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.
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Introducing a stunning 18ct yellow gold Art Nouveau ring, a true testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of its era. This ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Bohemian Necklace natural Garnets Gilt 830 Silver / 46cm / 23gr.
Located in SE
Bohemian ca. 1920s- 1930s Bohemian Garnet Rosette Necklace. Metal parts made of gilded or gold filled Silver. All blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut, both prong and bezel set ...
Garnet, Gold-filled, Silver
Charles Horner Enamel Flying Scarab, Art Nouveau Silver Brooch, Hallmarked 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Enamel Silver Brooch Silver Hallmarked Chester 1910 A Charles Horner silver flying‑scrab brooch, hallmarked Chester, 1910, modelled with the distinctive Art Nouveau–Egyptia...
Silver, Enamel
Art Nouveau–Inspired Peridot and Pearl Botanical Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Sculptural Leaf Peridot and Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold. Botanical Peridot Ring with Freshwater Pearl in 14k Gold. A delicate nature-inspired...
Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold
Ring with sapphire and old European cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 3.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold entourage ring set with a sapphire in the center. 0.90ct and an entourage of old European cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
1917 Ring natural 2.3ct Aquamarine Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS5.25/ 2.9gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Silver decorated with natural Aquamarine and Diamonds. Set of Swedish hallmarks, maker's, 18K, crowned head ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Leaf Motif Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 18ct gold ring set with three old cut diamonds and four additional rose cut diamonds, the stones arranged within a finely modell...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
French Art Nouveau Diamond, Natural Pearl & Enamel Brooch, André Rambour
Located in Orlando, FL
Few names in French Art Nouveau jewelry carry the quiet distinction of André Rambour. Active in Paris between 1891 and 1906, Rambour exhibited during the movement's defining years al...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1916 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct. Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold/ ØUS6/ 1.7gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 10 Diamonds in White Gold or Platinum settings. European made with Swedish import hallmarks. Year combination 07...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Sapphire Pearl Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 10 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful ca.early 20th. century period ring decorated with natural Sapphire,Pearl and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and White Gold / or Silver. Swedish customs...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold, Art Nouveau Three Stone Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Experience the elegance of a bygone era with this stunning Art Nouveau statement ring. It features an exquisite three...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with emerald and old European cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 14k gold 4.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with a 0.20 ct emerald and a 0.26 ct diamond - F/G - SI - ring size US 11 - EU 20.5 (64) Detailed description The top of the ring is 6.3 mm wide Weight: ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
ART NOUVEAU 14k white gold pendant with rose-cut diamonds total 0.40ct 2.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 14k white gold pendant with rose-cut diamonds total 0.40ct – G/H - SI Detailed description The dimensions of the pendant are 3.0 cm high and 1.4 cm wide Total weight: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Art Nouveau Peridot Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Brooch 9ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 A beautifully detailed Art Nouveau brooch crafted in warm 9ct gold, featuring the classic flowing whiplash curves of the period. Th...
Peridot, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique German Art - Nouveaau Lavalier Necklace Paste Gilt Silver / 44cm/ 7.1 gr
Located in SE
Well crafted Art - Nouveaau Lavalier styled German Gilt Silver Necklace hand - made ca. 1900 -1915 when such design was highly popular. The necklace is 44 cm long. Drop shaped pend...
Other, Silver, Gold Plate
$1,462Sale Price|25% Off
14k Yellow Gold Champagne Pearl Panel Link Bracelet 7.25 Inches
Located in Eagan, MN
This bracelet is just gorgeous. I love the design. It is such a quality made piece. It is 7.25 inches long and has a lobster claw closure. It is stamped "14K" and also has a Make...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
ART NOUVEAU brooch with old mine cut diamonds up to 0.65ct 14k gold 8.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 14k yellow gold brooch with Bolshevik-cut diamond total 0.65ct – G/H – SI detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 6.0 cm long by 1.0 cm wide weight 8.1 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Platinum Necklace with 1.75ct Diamond Centerpiece, Antique 1910
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum necklace with 18k white gold center piece set with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to. 1.75ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description: necklace is 45 cm long ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Designer Murrle Bennett, 9ct Gold, Art Nouveau Mother of Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Murrle Bennett Pendant 9ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Art Nouveau pendant by Murrle Bennett in 9ct gold, set with two iridescent mother of pearl. The openwork frame shows the maker’s...
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Art Nouveau Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Art Nouveau Necklace 18ct Gold Circa 1910 Elegant and timeless, this exquisite Art Nouveau pendant captures the graceful, flowing lines that define the era. Crafted in rich 18ct y...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Negligee Necklace natural 3.55ctw Aquamarines solid 14K Gold/ 47cm/5.2gr
Located in SE
Fine Modern styled Neglige Necklace made in Finland in early 1900s at the time when it was a part of former Russian Empire as a Grand Duchy of Finland. Hallmarked both with Finish 58...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Antique Bohemian Bangle Star Bracelet Garnets Granat Silver / 19 gr
Located in SE
Fine bangle type ca. late XIX period Bohemian Garnet Bracelet. Handmade in Central Europe/Bohemia/Austrian Empire, no hallmarks. Metal is likely Silver alloy with purity about 800 o...
Garnet, Silver
Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Gilded Cuff With Cast High Relief Floral Motifs
Located in valatie, NY
Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Gilded Cuff With Cast High Relief Floral Motifs and Finely Chiseled Ground. An Art Nouveau heavy gilded sterling cuff decorated with flowers represents th...
Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
$850Sale Price|29% Off
Vintage 14K High-Gloss Yellow Gold 8.29 Carat Amethyst Ring Size 6.5
Located in Eagan, MN
This is a beautiful vintage ring. It is marked "585" and is 8.29 carats. It weighs 9.72 grams. It has one oval cut Amethyst center-stone that is 17 x 13 x 7.60 mm. It is a size ...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Dangle Earrings Moon Stone solid 14K Gold / 2.2gr
Located in SE
A pair of Finish dangles in 14K Orange toned Gold with oval cut Moon Stone or Chalcedony settings . There are finish hallmarks on the wire. Marked 585 for 14K Gold. Maker's marks no...
Chalcedony, Moonstone, 14k Gold
Antique ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 3.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with old mine cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct – G/H – SI - ring size U.S. 5 – EU 15.75(49) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 5.8 mm high...
Diamond, 14k Gold
2.60 Carat Emerald and Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Embrace sustainable luxury with this exquisite lab-grown emerald and diamond statement ring, masterfully crafted in lustrous 14k yellow gold. Radiating rich green tones, the center 2...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Turquoise and Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your everyday elegance with these stunning, vibrant earrings, masterfully crafted in lustrous 14K white gold. Each striking earring centers on a magnificent 11mm turquoise c...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Boho Natural Pave diamonds oxidized silver skull hinged bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Diamond- 4.35cts Diamond type: Pave diamonds Diamond color: White Metal: Silver Metal Purity: Sterling Silver or 92.5% Pure silver Color of Metal- Oxidized silver Bracelet size- 7.5...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Bangle Bracelet natural 6 ct. Aquamarine solid Gilt 830 Silver / 16.5 gr
Located in SE
Fine Finish ca. early 20th.century bangle in solid Gilt high - grade Silver decorated with claw set natural fine quality Aquamarine old oval diamond / or old mine cut 12 mm x 11 mm x...
Aquamarine, Silver, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Large Gold White Oval Pearl Chunky Statement Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large White Oval Pearl Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Good condition. Peeling off on on faux pearls, but barely no...
Gold Plate
ART NOUVEAU Ring with old mine cut diamond sup to 0.60ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold and silver ring set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 0.60 ct - F/G - SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 3.7 mm wide b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Large Flower Crystals Shining Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Whole Shining Crystals Flourish Blossom Flower Elegant Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss. Very r...
Gold Plate
Antique European Cigarette case box solid 925 Gilt Silver / 155 gr
Located in SE
Early 20th century solid Sterling Silver cigarette case of excellent quality with engraved decorative pattern on both side, gilt parts and handy nail - catcher attached. Measurement...
Sterling Silver, Gold-filled
Antique Halo Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS 4.25 /2.55gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ring from ca. late 19th early 20th cent. with Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm/ ca. 0.45ct and 10 old diamond cut Ø 1.5 mm / 0.015 ct each = Rock Crystal / White Quartz, White Spine...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
JUGENDSTIL Ring with rose cut diamond up to 0.20ct 18k gold 4.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire ring with rose-cut diamonds totaling approx. 0.20 ct F/G SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
JUGENDSTILL platinum ring with ruby, brilliant and single cut diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum ring set with a central ruby totaling 1.05ct surrounded by brilliant-cut and single-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16(50) detailed...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 14ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Four Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 14k Stamped Circa 1910 Art Nouveau 14ct gold ring, with flowing openwork shoulders and set with four matching old‑cut diamonds, each held in softly carv...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k solid Yellow Gold Tassel Pendant : Victorian, Half Seed Pearl, Foxtail Chain
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this elegant French tassel pendant crafted in 18 karat solid yellow gold. short but joyful moving foxtail chains dangle bellow the fixed part. Each foxtail chain has a li...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 0.4ct Emerald 0.4ct. Diamond 14K Gold Ø5.75/2.2g
Located in SE
German Toi et Moi Ring made ca. 1930s. Hallmarked 585 and logo of maker. Crown part is 9.6mm x 5 mm x 4 mm deep. Solid 14K Yellow Gold twisted band 2.2 mm at widest. Top of the crow...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 1.5ctw White Sapphire solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.25 / 2.5 g
Located in SE
Ca. 1920s - 1930s Renaissance styled Three Stones Ring handmade with carved band in solid 18K Orange Gold and clusters in Silver. Natural White Sapphires old European diamond cut wi...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Cluster ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.10ct 14k white gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.10ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 5.25 - EU 16(50) detailed description the top of the ring is 1.5 cm wide weight 3.2 grams...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 13.09 CTW Carved Moonstone Rose Flower Cocktail Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This unique cocktail ring showcases a beautifully hand carved natural moonstone flower weighing 13.09 carats, expertly set in 925 Sterling Silver. The sculpted floral centerpiece hig...
Moonstone, Sterling Silver
$915Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Pear 1.77 CT Ruby and Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This bold floral cocktail ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver and showcases 1.77 carats of natural rubies alongside 1.08 carats of sparkling mixed cut diamonds. The contemporary b...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Lady Portrait Ring: 18ct Gold & Diamond French Hallmarked
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow Gold French Hallmarked Circa 1910 Step into a world of elegance with this exquisite Art Nouveau ring, crafted in luxurious 18ct gold. The cap...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
ART NOUVEAU Brooch with old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 3.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold brooch set with old mine cut and rose cut diamonds total approx. 3.50 ct - G/H - SI/P - 6.1 cm x 1.4 cm detailed description The brooch is 5.4 cm wide and 2.5 cm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Bohemian Necklace Garnets Gilt Silver / 46cm / 31gr.
Located in SE
Bohemian ca. 1920 - 1930s century Austrian / Bohemian Garnet Necklace. Metal parts made of gilded / gold filled Silver. All 250 blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut and cluster ...
Garnet, Silver
1863 Bombe Ring natural Gems Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US5.75 / 1.7 gr
Located in SE
A Ring of Bombe appearance with voluminous hollow crown and shoulders hand - engraved with floral ornaments and nine clustered natural Turquoise, Garnets stones and Swedish River Pea...
Pearl, Garnet, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique 1900 Diamond Horse Locket Pendant 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1900. Antique horse locket with a diamond eye. The face of the locket has a very nice bloomed finish to the gold. Opens up to reveal a locke...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1837 Vintage Unisex Rare Silver Wide Bold Cushion Bangle Bracelet
Located in Wokingham, England
Tiffany & Co. 1837 Vintage Unisex Cushion Square Glow Wide Bold Chunky Bangle Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver Proudly inscribed with the year Tiffany was founded, the Tiffany 1837 ...
Silver
Natural uncut Diamonds 18K yellow gold-plated 925 silver 8"-inch bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Diamond- 6.10cts Diamond type: uncut diamonds Diamond color: White with a tint of yellow Metal: Silver Metal Purity: Sterling Silver or 92.5% Pure Silver Metal color-18K yellow gold...
Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Lavaliere
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Lavaliere in 18k gold from the early 1900's. Lovely leaf design with gradient green to yellow enamel tones with natural pearls and Mississippi pearl drop. 1....
Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Sunburst Style Red Coral and CZ Halo Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This sunburst style coral and cubiz zirconia stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver. Featuring two vibrant round coral gemstones totaling 0.70 carats, each measuring 3.9 mm...
Coral, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
14KT Yellow Gold Floral Round Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A four-lobed clover/quatrefoil shape with a smooth, polished yellow gold outer bezel. The interior of the clover features a pave array of round-cut white diamonds set into a ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Falcher Fusager Magick 18K Gold Diamond Enamel Onyx Statement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This 18 karat yellow gold Magick ring by Falcher Fusager pairs sculptural onyx framing with a jewel toned cloisonné enamel design, centering a stylized plume motif rendered in pinkis...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Snake Serpent Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US6 / 8.3gr
Located in SE
Antique Serpent Ring ca. late 19th - early 20 century in solid 18K Yellow Gold.Coiled body with engraved scales, the head decorated with two natural old mine cut Diamonds Ø 2.25ct / ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Iconic Large Pearl White Glossy Oval Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large White Glossy Oval Pearl Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Some light scratches on faux pearls, but b...
Gold Plate
Vintage look Natural Diamond Green Onyx sterling silver Halo Pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Gemstone- Onyx Origin- Natural Diamond- Natural rose cut diamond Diamond origin- Natural, real, earth mine...
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver
1916 Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings solid 18K Yellow Gold/ 2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of Art Nouveau period dangles in solid 18K Yellow Gold with with small dangling drops. Swedish pair, hallmarked 18K ,maker's marks , city of Goteborg, made in 1916 ( combina...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring 0.45ct Diamond 0.45ctw Blue Sapphire 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5 /2.1 gr
Located in SE
Three stones Diamond and Blue Sapphires Ring hand - made ca. 1910s - 1920s.This design with secure bezel clusters is perfect for everyday/ permanent wear. Likely British, ca. first...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
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.
The first art and design movement of the 20th century was all about celebrating beauty of women and nature.