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.
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gripoix Ruby Amethyst Sapphire Charms Pearl Heart Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Circle Oval Red Blue Purple White Charm Elegant Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone. Good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, especi...
Gold Plate
14 Karat White Gold Hand Engraved "Leaf" Bracelet with Natural Brown Diamonds
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat white gold hand engraved "Leaf" bracelet with natural Brown diamonds, containing 27 round full cut natural brown diamonds of very fine quality weighing 1.10cts. bracelet me...
Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$5,002Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,744Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Mario Buccellati Vintage Plique-à-jour 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
An authentic Mario Buccellati bangle bracelet of unmatched classic elegance, Mario Buccellati was the pioneer to introduce the technique of texture engraving, his pieces are rich in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unusual Art Nouveau French Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Unusual link bracelet from the turn tof the 20th Century. Dimensional links of patinaed silvered etched metal with foil back pink crystal stones. Striking color contrast.
Exce...
Silver Plate
Jade Art Nouveau Pansy Flower Bracelet 14 Karat Gold Pearl Antique
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB RARE JADE ART NOUVEAU BELLE EPOQUE BRACELET WITH 6 EXTRAORDINARY NATURAL ANTIQUE JADE CABOCHONS OF INCREDIBLE BEAUTY SET IN A 14...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,489Sale Price|20% Off
8.60 Carat Aquamarine 1.25 Carat White Diamond White Gold "Snakes" Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,617Sale Price|20% Off
Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Emerald Enamel Yellow Gold Frogs Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling ...
Turn of the Century Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A turn of the century demantoid garnet and diamond bracelet, consisted of eleven links each bearing a flower with a demantoid garnet centre, swiss-cut diamond encrusted petals and stems terminating to pearl-set trefoil, mounted in silver and yellow gold, circa 1910, later hallmaked 18ct gold import Austria, measuring approximately 18.5 x 1cm, gross weight 24.7 grams. Turn of the Century bracelet...
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
$5,090Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold "Snake" Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Micro Pave Diamond Ball Beaded Bracelet
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Silver:15.02g, Diamond:8.58ct, Length:10-12mm
Diamond, Silver
Single Line Polki Diamonds Cuff Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:1.75g, Diamond:6.08ct, Silver:22.28g
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Fancy Pave Diamond Ball Adjustable Bracelet Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:5.03ct, Diamond:4.9ct, Silver:3.82g, Size: 12 MM"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Micro Pave Black Diamond Ball Adjustable Chain Bracelet
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Silver:12.94g, Diamond:6.8cts, Length:10-12mm
Diamond, Black Diamond, Silver
Art Nouveau French Natural Pearl and Diamond Platinum Line Bracelet, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating from the 1910s, this elegant French bracelet reflects the refined transition from Art Nouveau into the early twentieth century. Finely crafted in platinum, the design is com...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
$3,019Sale Price|20% Off
18kt Solid White Gold Genuine Multi Sapphire Tennis Bracelet For Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Multi Sapphire Thin Tennis Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 75 endlessly sparkling natural sapphires, weighing 3.2 carats. It measures 7.25 inches long in length. Sapphire stimul...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold,...
Italian Flat Paperclip Link Bracelet Diamond Clasp 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Made in Italy, this 14 karat yellow gold features 12 flat paperclip links with one white gold diamond clasp. Available in smaller & larger link sizes. Clasp available in white, rose...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$750
H 1.5 in W 1.15 in L 7 in
Antique Art Deco Carved Jade Leaf Sterling Silver Charm Pendant Bracelet
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Beautiful dainty antique art deco bracelet featuring a 1.15" long by .65" tall pendant that hangs .65" from the bracelet. The bracelet is 7"...
Jade, Sterling Silver
Yianni Creations 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet with Citrine
Located in Astoria, NY
This bracelet from Yianni Creations is all handmade in Greece from 18 Karat Gold and set with 1.75 Carat Citrine. The unique look is created by using ancient techniques of craftsmanship - brushed texture and nature-inspired liquid edges. For a full selection of Yianni Creations (YC) jewelry please visit our storefront here on 1stdibs – Yianni Creations Inc...
Citrine, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,040Sale Price|20% Off
L 6.8 in
Handcrafted Octagon Cut Ruby Dangling Chain Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Handcrafted Octagon Cut Ruby Dangling Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 1.3 carats of endlessly sparkling natural ruby. It measures 6.8 inches long in length. Ruby improves ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, CE
Colored bracelet in 14Kt gold composed of three single strands of emeralds, rubies, blue sapphires. emeralds, rubies, blue sapphires (tot weight 21.4...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Modernist Silver Designer Cuff Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in silver. Important and massive, this silver cuff is made up of patterns with geometric and convex lines hinged together. The bracelet is semi rigid and closes with a hinge...
Silver, Sterling Silver
5 Authentic Roman Coins '2nd-3rd Cent' Depicting Roman Empresses Bracelet
Located in Roma, IT
This handmade sterling silver bracelet has been set with 5 authentic Roman coins ( denarii ) dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century AD, depicting Roman empresses (except for the last coin, the one depicting Julia Mamea, who was the mother of Emperor Alexander Severus, not his wife!) The coins depict: Sabina, wife of Emperor Hadrian Faustina senior, wife of the Emperor Antoninus Pius...
Sterling Silver
Emerald Sapphire Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstones: 2 red rubies, 2 green emeralds and 2 blue sapphires Gemstones Total Carat Weight: ~0.60 carats Diamond Count: 5 Diamon...
Ruby, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer bangle bracelet hand made in 18 Karat yellow gold. This bracelet is finished in Byzantine style with the unique velvet look on the background. The bracelet featur...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Green Emerald Cabochon, Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular and exciting David Webb 18K Yellow Gold gemstone bracelet with diamonds. The gemstones include emeralds, sapphires,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Egyptian Ruby Sapphire Wide Quilted Link Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstones: red rubies and blue sapphires Sapphire Carat Weight: 1.0 carats Sapphire Count: 44 Red Ruby Carat Weight: 1.0 carats ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Double Wire Diamond Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in Troy, MI
Wrap her wrist in the sparkle and comfort. This double wire bracelet is crafted in 18k white gold accented with a 18k yellow bar of diamonds. Bracelet secures with a safety chain cla...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.52 in L 7.29 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Givenchy Vintage Gripoix Ruby Amethyst Sapphire Pearl Heart Charms Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Circle Oval Red Blue Purple White Charm Elegant Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone. Good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, especi...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.99 in L 7.88 in
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Circle Oval Red Blue Purple White Charm Elegant Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone. Good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, especi...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.99 in L 7.88 in
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White Bracelet. Gold Tone. Good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, especially at the chain. 100% genuine...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.52 in L 7.29 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Sold
W 0.99 in L 7.88 in
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White Bracelet. Gold Tone. Good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, especially at the chain. 100% genuine...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.52 in L 7.29 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Vintage Sterling Silver Amber Hinged Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A vintage sterling silver hinged cuff bracelet. The front part has an Art Nouveau curved design and is set with a large oval cognac amber stone. Tot...
Amber, Silver, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 0.52 in L 7.29 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Malachite Stones for Bracelet Insect
Located in Naples, IT
Two Malachite stones for repair, Pearl Insect Bracelet.
Malachite
Schumann Son's Riker Bros Art Nouveau Montana Sapphire Pad Lotus Bangle Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a gold bangle with repoussé lily pads and lotus flowers winding throughout. Featuring five cushion shaped stations each centering bezel set round cut Montana sapphires approximately 5.50 carats total. Light lavender, light green, light orange, medium blue, and dark bluish green in color. Stamped 14k for 14 karat gold. With maker's mark for Schumann Son...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yell...
Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli 14 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Floral Antique Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a bangle bracelet with a highly rendered repoussé woven daisy motif. Featuring four oval stations centering bezel set lapis lazuli cabochons. Measuring 5.0 x 7.0 mm - opa...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold