Art Nouveau Owl
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Bookends
Bronze
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Decorative Boxes
Zinc
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Cuff Bracelets
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Brooches
White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Bookends
Bronze
Vintage 1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Tobacco Accessories
Ceramic
Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Vases
Earthenware
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Chalcedony, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Lever-Back Earrings
Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Y...
Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Ceramic
Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Go...
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Lever-Back Earrings
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling...
Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, ...
Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Cufflinks
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Candelabras
Brass
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Vases
Bronze
2010s European Art Nouveau Drop Earrings
Onyx, Zircon, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Art Nouveau Drop Earrings
Onyx, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Antique 1890s Unknown Art Nouveau Cufflinks
Sterling Silver
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Porcelain
Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Vases
Ceramic
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Art Nouveau Fashion Rings
Onyx, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 22k Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Gold, Rose ...
21st Century and Contemporary European Art Nouveau Fashion Rings
Zircon, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 22k Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel, Rhodium, Ro...
20th Century French Art Nouveau Vases
Crystal
Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
20th Century German Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century English Inkwells
Copper
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches
Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Fres...
20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Vintage 1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Barware
Metal
Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Porcelain
Vintage 1970s Danish Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures
Porcelain
Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Ceramic
Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Ceramic
Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Pottery
Vintage 1950s Ecuadorean Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Lever-Back Earrings
Turquoise, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 9k G...
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Quartz, Tourmaline, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, Peridot, Black Diamond, W...
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Lever-Back Earrings
Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Enamel, 9k Gold...
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Brooches
Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Dutch Arts and Crafts Side Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau More Objets d'Art and Vertu
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Vintage 1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Ceramics
Ceramic
Antique 17th Century French Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century French Art Nouveau Sculptures
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Vases
Early 20th Century Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 1890s French Napoleon III Animal Sculptures
Spelter
Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau More Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Porcelain
Porcelain
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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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Read More
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.