1920's Style

This necklace is reminiscent of early 1920’s fashion jewelry. It reflects the style of an era whose masses wanted fun, beautiful jewelry that was affordable. Crystals were used rather than diamonds so fashion-conscious woman of the early 20th century could achieve a chic sophisticated look. This period, also known as the Art Deco movement was characterized by longer necklaces made of pearls and crystals.

After 1929, when the Great Depression hit, designers were forced to look for more cost effective ways of producing jewelry. Coco Chanel and Elsa Shiaparelli are among the most famous fashion designers to use non precious stones in their work. They ultimately made less expensive jewelry more desirable to wear.

This necklace is composed of 1950’s clear and silver crystal rondelles, and sterling silver chain. It is one of my absolute favorites and sells for $165

Vintage Miss Carnegie

This necklace has a very unique history because it involves one of the most famous couturiers of the early 20th century– Hattie Carnegie. The black beads you see here came from one of her early 1940’s necklaces. I found the necklace in an antique store and I loved the beads so much I had to have it.

Hattie Carnegie was originally born in Vienna, Austria in 1889. She moved to the United States in 1900 with her family and settled in the heart of New York City. She began as a young hat maker and in 1909, opened her own store called “Carnegie-Ladie’s Hatter” with her best friend Rose Roth. Their business was a huge success due to Carnegie’s fashion forward sense of style despite the fact that she could not sew.

Carnegie’s inspiration came from Parisian designers such as Coco Chanel, and she even adopted some of Chanel’s designs to bring them closer to her American clientele. Before the stock market crashed in 1929, she had become one of the biggest designers in America. After the crash, however, many of her customers were no longer able to afford such expensive pieces, so she began her ready-to-wear line.

In 1918, Carnegie incorporated her business as Hattie Carnegie Inc., and shortly thereafter introduced her jewelry line. She manufactured it to match her dresses and always used expensive materials. It was even worn by Hollywood and New York celebrities of the time. She is known for combining faux pearls, rhinestones, and beads in interesting ways.

This custom necklace includes black Hattie Carnegie beads, faux pearls, antique lampshade beads, and a vintage Marcasite clasp. It sells for $200