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.
$280Sale Price|20% Off
15.80 Carats Natural Loose Dark Purple Amethyst Gem Dodecagon Fancy Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Amethyst Weight: 15.80 Carats Dimension: 18.5x12.9x11.1 Mm Origin: Brazil Mine Shape: Dodecagon Treatment: Nill Certificate; On Demand Purple amethyst, a member of the quart...
Amethyst
90 Carat Colombia Emerald Massive Piece Loose Gemstone Head Turner
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Elevate your collection with this remarkable 90 carat Colombian emerald, a gemstone that radiates sophistication and luxury. Known as the world’s premier source of emeralds, Colombia...
Emerald
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
25.10 Carats Natural Loose Tourmaline Peach Red Color Afghanistan Earth Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 25.10 Carats Dimension: 17.2x16.1x13.3 Mm Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape: Cushion Color: Red Peach Treatment: Non / Natural Certificate: On Client Deman...
Rubelite, Tourmaline
$240Sale Price|20% Off
8.80 Carats Natural Loose Ametrine Oval Shape Bar Cut Gemstone Brazil Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Ametrine Weight: 8.80 Carats Dimension: 14.5x11.6x10.2 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Oval Cut: Pixel Cut / Bar Cut Treatment: Non Color: Yellow & Purple Certificate: On Client De...
Amethyst, Citrine
$320Sale Price|20% Off
4.30 Carats Natural Loose Tri Color Tourmaline Gemstone For Jewellery Making
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight; 4.30 Carats Dimension: 13.4x6.6x5.6 Mm Origin: Paprook Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Color: Black, Green & Pink Certificate; On Demand Treatment: Non Tri-color tourmaline, a captivating variation of the popular gemstone, exhibits a remarkable blend of three distinct colors within a single crystal. This unique gemstone is celebrated for its exquisite beauty, as it harmoniously combines hues in a way that distinguishes it from other tourmaline varieties. The three colors typically found in tri-color tourmaline are pink, green, and white or clear sections. The crystal's internal structure influences the coloration, creating a mesmerizing play of colors. This exceptional combination makes each tri-color tourmaline specimen a one-of-a-kind gem, sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. Mined in various locations around the world, including Brazil, Afghanistan, and Namibia, the extraction of tri-color tourmaline requires careful precision. Miners must navigate the geological formations to find pockets of crystals that showcase the desired tricolor effect. Once unearthed, lapidaries skillfully cut and polish the gemstones to enhance their inherent beauty and reveal the striking color transitions. Tri-color tourmaline's versatility in jewelry design is unparalleled. The unique combination of pink, green, and clear sections allows for creative and distinctive jewelry pieces. From multicolored...
Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Other
$160Sale Price|20% Off
3.50 Carats Natural Loose Citrine Gemstone From Brazil Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Citrine Weight: 3.50 Carats Dimension: 11.2x8.9x5.8 Mm Origin: Brazil Color: Yellow Shape: Octagon Fancy Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand
Citrine
Natural Garnet Rhodolite loose gemstone 9.03 ct. Heart cut, Tanzania Certificate
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Garnet Rhodolite Loose Gemstone 9.03 ct. Laboratory certified GFCO Gemstone Color: purplish-RED Gemstone Type: Garnet Rhodolite Gemstone size: 12.58x13.70x7.90 mm Cut Grade:...
Garnet, Rhodolite
Natural Myanmar Jade Carved Pair Loose Stones, Green Jade Carvings
Located in Kowloon, HK
Elevate your jewelry designs with this beautiful carved jade pair loose stone set. Each piece features detailed green jade carving with natural character and an elegant, polished fin...
Jade
Hand-Carved Myanmar Jadeite Flower Set, 25.20 Ct Natural Jade
Located in Kowloon, HK
Transform your jewelry designs into wearable art with this exquisite set of Hand-Carved Myanmar Jadeite Flowers. This curated duo features a delicate green-and-white Camellia and a w...
Jade
Hand-Carved Apple Green Jadeite Cherry Blossom Pendant, 7.98 Carats
Located in Kowloon, HK
This 100% natural, Grade A Myanmar jadeite pendant is a wearable work of art. Expertly hand-carved into a delicate Cherry Blossom Tree, it features a vibrant "Apple Green" body accen...
Jade
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
4.50 Carats Natural Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Loupe Clean Quality Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Indicolite Tourmaline Weight: 4.50 Carats Dimension: 10.4x8.8x5.7 Mm Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Color: Blue Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand In...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
$560Sale Price|20% Off
6.75 Carats Natural Loose Bicolour Tourmaline Emerald Shape
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 6.75 Carats Dimension; 14.9x8x6.2 Mm Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Color: Pink & Green Treatment: Non Bicolor tourmaline, also known as "water...
Tourmaline
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Top Quality Clean Loose Bicolor Tourmaline 21.60 Carats Afghanistan Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Weight: 21.60 Carats Dimension: 24x13.9x8.9 Mm Origin: Paprook Afghanistan Shape: Oval Treatment: Non / Natural C...
Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Other
$224Sale Price|20% Off
1.75 Cts Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Emerald Shape Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Tourmaline Weight: 1.75 Carats Dimension: 9.4x5.3x4.3 Mm Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Color: Mint Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Mint green tourmaline...
Tourmaline
$168Sale Price|20% Off
1.75 Cts Natural Loose Rhodolite Garnet Ring Gem From Tanzania Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Loose Garnet Weight: 1.75 Carats Dimension: 7.2x5.9x4.7 Mm Origin: Tanzania Africa Shape: Cushion Color: Pink Red Treatment: Non Rhodolite garnet, a member of the garnet family, is a gemstone celebrated for its captivating pink to reddish-purple hues. Its name is derived from the Greek word "rhodon," which means "rose," and indeed, the gem's color often resembles the delicate petals of a rose in various shades of pink and purple. One of the distinctive features of rhodolite garnet is its beautiful and harmonious blend of colors, ranging from pale rose to deep violet. This gemstone's color is created by the presence of manganese within its crystal structure, resulting in a range of captivating and versatile shades that make it a popular choice in the world of jewelry. Rhodolite garnets are primarily found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania, and their exquisite colors have made them highly sought after for use in various types of jewelry. The gem is relatively durable, with a Mohs hardness rating of 7 to 7.5, making it suitable for everyday wear, especially in items like rings and earrings. In the world of gemstones, rhodolite garnet's popularity has surged due to its rarity, exceptional brilliance, and the ease with which it can be cut into various shapes, from classic faceted...
Garnet, Rhodolite
$280Sale Price / set|20% Off
4.40 Carats Natural Genuine Loose Tourmaline Lot Emerald Shape For Jewellery Set
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 4.40 Carats Size: 1.05 to 1.75 Carats Origin: Kunar Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Color: Mint Lagoon Treatment: Non Mint lagoon tourmaline is a captivating...
Tourmaline
$176Sale Price|20% Off
Natural loose yellow citrine ring gemstone 3.45 Carats
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose citrine Weight: 3.45 Carats Dimension: 10x8.7x6.1 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Fancy Emerald Color: Yellow Treatment: Non Certificate : On Demand Citrine, a radiant gemstone boas...
Citrine
41.25 Carats Purple Pastel Fantasy Cut Amethyst Natural Gemstone Loose Deal
Located in Hung Hom, HK
41.25 Carats Purple Pastel Fantasy Cut Amethyst Natural Gemstone Loose Deal details are mentioned below: Weight: 41.25 carats Dimensions:23mm x 23 mm Treatment: None Clarity: VVS Or...
Amethyst
$360Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.25 in D 0.2 in L 0.25 in
1.10 Carat Natural Loose Paraiba Color Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.10 carat Dimensions 6.3x6.2x4.9 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion Unveil the brilliance of this 1.10 Carat Natural Loose Paraiba Color To...
Tourmaline
$930
W 0.29 in D 0.24 in L 0.57 in
6.30 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Watermelon Tourmaline Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.30 carat Dimensions 14.3x7.33x6.0mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This captivating 6.30 carat natural Bi-Color Watermelon Tourmaline sh...
Tourmaline
$325Sale Price|22% Off
W 0.36 in D 0.29 in L 0.39 in
4.30 Carat Natural Loose Aquamarine Goshenite Asscher Cut Gemstone from Pakistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.30 carat Dimensions 9.9x9.1x7.2mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Octagon Cut Asscher NA This striking 4.30-carat natural loose gemstone is a rare and el...
Aquamarine
3.90 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Gemstone From Swat, Pakistan
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Emerald Weight: 3.60 Carats Dimension: 10.6 x 8.7 x 5.8 Mm Origin: Swat Pakistan Shape: Emerald Treatment: Minor Oil (Normal for trade) Certificate: On Customer Demand Nestl...
Emerald, Other
$350
W 0.26 in D 0.23 in L 0.43 in
3.20 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Ametrine Stone Fancy Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight: 3.20 carat Dimension: 10.9x6.6x5.6 mm Treatment: None Origin: Brazil Clarity: Loup Clean Shape Cut: Fancy This 3.20 carat Natural Bi-Color Ametrine showcases a beaut...
Other
$120Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.28 in D 0.21 in L 0.42 in
2.75 Carat Natural Loose Golden Citrine Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.75 carat Dimensions 10.6x7x5.3mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald NA This 2.75 Carat Natural Loose Golden Citrine showcases a vibrant,...
Citrine
$340
W 0.46 in D 0.37 in L 0.56 in
8.45 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Fancy Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.45 carat Dimensions 14.2x11.6x9.3 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Fancy This 8.45 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst is a striking gem...
Amethyst
$296Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.48 in D 0.35 in L 0.76 in
15.05 Carat Natural Faceted Loose Yellow Citrine Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 15.05 carat Dimensions 19.1x12.1x8.8mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity VVS Shape Octagon Cut Emerald NA Experience the brilliance of this 15.05 carat natural yellow c...
Citrine
$504Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.28 in D 0.24 in L 0.28 in
2.25 Carat Loose Seafoam Tourmaline Stone Cushion Cut Natural Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.25 carat Dimensions 7.1x6.9x5.9mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion NA This 2.25-carat natural Seafoam Tourmaline is a rare and refreshing ...
Tourmaline
$441Sale Price|30% Off
W 0.66 in D 0.5 in L 0.91 in
25.40 Carat Natural Loose Citrine Stone For Pendant Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 25.40 carat Dimensions 23x16.7x12.7mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Pear This 25.40 Carat Natural Loose Citrine from Brazil offers a warm,...
Citrine
15.50 Carats Natural Loose Amethyst
Located in Brisbane, AU
Loose Amethyst Weight: 15.50 Carats Dimension: 16 x 13.6 x 10.7 Mm Shape: Emerald Colour: Lavender Purple Certificate: AIG Certified . Mental & Emotional Benefits Calms the Mind: R...
Amethyst, Other
$430
W 0.26 in D 0.24 in L 0.29 in
2.10 Carat Natural Loose Sea Foam Color Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.10 carat Dimensions 7.2x6.5x5.9mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion This beautiful 2.10 Carat Natural Sea-Foam Color Tourmaline showcases a s...
Tourmaline
Sold
W 0.57 in D 0.41 in L 1.11 in
Huge 25.60 Carats Natural Loose Aquamarine Emerald Shape For Necklace Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Aquamarine Weight: 25.60 Carats Dimension: 28x14.3x10.2 Mm Origin:Haramoush Mine Skardu Pakistan Shape: Emerald Color: Light Treatment: Non Certificate: On Demand Loose a...
Aquamarine
Sold
W 0.21 in D 0.17 in L 0.39 in
1.95 Carats Natural Black Green Loose Bicolour Tourmaline Emerald Shape Ring Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Tourmaline Weight: 1.95 Carats Dimension: 9.8x5.2x4.3 Mm Origin; Skardu Pakistan Shape: Emerald Color: Green & Black Treatment: Non Bicolor tourmaline is a stunning gemston...
Tourmaline, Chrome Tourmaline
Sold
W 0.36 in D 0.29 in L 0.5 in
5.60 Carats Stunning Loose Purple Amethyst Gem From Brazil Mine February Stone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Amethyst Weight: 5.60 Carats Dimension: 12.5x9x7.3 Mm Origin: Brazil Shape: Emerald Color; Purple Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Amethyst, the stunning vi...
Amethyst
Sold
H 0.18 in W 0.26 in L 0.25 in
Pink Sapphire 1.17 carats, Loose Sapphire, Sapphire Gemstone, Genuine Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the exquisite allure of a Natural Pink Sapphire, weighing 1.17 carats, and measuring 6.35 x 6.53 x 4.48 mm. Its unique triangular cut adds a modern twist to its timeless ele...
Pink Sapphire, Sapphire
Genuine 0.65 Carat Natural Loose Fanta Spessartine Garnet from Afghanistan Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
Faceted Spessartine Garnet Weight: 0.65 Carats Dimension: 5.7x3.9x3.3 Mm Origin: Afghanistan Shape: Emerald Cut/Facet: Emerald Color: Orange Fanta Clarity: Eye Clean Certificate: O...
Garnet