"Tank" Jewelry: The Legacy of Art Deco and the World Wars
During the Art Deco period, from the 1940s to the early 1950s, iconic jewelry emerged, such as the " Tank " style rings and bracelets, named after the combat tanks used during the war.
Characterized by voluminous geometric shapes , these three-dimensional jewels evoked elements such as drapes, folds or stylized leaf motifs.
Due to World War II, platinum was scarce and reserved for the war effort, prompting jewelers to use primarily yellow gold and rose gold .
Since gemstones were also rare, jewelers incorporated synthetic sapphires and rubies into their designs during the 1940s.
Tanks had already inspired designers such as Cartier during the First World War. In 1919, the house created the "Tank" watch, which became an iconic piece.
