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.
Silvorra Classic Cushion Cut 7.8 Ct Amethyst Solitaire Cufflinks in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These cufflinks are crafted from solid 925 sterling silver and feature two cushion cut purple amethysts, each measuring 10 x 10 mm. Together, the stones weigh 7.8 carats and are secu...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
$185Sale Price / set|50% Off
SIlvorra 2.1 Ct Oval Cut Natural Emerald Men's Cufflinks in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These cufflinks are crafted from solid 925 sterling silver and feature two natural oval emeralds. Each emerald measures 8x6 mm with a combined weight of 2.1 carats. The stones are se...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pair of Amethyst and 18kt Gold Cufflinks
Located in Firenze, IT
Double-sided: each roud-shaped faceted amethyst with to chain-link connections length 2.4cm.
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau French cufflinks in 18k gold diamonds olive branch, mens jewelry
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Nouveau French cufflinks in 18 karat gold. Delightful cufflinks decorated with a band of olive leaves and olives, alternating with platinum bands set with rose-cut diamonds. The ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1890 Sterling Silver Owl and Beetle Cufflinks
Located in Lexington, KY
These cufflinks are the epitome of antique Victorian excellence. The hammered technique gives these cufflinks an intriguing texture that really makes the owl and beetle designs stand...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau 12k Yellow Gold Cabochon Amethyst Target Open Work Cufflinks
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Amethysts - Oval Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Medium Purple Color - 9.5x6.6mm & 9.8x6.6mm (approx.) Material: Solid 12K Yellow Gold Weight: 4.85 ...
Amethyst, Gold, Yellow Gold
1894 Turn of Centuy 18K Gold Coin 1/2 Pond South Africa krugerrand Cufflinks
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1897 Turn of Centuy 18K Gold Coin 1/2 Pond South Africa krugerrand Cufflinks Weighting 16.1 gram In good condition, minimum wear and tear, see pictures ...
18k Gold
Antique 14K Yellow Gold & Diamond Art Nouveau Cufflinks
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique 14K Yellow Gold & Diamond Art Nouveau Cufflinks. Each with an oval face of an embossed portrait in relief of a beautiful young woman wearing a diadem set with one Europea...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
CHANEL Vintage 1970s Iconic Lion Head Sun Logo CC Coco Sunburst Gold Cufflinks
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
CHANEL Vintage 1970s Iconic Classic Lion Head Logo CC Coco Sunburst Sun Cufflinks, Gold Plated Very good condition. Some Light scratches, small dark spots at surface. Still very goo...
Gold Plate
French Antique Sapphire Diamond and Enamel Dress Set
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exceptional French antique dress set. Each piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and features a floral design with perfectly matched heart-shaped blue s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau French Mistletoe Leaves 18K Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
A pair of French Art Nouveau 18 karat (18K) yellow gold cufflinks designed with a pattern of mistletoe leaves. Stamped with the eagle’s head for 18 karat gold and French manufacture ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CHANEL Vintage 1970s Iconic Logo CC Coco Round Circle Spiral Flower Cufflinks
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
CHANEL Vintage 1970s Iconic Classic Logo CC Coco Spiral Relief Flower Round Circle Cufflinks, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches, barely noticeable. 100% Ge...
Gold Plate
Victorian Pair Micro Mosaic 18k Gold Button 9.9 Gram 18 mm Square 13 mm Disk
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Victorian Pair Micro Mosaic 18k Gold Button 9.9 Gram 18 mm Square 13 mm Disk In good condition, no evidence of repairs, no damage, see pictures
18k Gold
Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Green Enamel Gold Devil Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Antique Diamond Green Enamel Gold Devil Cufflinks Pair of antique Art Nouveau era cufflinks in 18k yellow gold, decorated with bright green ena...
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Horse Cuff-Links Diamond 18 K Yellow Gold, 1910
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Cufflinks depicting a horse head in fine details. 18K Gold with small Diamonds. Art Nouveau, beginning of the 20th century. Very delicate work Perfect present for Fathers day. Sta...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,722Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Black Diamond Amethyst Ruby Onyx Yellow Gold Bees Cufflinks
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...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 9k Gold, Ye...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Logo Hallmark Monogram Hexagon Silver Cufflinks
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Logo Iconic Classic Hallmark Monogram Hexagon Cufflinks, Silver Plated Very excellent condition. Some Light scratches, barely noticeable. 100% Genuine...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
Antique Art Nouveau 10 Karat Gold & Seed Pearl Stick Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine 10k gold and seed pearl stickpin. With a round white pearl set in center of a 10k gold infinity loop. Simply a great stickpin! Date: Early 20th Century Overall Condi...
Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Iconic Logo CD Monogram Rectangle Cufflinks Tie Clip Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Classic Iconic Hallmark Logo CD Monogram Rectangle Cufflinks Tie Clip 2 Set Cufflinks, Gold Tone Very good condition. Only little colour loss at back of...
Gold Plate
Le Saché Tiffany & Co. Art Nouveau Sapphire Ruby and Gold Cufflinks, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A pair of Tiffany art nouveau sapphire and ruby cufflinks, with three cabochon sapphires set on one side and three cabochon rubies on the other, mounted on a foliate design, with an ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Modern Faberge 18 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Cuff Links with Certificate
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
These classic Faberge 18 karat rose gold cuff links have been hand polished with a satin and shiny swirl finish. Each cuff link has a round brilli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French Antique Art Nouveau Gold Cufflinks
Located in Chicago, IL
The 18K yellow gold cufflinks are chased with an Art Nouveau floral design. Marked with French hare-shaped export mark. Width 19 mm (6/8 in.)
Antique Art Nouveau 18K Gold Carved Cuff Links
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A winsome woman's profile graces these elegant antique Art Nouveau chain-link cufflinks. Beautifully crafted in 18 karat gold with a carved r...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Art Nouveau Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Art Nouveau antique 14k yellow gold cufflinks by Tiffany & Co. Each top is 21mm x 12mm. Marked: Tiffany & Co. Weight - 12.7 grams.
Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nuevo 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Motif Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
These antique Art Nouveau cufflinks are crafted in rich 14k yellow gold and feature an elegant flowing motif accented with a total of 0.12tcw of diamonds. The design reflects the hal...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,722Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style 2.61 Carat Diamond Ruby Blue Sapphire Onyx Yellow Gold Cufflinks
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, Onyx, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Ye...
Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Engraved Cufflinks
Located in Lexington, KY
These Art Nouveau cufflinks are sure to wow! Made of sterling silver and hand-engraved with gargoyle faces, these cufflinks are sure to add some spice to your look! These open-mouth...
Sterling Silver
Antique Royal Presentation Gold Platinum Enamel Demantoid Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1908 A pair of royal presentation cufflinks is crafted in platinum and matte 14K yellow gold. The cufflinks are decorated with roya...
Art Nouveau 1.0 Ct Natural Sapphire 18 KT Gold Cuff links
Located in Napoli, IT
Double sided, lovely hexagonal shape, very slightly domed, among the intricate nature design lifts in a rub mount a fine selection of Natural Sapphires of vibrant blue – 1.0 Ct for t...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Desbazeille Art Nouveau Champagne Diamond and Gold Cufflinks, Circa 1895
Located in London, GB
A pair of French, Art Nouveau, champagne brown diamond and yellow gold floral cufflinks, for Maison G. Desbazeille, with old-cut pink toned dark champagne brown diamonds, in rub over...
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Gold
Men's Antique Art Nouveau 14k Gold Detailed Nymph Lady Diamond Accent Cuff Links
Located in Montclair, NJ
These fine art nouveau period cuff links are crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and feature absolutely spectacular detailing throughout their front panel showing a lovely nymph lady de...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Unusual Cufflinks with Fine Sapphires & Diamonds, c. 1900
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique cufflinks yellow gold with European cut white diamonds weighing totally .40 cts., and bright vivid blue unheated sapphires weighing .45 cts. These distinctive cufflinks are...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,435Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style 1.13 Carat White Diamond Ruby Onyx Yellow Gold "Owl" Cufflinks
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, Onyx, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau French Mistletoe Leaves 18K Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
A pair of French Art Nouveau 18 karat (18K) yellow gold cufflinks designed with a pattern of mistletoe leaves. Stamped with the eagle’s head for 18 karat gold and French manufacture ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Gold Art Nouveau Cufflinks
Located in Darien, CT
Timeless and Classic Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Art Nouveau Cufflinks Finish your classic black tie look with a pair of early 20th century, Tiffany & Co. cufflinks. Attractive and pleas...
18k Gold, Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Solid Gold Diamond Oval Shape Repousse Wavey Cufflinks
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Pave Star Set - G Color - VS1 Clarity - 0.06ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ 20k Gold Wash Weight: 6.6 Gr...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau ivy leaves 18k gold, signed Edouard Aimé Arnould, French antique cuf
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Nouveau cufflinks by Arnould in 18 karat gold. Rare cufflinks by the artist Edouard A. Arnould (active 1899-1945), featuring an ivy leaf motif. Ivy is a symbol of attachment. Cuf...
18k Gold
Estate Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Jumbo Cuflinks - VHK#238a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Jumbo Cuflinks - VHK#238a Item Details: Year: 1900s Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 12.2 grams Measure...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Theater Masks Antique French 18K Yellow Gold Cufflinks, Buttons Dress Set
Located in New York, NY
All the world’s a stage.. Rare, enchanting theatrical interest Art Nouveau period French reticulated 18K yellow gold dress set in original leather silk and velvet lined box retailed ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 14 Carat Gold Cufflinks of Dragon Heads
Located in Banbury, GB
A rare pair of Art Nouveau 14ct gold cufflinks. The gold work is incredible fine. They are fine models of a dragon's head. His eyes are cabochon emerald. They were made in America circa 1910. Perfect condition SKU: AT-0208 Weight: 9.7g Size: 15mm diametre We have many other fantastic pieces of antique and vintage...
Gold, 14k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL 1962 Roger Scemama White Pearl Black Crystals Cufflinks
By Roger Scemama for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL 1962 Roger Scemama Vintage Classic Iconic Round Circle White Pearl Black Square Crystals Cufflinks Very good condition. Maybe light scratches, barely noticeab...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
Cartier Paris Trinity Cufflinks in Gold, Rose Gold, and White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Princeton, NJ
A pair of highly attractive Cartier Paris Trinity Cufflinks in Gold, Rose Gold, and White Gold. Cartier Trinity was created in 1924, allegedly at the behest of Jean Cocteau who was o...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Signed Art Nouveau Amethyst & 14k Gold Stick Pin by Brassler Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique Art Nouveau amethyst and 14k gold stickpin. By Brassler Co. With a faceted oval prong set amethyst centered of 14k gold shield shaped frame. Simply a great st...
Amethyst, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau Diamond Dolphin Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Diamond Dolphin Cufflinks in 14k gold with diamonds. Exquisite quality and weight. Newark, N.J. 1890's USA. 5/8" x .5". Excellent condit...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Cufflinks Corall Cabochon Silver
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Extravagant Art nouveau cufflinks made by a German silversmith with the initials HL ligated and with a flower on top of the L. The silver has been...
Silver
Handcrafted Silver Men’s Cufflinks Set in Oval Turquoise Gemstone Gift for Him
Located in New York, NY
These Handcrafted Silver Men’s Cufflinks Set in Oval Turquoise Gemstone feature vivid oval turquoise cabochons, prong-set in 925 sterling silver. The captivating sky-blue hue of the ...
Turquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver
14k Art Nouveau Maiden Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
14k Art Nouveau Maiden Cufflinks from the early 20th Century. Hard shank links with maiden set with 2 tiny diamond accents on each face. The gold is...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$315Sale Price / set
Silvorra Black Enamel Moustache Silver Cufflinks for Men's Classic Round Design
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 925 sterling silver, these cufflinks showcase a playful black enamel moustache design. Weighing 11.75 grams and measuring 0.67 inches, they add a touch of charm and person...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Floral Cufflinks
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a magnificent pair of original Art Nouveau cufflinks in sterling silver. These links feature an elegant and enchanting floral design on both the front panel and back! The des...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Riding Waves Figural Unger Brothers Cufflinks
Located in Lexington, KY
These beautiful cufflinks are a work of art from the early twentieth century. These sterling silver links are by the Unger Brothers and feature an elegant depiction of a woman riding...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Dolphins Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cufflinks
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These exquisite cufflinks show on one side a dolphin within a circle formed by his stylised tail and leaves. It is holding a diamond in his mouth. The boat shaped elements are decora...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Faberge 18kt Rose Gold Enamel and Diamond 0.32ct Cuff Links #135/1000
Located in New York, NY
These modern Faberge 18 karat rose gold cuff links are crafted in an eggplant ( purplish brownish ) guilloche enamel with round brilliant diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Pair of Art Nouveau Cufflinks 1900s
Located in Firenze, IT
Double-sided, of openwork foliate design with rose diamond , between cable-link connectors, width of terminal 1.7cm
Diamond, Gold
18kt Yellow Gold and Blue Enamel Cufflinks
Located in Firenze, IT
Depicting the rampant lion with the crown. Weight: 12.63gr. Size: 15mm
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Diamond Enamel Gold Cufflinks "War and Peace" Early 20th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Dazzling pair of golden cufflinks designed as a turtle dove, applied with enamel and rose cut diamonds, the backs modelled as a shotgun. Early 20th century, French import assay mark...
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Rare, Vintage Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Oval Cufflinks
By Georg Jensen
Located in Troy, MI
Rare sterling silver George Jensen oval, slight concave cuff links #75 with brushed finish & edge relief design made by master silversmith Georg J...
Sterling Silver
1890 Art Nouveau 14k Yellow Gold Smoking Man Cufflinks Whiteside and Blank
Located in Lexington, KY
These magnificent Art Nouveau cufflinks date back to 1890 and boast rich 14k yellow gold and an incredibly detailed engraved image of a pipe-smoking man. These links are solid 14 kar...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890 Art Nouveau 14 Karat Yellow Gold Whiteside and Blank Smoking Man Cufflinks
Located in Lexington, KY
These magnificent Art Nouveau cufflinks date back to 1890 and boast rich 14k yellow gold and an incredibly detailed engraved image of a pipe-smoking man. These links are solid 14 kar...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mens Antique Marcus & Co. 14k Gold Chinese Character Framed Round Disc Cufflinks
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Montclair, NJ
These fine antique cuff links are designed by Marcus & Co. and crafted from solid 14k yellow gold during the art nouveau period. They feature round ...
14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Art Nouveau Old Mine Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.1 grams Diamond Details: .10ct total weight, old mine brilliant, G color, VS Clarity Condi...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold