Tonight is the Anniversary of Prohibition Eve!

Tonight, remember to raise a glass in remembrance of those who courageously battled through the long dry spell of American prohibition. On January 16th, 1920 the nationwide alcohol ban went into effect, and those who wished to get tipsy had to go underground.

"What's the password?"

While gatherings at speakeasies sounds quite glamorous, their hidden entrances must have made finding your way to the fete a bit of a hassle. Rumor has it the gal with the biggest ring knew where the best party was being held.

 Imagine the parties these two prohibition-era baubles have been to:

A festive, early Art Deco platinum, diamond and onyx ring. Currently available in our online shop!

An Art Deco diamond dazzler with 1ct center. Currently available in our online shop!

We think they still make a great martini-accessory today.

Say YES to Wednesday: 0.40ct Art Deco Engagement Ring

A bright and lively 0.40 carat old European cut diamond is set snugly in an elegant, engraved white gold setting. Tiny single cut diamonds decorate the step-down shoulders. 

Currently available at Gray & Davis!

Would you say yes?

Say YES to Wednesday: Stunning Art Deco Old European Cut Engagement Ring

A wonderful 0.81 carat old European cut diamond is set in an octagonal bezel and supported by the most fabulous Deco platinum pierce-work we've seen in awhile.

Currently available at Gray & Davis.

Would you say yes?

Art Deco Jewels in their Natural Habitat

Today seems like a good day to peruse iconic portraits of Art Deco stage and screen stars that prominently feature jewelry, don’t you think?

Let’s start off with stunning shot of Louis Brooks and her pearls:

This portrait, taken by Eugene Robert Richee c.1929 is the epitome of Jazz Age glamour.

Speaking of Jazz Age glamour, we must mention the extraordinary Josephine Baker:

The toast of 1920s Paris, Baker shows the rest of us how to really pose for a portrait: wearing huge diamond earrings and sitting on a tiger skin rug.

Next, we have Brigitte Helm looking delightfully evil in her sparkly necklace/hat/thing:

This image is a publicity shot for the 1927 silent film Metropolis, a dystopian sci-fi epic that, at the time of its release, was the most expensive film ever made. Also worth noting, Brigitte was way ahead of her time with those ear-climbers. 

Here’s Gloria Swanson in another great 1927 publicity shot – this one for the film The Love of Sunya:

We especially appreciate that the jewelry matches her dress straps.

French film star Lili Damita is dripping in diamonds and pearls:

This silver screen siren starred in dozens of films from 1922 – 1937, and was married to Errol Flynn for a few brief years. This photo was taken in the early part of her career.

And lastly, we present Greta Garbo c.1931 as Mata Hari,  because that jewel-encrusted hat is just the best:

Rockefeller Center and Art Deco

In line with celebrating Art Deco this month we took a wonderful walking tour of Rockefeller Center and realized how close our home is to some of the greatest  Deco architecture. Built from 1931-1939 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. (or just Junior as he was called) Rock Center  was created to be a ‘city within a city’ and was to exemplify humanity's progress towards new frontiers. 

Junior, c.1915

"I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might."

After all, this was the age of the airplane and travel, advances is broadcasting, and innovation in the communication industry. It was an entertainment hub with its own theaters (eh-hem Radio City!), restaurants and even the home to the first public parking garage for automobiles!

The escalator replacing what would have been a grand staircase. Both an example and a metaphor for the period. 

These themes of progress and evolution of mankind were reflected in art throughout the plaza. A few of our favorites: 

Wisdom by Lee Lawrie at the entrance of the GE building the prophetic spirit gazes downward with no small measure of intimidation. 

Atlas - a collaboration between Lee Lawrie and Rene Chambellan. In Greek mythology Atlas was defeated in war against the Olympic gods and the half-man, half-god Atlas was condemned to carry the world on his shoulders as punishment. 

Time - by Jose Maria Sert. A dramatic mural on the ceiling of 30 Rockefeller Center depicts a giant Titan bracing his weight between two columns that symbolize the past and the future. Whether he is leaning towards the past or the future depends on your perspective as you move about the  lobby. 

Lesson learned, there are Art Deco influences all throughout the city and it is our job to look up, take notice and appreciate this streamline and geometric design for all is grandeur.