Rock Crystal in Art Deco Jewelry

Particularly appreciated during the interwar period, rock crystal—a variety of quartz as clear and colorless as glass—quickly became the material of choice to express the Art Deco ideal of “purity and geometry.” Its neutral brilliance, versatility in both angular cuts and smooth cabochons, and transparency allow it to interact with diamonds like an inner mirror, while highlighting the architecture of the jewelry without overshadowing the colored gemstones.


Suzanne Belperron
Triangular Double-Clip Brooch “Rock Crystal”
Cut rock crystal, old-cut diamonds
Sold for €81,000

Adopted by the major French workshops, it became an essential contrast material; paired with diamonds, onyx, emeralds, or pearls in stylized compositions; it plays with contrasts, open spaces, and layered volumes.


Boucheron Bracelet
“Art Deco”
Strands of Fine Pearls
Sold for €92,000

Adopted by the major French workshops, it became an essential contrast material; paired with diamonds, onyx, emeralds, or pearls in stylized compositions; it plays with contrasts, open spaces, and layered volumes.


Mauboussin Brooch
For Sale on October 29, 2025

Among the great French maisons, many (Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron) made use of rock crystal. Mauboussin, however, stands out for its sensitivity to light and space, employing an almost architectural approach that gives its pieces a recognizable signature and extends the Art Deco tradition of using rock crystal into the 1940s, a decade that saw the emergence of a new form of modernism.

Upcoming Auction
Jewelry & Fine Pearls
Sale on October 29, 2025

For more information or to include a lot in our upcoming sales, please contact
Department Director
Philippine Dupré La Tour
+33 1 41 92 06 42 - duprelatour@aguttes.com

Adeline Juguet
Specialist
+33 1 41 92 06 47 - juguet@aguttes.com

Eléonore des Beauvais
Specialist
+33 1 41 92 06 47 - desbeauvais@aguttes.com