How to Recreate Great Gatsby Art Deco Jewellery Style

Few stories conjure the glamour of the Jazz Age quite like The Great Gatsby, and its dazzling costumes have kept 1920s style alive in fashion and jewellery ever since. The decadent diamond bracelets, strings of pearls and geometric designs worn on screen are the very essence of Art Deco, a look that remains endlessly popular for weddings, parties and vintage lovers. Recreating that Golden Age sparkle is easier than you might think. This explainer covers the hallmarks of Great Gatsby Art Deco jewellery and how to capture the look, with help from the jewellers of Hatton Garden, London's diamond quarter.

The Decadent Look of Gatsby Jewellery

The jewellery of The Great Gatsby is pure spectacle, layered and luxurious. As the actor Carey Mulligan, who played Daisy Buchanan, described it, the look meant diamond bracelets on each arm, diamond earrings, wedding rings and strings of pearls around the neck.

That sense of abundance is central to the style. Rather than a single statement piece, the 1920s look layers several together for a rich, glamorous effect drawn from genuine antique jewellery of the era.

It is a look that rewards confidence and a love of sparkle.

The Hallmarks of Art Deco Style

To capture the vintage 1920s look, you will want diamonds, pearls and embellishments in abundance. The aim is classy but deliberately layered, with Art Deco character built on bold geometric shapes and fine, delicate detailing.

Key elements include strings of glistening ivory pearls, headbands and tiaras sprinkled with gemstones, and anything with a tassel or fringe. Step-cut stones such as emerald and baguette cuts, and contrasting colour, are signatures of true Art Deco design.

All of these details can be found among the pearls and gemstones of the Hatton Garden stores.

Fun fact: The Art Deco movement took its name from a 1925 Paris exhibition, and its clean geometric lines were a deliberate reaction against the flowing, floral curves of the earlier Art Nouveau style.

Three Key Pieces to Recreate the Look

If you had to choose just three pieces to capture the Gatsby spirit, start with a string of pearls, the single most evocative item of the era. Add a pair of knock-out geometric drop earrings for that unmistakable Art Deco line.

Finally, reach for anything featuring a tassel, which brings movement and drama to the look. Together these three pieces deliver Golden Age glamour the moment you put them on.

If you are still unsure how to recreate the look, speak to one of the friendly jewellers of Hatton Garden. They will happily help you choose pieces that give you that 1920s glow for any occasion.