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.
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
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
14K White Gold Turquoise and Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings
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
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Sunburst Style Red Coral and CZ Halo Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This sunburst style coral and cubiz zirconia stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver. Featuring two vibrant round coral gemstones totaling 0.70 carats, each measuring 3.9 mm...
Coral, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
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 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
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
Christian Dior Vintage Unisex Rare Peacock Eye Water Drop Crystals Silver Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Peacock Eye Water Drop Whole White Crystals Elegant Modernist 2 Jewellery Gift Set Earrings Brooch Pin, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Not ...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Diamond Emerald Ruby Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Flowers Earrings
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, Ruby, 9k 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
1915 Austrain Empire Earrings 2 Ducats Coins 23K/ 14K Gold / 7.8gr
Located in SE
Antique Austrian Earrings Coins featuring one Austrian 23K Gold Ducat coin on each piece soldered with folding hooks in solid 14K Rose Cold. Wires h...
24k Gold, 14k Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Large Circle Crystals Rectangle Statement Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Curled Circle Round Rectangle Sparkling Crystal Geometric Openwork Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent cond...
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
$182Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
$165Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
$272Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
$750Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
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
Hungarian Amethyst and Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Unusual amethyst and pearl earrings from the early part of the 20th Century. Fancy cut amethysts and blister pearls are set in gilt silver ...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
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
$240Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
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 1966 Gripoix Iconic Rare Ruby Sapphire Cabochon Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1966 Gripoix Cabochon Ruby Sapphire Red Navy Blue Whole Crystals 4 Cluster Flower Festive Openwork Exquisite Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very good condition. M...
Silver Plate
$1,560Sale 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
Handmade Luxury Ocean Blue Navy Swarovski Crystals Water Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Luxury Classic Ocean Blue Navy Crystals Water Tear Drop Clip Earrings, Swarovski Element Very high quality and high cost. Handmade, fine workmanship. Anti-oxidant. Excellent gift ...
Gold Plate
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 Dior Vintage Haute Couture Iconic White Pearl Crystals Flower Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Sparkling Crystals White Round Pearl Flower Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very excellent condition. Not any scratches or colour loss. Vintage and r...
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
Christian Dior Vintage Robert Goossen Conch Torch Jelly Orange Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1987 Robert Goossen Vintage Huge MassiveShell Conch Torch Jelly Orange Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition.100% genuine. Signed at back. Rare to find...
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
$397Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Haute Couture Vintage Heart Crystals Openwork Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Heart Love Shining Clear Crystals Cube Square Marquise Water Tear Drop Openwork Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent conditi...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior GROSSE 1950s Gold Knot Bow Butterfly Woven Ribbon Mesh Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE Vintage 1958 Knot Bow Butterfly Ribbon Mesh Woven Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% genuine. A very beautiful pair of clip on earring...
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
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Green Onyx Drop Studded Dangler Earrings for Her Crafted in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These Lightweight Green Onyx Studded Dangler Earrings 925 Sterling Silver Earrings. Each earring features a natural green onyx gemstone, totaling 0.25 carats, prized for its rich gre...
Onyx, Silver, Sterling Silver
Chanel Vintage 1997 Iconic Unisex Glow Gold Silver Diamond Coco Chunky Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1997 97 A Unisex Iconic Glow Silver Diamond Logo CC Coco Chunky Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, bare...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Large Unisex Gold Crystals Interlocked Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large Whole Crystals Interlocked Knot Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Not any stones lost, fro...
Gold Plate
Classic pearl uncut diamond green, emerald oxidized sterling silver earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
These beautiful elegant real natural diamonds emerald pearl earrings consists of Metal- Sterling silver Metal purity- 925 silver Metal color- Oxidized silver look Diamond- uncut pol...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior GROSSE Iconic Rare Unisex Black Vine Statement Gold Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE Vintage 1970s Unisex Large Black Enamel Curled Leaf Wine Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Front side is pe...
Gold Plate
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
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
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...
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Certified Natural Myanmar Jade Snake Earrings in 18K White Gold with Sapphires
Located in Kowloon, HK
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with our striking asymmetric jade snake earrings, crafted in 18K white gold. Each earring features intricately carved jade, ...
Garnet, Jade, Sapphire, White Gold
Miriam Haskell Glass Enameled Crystal RoseMontee Filigree Climber Earrings 1945
By Frank Hess for Miriam Haskell
Located in Chicago, IL
Two years before the brand signature first appeared in 1947, Miriam Haskell's first designer Frank Hess since 1926 designed these asymmetrical Baroque-style climber earrings. To be p...
Crystal, Pearl, Gold, Enamel, Gilt Metal
$1,883Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Green Agate Yellow Gold Flowers Earrings
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, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwate...
$175Sale Price / set|50% Off
Blue Sapphire Diamond Dainty Stud Earrings for Girlfriend Gift in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire Diamond Dainty Stud 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...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Pear Cut Emerald Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
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, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k 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
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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Gold Double Layer Dogwood Flower Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Unisex Large Textured Hammered Dogwood Flower Double Layer Modernist Elegant Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. ...
Gold Plate
$175Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
$102Sale Price / set|50% Off
5.65 Carat Blue Topaz Amethyst Round Stud Earrings in 925 Silver for Graduation
Located in New York, NY
5.65 Carat Blue Topaz Amethyst Round Stud Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look. These earri...
Amethyst, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage White Pearls Crystals Flower Double Leaf Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Flower Double Leaf White Round Pearls Crystals Openwork Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Very beautiful. Vintage...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Black Enamel Crystals Chunky Hoop Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Black Enamel Crystals Oval Hoop Domed Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Good condition. 100% genuine. Some light scratches, some colour ...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Bow Silver Cupid Angel Black Heart Love Moonstone Bow Retro Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Black Heart Love Bow Cupid Angel Silver Moonstone Retro Clip Earrings High quality and handmade. Excellent gift for lady. Wear them on casual, prom, holiday... Material: Cloth, Al...
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Prong Mixed Cut Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings for Wedding Gift in Silver Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Prong Set Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these statement drop earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cubic zirconi...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Double Sided Micro Pave Diamond Set Tunnel Earring Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt:1.98g, Diamond:13.19ct, Silver:13.45g, Size: 10-18 MM"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Gold Ripple Zigzag Hoop Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Textured Large Zigzag Ripple Fire Flame Hoop Domed Chunky Statement Modenrist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches...
Gold Plate