About BanGLEs and BeaDs antique and vintage jewelry

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We strive to give detailed descriptions and a lot of photos, and will answer any of your questions before you purchase so you will be happy with your order and become one of our return clients.

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Every purchase of our vintage jewelry inventory is made with you in mind so you can begin or add to your personal collection. It's our goal to offer a variety of vintage and antique collectible jewelry in unusual, rare, and highly sought after fashions that will spark attention with any outfit.

Celebrating 100 Years of Art Deco
The term Art Deco was not applied until the mid 1960s, referring to the artistic style displayed first in an exhibition held in Paris in 1925; which had originally been scheduled for 1916 but postponed three times due to World War I. By the time the exhibit took place, the new style was almost fully developed.

The roots of the Art Deco movement go back much further, with traces of the style, characterized by geometric figures and symmetrical forms seen as early as 1903. The most influential event of this decorative art came in 1909 when the Ballets Russes performed in Paris. The Oriental sets and costumes incorporated bold colors into exotic fashions and feathered head ornaments. By the time the war was over, the style blossomed enormously as an expression of modern times.

As well known and appreciated as these designs are today, there are very few strong examples of the art movement available for sale due to its short life cycle, as we found in gathering this collection for you. Much of its jewelry and attire are associated with the Roaring Twenties Flappers. Those that fashioned themselves in the style were the Vamps, or ladies of the night, actresses of the theater, and young girls that were caught up in the social and political unrest that followed the war. They wore skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable moral behavior. The Times magazine referred to them as "independent, pleasure-seeking, khaki-crazy young women."

The flapper lifestyle and look disappeared as the roaring '20s era of glitz and glamour came to an end in America after the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Unable to afford the latest trends and lifestyle, a sudden serious tone washed over the public with the appearance of The Great Depression. The ever-popular bobbed haircut even became the cause for some women being fired from their jobs.

Transitioning into the '30s saw campaigns such as the "Make do and Mend" slogan to ensure there was no over consumption. Fabric choices were among the many items to be cut back during this poverty-stricken time. Artificial fabrics were used instead of elegant fabrics such as silk. No longer were party dresses adorned with decorative embellishments or made of bright colors. Instead, women headed to work in pants to take over roles of men at war. Although the era of the flapper had vanished almost overnight, its symbol for women's liberation live on. The freedom to choose her role in society had been created. Even though many opposed the radical era, one can see how the flapper dress helped bridge a gap between genders in society, ultimately leading in the direction of women's rights.

We're sure you'll find something that suits your style in our Celebration of 100 Years of Art Deco.

BANGLES & BEADS Antique and Vintage Jewelry has had its own online presence for nearly two decades. We have worked with individual customers as well as dealers from many countries. We love what we do and strive to show it.

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