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.
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Introducing a stunning 18ct yellow gold Art Nouveau ring, a true testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of its era. This ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau–Inspired Peridot and Pearl Botanical Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Sculptural Leaf Peridot and Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold. Botanical Peridot Ring with Freshwater Pearl in 14k Gold. A delicate nature-inspired...
Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold
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
1917 Ring natural 2.3ct Aquamarine Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS5.25/ 2.9gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Silver decorated with natural Aquamarine and Diamonds. Set of Swedish hallmarks, maker's, 18K, crowned head ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Leaf Motif Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 18ct gold ring set with three old cut diamonds and four additional rose cut diamonds, the stones arranged within a finely modell...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1916 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct. Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold/ ØUS6/ 1.7gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 10 Diamonds in White Gold or Platinum settings. European made with Swedish import hallmarks. Year combination 07...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Sapphire Pearl Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 10 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful ca.early 20th. century period ring decorated with natural Sapphire,Pearl and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and White Gold / or Silver. Swedish customs...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Ring with emerald and old European cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 14k gold 4.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with a 0.20 ct emerald and a 0.26 ct diamond - F/G - SI - ring size US 11 - EU 20.5 (64) Detailed description The top of the ring is 6.3 mm wide Weight: ...
Diamond, Emerald, 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
$900Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
2.60 Carat Emerald and Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Embrace sustainable luxury with this exquisite lab-grown emerald and diamond statement ring, masterfully crafted in lustrous 14k yellow gold. Radiating rich green tones, the center 2...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
JUGENDSTILL platinum ring with ruby, brilliant and single cut diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum ring set with a central ruby totaling 1.05ct surrounded by brilliant-cut and single-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16(50) detailed...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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
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
14KT Yellow Gold Floral Round Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A four-lobed clover/quatrefoil shape with a smooth, polished yellow gold outer bezel. The interior of the clover features a pave array of round-cut white diamonds set into a ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 13.09 CTW Carved Moonstone Rose Flower Cocktail Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This unique cocktail ring showcases a beautifully hand carved natural moonstone flower weighing 13.09 carats, expertly set in 925 Sterling Silver. The sculpted floral centerpiece hig...
Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 0.4ct Emerald 0.4ct. Diamond 14K Gold Ø5.75/2.2g
Located in SE
German Toi et Moi Ring made ca. 1930s. Hallmarked 585 and logo of maker. Crown part is 9.6mm x 5 mm x 4 mm deep. Solid 14K Yellow Gold twisted band 2.2 mm at widest. Top of the crow...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Nouveau Lady Portrait Ring: 18ct Gold & Diamond French Hallmarked
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow Gold French Hallmarked Circa 1910 Step into a world of elegance with this exquisite Art Nouveau ring, crafted in luxurious 18ct gold. The cap...
Diamond, Gold, 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
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
$915Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
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
Falcher Fusager Magick 18K Gold Diamond Enamel Onyx Statement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This 18 karat yellow gold Magick ring by Falcher Fusager pairs sculptural onyx framing with a jewel toned cloisonné enamel design, centering a stylized plume motif rendered in pinkis...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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
ART NOUVEAU Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) detailed description: the top of the ring is 4.5 mm wide Ring size U...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
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 German Ring natural 0.72ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold US 5.75 / 2.55 gr
Located in SE
Old German ring with ornamental open work crown decorated with beautiful arrangement of 19 natural Diamonds. Hallmarked 585 and worn hallmarks of German maker, hand - made ca. earl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
1914 Halo Ring Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ruby and Diamonds Ring once created 111 years ago on the territory of The Grand Duchy of Finland - at that time a part of Russian Empire. Hallmarked with 750, crown of Nicho...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Lapis Yellow Oval Cabochon Octagon Chunky Ring, US 7
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Unisex Lapis Navy Blue Oval Cabochon Yellow Octagon Crystals Cocktail Chunky Statement Ring US 7, Gold Tone Good condition. Some scratches and colour lo...
Gold Plate
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 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
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
Swarovski Nirvana Fully Cut Crystals Glitter Pink White Chunky Ring Size 55
By Swarovski
Located in Wokingham, England
Swarovski Nirvana Fully Cut Crystal Glitter Pink White Chunky Ring, Size 55, UK N Very good condition. Some light scratches, barely noticeable. Come with original box. 100% genuine....
Silver Plate
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
1885 Nordic Halo Ring 2.5ct Turquoise 1.5 ct Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø8US /5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring from XIX century in period Leather and Silk box. Band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with ornaments and Black enameled panels. The Crown has Silver clusters fused with ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k 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
Antique ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 3.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with old mine cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct – G/H – SI - ring size U.S. 5 – EU 15.75(49) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 5.8 mm high...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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
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
RIng with sapphire and old mine cut diamonds up to 1.45ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with 0.75 ct sapphire and 1.45ct old mine cut diamond - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 - EU. 18.5 (58) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.7 cm...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1916 Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US7/ 2.2gr
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring featuring natural princess cut Emerald 3.5mm x 3.5mm x 3mm mm ca. 0.4 ct with natural internal flaws and inclusions. Emerald is accented with eight old diamond cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Ring Sapphire 0.7 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS 6.5 / 2.56gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Art Nouveau period Sapphire and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and White Gold / or Platinum. Ca. 1900s -1910s, worn Swedish hallmarks : 18 K, three crow...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
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
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
JUGENDSTIL Ring with rose cut diamond up to 0.20ct 18k gold 4.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire ring with rose-cut diamonds totaling approx. 0.20 ct F/G SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and ...
Diamond, 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
$222Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
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 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 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
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
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
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
Vintage Ring natural 2ct Checkerboard cut Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø US8 / 1.6 gr
Located in SE
Vintage European solitaire Ring designed for comfortable wear between ca. 1960s -1970s in solid 18K Yellow Gold featuring a striking natural checkerboard - cut Red Garnet of Almandin...
Garnet, 18k Gold
ART NOUVEAU ring with old EUropean cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 14k white gold ring with antique European cut diamond up to 0.30ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 6.2 mm wide ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique German Ring 1.4ctw old cut Diamonds solid 12K Gold Silver ØUS8/ 3.6gr
Located in SE
German old cluster Ring hand - made ca. late XIX -early XX cent. with parts in solid 12K Rose Gold with and top of the openwork crown in Silver. Openwork floret/crown is a bit convex...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, 10k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Large Gold Foil Lapis Blue Navy Cabochon Cocktail Ring 5
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Large Lapis Navy Blue Foil Cabochon Cocktail Chunky Statement Ring, US 5, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches on stone, ve...
Gold Plate
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