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.
ART NOUVEAU Ring with old mine cut diamond sup to 0.60ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold and silver ring set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 0.60 ct - F/G - SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 3.7 mm wide b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Silvorra Pear 1.77 CT Ruby and Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This bold floral cocktail ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver and showcases 1.77 carats of natural rubies alongside 1.08 carats of sparkling mixed cut diamonds. The contemporary b...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Vintage 14K High-Gloss Yellow Gold 8.29 Carat Amethyst Ring Size 6.5
Located in Eagan, MN
This is a beautiful vintage ring. It is marked "585" and is 8.29 carats. It weighs 9.72 grams. It has one oval cut Amethyst center-stone that is 17 x 13 x 7.60 mm. It is a size ...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
ART NOUVEAU ring with old mine adn rose cut diamonds up to 0.70ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 18k bicolour gold ring set with old mine cut and rose cut diamonds up to 0.70ct – G/H - SI – ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Rare Large Navy Double Starfish Dots Ring 7
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Large Double Starfish Navy Blue Dots Statement Chunky Cocktail Ring, US 7, Gold Tone Very good condition. Signed at the rear. Vintage. Rare to fi...
Gold Plate, Enamel
ART NOUVEAU Ring with sapphire up to 2.85ct 18k gold and platinum 2.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold and platinum ring set with an oval-cut sapphire up to 2.85 ct - ring size US 4.5 - EU 15.25 (48) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide Weight: 2....
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
8.07 Carats Certified Padparadscha Sapphire No Heat Sri Lanka Solitaire Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An extraordinary investment opportunity for the discerning collector. This magnificent solitaire ring features a monumental 8.07-carat Padparadscha sapphire, the rarest and most cove...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Blue Navy Black Dots Cocktail Statement Ring
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Cabochon Navy Blue Enamel Black Dots Statement Chunky Cocktail Ring, US 5, Gold Tone Front side is excellent, colour loss at back and band...
Gold Plate, Enamel
ART NOUVEAU ring with old European cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with antique European cut diamonds totaling 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 - EU. 18.5(58) detailed description: the top of the ring is 4.0 mm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ring with pearl and old mine cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 12.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a pearl and an old mine-cut diamond up to 1.00 ct - F/G - SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide a...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.5ctw White Sapphire solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.25 / 2.5 g
Located in SE
Ca. 1920s - 1930s Renaissance styled Three Stones Ring handmade with carved band in solid 18K Orange Gold and clusters in Silver. Natural White Sapphires old European diamond cut wi...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
1863 Bombe Ring natural Gems Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US5.75 / 1.7 gr
Located in SE
A Ring of Bombe appearance with voluminous hollow crown and shoulders hand - engraved with floral ornaments and nine clustered natural Turquoise, Garnets stones and Swedish River Pea...
Pearl, Garnet, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Rare Gold Pink Oval Cabochon Cocktail Ring
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Textured Large Pink Oval Cabochon Chunky Statement Cocktail Elegant Modenist Ring, Size 5, Gold Tone Very good condition. Vintage. Very light scr...
Gold Plate
Antique Snake Serpent Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US6 / 8.3gr
Located in SE
Antique Serpent Ring ca. late 19th - early 20 century in solid 18K Yellow Gold.Coiled body with engraved scales, the head decorated with two natural old mine cut Diamonds Ø 2.25ct / ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.75ct 14k gold 2.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with old mine-cut diamond up to 0.75 ct – G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 5.5 – EU 16(50) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 3.7 mm high. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Art Nouveau Three Stone Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Experience the elegance of a bygone era with this stunning Art Nouveau statement ring. It features an exquisite three...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Burmese No-Heat Cushion Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring, Gübelin & SSEF Certifi
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary example of true collector-grade gemstone rarity, this exceptional ring showcases a magnificent 22.60-carat natural Burmese sapphire, certified by both Gübelin Gem La...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Nouveau 18k Gold Cabochon Garnet Unisex Ring, Italy, Circa 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1900's Ring size: 8 Weight: 3,76 gr The ring, dating back to the early 20th century, can be ascribed to Art Nouveau goldsmith production. In fact, the 18-karat yellow gold s...
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold
ART NOUVEAU Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 1.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 14k bicolour gold solitaire ring set with old mine cut diamond total 1.00ct - I - SI2 - ring size U.S. 5 - EU 15.75 (49) detailed description: the top of the ring is 6....
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Ring 0.45ct Diamond 0.45ctw Blue Sapphire 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5 /2.1 gr
Located in SE
Three stones Diamond and Blue Sapphires Ring hand - made ca. 1910s - 1920s.This design with secure bezel clusters is perfect for everyday/ permanent wear. Likely British, ca. first...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS 4.25 /2.55gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ring from ca. late 19th early 20th cent. with Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm/ ca. 0.45ct and 10 old diamond cut Ø 1.5 mm / 0.015 ct each = Rock Crystal / White Quartz, White Spine...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring natural Green Jade solid 10K Yellow Gold Ø US 5 / 4 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 10K Yellow Gold with divided shoulders, decorated with bezel set natural untreated oval cut Jade of Green color measuring 10.5 mm x 8.5 mm x 4.35 mm / ca 3.5 ct Not...
Jade, 10k Gold
Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque 1900 Diamond Ring in 18Karat Gold
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque Diamond ring in 18 Karat Gold. Ca. 1900 Belle Epoque (Spanish or French) Bypass Diamond ring mounted in 18 karat ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique European Ring 1ct Diamond solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.25 US /2.7gr
Located in SE
Fine Antique Ring made in ca. late XIX - early XX century. Solid 18K Orange - Yellow Gold band with scaly decorations on the shoulders. Round rose cut Diamond in Silver bezel measur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1948 Ring natural 2ct. Sapphire 0.6 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.25/2.7gr
Located in SE
Three Stone Cluster Ring set with sort of transitional bezel and claw setting with oval cut natural Blue Sapphire accented with 2 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum claws on solid 18K Orange Gold band...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ring with sapphire and old European cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 3.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold entourage ring set with a sapphire in the center. 0.90ct and an entourage of old European cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Ring 1.25ct natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø7.5US/2.5gr
Located in SE
Late XIX - early XX century. European Ring with Silver on 18K Gold openwork crown with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 rose cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, band tested solid 18K . Medium...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
ART NOUVEAU Ring with old European cut diamonds up to 1.50ct platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum ring with antique European cut diamond total 1.50ct – G/H – SI/Pique1 - ring size U.S. 7.25 – EU. 17.5(55) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 6.4 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Ring 2 ctw. Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver US 6.5/ 10 gr
Located in SE
Old Diamond Ring with octagonal open work crown with top in Silver. European, likely German or Russian. No hallmarks, ca. late 19th - early 20th cent. Gold parts tested solid 14K Ro...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1905 Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 8.7.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with openwork crown arranged with 19 care cut Rubies and 5 natural Diamonds in Platinum clusters. Worn Swedish hallmarks: 18K, 3 crowns , maker's , year combination C7 = hand-...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1946 Ring natural 2.25ct. Sapphire 0.2ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS5.75 /2.8gr
Located in SE
Three Stone Cluster Ring in solid 18K set with octagon cut natural Blue Sapphire accented with 2 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum settings. This sturdy Art- Deco inspired design...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1969 Turkish Coin Unisex Men's Ring 25 Kurush solid 22k & 14k Gold ØUS6.5 /4.6gr
Located in SE
A ring with Turkish Coin. Solid 14k Rose Gold band featuring bezel set genuine Turkish solid Ø14mm 22K Yellow Gold 25 Kurush coin minted in 1969. The fa...
14k Gold, 22k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Gold Blue Navy Black Dots Statement Ring
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Navy Blue Black Dots Cabochon Enamel Chunky Statement Ring, Size 7, Gold Tone Very good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, barely no...
Gold Plate
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Three Stone, Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Experience the elegance of a bygone era with this stunning Art Nouveau statement ring. It features an exquisite open-work des...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Intaglio Signet Ring Carnelian solid 20K Gold Ø US8 / 3.7gr
Located in SE
Signet intaglio Ring featuring natural Carnelian stone with naturalistic and symbolic intaglio of a middle aged Woman - Wife , Mother or Sister measuring 10 mm x 5 mm . The body of t...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
5.76 Certified Mozambique Paraiba Neon Color With White Diamonds Classical Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An extraordinary opportunity to own one of the most elusive and mesmerizing treasures in the gemstone world. This classical statement ring centers a magnificent, certified 5.76-carat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Paraiba, 18k Gold
Antique Halo Ring 0.9 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø 6US/ 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring with Diamonds, ca 1920s -1930s, likely German or Danish. No hallmarks, band tested solid 14K Rose Gold. Crown with top in White Gold or Silver holding 11 old diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Antique Russian Lodka Ring solid 56 /14K Gold Diamonds Ø6.5US /3.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Antique Art Nouveau period Russian 56 Rose Gold /14K Ring featuring rose diamond cut Diamonds arranged in fancy Boat - shaped pattern with carved shank of beautiful leave...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Cluster ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.10ct 14k white gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.10ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 5.25 - EU 16(50) detailed description the top of the ring is 1.5 cm wide weight 3.2 grams...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring Garnet Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 3.28gr
Located in SE
Nordic Renaissance-styled ring with carved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Claw set Natural oval rose cut Garnet with open back 8mm x 5.5mm x 3.3 mm deep / ca. 1.5 ct and flanked with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Silvorra 1.7ct Emerald & Diamond Vine Ring 925 Silver Multi Stone Statement Band
Located in New York, NY
This bold 1.77 carat pear cut emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring a vibrant emerald measuring approximately 3 x 4 mm at the center. The richly hued ...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
1912 Antique Ring 0.45ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø 5.5 US / 2.0 gr
Located in SE
Three stones Ring with crown top in Platinum on 18K Yellow Gold Ring featuring old European diamond cut Diamonds. Largest in the center Ø 3.5 mm / 0.17 ct and two on its flanks Ø 3.2...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 14ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Four Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 14k Stamped Circa 1910 Art Nouveau 14ct gold ring, with flowing openwork shoulders and set with four matching old‑cut diamonds, each held in softly carv...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mosaic Ring Diamonds Ruby solid 14K Gold Silver US6.75/ 5gr
Located in SE
Antique early 1900's fanciest European cluster Ring featuring Silver on solid 14K Rose Gold with Diamonds and Rubies. Presumably German or French made, this ring was a part of 2nd Wo...
Spinel, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Silvorra Sleek Handmade Emerald Half-Eternity Ring in Diamond Band for Women
Located in New York, NY
This delicate 925 sterling silver ring features a graceful row of natural 3 mm round emeralds accented with sparkling 1.5 mm round diamonds for a timeless, elegant look. Alternating ...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
ART NOUVEAU Ring with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with pearl and single cut diamond up to 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.25 - EU 16 (50) detailed description the top of the ring 2.3 cm wide by 1.5 cm...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural Cornflower Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø4.75/1.8g
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period German Toi et Moi Ring made ca. early 1900s in original German Retailer's leather, Wood and Silk Box. Solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted band, top of the crown in Plat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 9K Yellow Gold Silver Ø 9 US/ 7.2 gr
Located in SE
European hand -made 19th cent. ring with dome of the crown in Silver on 9K Rose Gold holding 24 rose cut Diamonds average Ø 2 mm / 0. 04ct each , total ...
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Halo Ring 2.5ct Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø5.25US /4.8 gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring from ca .1920s -1930s with Ruby and 13 rose cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, tested 18K. Crown with Silver /or White Gold top on solid 18K Yellow Gold measures Ø 14 mm x 6 mm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Silvorra Timeless Green Emerald Half-Eternity Band in Diamond Silver Ring Gifts
Located in New York, NY
This refined 925 sterling silver band ring features a sleek channel-set row of natural square 2.5x2.5 mm emeralds, framed on each side by sparkling 1.5x1.5 mm square diamonds for a s...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Russian Ring Demantoid Ruby Sapphire 56 Gold ØUS4 / 1.76gr
Located in SE
Antique Art Nouveau period Russian Ring featuring distinctive floral design and high-quality craftsmanship and specific gemstones popular at that time : Russian Ural green Demantoid Garnets, Ruby and Sapphire. The band appears to be made of Yellow Gold plated with a layer of Rose Gold, partially worn at some places. Russian Imperial period hallmarks on the band ring confirm 56 Gold...
Sapphire, Garnet, Ruby, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau 4.50 Carat Emerald Cut Aquamarine Bow on Side Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Art Nouveau Aquamarine Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring. Centering a Hand set securely nestled 4.50 Carat Emerald Cut Aquamarine Gemstone. Hand crafted wi...
Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique German Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US7.5/ 2 gr
Located in SE
German Halo Ring from ca. 1900s- 1920s , crown with White Gold or Platinum top claws holds a natural princess cut Emerald 3.75mm x 2.5mm x 2mm mm ca. 0.3 ct with natural internal fla...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Ring Sapphires Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.5 / 6.1 gr
Located in SE
This ring has a beautiful arrangement of natural Sapphires and Diamonds set on an openwork navette or boat-shaped crown with Platinum clusters melted into a solid 18K Yellow Gold bas...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
5 Carat G Color Pear Diamond & 2.7 carat GRS Certified Emerald Twin Ring Unique
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An absolute showstopper for the high-end collector. This avant-garde Toi et Moi (Twin) ring beautifully pairs two investment-grade masterpieces into one stunning architectural design...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Spectacular Substantial Art Nouveau Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Double Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful large scale antique Art Nouveau period double serpent diamond and 14K yellow gold ring. Late 19th Century The two snakes artfully, intricately coiled to form a striking d...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Designer 925 Silver Emerald & Sapphire Tier Ring for Christmas Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This striking 925 sterling silver ring pairs vivid natural emeralds with cool blue sapphires in a modern, geometric design. Four square 2.5x2.5 mm emeralds form a bold central cluste...
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silvorra Classic Four Prong Oval Cut Blue Sapphire Solitaire Ring with Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 925 sterling silver band ring features a rich 7x5 mm oval natural blue sapphire as its centerpiece, securely held in a classic four-prong setting. Delicate 1 mm round di...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Large Ornate Vermeil Sterling 6 Carat Amethyst Diamond Ring Size 8
Located in Webster, SD
This stunning estate ring is gold vermeil over sterling silver. It features a faceted amethyst, estimated to be around 6 carats, accented by genuine diamonds. The face of this ring ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pearl Cluster Ring, Circa 1920, 1.5ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k tri-color gold ring set with pearls and an old mine-cut diamond up to 0.80 ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.4 cm ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold