The mainstream jewellers turned to the art of late eighteenth century France to provide the motifs for elegant diamond jewels now executed in platinum rather than silver and gold. The brightness and superior hardness of this metal resulted in much lighter, more precise settings. Tiaras were worn high on the head, while important stomachers occupied the entire front of low cut dresses. Because diamonds were no longer in short supply the string of perfectly matched graduated pearls became the status symbol par excellence. This passion for diamonds and peals meant that by 1910 the Art Nouveau movement was over, and the Arts and Crafts Society was never of more than marginal significance in English jewellery. |
