The Art Deco Period (1920-1935) in France ushered in a brash, sophisticated look with flamboyant, geometric styles. A seemingly random jumble of colored gemstones, called the "fruit salad" look, became popular. Rubies were set next to emeralds in massive brooches, while coral and jade were frequently used together.

Art Deco jewelry is characterized by several unique jewelry forms which were popular during this period, including dress clips, flexible diamond strip bracelets, and pearls worn as long ropes. The marketing of the cultured pearl made the latter more affordable too. Post-war prosperity broadened the market for diamonds and precious gemstones.

The discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1923 started a craze for Egyptian motifs like the scarab, sphinx and falcon. Gemstones used in King Tut's jewelry, like lapis lazuli, carnelian and chalcedony, also became popular.