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.
Earrings with sapphire, old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold and silver earrings with sapphire, old mine cut, and rose-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct – K/L – SI Detailed description: The earrings are 3.6 cm long and 8.6 mm wide. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
1908-1917 Imperial Russian Odessa Earrings 3.2ctw Diamonds 56Gold.Silver/ 4.25gr
Located in SE
A matching pair of Russian classic Floral daisy or Starburst cluster drops featuring hand - faceted old mine cut Diamonds. High settings of traditional Silver on Gold two - tone dome...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Edwardian 5 Carats Old Cut Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1920 ca Length: 2,6 cm Weight: 5,44 gr This stunning pair of Edwardian earrings is crafted from 18k silver and gold and features a lever clasp. The earrings are composed of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Silver
18K Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline, Tanzanite & Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in polished 18KT yellow gold, this gemstone cluster drop earrings comes to life as a mosaic of pink tourmaline pears and baguettes, dotted with tanzanite, hangs below a taper...
Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,480Sale Price|20% Off
Exquisite 14K Gold South Sea Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings, 1.10ct
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your collection with these breathtaking drop earrings, meticulously crafted in lustrous 14K gold for the 1stDibs platform. Each earring features a magnificent 13.5mm South Se...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage Dangle Earrings Moon Stone solid 14K Gold / 2.2gr
Located in SE
A pair of Finish dangles in 14K Orange toned Gold with oval cut Moon Stone or Chalcedony settings . There are finish hallmarks on the wire. Marked 585 for 14K Gold. Maker's marks no...
Chalcedony, Moonstone, 14k Gold
1916 Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings solid 18K Yellow Gold/ 2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of Art Nouveau period dangles in solid 18K Yellow Gold with with small dangling drops. Swedish pair, hallmarked 18K ,maker's marks , city of Goteborg, made in 1916 ( combina...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique European Earrings solid 18K Orange Gold /2.16 gr
Located in SE
A pair of hand - engraved knot- shaped hooked dangles with freely suspended terminated with two drops . European hand - made ca. early 20th century. No hallmarks, metal tested solid...
18k Gold
$880Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Turquoise Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings, 0.40ct
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your everyday elegance with these stunning, vibrant earrings, masterfully crafted in lustrous 14K white gold. Each striking earring centers on a magnificent 11mm turquoise c...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Antique Earrings solid 18K Gold / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
A pair of drop shaped Antique Swedish dangles in solid 18K Gold . A pair of European ca. 1920s -1930s earrings with drop shaped pendants and delicate hand- engraved ornaments. Free...
18k Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Large Flower Crystals Shining Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Whole Shining Crystals Flourish Blossom Flower Elegant Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss. Very r...
Gold Plate
1903 Russian Earrings Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamonds 56 Gold / 5 gr
Located in SE
A pair of old luxurious Earrings in solid 56 Yellow Gold and Silver decorated with Blue Sapphires, Red Rubies, Emeralds and Diamonds. Naturality of Rubies is questionable/ can lab ...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Finish Dangle Earrings Smoky Quartz solid 14K Rose Gold /2.3gr
Located in SE
A pair of Finish dangles in 14K Rose Gold with oval cut Smoky quartz settings . There are finish hallmarks on the wire. Marked 585 for 14K Gold. Maker's marks not clear, no date sta...
Hematite, Quartz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Large Gold White Oval Pearl Chunky Statement Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large White Oval Pearl Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Good condition. Peeling off on on faux pearls, but barely no...
Gold Plate
Antique European Drop Earrings solid 18K Yellow Gold / 1.7 gr
Located in SE
A pair of drop shaped Antique Swedish dangles in solid 18K Gold. Drops are freely suspended and will mark any slightest movement of the head. Hallmarked 18K. No date marks visible....
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Modernist Crescent-Shaped 925 Silver Blue Sapphire Ear Crawler Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These modern 925 sterling silver earrings showcase seven 5x3 mm pear-shaped blue sapphire stones per ear in a dramatic crescent design that drapes elegantly along the earlobe. The sl...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Iconic Large Pearl White Glossy Oval Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large White Glossy Oval Pearl Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Some light scratches on faux pearls, but b...
Gold Plate
Silvorra Round Sapphire Infinity Drop Earrings in Halo Diamonds Jewelry for Her
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 925 sterling silver natural blue sapphire and diamond earrings feature a graceful infinity-inspired drop design that blends timeless symbolism with refined sparkle. Eac...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano Haute Iconic Turquoise Egyptian Revival Earrings
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
CHRISTIAN DIOR by John Galliano 2004 Huge Massive Large Egyptian Revival Turquoise Green Citrine Emerald Crystals Chunky Statement Drop Dangle Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent c...
Gold Plate
Silvorra 925 Silver Natural Ruby Drop Earrings in Diamonds for Valentine Gift
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver ruby and diamond drop earrings feature rich red baguette and round-cut rubies elegantly arranged in a sleek vertical drop design, accented with subtle 1.5 m...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silvorra Timeless Deep Blue Sapphire Stud with Diamond Petal Cluster Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 925 sterling silver dangle earrings featuring 18 natural oval blue sapphires (5x3 mm, 2.02 carats total) accented by sparkling 1 mm diamonds (0.15 carats), arranged in a de...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Napier Vintage Iconic Circle Round Hoop Huggie Modernist Silver Clip Earrings
By Napier
Located in Wokingham, England
Napier Vintage 1960s Small Circle Round Glow Hoop Huggie Modernist Clip Earrings, Silver Plated Very good condition. Signed at the back. 100% genuine. Size: Diameter: 1.8cm. Width:...
Silver Plate
Silvorra Multi Sapphire Drop Earrings in Halo Diamond Jewelry for Girlfriend
Located in New York, NY
These vibrant 925 sterling silver drop earrings showcase eight multi-sapphire octagon, each 4x3 mm, in a stunning rainbow progression of yellow, orange, red, and green for a playful ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Style Natural Blue Topaz and Sapphire Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These Blue Topaz and Sapphire Drop Earrings stunning Art Deco-inspired drop earrings, masterfully crafted in 925 sterling silver. Each earring features a vibrant, cushion-cut blue to...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold 1991 Matelassé Quilted Flap Bag Logo Coin Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1991 Iconic Classic Matelassé Logo CC Coco Quilted Flap Bag Coin 31 RUE CAMBON PARIS Crown Drop Dangle Swing Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Good ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Kramer Iconic Rare Sapphire Emerald Tremble Blossom Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Kramer 1950s Vivid Sapphire Emerald Navy Blue Green Crystals Flower Leaf Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very good condition. One tremble, other one doesn't tremble. Still...
Rhodium
Diamond Zircon Linear Silver Dangle Earrings Fashion Jewelry for Girlfriend
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Cubic Zirconia Linear Dangle Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these statement dangle earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cubi...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Aquamarine Gemstone Earrings in 925 Silver Dainty Graduation Studs
Located in New York, NY
Natural Aquamarine Gemstone Studs Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings crea...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silvorra Modern Natural Ruby Leaf-Motif Dangle Earrings in 925 Silver for Women
Located in New York, NY
925 sterling silver dangle earrings feature six 5x3 mm marquise-cut natural ruby stones per ear, arranged in a cascading cluster that sways with movement for a fun, feminine vibe. Th...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Large 4G Monogram Relief Medallion Round Earring
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage Unisex Large 4G Whole Logo Monogram Relief Medallion Button Round Circle Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Almost new. 100% Genuin...
Gold Plate
Pink Conch 14mm NearRound Chatoyance Pearls Sterling Stud Earrings c1930s
Located in Chicago, IL
These pink conch 14mm near-round natural pearl stud earrings, with early 20th-Century clips stamped "sterling", each weigh 3 grams including mountings for an exceptional 10-plus cara...
Natural Pearl, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior 1960 Iconic Rare Green Emerald Clear Openwork Domed Earrings
By Christian Dior Haute Couture
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1960 Vintage Unisex Green Emerald Clear Crystals Openwork Circle Round Flower Domed Clip Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very excellent condition. 100% G...
Silver Plate
10.8 Carat Amethyst Flower Dangle Drop Earrings Gift for Her in 925 Solid Silver
Located in New York, NY
10.8 Carat Amethyst Flower Dangle Drop Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Blue Lapis Foil Stone Cabochon Octagon Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Textured Navy Blue Lapis Cabochon Rectangle Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, barely noticeable. ...
Gold Plate
David Grau Vintage Rare Gold Oval Red Ruby Cabochon Crystal Domed Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
David Grau Vintage 1980s Unisex Oval Ruby Red Cabochon Crystal Hoop Dome Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition and very new. Very high quality. 100% Genuine. Material...
Gold Plate
$2,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
Certified Aquamarine Diamond Long Dangle Earrings in 14K White Gold, 1.02ct
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Certified Aquamarine Diamond Long Dangle Earrings in 14K Gold to make a statement with your look. You shall need dangle earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings cr...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Unisex Large Black Oval Crystals Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980 Unisex Large Oval Black Enamel Clear Shining Crystal Modernist Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches or colou...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Large White Pearl Statement Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Huge Massive Camellia Flourish Blossom Flower White Circle Round Pearl Layers Petal Chunky Statement Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Unisex Baroque Blossom Flower Large Oval Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Baroque Blossom Flower Large Oval Sparkling Crystal Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. A very beautiful pair of e...
Gold Plate
Antique Finish Dangle drop Earrinngs Hematite solid 14K Gold /2.5gr
Located in SE
Vintage or Antique pair with cabochon-shaped Hematite stones, in solid 14K Rose Gold. Each earring is 18 mm long and suspended. Each stone is 10 mm x 5 mm wide/ca.2,5 ct. What mak...
Hematite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1940s French Set of Diamond and Burma No Heat Ruby Necklace and Earrings
Located in New York, NY
1940's French Diamond and Ruby Necklace and Earrings Set The necklace has approximately 75ct of rubies and 40-42ct of diamonds all set in Platinum, and the clasps are white gold. The...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Italian late 19th century 7.4 ct Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond earrings
Located in Firenze, IT
This pair of Italian-made earrings, dating back to the 19th century, consist of a silver and gold setting in which are set two unheated, oval-cut Ceylon sapphires weighing a total of...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Blue Topaz Opal Filigree Drop Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Intricate openwork and delicate leaf motifs envelop a brilliant oval-cut blue topaz, encircled by iridescent opals in these blue topaz drop earrings. Handcrafted in 9K yellow gold, t...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold Textured Large White Round Pearl Quilted Rope Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Textured Large White Round Pearl Rope Quilted Chunky Statement Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Very light scratches on faux pearls, bare...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Silver Whole Crystals Square Rectangle Pierced Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Whole Crystals Square Rectangle Modenrist Elegant Pierced Earrings, Silver Tone Very excellent condition. Not any stones lost. Only Light colour ...
Silver Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Gold Textured Sun Flower Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Unisex Textured Large Sunflower Sunburst Sun Dome Dots Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or...
Gold Plate
Birthstone Amethyst Trio Drop Earrings in 925 Silver Jewelry for Birthday Gift
Located in New York, NY
Birthstone Amethyst Trio Drop Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need drop earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings create a...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Large Gold Blue Navy Enamel Interlocked Chunky Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Large Navy Dark Blue Enamel Swirl Knot Interlocked Chunky Statement Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Some light scratches or ...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold Long Brushed Glow Water Tear Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Long Brushed Glow Water Tear Drop Dangle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches, barely noticeable...
Gold Plate
Antique Tsarist Russian Earrings Sapphires Diamonds solid 56 / 14K Gold /12 gr
Located in SE
A pair of antique Russian hand-made chandeliers with whimsy openwork dangles of fused solid 14K Gold and Silver, decorated with Blue Sapphires and diamonds. Ca.early XX cent, Russian...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Christian Dior 1968 Haute Couture Iconic Rare Green Emerald Sunflower Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1968 Oval Emerald Green Circle Round Sparkling Crystals Flower Sunflower Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver plated Very excellent condition. Not any stones lost. ...
Silver Plate
5.06 Carat Emerald & Aquamarine Diamond Earrings, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing the Queen of Knockshigowna Earrings from the Garden of Myth Collection by Austy Lee. In folklore, fairies can transform into animals. In Scotland, fairy women often took...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Huge Massive Openwork Crest Logo Insignia Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Unisex Massive Huge Logo Monogram Insignia Crest Openwork Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss or scratche...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Blue Purple Iridescent Crystals Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Sparkling Crystals Navy Purple Iridescent Modernist Drop Clip Earrings Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage earrings f...
Christian Dior Vintage Large Gold White Crystals Domed Hoop Elegant Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large White Enamel Double Crystals Domed Gold Half Hoop Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe very light scr...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Rare Sapphire Blue Water Drop Oval Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Sapphire Navy Blue Crystals Iridescent Water Drop Oval Flower Openwork Elegant Modernist Dangle Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very good condition. Maybe lig...
Silver Plate
"Noucentisme Period" Turquoise, Seed Pearls, Rose cut Diamond Earrings. Spain
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Early 20th Century "Noucentisme Period" Turquoise, Seed Pearls, Rose cut Diamonds Earrings mounted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. ("Noucentisme" Catalonia 1914 -1936) Wonderful example of the Noucentisme jewelry exquisitely handcrafted pair cabochon turquoise, rode cut diamond and seed pearl earrings. 18K gold with silver views, rose cut diamonds, 0.22 carats approx., 4 mm diameter cultured seed pearls and oval cabochon cut turquoises. Length: 1 inch. Total weight: 13.2 grams "Noucentisme" Catalan cultural movement of the early 20th century that originated largely as a reaction against Modernisme, The artists of ªNovecentisme" develop literature, painting, architecture, sculpture and jewelry (Ramón Sunyer i Clará,, Jaume Mercadé i Queralt. Fuset y Grau...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Natural Myanmar Imperial Green Fei Cui Jade Ear Studs Clover Leaf Design
Located in Kowloon, HK
Discover the beauty of these handcrafted earrings, featuring exquisite top-grade imperial green jade. Sparkling diamonds encircle the design and showcase a charming clover leaf shape...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Iconic Rare Abnormal Circle Red Green Statement Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Abnormal Circle Round Red Green Navy Blue Dots Relief Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Exquisite Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent conditi...
Gold Plate
Italian 18Kt Gold 18Kt Diamonds Art Nouveau Vintage Medusa Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare vintage earrings in 18 kt yellow gold, handcrafted by Neapolitan master goldsmiths between the 1970s and 1980s, inspired by Art Nouveau aesthetics and the mythological figure of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold