. Amber stones and beads were also popular.

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