A Modern Take on Art Deco: Honoring the Glamour and Geometry of a Timeless Era

One of the earliest custom projects I ever took on as a jewelry designer came from an art historian who had a deep love for Art Deco architecture. At the time, I was still learning what kind of aesthetic truly resonated with me—but the more I immersed myself in research for her ring, the more I realized I was falling in love, too. The angular lines, the bold symmetry, the endlessly intricate detail work—it all spoke to me on a deep creative level.

That single project was a gateway. I found myself sketching endlessly, building a visual vocabulary from the repeating patterns, clean geometry, and elaborate settings of the 1920s and ‘30s. What started as a one-off custom job soon grew into its own Art Deco collection—one that continues to evolve with every new piece I design.

Why Art Deco?

Art Deco was a movement that celebrated progress, precision, and unapologetic glamour. There’s a sophistication in the design language of that time that I find endlessly inspiring—especially in jewelry. Each element feels intentional. Whether it’s a stepped bezel, a cutout basket that catches the light just so, or the tiniest milgrain detail framing a gemstone, Art Deco is all about refined drama.

Creatively, the Art Deco style aligns beautifully with the values I hold as a designer. It’s heirloom-worthy without being old-fashioned. It’s bold but never over-the-top. And most of all, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship—something I strive for in everything I create.

Merging Past and Present

My background is rooted in traditional techniques, but when I started working on these highly detailed Deco-inspired designs, I knew I needed a new level of precision. That’s when I began collaborating with a CAD operator and exploring Rhino software. Using these modern tools opened up a whole new world of design possibilities for me. I could zoom in and obsess over the tiniest of details—something Art Deco design practically demands.

CAD allowed me to fully realize the geometric forms I was envisioning: octagonal and hexagonal baskets for round stones, delicate milgrain detailing down the shank, and signature accents like my arrow design or east-west stone settings that bring a fresh perspective to classic silhouettes.

What Makes It “Art Deco”?

In this collection, I use a few core design elements again and again—not only because they’re beautiful, but because they feel true to the era. Milgrain is one of my signatures. It adds that vintage softness and texture while also highlighting the clean lines of the metalwork. I also love angular “window” cutouts in the baskets, which nod to architectural Deco details and allow more light to move through the stone.

When it comes to cuts, step-cut stones are a perfect match for this collection. Their long, rectangular facets and symmetrical patterns echo the geometry of the period and let the stone’s clarity shine. Emerald cuts were my original favorite, but I’ve recently developed a real love for pears—their blend of softness and structure feels especially elegant. Ovals have been a consistent favorite among my clients, and while the Asscher cut hasn’t made an appearance yet, it’s definitely on my list.

Over the years, I’ve had the joy of translating these Art Deco design elements into real, wearable engagement rings. Each piece in this collection is rooted in the architectural geometry and refined glamour of the era, but always with my own minimalist touch. Here are a few of my favorite designs that bring this vision to life.

1.5ct Oval Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Ring

This ring is a shining example of everything I love about Art Deco design. It features a 1.5ct oval center diamond framed by six brilliant blue Australian sapphires. The oval basket is adorned with angular windows and delicate milgrain detail, while my signature Arrow band adds a modern twist.

I designed this piece to balance old-world elegance with thoughtful structure. The sapphires give it that classic Deco pop of color, but the clean lines and subtle embellishments keep it feeling fresh and timeless. Whether you choose a lab-grown or reclaimed diamond, this ring makes a statement—bold, beautiful, and unmistakably you.

1.5ct Pear Art Deco Diamond Ring

The newest addition to my Art Deco collection, this pear-cut diamond ring has quickly become a personal favorite. I’ve always loved the elegant teardrop shape of a pear stone, and it feels right at home in a Deco setting. I kept the details refined and intentional: angular windows in the basket, milgrain that flows from the setting into the band, and just enough height to let the diamond take center stage.

It’s everything I want in an engagement ring—graceful, architectural, and timeless with just the right touch of drama.

1ct Three Stone Hexagon Art Deco Diamond Ring

This three-stone ring captures the spirit of the Art Deco era while offering a more classic profile. At the center is a 1ct round brilliant diamond, flanked by two smaller side stones. What makes it special is the hexagonal basket—clean lines, angular windows, and that signature milgrain detail that ties it all together.

I love how the symmetry and geometry of the setting amplify the brilliance of the stones. It’s a design that honors the Deco tradition of balance and precision, while still feeling modern and wearable every day. This one’s perfect for someone who wants that heirloom aesthetic with a slightly unexpected twist.

Why Deco Works for Engagement Rings

Art Deco jewelry from the 1920s and ‘30s is still worn today, and that longevity speaks volumes. These designs were built to last, both in style and in structure. That timeless quality is something I aim to bring into every engagement ring I create—whether it’s a fully custom design or a piece from my collection.

I think people gravitate toward Art Deco engagement rings because they offer something different. They’re not trying to look like every other ring on the market. They carry a sense of history, individuality, and intentionality that resonates with clients who want their jewelry to tell a deeper story.

A Personal Deco Discovery

Years ago, when I was visiting San Francisco with my now-husband, we stopped into Lang Antiques—one of the most iconic antique jewelry stores in the country. I wasn’t a full-time designer yet, but I was deeply curious. We ended up spending the entire afternoon there, immersed in everything from elaborate Art Deco cigarette cases to Victorian hair jewelry.

That day was transformative. We were actually shopping for an engagement ring, and I left with a sweet Georgian piece: a mine-cut diamond surrounded by a halo of tiny round pearls. It was delicate, romantic, and so different from anything I’d seen before. I still wear it on special occasions.

What stayed with me even more than the ring was the experience—the patience, the education, the warmth of the woman who helped us. I was new to jewelry design then, and that interaction became a blueprint for how I now work with my own clients. I want every consultation, every design conversation, to feel just as personal and exciting.

The Story Continues

My Art Deco collection is a love letter to this remarkable era—but it’s also my way of connecting with clients who appreciate craftsmanship, individuality, and timeless beauty. I’m constantly adding to the line and dreaming up new iterations: more pear cuts, more geometric baskets, and yes—an Asscher cut or two on the horizon.

If you’re drawn to the architectural elegance of the Art Deco period and want a ring that captures that spirit in a modern, wearable way, I’d love to hear your story and design something just for you. Let’s create your future heirloom.