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Art Nouveau Boulder Opal Pearl & Sapphire Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Art Nouveau era was a short-lived period of design which produced the most naturalistic and
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 2.62 Carat Opal and Yellow Gold Necklace
By Murrle Bennett & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Art Nouveau 2.62 carat opal and 15 karat yellow gold necklace made by
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 18 Karat Gold Opal Necklace, circa 1870s
Located in Braintree, GB
Art Noveau 18kt gold opal necklace, with natural opals and rubies, and enamel decoration. Made in
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Nouveau Link Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 15k Gold

Boulder Opal Necklace Australian Gemstone Ivy Art Nouveau style gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Ivy pendant with natural Boulder Opal in patinated silver on 100% silk black cord (handmade in
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Opal Silver Scarab Pendant
Located in Berlin, DE
This Art Nouveau silver pendant was crafted about 1900. Studded with oval opal in scarab shape and
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver

Art Nouveau Opal Silver Scarab Pendant
Art Nouveau Opal Silver Scarab Pendant
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W 1.34 in L 2.17 in
Art Nouveau Egyptian Revival Amber and Carved Opal Scarab Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
with "S.F. CAL." This outstanding necklace serves as a wonderful example of both the Art Nouveau and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amber, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace Gingko Leaves Opal Green Enamel Silver
Located in Munich, Bavaria
produced strong and expressive Art Nouveau jewellery. The pendant is accompanied by a period fine long
Category

Antique 1890s German Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver, Enamel

French 1890s Art Nouveau Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
magnificent Art nouveau jewel. The work of satin gold and the delicacy of each pattern is enhanced by the
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau 1900s Opal and Ruby Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Art Nouveau 0.32 carat opal and ruby, 9 karat yellow gold necklace; part of
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Unisex Opal Pendant Necklace Yellow Gold Art nouveau style
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant necklace with Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Unisex Opal Pendant Necklace Yellow Gold Art nouveau style
Unisex Opal Pendant Necklace Yellow Gold Art nouveau style
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H 1.22 in W 0.67 in D 0.12 in L 1.02 in
Art Nouveau Style Opal and Diamond Drop Pendant
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A very pretty Art Nouveau style drop pendant set in 9ct yellow and white gold with precious opal
Category

Early 2000s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Style Opal and Diamond Drop Pendant
Art Nouveau Style Opal and Diamond Drop Pendant
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H 1.58 in W 0.95 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
18ct gold & silver set Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch dated circa 1900 Five round opals
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
18ct gold & silver set Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch dated circa 1900 Five round opals
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Platinum Art Nouveau Butterfly Opal Diamond Pendant with Chain
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Breathtaking Opal Diamond and Emerald Butterfly pendant with chain in Platinum and yellow Gold
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Opal Necklace Natural Australian Opal
Located in Berlin, DE
Milky way - 14K yellow gold pendant with natural Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau More Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

John Zerano Art Nouveau Opal Pendant with 14 K Yellow Gold Chain
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Nouveau pendant with 14 K yellow gold chain. By John Zerano, Germany. Opal in cabochon-cut and
Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
version. This Pendant has also its matching Earrings. This Pendant is inspired by Art Nouveau. We're a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...

Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
version. This Pendant has also its matching Earrings. This Pendant is inspired by Art Nouveau. We're a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...

Art Nouveau Style Ruby Emerald Sapphire Opal Yellow Gold "Moon Phases" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has 1.10 Carats Of Opals. This Pendant has 5.20 Carats of Peridots. This Pendant has 5.40 Carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, Sapphire, Ruby, Peridot, Opal, Garnet, Emerald...

Boulder Opal Gold Pendant Oval Fine Jewelry Art Nouveau style
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural Boulder Koroit Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements
Category

2010s French Aesthetic Movement Drop Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold

Opal Gold Pendant Boulder Australian Nature Inspired Necklace
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.24
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal Gold Pendant Boulder Australian Nature Inspired Necklace
Opal Gold Pendant Boulder Australian Nature Inspired Necklace
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H 1.73 in W 0.71 in D 0.24 in L 1.38 in
Australian Opal Gold Pendant Raw Natural Necklace Purplish Blue
Located in Berlin, DE
14K white gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.24 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Australian Opal Gold Pendant Raw Natural Necklace Purplish Blue
Australian Opal Gold Pendant Raw Natural Necklace Purplish Blue
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H 1.77 in W 0.67 in D 0.24 in L 1.2 in
Moon Neon Opal Silver Necklace Natural Neon Australia Dark Magic Stone Healing
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver necklace with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal size - 0.12 x 0.71 x 0.71 in
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Handmade Unique Australian Black Opal Diamond & Sapphire Butterfly Gold Necklace
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Australian Black Opal, Diamond & Sapphire Butterfly Handmade 18k Gold Necklace. This is a unique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold,...

Georg Jensen Silver Opal and Labradorite Cabochon Pendant Necklace #4 c1904-1908
By Georg Jensen
Located in Glasgow, GB
A Georg Jensen silver opal and labradorite cabochon pendant #4 with chain, circa 1904-1908. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s Danish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Labradorite, Opal, Silver

Opal, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 7.57 carats, Blue Sapphire 14.43 carats and Diamond 1.0 carat Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold
Category

2010s Thai Art Nouveau More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Milky way Opal pendant Natural Australian opal neon blue gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Milky way - 14K yellow gold pendant with natural Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau More Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lightning Ridge Black Opal White Diamond Opal Triple Strand 21k Gold Necklace
By Eva Steinberg
Located in Dallas, TX
A wearable work of art by German jewellery maker Eva Steinberg, the one-of-a-kind Heavenly Opal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Artist Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Crystal, Black Opal, Mixed...

Victorian Opal Snake Pendant Necklace Long Antique Gold 1800s Rare
Located in New York, NY
A rare antique Victorian - Art Nouveau Opal Snake Pendant depicting two snakes or serpents wrapped
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold

Griffin Dragon Black Opal Pendant Necklace Antique Belle Epoque 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
DRAGON WITH A STUNNING ANTIQUE BLACK OPAL. This is a beautiful Beaux Arts - Art Nouveau - Belle Epoque
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Multicolor Australian Stone
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold necklace with natural boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Multicolor Australian Stone
Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Multicolor Australian Stone
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H 1.85 in W 0.55 in D 0.16 in L 1.34 in
Art Nouveau Guilloché Enamel, Diamond, Pearl, Pendant, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An exquisite, rare and fine Art Nouveau pendant in 18 carat gold, Circa 1900. 18 carat gold set
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Full Moon Black Opal Silver Pendant Natural Neon Purple Gem Australian
Located in Berlin, DE
Sterling silver pendant with natural black opal opal origin - Australia opal size - 0.12 x 0.71
Category

2010s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Sterling Silver, Silver

Full Moon Black Opal Silver Pendant Natural Neon Purple Gem Australian
Full Moon Black Opal Silver Pendant Natural Neon Purple Gem Australian
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H 1.1 in W 0.71 in D 0.12 in L 0.71 in
Art Nouveau Guilloché Enamel, Diamond, Pearl, Pendant, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An exquisite, rare and fine Art Nouveau pendant in 18 carat gold, Circa 1900. 18 carat gold set
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold

Boulder Opal Silver Pendant Nacreous White Multicolor Natural Australian Stone
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.2 х 0.51 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

1904 Art Nouveau Nordic Locket Pendant Sapphire Pearls solid 18KGold / 5.3gr
Located in SE
. We can arrange alter certain things like bracelet or necklace lengths for an additional fee but once
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

7.12 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Tweety Bird PT 900 Cocktail Pendant
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Our tweety bird pendant comprises a 7.12-carat orange opal decorated with a 0.21 carat, pear-shaped
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, Platinum

Boulder Opal White Gold Pendant Natural Australian Gem Polychrome Moon River
Located in Berlin, DE
14K white gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.28 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Boulder Opal White Gold Pendant Natural Australian Gem Polychrome Moon River
Boulder Opal White Gold Pendant Natural Australian Gem Polychrome Moon River
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H 1.77 in W 0.47 in D 0.28 in L 1.3 in
Art Deco Negligee Necklace Citrine Gilt Silver / 37.5 cm / 5.4gr
Located in SE
A hand-made European Negligee Necklace from the early XX century. 3 Natural Citrines in gilt Silver
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Silver, Gold-filled

Bochic “Baroque” Ruby, Sapphire & Blue Opal Set In 18K Gold and silver
Located in New York, NY
Blue Opals - 8 Carats Natural Sapphires - 30 Carats 18K Yellow Gold This Necklace is from the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Antique Art Deco Negligee Necklace Amethyst Seed Pearls Silver / 42.5 cm / 4.1 g
Located in SE
Hand - Hand-made necklace from the early 20 century featuring three natural Amethyst stones and
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Silver

1900 Nordic Necklace Gilt Silver Enamels /38.5 /10.5 gr
Located in SE
Old Norwegian Necklace in solid gilt sterling Silver with filigree decorations and Enamel works
Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Silver, Gold, Enamel

Bohemian Garnet Necklace solid 18K Gold Silver /43cm / 9.1gr
Located in SE
Austrian or Czechoslovakian Bohemian ca. 1920 - 1930s Garnet Necklace with pendants in Gilt
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Necklace Natural Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold / 37cm/ 1.8 gr
Located in SE
Antique,ca late 18th - early 19th century hand-made necklace, Egyptian revival styled or could be
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Necklace Natural Pearls Diamonds Emeralds solid 18K Gold /40cm/ 5.6gr
Located in SE
Fine ca. early XX cent. Necklace featuring a beautiful set of 99 gradually sized natural Pearls
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

1904 Nordic Necklace 200ct Natural Coral 18K Gold /48.5 cm /55 gr
Located in SE
Old Necklace with a set of 47 hand-cut and polished gradually sized beads of natural untreated
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

1918 Nordic Necklace 0.8 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum / 43 cm/ 4.58g
Located in SE
Early 20th century Necklace / Pendant featuring a beautiful set of 11 natural old diamond cut
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls 850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr
Located in SE
necklace: 43 cm. Weight: 16.5 grams Fine used condition. All parts are original, with no repairs or
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Silver, Gold

1916 Antique Necklace solid 18K Gold Filigree Citrine River Pearl / 7.7 gr
Located in SE
Antique hand-made Swedish necklace in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Delicate filigree work, oval and drop
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Necklace natural Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Silver / 44cm/ 6.8 gr
Located in SE
Early 20th century Necklace featuring beautiful set of 6 natural Seed Pearls and 3 natural half
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Silver

Antique Necklace 13 Natural 14ctw Gems solid 14/ 18K Gold / 5.8gr
Located in SE
, Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline Style: Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Belle Époque, Edwardian
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Garnet, Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Silver

Black Opal Phoenix bird Carving for necklace Cobalt Blue 68 carats
Located in Berlin, DE
One of a kind piece - Black Opal "Phoenix" bird carved by Daniela L`Abbate, world champion of Opal
Category

2010s Australian Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Antique Necklace Lapis Lazuli solid 14K Gold /44.5 cm/47 gr
Located in SE
Necklace with 5 strands of numerous equally sized round cut Ø 4mm beads of natural Lapis Lazuli
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold

Imperial Russian Georgian Orthodox Cross Crucifix Solid 56 / 14K Gold /4cm /2 gr
Located in SE
daily for an extended period of time; consider prongs, enamel, pearls,coral, turquoise and opal stones
Category

Antique Early 1900s Georgian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

Imperial Russian Orthodox Cross Crucifix Solid 56 / 14K Gold /5cm /2.1 gr
Located in SE
of time; consider prongs, enamel, pearls,coral, turquoise and opal stones carefully as they may not
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

1864 Nordic Eternity Knot Pendant Picture Locket solid 18K Yellow Gold/ 4gr
Located in SE
engraved they are not returnable. We can arrange alter certain things like bracelet or necklace lengths for
Category

Antique 1860s Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Imperial Russian Orthodox Cross Crucifix Solid 56 / 14K Gold /5cm /3.9 gr
Located in SE
daily for an extended period of time; consider prongs, enamel, pearls,coral, turquoise and opal stones
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

Antique German Locket Pendant Picture solid 14K Gold oval / 3.3gr
Located in SE
arrange alter certain things like bracelet or necklace lengths for an additional fee but once altered
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Austrian oval Pendant Picture Locket solid 14KGreen Gold / 2.3gr
Located in SE
like bracelet or necklace lengths for an additional fee but once altered these items are not returnable
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

Russian Imperial Orthodox Cross Crucifix Solid 56 / 14K Gold /4.5cm / 4.2gr
Located in SE
daily for an extended period of time; consider prongs, enamel, pearls,coral, turquoise and opal stones
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

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Art Nouveau Opal Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate art nouveau opal necklace for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Yellow Gold and 14k Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 91 antique edition and 26 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for an art nouveau opal necklace may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. Creating an art nouveau opal necklace has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Alexey Gabilo, Murrle Bennett & Co. and Luigi Ferrara are consistently popular. A cabochon version of this piece has appeal, but there are also uncut and oval cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for an art nouveau opal necklace, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Art Nouveau Opal Necklace?

The price for an art nouveau opal necklace starts at $199 and tops out at $175,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $4,503.

A Close Look at Art Nouveau Jewelry

Art Nouveau — generally considered to have begun in the late 1800s and ended with the start of World War I — was a movement in the decorative arts that drew inspiration from natural forms, such as trees, flowers and, of course, the human figure. The three main themes present in Art Nouveau jewelry and watches were flora, fauna and women.

Art Nouveau, which reached its pinnacle in the year 1900, spawned from artists who rejected the historicism of their predecessors to create an entirely new visual vocabulary. As compared to Art Deco jewelry’s geometric patterns and sharp lines, the extravagant style of antique Art Nouveau jewelry is characterized by curvilinear forms and whiplash lines, vibrant materials and dramatic imagery.

The first art and design movement of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was also a reaction against the Industrial Revolution, and took its inspiration from the theories of the Symbolists, the art of the Pre-Raphaelites, the ideas of John Ruskin and his follower William Morris and, most importantly Japanese crafts. (The country was a fertile ground for inspiration after it was opened to the West in 1854.) The Art Nouveau style touched all manners of the arts, including the most exultant jewelry.

Nature was a favorite muse for artists going back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but in the hands of 20th-century artists, it was depicted in new ways. For example, a withering flower was considered just as beautiful as one in full bloom. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also a popular subject. Dragonflies and butterflies were particular favorites because they morphed so dramatically in different life stages.

This was also a reference to women, whose role in society was evolving. It was not uncommon to see a piece of jewelry that would at once reference a woman as a winged creature (think René Lalique’s famous Dragonfly brooch, circa 1897–98, at the Gulbenkian Collection in Lisbon). However, just as women’s roles were ambiguous, so was their image, as the femmes nouvelle were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized.

In addition to Lalique, vital figures in Art Nouveau jewelry included Louis Comfort Tiffany in the United States, Vladimir Soloviev, who designed jewelry for Peter Carl Fabergé in Russia, Fuset Grau of Spain, Karl Rothmuller of Germany and Philippe Wolfers of Belgium.

Art Nouveau jewelers used every “canvas” imaginable, looking beyond brooches and necklaces to belt buckles, fans, tiaras, dog collars (a type of choker necklace), pocket watches, corsages and hair combs. Multicolored gems and enamel could complete this vision better than diamonds. Jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone — its iridescence harmonized perfectly with the enamel, and it could be carved into any shape. Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold.

Find a range of antique Art Nouveau jewelry today on 1stDibs.