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Nouveau Gold Enamel

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Russian Art Nouveau Gold Enamel Pill Box
Located in New York, NY
Rare and unusual Art Nouveau 14K two tone gold and enamel pill box. It features an enamel top with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Art Nouveau Boxes and Cases

Materials

18k Gold

Russian Art Nouveau Gold Enamel Pill Box
Russian Art Nouveau Gold Enamel Pill Box
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H 0.5 in W 1.19 in D 1.25 in
Masriera Art Nouveau Gold Enamel and Gem set Pendant Brooch
By Masriera
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 - 1990 Masriera of Spain 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch in the extreme Art Nouveau style
Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Jewel Box 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Enamel and Diamonds
Located in Palermo, IT
Box in 18 kt yellow gold, blue enamel, hinges with diamonds and clasp with diamonds.
Category

Vintage 1910s Italian Art Nouveau Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Jewel Box 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Enamel and Diamonds
Jewel Box 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Enamel and Diamonds
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H 0.79 in D 1.97 in L 3.94 in
Frame in 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Blue Enamel in Excellent Condition
Located in Palermo, IT
Frame in 18 kt yellow gold and blue enamel in excellent condition, elegant, antique, precious. Net
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Nouveau Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel

French 18K Yellow Gold Silver Garnet Snake Belt Buckle
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold and silver belt buckle designed as a snake entwined upon itself with
Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

French 18K Yellow Gold Silver Garnet Snake Belt Buckle
French 18K Yellow Gold Silver Garnet Snake Belt Buckle
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W 1.34 in D 0.38 in L 2.09 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Gold Devilish Satyr Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
enamel glossed horns Enamel is translucent red and gray - exhibiting some loss Accented by diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pan Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and deep green enamel - quality consistent with age Accented by prong set diamond in mouth Eye clean
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Enamel Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Empress Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
hair that drapes beyond the confines of the circular surround Her face incredibly detailed with enamel
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Art Nouveau Enamel and Gold Pill Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Art Nouveau pill box decorated with enameled East Asian motifs. Early twentieth century.
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Boxes and Cases

Materials

Enamel, Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond, Enamel and Gold Locket
Located in New York, NY
An American Art Nouveau enamel, 14 karat bloomed gold and diamond pendant locket. The figure on the
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Diamond, Enamel and Gold Locket
Art Nouveau Diamond, Enamel and Gold Locket
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W 1.25 in L 2 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Gold Fairy Brooch, Circa 1900
Located in Philadelphia, PA
iridescent enamel - ombrè green, blue, and purple No loss - excellent for age Set with old single cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

André Rambour French Art Nouveau Enamel Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau 18 karat gold and enamel pendant by André Rambour. The pendant is designed as
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Pearl Plique-A-Jour Enamel 14 Karat Gold Gargoyle Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
translucent cream to white pliquè-a-jour enamel Clutching a round 3.0 mm button pearl; cream in color with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Diamond Emerald Enamel Pearl 14 Karat Gold Serpent Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
featuring guilloche enamel Enamel is iridescent white with a radiating burst motif - exhibiting no loss
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Beautiful Art Nouveau Enamelled 18kt Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU
This French pendant is made of 18kt yellow gold and is decorated with enamel. The enamel process
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k 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

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

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

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Art Nouveau Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
iconic Art Nouveau gold and enamel jewellery designs of Liberty and Archibald Knox. Condition This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Art Nouveau Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
Antique Art Nouveau Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
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H 0.09 in W 1.06 in L 17.25 in
Riker Brothers Enamel Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Spider Art Nouveau Brooch
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
vibrant black and yellow enamel - exhibiting minor loss Its thorax is bead set with a diamond and a ruby
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Nouveau Enamel Pendant 18 Karat Gold Flower Style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel pendant 18K Yellow Gold approx size 1' inch has 1 Diamond and 1
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Old Mine Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Gold Brunhilde Norse Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Depicting the enameled image of Brunhilde, a Norse Valkyrie and daughter of Odin Enamel is refined
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pansy Antique Flower Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant brooch is designed as a pansy flower with delicately painted matte enamel petals. Opaque
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Art Nouveau 18K Gold Enamel Pearl Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau brooch with diamonds total approx. 0.25ct, cultured pearls, 18K yellow gold, settings
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau 18K Gold Enamel Pearl Diamond Brooch
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Enamel Pearl Diamond Brooch
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H 1.58 in L 2.76 in
Antique Art Nouveau Enamel Flower Gold Stick Pin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Art Nouveau floral 14K yellow gold stick pin featuring a natural pearl popping out of an enamel
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Antique Art Nouveau Enamel Flower Gold Stick Pin
Antique Art Nouveau Enamel Flower Gold Stick Pin
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H 2.37 in W 0.5 in D 0.5 in
Tiffany & Co. Enamel Diamond Gold Art Nouveau Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
old cut diamonds and fine white and rose enamelling on an 18kt yellow gold mounting. Signed Tiffany
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel

Nouveau Style Enamel Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel earrings 18k yellow Gold approx size 0.75' inch has one Ruby
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Nouveau Style Enamel Earrings 18 Karat yellow Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel earrings 18k yellow Gold approx size 1' inch has one diamond
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond Guilloche Enamel 14 Karat Gold Brooch
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Featuring wings with guilloche enamel - transparent medium to light blue ombrè over linear engraving. With
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Enamel Floral Iris Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
This is a pair of 18ct rose gold, chain link cufflinks from the Art Nouveau period. The cufflinks
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Cufflinks

Materials

Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel

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

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Mine Cut Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pansy Antique Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant brooch is designed as a pansy flower with delicately painted matte enamel petals. Opaque
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

A.J. Hedges Art Nouveau Pearl Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pansy Antique Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a pansy flower with delicately painted matte enamel petals. Opaque purple
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Antique Seagull Diamond Enamel Gold Brooch France
Located in Munich, Bavaria
guilloché-enamel in pale blue, green and pink iridescent colours. The bird is made out of 18 karat gold and
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Platinum

Nouveau 1910 Enamel Pendant 18 Karat Gold Flower Style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Enamel Pendant Hand made in Spain 18K Yellow Gold approx size 1' inch (25mm) has few
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Tourmaline Enamel Diamonds Yellow Gold Pendant, 1890
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Art Nouveau Tourmaline Enamel Diamonds Yellow Gold Pendant. Created around 1890. A massive Art
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli & Enamel 14k Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
. Condition: Good (minor loss to enamel-see photos) Era: Art Nouveau/Early Art Deco Year: 1910-1920 Metal: 14k
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Nouveau 1910 Enamel Pendant 18 Karat Gold Flower Style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel pendant 18K Yellow Gold approx size 1.25' inch (30mm) has few
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Iris Flower Enamel Pendant Necklace 14k Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
GREEN ENAMEL IRIS FLOWER IN 14 KARAT GOLD. THE IRIS FLOWER IS SET IN AN ELEGANT IRIS LEAF DESIGN WITH
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Purple Pansy Enamel Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Art nouveau purple pansy enamel brooch At the center is one round-cut diamond, the petals are made
Category

Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Purple Pansy Enamel Brooch
Art Nouveau Purple Pansy Enamel Brooch
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W 1.03 in L 1.15 in
Art Nouveau Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Flower Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
painted with basse-taille enamel over linear engraving Matte iridescent yellow and pink with red veining
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Yellow Gold, Enamel and Diamond Stick Pin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring 14K yellow gold, enamel face design with diamond detail. Total weight
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

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

Nouveau Enamel Pendant 18 Karat Gold Flower and Pearl Style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel pendant 18K Yellow Gold approx size 1.5' inch has few small
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

French 1900s Art Nouveau Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Roses Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Nouveau brooch is with openwork flowers decoration. At each end, the foliage is enamelled turquoise and
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Jacques Bonnadier Limoges Enamel Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare Art Nouveau Limoges Enamel Pendant in 18 Karat Gold. The magnificent portrait of a
Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau 1910 Enamel Ring 18 Karat Gold Flower Style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel ring 18K Yellow Gold approx size 0.75' inch (20 mm) has 1
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau French Enamel & Pearl Flower Brooch
Located in Montgomery, AL
enamel work & tiny seed pearls to accomplish the flower petal arrangement design. Era: Art Nouveau 1890
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau French Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Scarab Antique Cufflinks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
gold scarab engraved with linear texture Featuring enamel surround - transparent, glossy bluish-green
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Cufflinks

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

1900s Art Nouveau Sapphire Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
contact us. Antique jewelry - Work of the 1900s, Art Nouveau jewelry. Some marks in the enamel. Our
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Nouveau 1910 Enamel Pendant Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel pendant Oxidized Sterling Silver and 18 yellow Gold
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Tourmaline, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Art Nouveau 1900s French 14K Gold Drop Blue Celestial Enamel Earrings Hallmark
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Art Nouveau 1900s French 14K Gold Drop Blue Celestial Enamel Earrings Hallmark Hallmark, 14K
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Materials

14k Gold, Enamel

Enamel Art Nouveau Maiden Woman Brooch 14 Karat Gold, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular Art Nouveau brooch with images of three maidens in 14 Karat Gold with fine Enamel
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Strawberry Four-Leaf Clover Enamel Pendant Lucky Charm Gold
Located in New York, NY
stunning engraved gold details with lovely red enamel. The listing is only for the pendant. The chain is
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau green plique-a-jour enamel 18kt yellow gold leaf brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Art Nouveau green plique-a-jour enamel 18kt yellow gold leaf brooch with old cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel

Nouveau Enamel and Diamond Pendant Brooch 18 Karat Gold Flower Style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Art Enamel - Diamond Necklace and brooch 18K White Gold approx size
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold

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

Nouveau Enamel and Diamond Necklace Brooch 18 Karat Gold Flower Style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel - Diamond Necklace and brooch 18K White Gold approx size 1.75
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Enamel Flower Maiden Brooch Gold Sterling Silver Museum Quality
Located in New York, NY
gold. The enamel work is of the highest quality and the design is Art Nouveau imagery at its peak
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Art Nouveau Krementz 14k Gold Peridot Pearl & Enamel Dangle Lavalier Pendant
By Krementz & Co
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 4.50 Grams Chain Type: 0.7mm Curb Link Chain Length: 16.5 Inches
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted Enamel Turquoise Yellow Gold Drop Horses Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
or White Gold. These Earrings have Natural Turquoise and Enamel. These Earrings are inspired by Art
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Stud Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, 9k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold

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Nouveau Gold Enamel For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact nouveau gold enamel you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, Enamel and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 1057 antique edition and 177 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a nouveau gold enamel from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic nouveau gold enamel over the years, but those made by Luigi Ferrara, Masriera and Krementz & Co are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A nouveau gold enamel can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 509 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and old european cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a nouveau gold enamel, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Nouveau Gold Enamel?

The price for a nouveau gold enamel starts at $100 and tops out at $495,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $2,796.

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.