Skip to main content

Art Nouveau Vanity Items

ART NOUVEAU STYLE

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.

36
5
to
7
24
14
7
33
1
9
2
3
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
28
11
2
20
12
9
4
4
4
2
2
1
1
4
3
2
2
1
to
141
55
48
39
28
21
19
10
10
8
5
3
Style: Art Nouveau
Vintage Celluloid Rhinestone Hair Clip
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage celluloid rhinestone hair clip. This arch shaped amber color celluloid ponytail clip is covered with small clear rhinestones. Marked JyZ1712 on the clip. Squeeze to...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Vintage American Art Nouveau Silver Mesh Purse
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Fabulous vintage accessory for a wedding or special occasion. Circa 1920 American Art Nouveau Ladies evening purse in 870 silver mesh with cable chain handle. Intricate pattern silve...
Category

1920s American Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver

Antique Art Nouveau Gold Stickpin Tie Pin Square Cut Amethyst Pearl
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant Art Nouveau stickpin was created out of 10K gold around 1900. The head of the pin is designed in the shape of a kite and decorated w...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold

Le Must de Cartier Very Rare Royking Lighter, 18k Gold Plating & Enamel Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Le Must de Cartier Very Rare Royking Lighter, 18k Gold Plating & Enamel Inlay Cream and red color Cartier “Royking” lighter. Circe 1970 CARTIER Roy King Rollagas, a Unique RARE example of a ROYKING designed Cartier Rollagas lighter made circa 1970's, 18K Gold Baroque Inlay with Red and Cream lacquer, mint condition. Roy King emblem on top side part of Cartier. The Lighter Includes original Cartier case. ROY KING, who has died aged 87, was a leading British watch designer and jeweller, with customers ranging from Saudi princes...
Category

Late 20th Century French Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Sterling Perfume Bottle with Amber
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an Art Nouveau style sterling perfume bottle with amber. The free form sterling bottle body is mounted with a large carved long haired...
Category

Late 20th Century European Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Amber, Sterling Silver

Swirling Pedestal Perfume Bottle with Atomizer
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a swirling pedestal perfume bottle with atomizer. The colbalt blue glass ball perfume bottle body has an aurora borealis coat and is held up by a swirling clear glass pedesta...
Category

Late 20th Century Taiwanese Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Brass

Vintage Art Nouveau Style Pink Frosted Perfume Bottle Floral Glass Stopper
Located in Sausalito, CA
This elegant piece is a modern reproduction of the 1918 "Amber Noir" perfume bottle, initially crafted by Maurice Depinoix. The creator of this particular replica is not identified, ...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Antique Art Nouveau Tie Pin Stick Pin Sapphire 14 Karat Gold
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant Art Nouveau tie pin has been handcrafted out of 14 karat yellow gold. The strong and typical Art Nouveau line has been translated into a creation which uses a wide gold...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Faux Tortoise Shell Peineta w/Six Fork
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a faux tortoise shell peineta with six forks. This hair ornament, a large fan shaped decorative comb, has small blue rhinestones. Women in the Hispanic world usually worn the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Antique Art Nouveau Belt Buckle Pâte de Verre Winged Scarab Moulded Glass Brass
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This beautiful round piece of gold coloured pâte de verre depicting a winged scarab was created around 1900, probably in Nancy, France. It is mounted in a square belt buckle...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Brass

18k French Antique Gold mesh purse - Art Nouveau - Petite gold coin purse bag
Located in Antwerp, BE
We are thrilled to show you these magnificent French heirlooms. This rare and glamorous treasure dates back to the Art Nouveau period. It is a delightful miniature mesh coin purse with a very detailed hing closure and hundreds of hand made small links woven together. This 18 ct yellow gold jewel is hallmarked with a French eagle head and is in very good condition considering its age. It is in perfect working condition and a pleasure to wear. We like to mention that the back of the purse has deeper scratches as clearly visible in the pictures. This 18k solid gold purse...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Gorham Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Mirror & Brush Pair
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Classical sterling silver vanity pair. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1900. This pair comprises hand mirror and hairbrush. Mirror has round scalloped frame and the brush ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Vintage Ciara 1930 Sterling Silver Mesh Purse
Located in Houston, TX
Cira 1930s Sterling Silver Mesh Purse Engraved "Frances Freese Thomas Louise Kentucky". Total weight of the purse is approximately 264.50 grams.
Category

1930s Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Alvin Silver Overlaid Perfume Bottle
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Alvin silver overlay glass perfume bottle. With clear glass and art nouveau style silverwork, featuring 8 bouquets of daffodil or narcissus flowers with complementary design on stopp...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

20Th Vintage Unheated Sapphires 11 Carats Certified Detachable Bracelets-Choker
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing a remarkable Vintage late 20th-century jewelry piece, boasting an impressive 11 Carats of exquisitely rare, not heated certified sapphires. This unique jewelry report, numbered 2303751, showcases the timeless elegance of 14K yellow gold and silver craftsmanship, ensuring both enduring beauty and quality. Two bracelets, each 19 cm in length (approximately 7.08 inches), offer versatility and charm. One bracelet features a captivating line of these coveted not heated sapphires...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

Gorham Sterling Silver and Emerald Glass Overlaid Perfume Bottle
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Gorham sterling silver overlay bottle. Silver is wrapped around dark emerald green glass in an art nouveau style. Silver moves around b...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Alvin Silver Overlaid Perfume Bottle
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Alvin silver overlay glass perfume bottle. With clear glass and art nouveau style silverwork, featuring two irises. Center is monogrammed with a gothic style "B". Hallmarks on bottom...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Alvin Silver Overlaid Perfume Bottle
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Alvin silver overlay glass perfume bottle. With clear glass and art nouveau style silverwork, featuring two six-petaled flowers with matching floral motif on stopper. Center has spac...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

1920s Richard Hudnut Dubarry Perfume Bottle Glass Dauber Moulded Frosted Stopper
Located in Sausalito, CA
This very rare minature perfume bottle once held the perfume Dubarry by Richard Hudnut. Size: 2-1/4" tall x 1-1/8" wide x 1/2" thick. Condition: For decorative purposes only. The s...
Category

1920s American Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Antique Art Nouveau Evening Bag Silver Mesch Handbag on Silver Chain
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant silver handbag is made out of engraved silver and delicate silver mesch. The bulge of the bag is made out of silver and impressed, cut and engraved with flower, flower ...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver

Antique German Jugendstil Silver and Sapphire Vesta Case
Located in Portland, GB
This beautiful and rare German Jugendstil silver and sapphire cabochon vesta case is dated circa 1900 and fully hallmarked for well-known German silversmiths Lutz & Weiss. The square...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sapphire, Silver

Tiffany & Co. Parasol Handle
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Tiffany & Co. Parasol Handle A parasol handle made of 18 karat gold, jade, rocky crystal and wood made circa 1900 Signed Tiffany & Co. Stamped 18 KT. Gold Length: 8.5"
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jugendstil Silver Buckle by Max Joseph Gradl, for Theodor Fahrner, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Superb Jugendstil Buckle designed by Max Gradl for Theodor Fahrner Additional Information: Material: Silver, enamel, chalcedonies Origin: Germany, c. 1900 Marks: 'Depose' 'TF' & '900...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Chalcedony, Silver

Vintage Ciara 1900 14k Gold Mesh Purse
Located in Houston, TX
This purse belonged to a prominent Atlanta area socialite, circa 1900. Her name is engraved on the handle on one side. Clasps have two blue cabochon sapphires. Jeweler verified authe...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Painted Portrait
Located in Geneva, CH
Art Nouveau Painted Portrait on metal Total weight: 7.13 grams. Dimensions: 4.50 x 3.30 centimeters.
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Art Nouveau 'circa 1910' 14k Yellow Gold & Pearl Flower Design Hat Pin 6.9 Gr
Located in Birmingham, AL
Absolutely Stunning Art Nouveau 14k Yellow Gold Hat Pin. You need this to finish off your Kentucky Derby look this year! it is 8 inches long and weighs 6...
Category

1910s Unknown Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Georg Jensen Art Nouveau Silver Dresser Box 79 Pill Jewelry Ring Box 1915-1932
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A WONDERFUL AND RARE EARLY ORIGINAL GEORG JENSEN ART NOUVEAU DRESSER PILL JEWELRY RING BOX IN STERLING SILVER WITH A FLOWER MOTIF ON THE TOP. This is an absolutely stunning rare early antique small silver dresser box...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Mappin & Webb Ornate Reticulated Repousse Sterling Silver Dresser Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique English sterling silver dresser tray. Made by Charles Engelhard for Mappin & Webb. Struck CE for Charles Engelhard, Lion's heart, Lion rampant, C for 1898. Simply ...
Category

1890s English Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Art Nouveau Bailey Banks & Biddle Sterling Silver Tulip Flower Bud Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique sterling silver bud vase. In the form of a single tall tulip emerging from a monogrammed circular base. Retailed by B...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Brand New in the Box Rene Lalique Cendrier Honfleur Small Dishes Bowls
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale pair of brand new in the original box and packaging Lalique Cendrier Honfleu...
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Black Opal Phoenix bird Carving for necklace Cobalt Blue 68 carats
Located in Berlin, DE
One of a kind piece - Black Opal "Phoenix" bird carved by Daniela L`Abbate, world champion of Opal carving opal origin - Australia opal weight - 68.85 ca...
Category

2010s Australian Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Rene Boivin 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Ruby Compact Case, circa 1940
Located in New York, NY
René Boivin was born in February 1864 in Paris. An excellent designer and engraver, he began a career in the jewellery field at a young age. During the 1890s he purchased several workshops and established himself at rue St. Anastase. In 1893 he married Jean...
Category

1940s French Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French Mirror Bronze Art Nouveau Style Female Ornament Floral Theme
Located in Berlin, DE
An Art Nouveau Antique Mirror, circa 1900, France mirror weight - 308 grams mirror measurements - 3.54 x 8.27 in / 90 х 210 mm
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Bronze

Turn of the Century Parasol Handle for Flirty, Twirling Come-Hither
Located in New York, NY
Ramp up your allure with a turn-of-the-century parasol handle. Silver and amber cylinder mounted to cone with enameled stylized vertical leafing branches on green guilloche basket-we...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Amber, Silver

Antique Jugendstil Silver Serpent Belt Buckle
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This is an antique silver belt buckle from the Jugendstil period, Germany 1890-1914. The buckle is created in 900 silver and it has a beautiful design with rose gold 'serpent teeth'. The piece has a silver carved striped design with two rose gold colored prongs, which represent the 'serpent teeth'. The bottom of the piece reveals a buckle, making it easy to attach to a favorite ribbon or leather belt. Presumably, the belt buckle used...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver

Brooch Art Nouveau Wheat Ear Silver Brooch Henri-Victor Miault Unisex Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Nouveau wheat ear Silver Brooch by Henri-Victor Miault, Paris, France, circa 1910, signed Miault brooch measurements - 0.34 x 0.39 x 3.19 in / 9 x 10 ...
Category

1910s French Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Gorham Art Nouveau Sterling Buckle, 1902
Located in Toronto, ON
Gorham Art Nouveau Sterling Buckle, 1902. Marks for Gorham Sterling and B1949 copyrighted with 1902 (year). Beautiful open floral nouveau whiplash des...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Whiting Sterling Silver Hand Hammered Art Nouveau Liquor or Perfume Flask
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful, antique sterling silver Art Nouveau flask by Whiting. With a hand-hammered finish, scalloped sides, swirl decoration to the tops and bo...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

silver compact with Lapis Lazuli, Hand painted miniature scene
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning hand-painted miniature 800 silver compact. The hand-painting is signed (illegible look at photo) It measures 3 in. x 2 3/8 in. Mirror inside along with powder and puff. Pl...
Category

1920s Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver

Art Nouveau Mirror Argentor, circa 1900
Located in Toronto, ON
Art Nouveau pewter Mirror, attr Argentor, Austria C.1900. The mirror of floral design, original easel and back. Height: 52 cm. Width: 32 cm. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Rare Design WMF Jugendstil Mirror, circa 1905
Located in Toronto, ON
Rare WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist pewter Mirror, Germany C.1905. All original bevelled glass, back and easel, bracket cornice supports, stylised border with open arts and ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Recently Viewed

View All