Question 1

What is Art Nouveau jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Art 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.

Question 2

Where did Art Nouveau originate?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau originated in France and Great Britain, but variants materialized elsewhere. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature as portrayed in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking and other modes of art and design in the East Asian country. The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own versions. Explore a selection of Art Nouveau furniture, jewelry and art on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What was Art Nouveau influenced by?

Accepted Answer

Art 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.

Question 4

What is Art Nouveau furniture?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Why did Art Nouveau end?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau ended primarily due to world events. When World War I broke out in 1914, artistic production was largely halted in order to free up materials for manufacturing equipment for the war effort. By the time the 1919 Treaty of Versailles brought about the end of the war, interest in Art Nouveau had waned. Designers and artists became interested in new forms and styles, such as Art Deco. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture, decorative objects, jewelry and art.

Question 6

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How do I identify Art Nouveau jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Nouveau jewelry, first consider its overall shape and themes. Flora, fauna and female figures were the three main themes in Art Nouveau jewelry. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also popular subjects. Next, examine the materials and techniques. Art Nouveau jewelers distinguished themselves from their predecessors through the use of their unorthodox materials and methods. Prior to the 20th century, artisans working with jewelry prioritized precious metals and diamonds. This was not true for Art Nouveau creators. 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. Art Nouveau jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone, and Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold. If you need more help identifying your jewelry, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Art Nouveau jewelry.

Question 8

What materials were used in Art Nouveau?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Is stained glass Art Nouveau?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 10

What did Alphonse Mucha do for Art Nouveau?

Accepted Answer

Alphonse 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.

Question 11

Who started the Art Nouveau movement?

Accepted Answer

No 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.

Question 12

How do you identify Art Nouveau furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Nouveau furniture, first try to locate a maker's mark on the piece. You can then use it to research the maker with the help of information published in trusted online resources. Some makers, such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Louis Majorelle and Émile Gallé, are well-known for their Art Nouveau furnishings. If you determine that a maker identified with Art Nouveau produced your piece, it likely reflects the movement's characteristics, especially if it was made during the late 19th or early 20th centuries. You can also look for common features of Art Nouveau furniture, such as sinuous, organic and flowing lines; forms that mimic flowers and plant life; decorative inlays and ornate carvings of natural-world motifs such as insects and animals and the use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can aid you with the identification process. Shop a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs.

Art Nouveau Tassels

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Opaline Pendant Light With Tassel

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau More Art

XIX century. A jeweled bow with tassels, in low gold. Neapolitan area.

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Chandelier Earrings

Nouveau 1900s American Seed Pearl Tassel Drop Stud Enamel Earrings Hallmark 14K

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Asymmetric Baroque Tassel Rectangle Frame Heart Pearl Tear Drop Pierced Earrings

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Beaded Bracelets

Tanzanite Tassel Bracelet With Diamonds In 18k Gold & Silver

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau More Necklaces

Ruby & Diamond Tassel Necklace Made In 18k Gold & Silver

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Tassel charm - elegant dangling pendant - 18 karat solid yellow gold - Victorian

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Tourmaline Tassel Earrrings With Diamonds Made In 18k Gold & Silver

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Chain Bracelets

Beaded chain Emerald bracelet hand made in 18K gold with a pearl tassel

2010s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Seed Pearl Necklace with 4 1/2" Pearl Tassel 18K WG 32"L

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Designer Vintage Looking Cameo Tassel Earring with Diamond and Sapphires in Gold

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau More Earrings

Ruby & Black Onyx Tassel Earrings with Diamonds Made in 18k Rose Gold

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Coral and Fresh Water Pearl Tassel Pendant with Diamonds Made In 18k Gold

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau More Furniture and Collectibles

Maiden Crossing Brook, Bronze by E.Tassel

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Brooches

Antique Art Nouveau Brooch

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Scarves

Early 1900s Fine Feathered Boa with Feathered Tassels

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Pendant, Buddha, Malachite, Enamel, Natural Pearl Tassel on Long Chain

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Rene Lalique Art Nouveau Frosted Glass Silk Lily of the Valley Tassel Necklace

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Long Diamond Tassel Necklace

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Emerald Diamond Gold Tassel Earrings

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Swarovski Clear Crystals Floating Stones Tassel Chain Pendant Long Necklace

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Designer Ruby Tassel Dangle Earring in 18k Gold with Diamonds

Vintage 1960s German Art Nouveau Brooches

Christian Dior GROSSE 1964 Double Layer Flourish Tassel Flower Brooch Pendant

Vintage 1980s Art Nouveau Demi-lune Tables

Demilune Console Table Rope & Tassel After Oscar Bach

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Asymmetric Baroque Tassel Rectangle Frame Heart Pearl Tear Drop Pierced Earrings

Vintage 1960s German Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces

Christian Dior GROSSE 1961 Five Strand Double Layer Tassel Rope Long Necklace

Vintage 1960s German Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces

Christian Dior GROSSE 1961 Five 5 Strand Double Layer Tassel Rope Long Necklace

2010s British Art Nouveau Clip-on Earrings

Asymmetric Strawberry Cluster Ball Star Hoop Tassel Drop Gold Clip On Earrings

Early 1900s American Shoulder Bags

Art Nouveau Black Silk Velvet & Fringed Handbag w Braid Strap & Tassels

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces

Marina J Multicolor Gems Pearls White Gold Sautoir Necklace and Tassel

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Jackets

JEAN-PHILIPPE WORTH Tassel Evening Coat ca.1908