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Art Nouveau Rings

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.

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Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli
Style: Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli & Enamel 14k Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A rich, velvety blue lapis lazuli and enamel cocktail ring providing outstanding finger coverage and a unique silhouette, dating from the Art Nouveau/Art Deco era. Creating a harmoni...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

1919 Nordic Ring Lapis Lazuli Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US7.5 / 3.2gr
Located in SE
Antique Renaissance styled ring with carved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold and clusters in Silver. This ring demonstrates natural tan of Patina ...
Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Art Nouveau Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Silver

Louis Wièse Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli Diamond Gold Cornflower Motif Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Illustrated in our book: Beatriz Chadour-Sampson & Sonya Newell-Smith, Tadema Gallery London Jewellery from the 1860s to 1960s, Arnoldsche Art Publisher...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Art Nouveau Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold

18K Gold Shield Shaped Lapis Ring
Located in Houston, TX
18K yellow gold ring with shield shaped lapis. On each side of the shank is a female nude with outstretched arms. Ring is currently a size 6. Presentati...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Antique Men's 14k Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Bezel Lapis Hand Engraved Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a magnificent antique men's ring that is crafted from solid 14k yellow gold and features a very high quality natural lapis solitaire neatly bezel set at the center. This...
Category

1950s Vintage Art Nouveau Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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14K Gold Lapis Cabochon Gold 22K Nugget Ring, circa Mid-Century
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20th Century American Art Nouveau Rings

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14K Gold Art Deco Style Black Enamelled 6.80 Ct. Amethyst 14K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
14K Gold Art Deco Style Black Enamelled 6.80 Ct. Amethyst 14K Gold Cocktail Ring Art Deco Style 6.80 Ct. Amethyst 14K Gold Cocktail Ring This ring was made with quality materials a...
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2010s Turkish Art Nouveau Rings

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18k Gold Ouroboros Ring
Located in New York, NY
Delightful hand sculpted and cast ouroboros ring. Uniquely styled to have the entirety of the famous snake visible from the front of the finger. Sculpte...
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2010s Art Nouveau Rings

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Men’s 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Blue Lapis Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
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1990s American Art Nouveau Rings

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THORSTEN LAZARUS 14K Yellow Gold Blue Lapis Lazuli Inlay
Located in Derby, NY
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Vintage Men's Large Oval Cabochon Green Jade Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
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21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Nouveau Rings

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Jade, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Men's Oval Green Water Jade and 6 Diamond Ring, 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Men's Oval Green Water Jadeite Jade and 6 Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold. This stunning jade has a one-of-a-kind color with beautiful translucency. The...
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21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Nouveau Rings

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Three Carved Lapis Lazuli Beads Emerald Round Cabs 14K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique and Classic Cocktail Ring composed of 3 engraved spheres of Lapis Lazuli of 12 mm. in diameter surmounted by 3 small Emerald cabochons set in yellow gold bezels,all set on a 3...
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Lapis Lazuli Crown Ring
Located in Cohasset, MA
Exquisite 18K Lapiis Lazuli Crowned Z ring, size 8
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21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

1950s Lapis Lazuli 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A lovely signet ring, it is set with a rectangular lapis lazuli on top. The start of the setting is chiselled on both sides of 4 li...
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1950s French Vintage Art Nouveau Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Cabochon Green Jade Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 9.25 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 6.8 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemsto...
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Late 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Rings

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Previously Available Items
Majestic diamond ring with lapis lazuli in 18k Yellow gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Elevate your style with this enchanting solitaire ring, featuring a delicate yet exquisite diamond cut in brilliant fashion. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this stunning ring boasts a c...
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1970s French Vintage Art Nouveau Rings

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Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold

Antique Men's 14k Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Bezel Lapis Hand Engraved Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a magnificent antique men's ring that is crafted from solid 14k yellow gold and features a very high quality natural lapis solitaire neatly bezel set at the center. This...
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Lapis-Lazuli Saphir and Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Genève, GE
There is no apparent brand for this cocktail ring but it's composed of Lapis-Lazuli, Saphirs and 585 Gold. This ring come from an auction house in Geneva.
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Art Nouveau Rings

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Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli 14 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a flush set oval lapis lazuli tablet measuring 14.0 x 18.0 mm. Opaque ultramarine blue with subtle pyrite flecking. With grooved floral surround, forget-me-nots and roses. ...
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Italian Nun's Bride of Christ Wedding Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
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Yellow 18 kt gold ring diamonds and natural lapislazzuli
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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Larter & Sons Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Larter & Sons Art Nouveau lapis lazuli and gold gentleman’s ring circa 1905. Centering a bezel-set, buff-top lapis lazuli displaying beautiful blue color with small pyrite markings, ...
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Early 1900s American Antique Art Nouveau Rings

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Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli and 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cabochon lapis lazuli measuring approximately 23.0 x 15.0 x 6.0 mm Bright deep blue with flecks of pyrite North, east, south, west trip-split prong setting with l...
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Early 1900s Unknown Antique Art Nouveau Rings

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Shreve & Co. Lapis Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1910, Arts N Crafts style 14K Yellow Gold and Lapis Lazuli Ring by Shreve & Company. Top measures just over 1 inch in length. Finger Size = 6 3/4
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Late 19th Century American Antique Art Nouveau Rings

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CHARLES BOUTET DE MONVEL Symbolist Serpent Ring
Located in London, GB
The Hooded Cobras are clutching a blue green cabochon 'World'. The crystal is a natural amalgam of malachite and lapis lazuli, long considered to have Metaphysical and Healing Prop...
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Late 19th Century Antique Art Nouveau Rings

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Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Lapis Gold Locket Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A magnificent locket ring from the Art Nouveau (ca1900) era! This unusual piece is made of vibrant 18kt yellow gold and a large lapis stone is set in the ...
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Late 19th Century Antique Art Nouveau Rings

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Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

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