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Art Nouveau Pendant Natural Pearls

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Art Nouveau Natural Pearl Diamond and Enamel Pendant
Located in London, GB
This is an Art Nouveau 15ct yellow gold natural pearl and diamond pendant. The highly decorated
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Natural Pearl & Yogo Montana Sapphire Pendant Certified Untreated
Located in Southbury, CT
This lovely & dainty pendant features 26 tiny natural half-round river pearls set into a
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Natural River Pearl & Diamond Flower Pendant in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: An Art Nouveau period diamond, and natural river pearl pendant in
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum

Antique Gold Necklace Art Nouveau Style Natural Pearl
Located in Berkeley, CA
1900s style necklace chain with articulate motif hanging a pearl, motifs are cut from gold emboss
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Enamel and Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
This is an Austrian, early Art Nouveau 14ct yellow gold natural pearl pendant. The highly decorated
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Natural Pearl and 1.43 Carat Diamond Platinum Pendant Art Nouveau Style
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive natural pearl and 1.43 carat diamond, platinum pendant; part of our
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Art Nouveau Guilloché Enamel, Diamond, Pearl, Pendant, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An exquisite, rare and fine Art Nouveau pendant in 18 carat gold, Circa 1900. 18 carat gold set
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Guilloché Enamel, Diamond, Pearl, Pendant, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An exquisite, rare and fine Art Nouveau pendant in 18 carat gold, Circa 1900. 18 carat gold set
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau 9ct Gold Lavaliere Pendant Peridot Paste and Natural Seed Pearls
Located in London, GB
Art Nouveau 9ct gold lavaliere pendant with leaf and flower decoration, and featuring two lovely
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold

Art Nouveau Siberian Amethyst Natural Pearl Necklace Antique 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU - BELLE EPOQUE NECKLACE WITH THE MOST GORGEOUS NATURAL
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Ruby Sapphire and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
pendant has been crafted in 21k yellow gold. The pierced decorated Art Nouveau style frame is ornamented
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Diamond Pearl Rare Brooch Pendant 18 KT/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
made Art Nouveau so unique and desirable through the centuries. It may be worn as pendant bypassing a
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Art Nouveau 14k Gold Amethyst Pearl & Enamel Dangle Lavalier Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
: Antique, Art Nouveau. Slightly damage on enamel & small chip on amethyst. Original finish & patina
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Krementz 14k Gold Peridot Pearl & Enamel Dangle Lavalier Pendant
By Krementz & Co
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) (including the dangle) Thickness: 4.6mm (thickest area at the peridot) Condition: Antique, Art Nouveau. Shows
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Kohn & Sons Precious Topaz and Pearl Leaf Motif Pendant Necklace
By Kohn
Located in Boston, MA
A beautiful art nouveau necklace by Maiden Lane maker Henry Kohn & Sons. Kohn were known for
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Topaz, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau 1900 Enamel Orchid Pendant In 14Kt Gold With Diamond And Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
America during the Art Nouveau period, back in the 1900. This pendant-brooch is a rare find and has been
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k...

Antique 14k Gold Art Nouveau Brassler Co. Amethyst Pearl Dangle Lavalier Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
the amethyst) Condition: Antique, Art Nouveau era pendant w/ original finish & patina preserved
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Amethyst Baroque Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
pendant setting. Accented with 5 freshwater natural pearls and 1 white baroque freshwater pearl. GIA
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

1904 Art Nouveau Nordic Locket Pendant Sapphire Pearls solid 18KGold / 5.3gr
Located in SE
/ 0.08 ct each and inlaid with 4 paved natural oriental Pearls Ø 1.6 mm each. The locket is 3.8 cm long
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Flower Lily Pad Enamel Pearl Pendant Lavaliere Necklace 14K Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A GORGEOUS VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU PENDANT WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FORGET-ME-NOT FLOWER AND
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau 14k Gold Blue Stone Diamond & Pearl Enamel Pin Brooch Pendant Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
) Genuine Cultured Seed Pearls - Bead Shape - Stem Set -Grayish White Color (1) Natural Genuine Diamond- Old
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel

Antique Art Nouveau 18k Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace Lion Poppy Oriemtal Pearls
Located in Munich, Bavaria
suspended from gold chains embellished with natural oriental pearls. The two lions heads in profile hold
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Oriental Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Boulder Opal Pearl & Sapphire Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Art Nouveau era was a short-lived period of design which produced the most naturalistic and
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 1890 Plique a Jour Pendant Brooch in 18kt Gold Diamonds Pearls Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
Art Nouveau Plique à jour pendant brooch. A exceptional piece, created during the Art Nouveau
Category

Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...

Art Nouveau Amethyst & Seed Pearl Naturalistic Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Yellow Gold 5 Amethysts 23 Natural Seed Pearls Pendant Dimensions: 2 3/8" W x 1" H x 1/8" D Chain: 16
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Authentic Art Nouveau Amethyst Necklace C. 1910 Scrolling Vines Natural Motif
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Natural Seed Pearl Pendant Dimensions: 1" T x 1 3/8" W x 5/16" D Chain: 16" L x 1mm Weight: 5.9 grams
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Antique Diamond and Pearl Lavaliere Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A beautiful dainty pendant necklace, paying homage to the significant Art Nouveau movement in the
Category

2010s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau 1905 Edwardian Enamel Flower Pendant Brooch 14kt Gold Diamond Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
America during the Edwardian and the Art Nouveau periods, between the 1901-1910. This beautiful pin brooch
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel Pearl Gold Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
pearl pendant is hall marked 750 and initial maker mark pendant was made in europe during the 1910s
Category

Vintage 1910s Pendant Necklaces

Antique Art Nouveau Pansy Necklace Yellow Enamel Pearl 14k Gold Flower Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Art Nouveau pansy necklace crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1900s to
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

One '1' 18 Karat Art Nouveau Pendant, Henry Vever, Paris, 1900
Located in Heerlen, NL
An 18K. Yellow gold pendant, Art Nouveau, attributed to Henry Vever, see The Belle Epoque of
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Krementz GIA Certified Pearl Diamond Platinum Gold Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace
By Krementz & Co
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Nouveau pearl and diamond pendant necklace. circa 1890's. The floral enamel pendant is platinum
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

French Art Nouveau Peridot Diamond Gold and Plique-a-Jour 'Juliet' Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau 18 karat gold pendant with diamonds, pearls and peridots. The pendant features
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Peridot, Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian Pearl & Enamel Pendant Necklace 15K Gold Art Nouveau c.1910
Located in London, GB
Art Nouveau designs and intricate craftsmanship. The pendant overall is in the shape of a circle
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 15k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau 14k Gold, Pearl, Coral and Diamond Swag Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau 14k gold , pearl, coral and diamond swag necklace with central foliate form pendant
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique 14ct Gold Art Nouveau Coral Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 14ct Gold Art Nouveau Coral Pendant Necklace 14ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Beautiful, Art
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Art Nouveau Crescent Moon Flower Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A simply lovely antique Art Nouveau necklace centered by a delightful forget-me-not flower with a
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Art Nouveau period 18K gold, Ombre enamel, faceted peridot, diamond and natural pearl
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Siberian Amethyst Pearl Necklace Clover Flower Antique 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING ANTIQUE VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU - BELLE EPOQUE NECKLACE WITH THE MOST GORGEOUS
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Pearl 14 Karat Gold Antique Heart Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
additional round cut sapphires - weighing approximately 8.54 carats total Sapphires are collectively natural
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Edwardian 1910 Art Nouveau Clip Joint In18Kt Gold With Diamonds And Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
the early Edwardian and the Art Nouveau periods, back in the 1900-1910. This beautiful joint-clip
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

An Art Nouveau Austrian Enamel and Silver Gilt Pearl Locket
Located in Portland, GB
centre set with natural seed pearls and a silver gilt decoration. The blue enamel and the forget me not
Category

Antique 1880s Austrian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Silver, Enamel

Art Nouveau Amethyst Flower Pendant Necklace Poppy Lotus 14 Karat Green Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING ANTIQUE AMETHYST ART NOUVEAU FLOWER MOTIF PENDANT IN 14 KARAT GREEN GOLD WITH
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Art Nouveau Edmond-Henri Becker Ornate Cherub Portrait Pendant
By Edmond-Henri Becker
Located in Brighton, GB
) was a prolific jeweller, medalist and sculptor. Circa 1900 Fabulous, Art Nouveau gold pendant
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 15k Gold

Vintage Enamel, Amethyst, Diamond and Pearl Floral Pendant
Located in London, GB
This is a truly wonderful Art Nouveau style 18ct yellow gold natural pearl, amethyst, diamond and
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Amethyst, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Necklace natural Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Silver / 44cm/ 6.8 gr
Located in SE
Early 20th century Necklace featuring beautiful set of 6 natural Seed Pearls and 3 natural half
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Silver

René Lalique Plique-à-jour Enamel and Natural Pearl Breton Lion and Seaweed Pend
By René Lalique
Located in New York, NY
Likely created circa 1903-1907, this plique-à-jour enamel and natural pearl pendant brooch with
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Buccellati Vintage Bacchus Roman God Natural Coral Akoya Pearl 18K Brooch Pendan
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
genuine white Akoya saltwater pearls. The bail of the pendant is detachable for when you want to wear
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold

French Virgin Mary 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
with the words Sancta Maria surrounded by a seed pearl border with 34 natural pearls. Stamped with the
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

French Virgin Mary 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Charm Pendant
French Virgin Mary 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Charm Pendant
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W 0.71 in D 0.08 in L 0.87 in
Antique Art Nouveau Gold Necklace, Pendant, with Diamonds and Natural Pearls
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Art Nouveau Gold Necklace, with Diamonds and Natural Pearls. The big central diamond
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

French Clover 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
set with a rose-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.03 carats and a natural pearl measuring 3.5mm
Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Clover 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Pendant Brooch
French Clover 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Pendant Brooch
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W 0.99 in D 0.2 in L 1.03 in
Antique Bohemian Red Garnet Pearl Butterfly Insect Pendant Or Brooch Silver
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely wonderful and rare antique Art Nouveau - Art Deco Butterfly Insect Pendant
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Garnet, Silver

Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls 850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr
Located in SE
Early XX cent. beautiful arrangement of 14 oval cut of natural Amethyst stones and 21 natural Seed
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Silver, Gold

Antique Imperial Austrian Pendant Brooch Rhodolite Pearls Enamels Silver/ 10.5gr
Located in SE
, 13 natural pink Rhodolites (variety of Tourmaline), Seed Peals, Mother of Pearl and Enamels. Silver
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Rhodolite, Silver, Gold, Enamel

Antique German Pendant Seed Pearls and Diamond solid 14K Gold /1.2gr
Located in SE
German natural Seed pearls and Diamond pendant made in ca. early 1900s. Vague hallmarks on the
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Sapphire Rose Diamond Ruby Dragonfly Insect Necklace Art Nouveau 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
wings. The pendant dates to the Art Nouveau to Art Deco period, circa 1890-1930. The dragonfly
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

14.89 Carat Minor Oil Colombian Emerald & Green Gold Enamel Art Nouveau Necklace
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Art Nouveau Style 14.89 Carat Oval Cut Minor Oil Colombian Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Krementz Art Nouveau Yellow Gold Natural Pearl Festoon Necklace
By Krementz & Co
Located in Narberth, PA
highly characteristic of the Art Nouveau aesthetic. An ensemble of natural pearls are interspersed
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14 Karat Gold Turquoise Pearl Cross Pendant
Located in Vilnius, LT
This is a massive Victorian era cross pendant crafted in 14K gold. It features natural round
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Antique Art Deco Negligee Necklace Amethyst Seed Pearls Silver / 42.5 cm / 4.1 g
Located in SE
Hand - Hand-made necklace from the early 20 century featuring three natural Amethyst stones and
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Silver

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Art Nouveau Pendant Natural Pearls For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of art nouveau pendant natural pearls for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 288 vintage editions and 18 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 19th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of art nouveau pendant natural pearls includes designs that are universally popular, but Art Nouveau and Victorian styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Intini Jewels, Krementz & Co and Mattioli produced popular versions that are worth a look. There are many round cut, rose cut and old european cut art nouveau pendant natural pearls for sale. Most of our art nouveau pendant natural pearls for sale are for women, but there are 63 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Art Nouveau Pendant Natural Pearls?

Prices for art nouveau pendant natural pearls can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $50 and can go as high as $148,000, while art nouveau pendant natural pearls, on average, fetch $2,750.

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 necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.