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Gold Nouveau Antique

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Art Nouveau Antique Gold Diamond Lapel Pocket Watch
Located in New York, NY
Antique Art Nouveau 18k gold pocket watch, high relief case, decorated with diamonds. Case is 23mm
Category

19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Art Nouveau Pearl 14 Karat Gold Hermes Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stickpin designed as stylized winged head of Hermes - messenger of the gods With whiplash style wings and 2.0 mm pearl in mouth Pearl is white in body color with good luster Head...
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby 14 Karat Gold Satyr Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cabochon eyes, transparent and purplish-red in color Matte gold finish Stamped 14kt for 14 karat gold
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 18 Karat Yellow Gold French Lion Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and matte finish French maker's mark and french assay mark for 18 karat gold Head measures: approx
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Gold Cross
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Art Nouveau Gold Cross handcrafted in 14k gold from the early 20th Century. Square cut
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Gold Cross
Art Nouveau Gold Cross
Free Shipping
W 1.5 in L 2.5 in
Art Nouveau 14 Karat Yellow Gold Green Man Unisex Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
fronds framing face Completed by pinstem Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1905 Head measures: 1/2 x 11
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Seraphinite Cabochon 14 Karat Gold Stickpin, circa 1905
Located in Philadelphia, PA
gold surround deeply carved as serpentine whiplash featuring a textured finish Tested as 14 karat gold
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond 10 Karat Gold Green Man Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
European cut diamonds, eye-clean and white Matte gold with an aged finish Tested as 10 karat gold Head
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond 10 Karat Gold Stylized Owl Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
presenting depth of gold, fierce expression and flowing feathers Tested as 10 karat gold Owl Measures: 5/8
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond 14 Karat Gold Green Man Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
approximately 0.05 carat total, eye-clean and white With an open mouth and bold expression Whiplash gold
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Carter Gough Art Nouveau Garnet 14 Karat Gold Gargoyle Stickpin
By Carter Gough & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, hair, and stylized features Accented by round cabochon garnet eye Stamped 14k for 14 karat gold
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Garnet, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau 0.40 Carat Demantoid Garnet Gold Stylized Whiplash Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Nouveau whiplash Tested as low karat gold Top measures: approx. 1/2 x 1/2 inch Total length: 2 3/8
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Garnet, Yellow Gold

Taylor & Co. Inc. Art Nouveau Citrine 10 Karat Gold Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and very slightly brownish-orange Matte gold with a tapered and slight scrolling motif Tested as 10
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Citrine, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Animal Lion Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Accented by red cabochon eyes Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1905 Head measures: 9/16 x 5/8 inches
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pan Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and bright Stamped 14k for 14 karat gold Circa: 1905 Top measures: 9/16 x 1/2 inch Total length: 2
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Gold Devilish Satyr Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
eyes Tested as 18 karat gold Circa: 1905 Satyr measures: 7/16 x 1/2 inch Total length: 2 1/2
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Ruby Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Green Man Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
leaves with a subtle green gold finish Centering a bezel set purplish-red ruby cabochon, highly domed
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Demantoid Garnet 14 Karat Gold Frog Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
European cut diamonds Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1905 Frog measures: 5/8 x 1/2 inch Total length: 2
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Brokaw & Son Art Nouveau Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, weighing approximately 0.02 carat, eye-clean and white Intricate engraved gold feathers With maker's mark
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Figural Yellow Gold Locket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Nouveau figural yellow gold locket circa 1905. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #P-DJ612i. Scroll down for
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

Art Nouveau Enamel Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Empress Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Head measures: 17.0 x 13.8 mm Total length: 2 1/2 inches Total
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

French Art Nouveau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Art Nouveau Long Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Important antique necklace, it is formed of
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cupid Men's Antique Cufflinks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
approximately 0.35 carat - G color with SI1 & SI2 clarity. Tested as 18 karat gold. Circa: 1905. Length: 1 inch
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Demantoid Garnet 14 Karat Gold Insect Bug Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
approximately 0.12 carat Textured gold body with detailed gold legs Stamped 14K Bug Measures: Approx. 1/2 x 3
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

White Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Art Nouveau Marquis Diamond 18 Karat Gold Serpentine Dragon Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Depicting a highly rendered dragon, matte gold, with detailed serpentine body intertwining within
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Citrine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpent Dragon Fob Pendant Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and highly rendered gold with a matte finish. Base is bezel set with an elongated emerald cut citrine
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Gold Fairy Brooch, Circa 1900
Located in Philadelphia, PA
gold Circa: 1900 Measures: 1 11/16 x 1 1/2 inches Total weight: 7.2 grams Accompanied by antique
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Natural Freshwater Pearl 14 Karat Gold Foliate Green Man Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color with excellent luster With maker's mark Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1905 Green Man foliate
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kirby Art Nouveau Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Angel Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, eye-clean and white Maker's mark for H.A. Kirby and stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Circa: 1910 Angel
Category

1910s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Krementz Art Nouveau Pearl Demantoid Garnet 14 Karat Gold Star Stickpin
By Krementz & Co
Located in Philadelphia, PA
yellowish-green in color With maker's mark for Krementz and stamped 14k for 14 karat gold Star measures: 1
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Emerald Enamel Pearl 14 Karat Gold Serpent Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
iridescence Completed by a concealed clasp with a chain safety Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1905 Length
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Pearl Plique-A-Jour Enamel 14 Karat Gold Gargoyle Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
very good luster Stamped 14 for 14 karat gold Circa: 1905 Gargoyle measures: 1/2 x 1 inch Total
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Whiteside & Blank Art Nouveau Enamel Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fairy Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
& The Gold. Measures: 1 1/4 x 1 5/8 inches. Total weight: 10.8 grams. Prolific. Nouveau. Staple
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Eagle Men's Cufflinks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
0.25 carat - quality consistent with age Stamped 14 for 14 karat gold Maker's mark for George O
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Art Nouveau Moonstone Enamel Diamond Emerald Platinum 18 Karat Gold Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Necklace is comprised of a green gold link chain with stylized floral bar stations. Suspending a
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...

Antique Art Nouveau Gold Diamond Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
A beautifully bloomed, delicate 14 Kt gold Art Nouveau pendant suspends a blister pearl and has, at
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Gold Diamond Pendant
Antique Art Nouveau Gold Diamond Pendant
Free Shipping
H 1.25 in W 0.5 in
Art Nouveau Gold Sapphire Ring 18kt
Located in Stamford, CT
Nouveau ring. Both hold tridents. The ring was made c.1900 the height of the Art Nouveau period. There
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Gold French Art Nouveau Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
ART NOUVEAU OPHELIA RING France, 1909 Gold Weight 11.5 gr., US size 7.25, UK size O ½ This
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Double Sided Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Art Nouveau yellow gold double sided cufflinks circa 1900. Love them because they caught
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Yellow Gold

Riker Brothers Enamel Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Spider Art Nouveau Brooch
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
closure Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Maker's mark for Riker Brothers Circa: 1905 Measures: 1 1/4 x 1
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pansy Antique Flower Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Tested as 14 karat gold. Circa: 1905. Measures: 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches. Total weight: 8.2 grams. Burgeoning
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Old Mine Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Gold Brunhilde Norse Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
with no loss while armor is deeply engraved gold Accented by an old mine cut diamond weighing
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Carter Gough & Co. Art Nouveau Pearl 14 Karat Gold Greek God Pan Stickpin
By Carter Gough & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
mark for Carter Gough & Co. and stamped 14k for 14 karat gold Head measures: approx. 11/16 x 1/2 inch
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Ruby 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Crescent Moon Night Sky Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a highly rendered polished white gold crescent moon with stylized textured yellow gold
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond Guilloche Enamel 14 Karat Gold Brooch
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
stem with locking closure and looped bale. Stamped 14k for 14 karat gold. With maker's mark for Riker
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Sloan & Co. Art Nouveau Citrine Pearl 14 Karat Gold Stylized Greek Key Stickpin
By Sloan & Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
featuring a matte gold finish With maker's mark for Sloan & Co. and stamped 14 for 14 karat gold Circa
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Citrine, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Gold, Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Berlin, DE
Pretty Art Nouveau Gold Diamond stud earrings. Large diamond solitaire approx. 0.33 carat each
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold

Art Nouveau Era Antique Signet Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
leaf motifs in Art Nouveau taste. The ring is marked with maker’s initials, Austrian fox head assay
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Jadeite Jade Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dragon Antique Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
grooved flowers throughout. Accented by a ruby eye. Stamped 18k for 18 karat gold. Circa: 1905. Ring size
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau rose gold diamond ring
Located in Malmö, SE
that smile on your face. Art Nouveau, with old-cut diamonds, the largest of which is approx. 0.25
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Plique-A-Jour Enamel 18 Karat Gold Gibson Girl Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stickpin has a quatrefoil shaped head and depicts the matte gold profile of a Gibson Girl Highly
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Gold Porcelain Art Nouveau Vase
Located in Zephyr Cove, NV
Art Nouveau style vase in gold porcelain with flowing swirled shape wrapping around to bulb base
Category

Early 19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau Mine Cut Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pansy Antique Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
karat gold. Circa: 1905. Measures: 1 3/16 x 1 3/16 inches. Total weight: 8.0 grams. Lavish. Buttercream
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Berlin, DE
Floral design in Art Nouveau style. England, 1900. With 1 brilliant-cut diamond weighing
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

A.J. Hedges Art Nouveau Pearl Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pansy Antique Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Completed by hinged pin stem with locking closure. Stamped 14k for 14 karat gold. With maker's mark. Circa
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Antique Russian Demantoid Gold Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in Moscow between 1908 and 1917. This large Art Nouveau floral motif pendant is crafted in
Category

1910s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Garnet, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Scroll Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
recesses - one with white gold frame With scrolling foliate motif engraved throughout Stamped 14k for 14
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

Art Nouveau 18 Karat Gold Carved Pin
Located in Banbury, GB
A very unusual Art Nouveau pin in 18ct gold that was made circa 1890-1910 in France. It is a
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

18k Gold

Art Nouveau Poppy Flower Diamond Gold Cufflinks
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These exquisite beautifully designed Art Nouveau cufflinks have been executed around 1895-1900. The
Category

1890s American Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Poppy Flower Diamond Gold Cufflinks
Art Nouveau Poppy Flower Diamond Gold Cufflinks
Free Shipping
W 0.87 in L 0.95 in
Art Nouveau Pearl Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
ordinary - this is it! It looks lovely on the hand too! In 10 karat yellow gold, size 5.
Category

19th Century Art Nouveau Gold Nouveau Antique

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Gold Nouveau Antique For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact gold nouveau antique you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 854 vintage editions and 12 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a gold nouveau antique may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A gold nouveau antique from Tiffany & Co., Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection and Polya Medvedeva Jewellery — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A gold nouveau antique can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 289, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and old mine cut alternatives. Most of our gold nouveau antique for sale are for women, but there are 277 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Gold Nouveau Antique?

On average, a gold nouveau antique at 1stDibs sells for $2,444, while they’re typically $125 on the low end and $104,328 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Gold Nouveau Antique
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Antique gold is as real as contemporary gold. Pure gold is 24-karats, though few pieces of jewelry are actually made completely of 24-karat gold because it's extremely soft. 14-karat and 18-karat gold jewelry is usually mixed with alloy to make the piece a bit more durable.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Whether or not an antique gold finish is real gold or not depends on the item in question. Often, things said to have an "antique gold finish" simply have a gold-toned finish. However, in some cases, the finish may be real gold plating. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of gold decorative objects and jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To tell if jewelry is antique gold, take it to a licensed appraiser experienced in evaluating jewelry. It is difficult to identify jewelry materials using only the naked eye and online resources. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted gold jewelry.