March 18, 2022
B.P. de Silva Inspirations – The Art Deco Era
In our 5th Generation, clients have come to know us for our contemporary designs, intricate craftsmanship, and sleek forms. The Art Deco era and its wealth of idyllic silhouettes, serves as one of B.P. de Silva’s greatest design inspiration – our Creative Director’s ode to her time in New York, home to some of the world’s most iconic Art Deco architecture.
Forms In Architecture & Design
Image Credits: Pinterest
Art Deco, short for the French term, Art Decoratifs, is a movement in the decorative arts and architecture that originated in the 1920s and developed into a major style in western Europe and the United States during the 1930s. Notable features of this design style are geometric pairings, streamlined shapes and motifs, and high quality craftsmanship.
Many would know of, or would have even visited one of the most renowned Art Deco buildings in the world, the Chrysler Building, also known as "The Art Deco Skyscraper", built in 1930. To this day, William Van Alen's work remains one of the most striking architectural wonders in the Manhattan:
“There’s just something about New York. It's a city dripping with creative energy and endless inspiration for artists. What looks like chaos from the outside in many ways provide the perfect canvas for moments of serendipity - at least for me, that was the case.
The spirit of New York is well-captured in its skyline bursting with Art Deco forms - exuding an energetic visual rhythm, expressions of modern elegance and strength - in a way, it's almost a visual ode to the concrete jungle and the grit of its people."
– Shanya, Creative Director.
Art Deco Necklace design, in artist's gouache by Shanya.
Influences in Jewellery
Client's Bespoke Art Deco Ring with an emerald-cut Diamond centrepiece.
Art Deco surely has its place in history, and even a century later, it’s still one of the most recognisable visual cultures in the world. In fact, it’s one of the most requested styles for us at B.P.’s for engagement rings and bespoke designs, a testament of its timeless appeal.
Crafting designs with an Art Deco edge bring us to new heights in creative exploration – like discovering what shapes combine to become unique forms for a geometric halo, or a ring design with a medley of different shapes and cuts:
B.P. de Silva Art Deco ring designs - The Jazz Age New York New York Ring and client's bespoke ring with an asscher cut Diamond centrepiece.
Sometimes, an inspired idea challenges our boundaries, and we have to work with custom-cuts in gemstones or Diamonds to make our visions come to life. Whenever we hold a jewellery design in our hands for the first time though, the journey to its creation is always worth it.
As a part of our 150th Anniversary celebrations, we’re working on some very special jewellery designs, and we can't wait to share more with you, soon.
