Vernon Art Nouveau
Mid-20th Century Art Nouveau Barware
Wrought Iron
1920s Art Nouveau Landscape Prints
Drypoint, Etching
Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Boxes and Cases
Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Boxes and Cases
Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Serving Bowls
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century American Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Vases
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Vases
Glass
People Also Browsed
Antique 16th Century Maps
Paper
20th Century French Vanity Items
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s French Industrial Shelves
Iron, Brass
1940s Modern Still-life Prints
Lithograph
Antique 1840s Italian Classical Roman More Jewelry
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Iron
20th Century Surrealist Prints and Multiples
Paper, Woodcut
2010s European Modern Dining Room Tables
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Shelves
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century French Patio and Garden Furniture
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century Russian Russian Empire More Objets d'Art and Vertu
Silver
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vanity Items
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Vermeil, Silver, Gilt Metal
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches
14k Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Shelves
Iron
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Brooches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s English Art Nouveau Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Wood
Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
20th Century Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau More Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Bridal Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century American Art Nouveau Patio and Garden Furniture
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Art Nouveau Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Wedding Rings
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Necklace Enhancers
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yel...
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau More Jewelry
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
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.
- What is Art Nouveau jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021Art Nouveau jewelry generally featured three main themes: flora, fauna and women. The Art Nouveau movement lasted 15 years and it reached its pinnacle in the year 1900. 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. Enameling is most often associated with Art Nouveau jewelry, specifically plique-à-jour. Known as backless enamel, plique-à-jour allows light to come through the rear of the enamel because there is no metal backing. It creates an effect of translucence and lightness. Shop a collection of antique and vintage Art Nouveau jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- What is Art Nouveau furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Art Nouveau furniture was a style of furniture that emerged at the end of the 19th century and was characterized by its complex curved lines. The curved details in the furniture were typically carved by hand and finished with lacquer. The unmistakable gloss that is associated with Art Nouveau comes from the thick coat of varnish applied to the furniture as the final step of the production process.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Art Nouveau was influenced by a few things. The soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese woodblock prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s, were a major source of inspiration. Also, Pre-Raphaelite art and the Arts and Crafts and Rococo styles had an influence on Art Nouveau designers. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Art Nouveau furniture and decorative objects.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
The main difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco is that the former is detailed and ornate, and the latter is sharp and geometrical. When the movement started at the end of the 19th century, Art Nouveau was heavily influenced by nature and the curved lines of flowers. Art Deco, which became popular in the beginning of the 20th century, was inspired by the geometric abstraction of cubism.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024No one person created the Art Nouveau movement. However, the term debuted in an 1884 article in the L'Art Moderne journal, describing the work of a collective of artists known as Les XX. As a result, some people credit the group and its founding members, James Ensor and Théo van Rysselberghe, as helping to define the movement. However, Art Nouveau was heavily informed by work that came before, including Rococo design, Pre-Raphaelite art, Japanese art and the Arts and Crafts movement. Beyond Les XX, a number of creators helped to propel the movement. Among them were Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Louis Majorelle, Émile Gallé, Antoni Gaudí and Tiffany Studios. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture and decorative objects.
- Is stained glass Art Nouveau?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, some stained glass is Art Nouveau. It was during this period that Louis Comfort Tiffany produced his famed stained glass windows and decorative objects. However, the tradition of producing stained glass traces all the way back to the Gothic period. You'll find a selection of stained glass on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Alphonse Mucha was a Czech painter who is one of the originators of the Art Nouveau style. His style of painting and design rose in popularity in 1895 and he produced many works, including illustrations, posters and jewelry designs. Find a variety of Alphonso Mucha art and prints on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
The Art Nouveau design movement used such materials as cast iron and steel, ceramic and glass. This style of architecture, design, art and jewelry was characterized by its use of long, sinuous lines that are reflected in nature.
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Art Nouveau Master Alphonse Mucha Created Much More Than Parisian Posters
Aside from his iconic commercial prints, the Czech artist endeavored to make works that spoke to the soul.
Everything You’d Want to Know about Enamel Jewelry
From vibrant to subtle, elegant to cheeky, enamel jewelry encompasses a wide range of colors and styles, and there are almost as many techniques for creating these distinctive pieces.
What Makes Art Nouveau Jewelry So Collectible?
The first art and design movement of the 20th century was all about celebrating beauty of women and nature.