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 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
Necklace and pendant with old European-, rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with pendant set with old European cut and rose cut diamonds. 0.30ct – G/H - SI – 42 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 42 cm long b...
Diamond, 18k Gold
MAX LAEUGER - Rare Jugendstil Karlsruhe Majolica Bird Pendant - Germany - C.1925
Located in Chatham, CA
MAX LAEUGER (1864-1952) - STAATLICHE MAJOLIKA-MANUFAKTUR KARLSRUHE (Manufacturer) - Rare antique Jugensdstil / Art Deco majolica pendant attributed to Max Laeuger - featuring an oval...
Sterling Silver
Antique 14k White Gold & Platinum Pendant Necklace with Diamonds, 1910
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with an ART NOUVEAU 14k white gold and platinum pendant set with old European cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI - 45 cm long Detailed description the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Necklace, pendant with old European and rose cut diamond up to 1.22ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace and an ART NOUVEAU pendant set with an old European cut and rose-cut diamond up to 1.22ct - H, G/H – SI, Pique1 – 45 cm long – with matching case Detailed de...
Diamond, 14k 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
Chanel Vintage 1984 Rare Iconic Green Emerald Crystals Bezel Sautoir Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1984 Iconic Classic Gripoix Extra Long Emerald Circle Crystals Bezel Sautoir Charms Layer Strands Elegant Modernist Choker Collar Necklace Belt Bracelet, Gold Tone Ve...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gold White Pearls Crystals Water Drop Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s White Round Circle Spherical Beads Lustrous Pearls Water Tear Drop Leaf Flower Shining Crystals Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. ...
Gold Plate
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
Platinum Necklace with Old Mine-Cut Diamond Pendant, 1.35ct, 1990
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum necklace with pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond, totaling approximately 1.35 ct – G/H - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 m...
Diamond, Platinum
Marina J. Vintage 10k English Gold Amethyst Encrusted Pearl Draped Necklace
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Amethyst Encrusted Pearl Draped Necklace This necklace is handcrafted with graduated Pearls, each separated by natural tiny Seed Pearls to create an elegant double draped de...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold
Choker with sappphire and old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 2.10ct platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
950Pt platinum necklace with an oval-cut sapphire verneuille, old mine and rose cut diamond total approx. 2.10ct – G/H – VS/SI – 40 cm long with matching case Detailed description ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique German Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls Gilt Silver/44.5cm/11.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful arrangement of 15 oval and round cut of natural Amethyst stones and 7 Seed Pearls framed into chained clusters of solid Gilt Silver. Likely German necklace, hand -made ca....
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Antique Edwardian 15ct Gold Garnet and Seed Pearl Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet Pendant 15ct Gold Makers Mark YB Circa 1910 *The chain is sold separately This is an elegant Art Nouveau pendant crafted in 15ct gold, displaying the characteri...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
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 Seed Pearls framed into chained clusters of solid Gilt Silver. Hallmarks on C-lock part 850, un...
Amethyst, Pearl, Silver, Gold
1904 Art Nouveau Nordic Locket Pendant Sapphire Pearls solid 18KGold / 5.25gr
Located in SE
120-year-old Pendant / Locket made of solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with two Sapphires Ø 2.75 mm / 0.08 ct each and inlaid with 4 paved seed Pearls Ø 1.6 mm each. The locket is 3....
Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Fine Art Nouveau period 18K gold, Ombre enamel, faceted peridot, diamond and natural pearl necklace. Early 20th Century With a central oval peridot measu...
Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Russian Locket Pendant natural Ruby Demantoid solid 14K Gold / 10gr
Located in SE
Antique Pendant / Locket in solid 14K Yellow Gold decorated with engraved floral ornament and natural Rubies and Demantoid Garnets. Removable bezels with original glass inserts ins...
Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold
1914 Antique Trowel Pendant Freemason Masonic Enamel solid 18K Gold / 1.5gr
Located in SE
Antique Freemason Masonic Trowel pendant in solid 18K Yellow Gold featuring miniature Freemason trowel with Enameled masonic symbols on front side and engraved brick pattern on the b...
18k Gold, Enamel
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 950 platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
950Pt Platinum necklace and pendant set with old mine cut diamonds up to. 2.50ct – G/H – SI – 50 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 50 cm long by 0.7 mm wid...
Diamond, Platinum
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Interlocked Omega Filigree Link Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Filigree 8 Peanut Charms Interlocked Omega Linked Strands Layer Choker Collar Chunky Statement Modernist Elegant Long Necklace Bracelet, Gold Tone...
Gold Plate
Antique Art Nouveau Garnet Pendant solid 56/ 14K Gold / 8.5gr
Located in SE
1908 - 1917 Imperial period Garnet Pendant chained, all metal parts in solid 56 /14K Yellow Gold. Original anchor-linked chains. The length of the chains is 50 cm if open and widesp...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Pink Rose Crystals Layers Snake Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Luxury Pink Rose Extra Large Cluster Crystals Flourish Blossom Flowers Leaf Pendant Double Layers Strands Snake Elegant Chunky Statement Choker Collar Chain Ne...
Gold Plate
Old Art Nouveau gold necklace with moonstones, first half of the 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A vintage Art Nouveau necklace with moonstones, 1st half of the 20th century. A beautiful necklace crafted from 9-karat yellow gold, set with 20 cabochon-cut moonstones, each with a...
Moonstone, Gold
$1,890Sale Price|55% Off
14K Gold Clasp Av. 7mm White Sea Pearl 3 Strand Necklace, 17 inches
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
NOTE: The first photo is a little bit broken as it shows incomplete pearls where they are not seemed to be round- please refer to the video and other photo provided as well for your ...
Pearl, 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 Seed Pearls in Silver framing with Silver anchor type chain with c- c-closure. Such N...
Amethyst, Pearl, Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Graduated Spherical Beads White Pearls Elegant Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Graduated Spherical Circle Round Beads Lustrous Faux Pearls Logo CD Crystals Necklace, Silver Plated Very good condition. High quality. 100% Genuine. M...
Silver Plate
Antique Georgian Orthodox Cross Crucifix Solid 56 / 14K Gold /4cm /2 gr
Located in SE
Russian / Georgian Orthodox Cross pendant in solid 56 / 14K Gold. Delicate hand - engraved ornament. Hallmarked 56 zolotniks (14K) used betwee...
14k Gold
$500Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Art Nouveau Style Blue Sapphire Opal & Diamond Floral Pendant for Gifts
Located in New York, NY
This pendant is finely crafted in 925 sterling silver and features a floral cluster design set with natural blue sapphire and opal gemstones, accented by diamonds. The piece showcase...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Chanel Vintage 1984 Rare Sautoir Ruby Emerald Sapphire Crystals Bezel Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1984 Iconic Classic Gripoix Long Ruby Emerald Sapphire Red Green Blue Navy Yellow Purple Pink Multi Colour Crystals Circle Round Crystals Bezel Sautoir Charms Layer St...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Triangle Crystals Marquise Pendant Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Triangle Whole Crystals Marquise Pendant Chain Elegant Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very good price. 100% Genuine. Signed at the bac...
Gold Plate
Antique German Necklace natural 37ctw Citrine Pearls Gilt Silver /44 cm/ 22 gr
Located in SE
Fine necklace in high graded Gilt Silver with 10 oval cut of natural Citrine stones and 28 Seed Pearls. Likely German hand - made between 1920s - 1930s. Hallmarked with Swedish cust...
Pearl, Citrine, Gold, Silver
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Aquamarine Necklace Pearl Amethyst 16" Gold Filled
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aquamarine, Amethyst & Pearl Beaded Choker Necklace – Pastel Multi-Stone Jewelry by J Dauphin A luminous beaded choker by J Dauphin, combining aquamarine, amethyst, and white pe...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Labradorite, Pearl, Gold Plate, Gold-filled
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Enamel Dove Necklace with Diamonds & Ruby, 1910
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exquisite antique necklace features a spread-winged dove rendered in luminous white and cream enamel, suspended gracefully from a platinum chain. The bird's outstretched wings a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
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
$1,252Sale Price|20% Off
Apatite Pink Topaz Pearls Art Nouveau Enamel Locket Necklace
Located in Colleyville, TX
Rosaline Necklace. A gorgeous locket with a Sèvres style floral enamel painting serves as the design inspiration for this necklace. It was presented to me as a Art Nouveau compact...
Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Pinchbeck, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
Christian Dior Vintage GROSSE 1964 Rare Gold Seven Strands Chain Chunky Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1964 Vintage Unisex Seven 7 Strands Layers Chain Chunky Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss. 100% Genuine. A v...
Gold Plate
Antique von Aminoff 3 Intaglio Fob wax Seal Citrine solid 18K Gold / 8.7gr
Located in SE
18th - 19th-century fob pendant in solid 18K Yellow Gold mount with 3 intaglio seals skillfully carved in solid natural Citrine stone. One seal shows the coat of arms of the noble f...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Antique Bohemian Necklace + Earrings Garnets Gilt 830 Silver / 45cm / 27gr.
Located in SE
Bohemian ca. 1930s Austrian / Bohemian Garnet Necklace. Metal parts made of gilded or gold filled Silver. All blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut, both prong and bezel set with...
Garnet, Silver, Gold-filled
Chanel Vintage 1970s Iconic Gold Coco CC Logo Cross X Pendant Chain Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Classic Iconic Textured Coco CC Logo Cross X Pendant Chain Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely not...
Gold Plate
Art Nouveau Moonstone Locket on Chain
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Moonstone Locket on Chain from the late 19th Century. Assembled with gunmetal chain set with pastes with an Art Nouveau sterling locket with cabochon moonstone. Wonderful...
Moonstone, Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold White Pearl Oval Crystals Omega Collar Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Oval White Pearl Crystals Omega Adjustable Collar Choker Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Marked 'Chr.Dior (C) '. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
$2,130Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Pave diamond Amber 925 sterling silver convertible necklace and tiara
Located in Delhi, DL
This unique piece of art is a beautiful accessory by the fine artisans. This jewel is made up of sterling silver jewel with natural pave diamonds and amber drops. The metal has rose ...
Amber, Diamond, Sterling Silver
$150Sale Price|50% Off
Silvorra 3.61 Ct Natural Ruby Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver Thanksgiving Gift
Located in New York, NY
This pendant in 925 sterling silver and showcases 13 natural rubies arranged in a graceful Art Nouveau inspired design. The composition features a harmonious mix of oval and round ru...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Forget-Me-Not Flower Moon Pearl Enamel Pendant 14K Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
INDULGE IN A GORGEOUS VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU 14K GOLD PENDANT WITH A BEAUTIFUL LAVENDER, CREAM AND BLUE ENAMEL FORGET-ME-NOT, OR PANSY F...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Rare Plique a Jour Pendant, Hemmerle
By Hemmerle
Located in New York, NY
Rare Plique a Jour Pendant from the early part of the 20th Century by Hemmerle, Germany. Hemmerle Jewelers was founded in the late 19th Century...
Opal, Sterling Silver, 10k Gold, Vermeil
Antique European Pendant Demeter Carved Shell Cameo solid 14K Rose Gold / 9.7gr
Located in SE
Antique pendant/brooch with hand carved Shell cameo depicting Demeter - Greek Goddess of the harvest and agriculture, who presided over grains and the fertility of the earth She has ...
14k Gold, Rose 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
Art Nouveau Carved Abalone 18K White Gold Flora & Bird Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th-Century Art-Nouveau style 18-karat white-gold-plated highly textural pendant features a prong-set abalone that is carved into seemingly overlapping flower petals in lustrou...
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 5.63 Ct Cabochon Turquoise & Zircon Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This pendant is crafted from solid 925 sterling silver and set with vibrant natural turquoise gemstones. Featuring five cabochon-cut stones in pear and round shapes, the gems measure...
Turquoise, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,588Sale Price|20% Off
Chinese Antique Jade Necklace Near Colorless Certified Untreated, Restrung
Located in Northampton, MA
Created by hand between 1910-1920, this 21" strand of natural, untreated, Burmese jadeite jade possesses an ethereal, luminous beauty. Though they have been classified as "pale green to near colorless" in the gem lab report, each bead is has its own subtle tone. True, from a distance the beads read as white. But then, step into the shadows and their subtle tones are liberated. The tones are there in the light, too: it's just that sometimes looking isn't enough; you need to look but you also need to see. I think this is a spectacular strand for the subtlety of the tone and the quality of translucence. I've used low light to shoot them, so that you can see how gorgeous they are i the lowest of light. The sixty-two 7.3mm 8.5mm beads have been freshly restrung and a new 18K Japanese...
Jade, Silver
$128Sale Price|20% Off
LB offers Carved Rose Quartz Venetian Rhodochrosite Labradorite Glass Necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux has on offer a Hand Carved Rose Quartz floral pendant on a one of a kind, handmade necklace. Rhodochrosite rounds, vintage bicolor crystal Faceted beads, and vintag...
Labradorite, Quartz, Rhodocrosite, Copper
Givenchy Vintage 1980 Unisex Gold Crystals Triangle Ribbed Omega Chunky Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Unisex 3D Triangle Arrow Crystals Pendant Omega Ribbed Adjustable Modernist Chunky Choker Necklace, Silver Gold Tone Very good condition. Not any stones lost....
Gold Plate
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Solid Silver Art Deco Lemon Topaz Multi-Gemstone Pendant for Christmas
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco-inspired Multi-Gemstone Pendant handcrafted in pure sterling silver studded with mixed-cut Lemon Topaz and Orange Sapphire. This stunning pendant features 17 pieces of natu...
Multi-gemstone, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Baroque Pearl Pendant, GIA Certified Natural & Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
A jewel unlike any other — this extraordinary pendant suspends a GIA-certified natural pearl, not cultured, not enhanced, and not replicated by modern aquaculture. Formed organically...
Pearl, 15k Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Interlocked Cross X Crystals Omega Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Interlocked Knot Cross Crystals Pendant Adjustable Omega Collar Choker Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Not any stones lost. Marke...
Gold Plate
Art Nouveau Enamel Garnet Butterfly Moth Insect Pendant Necklace Rare 1900
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful and rare Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace in the form of a Butterfly or Moth. The magnificent Butterfly has exquisite enamel wings, with a fine Bohemian Garnet body ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Garnet, Enamel
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Sparkling Crystals Marquise Circle Pendant Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Sparkling Crystals Oval Triangle V Pendant Elegant Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Signed at the back. Marked 'Chr.D...
Gold Plate
Natural Myanmar Icy Type Vivid Green Round Jade Pendant in 18K Gold & Diamond
Located in Kowloon, HK
This exquisite pendant is handcrafted from natural green jade from Myanmar, featuring an intensely vivid color that resembles a tiny green light bulb. The rich hue and unique craftsm...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
$152Sale Price / item|50% Off
Multi Gemstone Encrusted Flower Sterling Silver Pendant for Anniversary Gift
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gemstone Encrusted Flower Sterling Silver Pendant in sterling silver studded with marquise, trillion cut multi gemstone. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a cas...
Multi-gemstone, Silver, Sterling Silver