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Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

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19thc Pair Art Nouveau Ruby Red Art Glass Flowers - Drapery Tiebacks
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning Pair c1890 Art Nouveau Ruby Red Art Glass Drapery Tiebacks. Nickel hardware. The bracket
Category

1890s American Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Art Glass

Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Bracelet, Paris, circa 1890
Located in Goettingen, DE
Art Nouveau Ruby ​​Diamond 18K Gold Bracelet, Paris circa 1890 This very decorative gold bracelet
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby 14 Karat Gold Satyr Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a face of a satyr with horns, long ears, and swirling beard Accented by round ruby
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond and Enamel Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a splendid pendant taken from the Art Nouveau period. This highly detailed piece
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond Gold Band Ring
Located in Napoli, Italy
Ruby, adorned with approx. 0.50 ct. in H/VS European cut diamonds. The engraving work make this piece
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly outstanding ruby and diamond dress ring crafted during the Art Nouveau period
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond and Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
associate with the Art Nouveau style and period. This piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold into a
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond 14K Gold Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This stunning Art Nouveau ring is designed as a stylized flower and stylized leaves. The flower is
Category

1890s European Belle Époque Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond Etched Gold Bracelet
By Riker Brothers
Located in Narberth, PA
today! This stunning bangle bracelet from the Art Nouveau era (ca1900) is a wonderful example of the
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920
Located in Firenze, IT
The ruby and rose diamond cluster to a hoop to modelled as two opposing Mercury and caduceus Size
Category

1920s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Green Man Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
leaves with a subtle green gold finish Centering a bezel set purplish-red ruby cabochon, highly domed
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow and green gold, owl hallmark and platinum, mascaron hallmark. Art Nouveau
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau Ruby Flower Pendant Lavaliere Necklace Gold, Circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS AN ART NOUVEAU - BELLE EPOQUE PENDANT IN THE FORM OF A FLOWER WITH A GORGEOUS NATURAL MINED
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond Guilloche Enamel 14 Karat Gold Brooch
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
flush set old European cut diamonds in back and ruby eyes. Diamonds weigh approximately 0.06 carat total
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique French Art Nouveau Ruby and Diamond 20K Gold Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This antique four-leaf clover pendant dates back to the Art Nouveau movement, 1890-1914. The lovely
Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Clover Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
-leaf clovers set with a sapphire, a ruby and seven rose cut diamonds. The brooch is marked on frame
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Art Nouveau Ruby 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Crescent Moon Night Sky Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"night sky" background Sweetly accented by a flush set round cut ruby Tested as 14 karat gold Circa
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

French Art Nouveau Ruby Natural Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. A delightful Art Nouveau jewel, it
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Ruby Sapphire and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
; part of our diverse Art Nouveau jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique Art Nouveau
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby Red Glass Condiment Set Antique Europe, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous glass set of salt and pepper shakers with a silver-plated holder. A beautiful art nouveau
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Silver Plate, Metal

Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond Demantoid 14 Karat Gold Bee Bracelet
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
bee motif appliqué with a cushion cut ruby body Weighing approximately 1.70 carats - transparent
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Flower Pendant Necklace Charm 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
ELEGANT ART NOUVEAU DESIGN AND IS RARE TO FIND WITH THE RADIANT RED RUBIES AND ROSE CUT DIAMONDS. THE
Category

19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Riker Bros. Art Nouveau Ruby Garnet Pearl Basse-Taille 14 Karat Dragonfly Brooch
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
by flush set round cut ruby eyes and demantoid garnet body. Transparent bright red and green in color
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Riker Brothers Enamel Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Spider Art Nouveau Brooch
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
vibrant black and yellow enamel - exhibiting minor loss Its thorax is bead set with a diamond and a ruby
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Gustav Manz Art Nouveau 2.85 CTW Star Ruby 14 Karat Gold Atlas Unisex Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round star ruby cabochon weighing approximately 2.85 carats Translucent purplish red
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Jadeite Jade Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dragon Antique Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
grooved flowers throughout. Accented by a ruby eye. Stamped 18k for 18 karat gold. Circa: 1905. Ring size
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond and Ruby Lady's Profil
Located in Geneva, CH
Art Nouveau Diamond and Ruby Lady's Profil. Antique masterpiece set buy Old mine cut and rose cut
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Antique Art Nouveau Sapphire Ruby Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique russian era ring 1899/1900.c 14k gold ring in art nouveu style with natural ruby and blue
Category

1890s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Antique Art Nouveau Lion Necklace with Diamond and Ruby
Located in Stamford, CT
Strong repousse engraving and fierce definition make our solid ruby eyed lion seem wild, with its
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Ring Art Nouveau 18K Gold with Cabochon Ruby - Gustave Sandoz
Located in PARIS, FR
This remarkable Art Nouveau ring, in 18-carat gold, is a unique piece that embodies the elegance
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

French antique Art Nouveau 18K gold ivy leaves ruby ring
Located in Versailles, FR
For sale a stunning Art Nouveau ring, a true masterpiece of French craftsmanship. Adorned with a
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Tiffany & Co. Art Nouveau Sapphire Ruby and Gold Cufflinks, Circa 1890
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
A pair of Tiffany art nouveau sapphire and ruby cufflinks, with three cabochon sapphires set on one
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

Art Nouveau Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Necklace Belle Époque Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This is an extraordinary museum quality Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque Pendant Necklace set with Rose
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k 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 Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

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

Antique Art Nouveau Opal and Ruby Yellow Gold Brooch, Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
versatile Art Nouveau opal brooch may be converted and a ring loop attached to the reverse to enable the
Category

1910s Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Opal, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Andre Rambour Art Nouveau Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Mucha Style Byzantine Princess beautiful Art Nouveau ring. Ring Size: UK:I US:4.25 EU:47.4 Asia
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold

Art Nouveau 1920s Diamond Pearl Ruby and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
white gold set pendant; part of our diverse Art Nouveau jewelry collections. This fine and impressive
Category

1920s German Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 1920s Diamond Pearl Ruby and Yellow Gold Pendant
Art Nouveau 1920s Diamond Pearl Ruby and Yellow Gold Pendant
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H 1.85 in W 0.61 in L 18 in
1.42 Ct Natural Burma Ruby, Art Nouveau Inspired Ruby and 1.35 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in București, B
complementary, please contact us to inform us on the right size. Main Stone Type: Natural Burmese Ruby, oval
Category

Late 19th Century Romanian Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Tourmaline Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Eagle Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and bright Accented by a 1.5 mm round cut ruby eye Transparent medium purplish red in color Tested
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Gold Diamond Ruby Lion Head Stud Earrings C 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
Antique Art Nouveau C 1900 14K gold lion head stud earrings, each designed as a winged lion head
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau 14kt/Sterling, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond + Pearl Butterfly Pin/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
A spectacular pin/pendant from the Art Nouveau (ca1900s) era! Crafted in 14kt rosy yellow gold and
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal

Art Nouveau Plique a Jour Enamel Ruby and Diamond Ring, ca. 1900s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Art Nouveau Plique-a-Jour Enamel Ruby and Diamond Ring, ca. 1900s A beautiful Art Nouveau ring
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Enamel, 18k Gold

Ruby Pearl Art Nouveau Maiden Flower Woman Goddess Pendant 14K Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Antique Art Nouveau Pendant in the form of a maiden woman in a field of flowers
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Liberty Italian 18K Gold Silver Ruby Aquamarine Ring, C 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
Florentine jewellery art is set with a large round cut natural aquamarine framed by a delicate hand-pierced
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Aquamarine, Silver, 18k Gold

Exceptional Art Nouveau Gold and Multi-Gem Letter Opener, Carved Emerald Face
Located in New York, NY
An important Art Nouveau gold and multi-gemstone letter opener in the form of a dagger. The hilt
Category

1910s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Fire Opal, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Necklace Gold 585 Diamonds '3.0 Carat' Rubies Vienna Austria c.1910
Located in Vienna, AT
Golden Art Nouveau necklace of superb appearance - it is made in following manner: There is a ring
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau French 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby and Enamel Bird Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Nouveau diamond, ruby, enamel, and yellow gold locket, comprising four cabochon rubies, and
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Sapphire Rose Diamond Ruby Dragonfly Insect Necklace Art Nouveau 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Art Nouveau - Art Deco Rose Cut and Old MIne Cut Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau shamrock ring, Ruby, Diamond and Garnet doublet, 18k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
This antique Art Nouveau Shamrock or clover ring is such a charming beauty! Crafted in 18ct yellow
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Nouveau Ring natural Ruby Spinel Diamonds solid 18KGold Ø 9.5US/ 3gr
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period Ring in solid 18K (tested) Gold with a mix of two natural Diamonds , natural
Category

1910s European Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Turn-of-the-Century Citrine, Lapis, Ruby, and Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Wheaton, IL
that defines the Art Nouveau movement. One (1) dazzling oval brilliant-cut citrine is centrally set in
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1890s Art Nouveau 2.68 Star Ruby Demantoid Garnet 14 Karat Gold Koi Fish Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
1897 2.68 Star Ruby Cabochon Demantoid Garnet 14 Karat Yellow Gold Koi Fish Vintage Gemstone Ring
Category

1890s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Garnet, Ruby, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Open Scroll Floral Diamond Ruby Pearl 18 Karat Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Antique Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby and Pearl 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Brooch, a
Category

1890s British Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Pearl and Ruby Oak Leaf and Trefoil Clover Brooch, Art Nouveau, ca 1910s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A large diamond, pearl and ruby Art Nouveau brooch in platinum and yellow gold, ca. 1910s. It has
Category

1910s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Art Nouveau 1.20 Inch Brooch Diamond 0.30 Carat Platinum Gold Pearl Ruby
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Vintage Art Nouveau 1.20 Inch Brooch, a timeless masterpiece that
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau Silver Necklace and Enamel Silver Pendant with Rubies and Pearls
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Offered beautiful Art Nouveau silver pendant with silver necklace. The pendant is decorated with 4
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Art Nouveau Stick Brooch Gold 585 Rubies 0.30 ct Diamonds 0.20 ct Vienna c. 1902
Located in Vienna, AT
Golden Art Nouveau Stick Brooch with Rubies and Diamonds. Gold (14 ct / 585) / Diamonds (vintage
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau 1.67 CTW Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Foliate Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five graduated mixed cushion cut rubies weighing approximately 1.63 carats total
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French 1890 Art Nouveau Swan Arp Brooch 18Kt Gold With 5.05 Ctw Rubies Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A French art nouveau swan brooch. Gorgeous piece of jewelry, created in France in the late 19th
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Edwardian 18K Gold Diamond Ruby Natural Pearl Necklace Pendant
Located in Firenze, IT
An Edwardian Art Nouveau lavalier necklace pendant in platinum topped 18 yellow gold embellished
Category

Early 20th Century European Antique Art Nouveau Ruby

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

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Antique Art Nouveau Ruby For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact antique art nouveau ruby you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 72 antique edition and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for an antique art nouveau ruby 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. An antique art nouveau ruby from Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection and Malpani Jewels — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old mine cut and pear cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an antique art nouveau ruby, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Antique Art Nouveau Ruby?

Prices for an antique art nouveau ruby can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $350 and can go as high as $28,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,617.

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.