1ct Royal Blue Gemstone Loose
Vintage 1920s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cufflinks
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 18th Century European Georgian Bridal Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
20th Century American Victorian Cocktail Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Signet Rings
Carnelian, 18k Gold
20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Band Rings
22k Gold
Antique 1780s French Greek Revival Pendant Necklaces
Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
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.
Finding the Right cluster-rings for You
Antique and vintage cluster rings are timeless accessories. While they might have been considered more popular in certain eras than in others, they’re versatile and belong in any jewelry box.
Featuring a diamond or other central gemstone surrounded by smaller stones, the cluster rings’ distinguished look makes them a popular choice for engagement rings or, for a fancy night out, an accent piece for jewelry lovers everywhere.
The style of cluster rings has changed over time even if the defining attributes have remained intact.
Georgian-era jewelry — named for the monarchies of the four King Georges — features cluster rings that are often characterized by a grouping of central stones into rose-like shapes. (The stones are set off by the setting’s blackened metal.) Diamonds came into fashion during the late Victorian period, and late Victorian cluster rings were most often set in yellow gold. Jewelers of the Art Deco period embraced geometric shapes, and Art Deco cluster rings feature emeralds, sapphires and other colorful stones.
Cluster rings for future brides have been in and out of the spotlight, but cluster-style engagement rings have been experiencing a consistent revival of sorts since at least 2011, when Kate Middleton began wearing Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond ring, which was made by Garrard in the 1980s. For your special day, whether you prefer vintage engagement rings or contemporary pieces, a cluster ring can deliver some sparkle if a diamond solitaire is out of your budget. (See our engagement ring buying guide for insight and expert tips to help you find the perfect ring.)
On 1stDibs, find many ruby cluster rings, gold cluster rings and an extraordinary range of other antique and vintage rings today.