Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts designs were popular from about 1890 to 1920. The jewelry, like the metalwork and some furniture, was made by artists who believed in the importance of handmade work of a single craftsman. The pieces had hammer marks and even rough edges or uneven lines to show they were handmade. Designs were simple, using straight lines and geometric shapes as well as a few curves inspired by earlier art nouveau pieces. Long thin chains, rings, and pins were popular. Inexpensive materials like silver, pewter, copper, brass, and cabochon stones, even glass, were used.