What defines green art deco jewellery?

These pieces combine geometric designs with green materials such as emeralds, jade, amazonite, chrysoprase, and enamel. They reflect the modernist aesthetics of the interwar years, prioritising symmetry and bold colour contrasts.

How do I care for jade and emerald jewellery?

Precious green stones and enamel require gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Harsh ultrasonic cleaners can damage treated emeralds or delicate jadeite. Store items separately to prevent softer metals and stones from scratching against one another.

Are these pieces made of platinum or gold?

Makers utilised a range of metals depending on the tier of the piece. Platinum and white gold frequently support high-value diamond and emerald clusters. Yellow gold and sterling silver appear often in carved jade rings, bar brooches, and enamel bracelets.

How can I distinguish paste from real stones?

Paste consists of dense glass fashioned to imitate gems like emeralds and diamonds. Examining the piece under magnification reveals internal bubbles or mould lines typical of glass. Genuine emeralds and jadeite display natural inclusions, distinct thermal conductivity, and mineral structures unique to natural stones.