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 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
Sterling Silver & 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Faceted Topaz Briolettes 6.75"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous vintage, hinged bangle bracelet is sterling silver with 19k yellow gold accents and faceted blue topaz briolettes. The tips on this bracelet measure 3/8 of an inch. The...
Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
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
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Italian Chunky Link Bracelet 7 Inches
Located in Eagan, MN
This bracelet is just gorgeous. I love the design. Half of the link is flat high-gloss gold and the other side is patterned. It is such a quality made piece. It just smooth to th...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Bangle Bracelet natural 6 ct. Aquamarine solid Gilt 830 Silver / 16.5 gr
Located in SE
Fine Finish ca. early 20th.century bangle in solid Gilt high - grade Silver decorated with claw set natural fine quality Aquamarine old oval diamond / or old mine cut 12 mm x 11 mm x...
Aquamarine, Silver, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
Necklace and pendant with old European-, rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with pendant set with old European cut and rose cut diamonds. 0.30ct – G/H - SI – 42 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 42 cm long b...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Champagne Pearl Panel Link Bracelet 7.25 Inches
Located in Eagan, MN
This bracelet is just gorgeous. I love the design. It is such a quality made piece. It is 7.25 inches long and has a lobster claw closure. It is stamped "14K" and also has a Make...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Negligee Necklace natural 3.55ctw Aquamarines solid 14K Gold/ 47cm/5.2gr
Located in SE
Fine Modern styled Neglige Necklace made in Finland in early 1900s at the time when it was a part of former Russian Empire as a Grand Duchy of Finland. Hallmarked both with Finish 58...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Multi-Gemstone Cluster Ring Featuring Turquoise, Amethyst
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your collection with this vibrant and masterfully crafted multi-gemstone cluster ring, expertly set in 3.89 grams of 14K yellow gold. At the center lies a striking, smooth 1...
14k Gold
18k gold vermeil Sterling silver Emerald green earrings studs
Located in Delhi, DL
These beautiful, lush green, emerald silver stud earrings are made up of- Metal- Sterling silver Metal purity- 925 Gemstone- Emerald (Lab created) Gemstone cut- Emerald cut
Emerald, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
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 Bohemian Bangle Star Bracelet Garnets Granat Silver / 19 gr
Located in SE
Fine bangle type ca. late XIX period Bohemian Garnet Bracelet. Handmade in Central Europe/Bohemia/Austrian Empire, no hallmarks. Metal is likely Silver alloy with purity about 800 o...
Garnet, 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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 10k Yellow Gold Designer Stamped Link Bracelet 7.25" 8.35 Grams
Located in Eagan, MN
This bracelet is just gorgeous. I love the design. It is such a quality made piece. It is 7.25 inches long and has a slide-in closure with a safety clasp. It is stamped "10k 417"...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
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
$960Sale Price|20% 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
Natural uncut Diamonds 18K yellow gold-plated 925 silver 8"-inch bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Diamond- 6.10cts Diamond type: uncut diamonds Diamond color: White with a tint of yellow Metal: Silver Metal Purity: Sterling Silver or 92.5% Pure Silver Metal color-18K yellow gold...
Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, 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
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 European Cigarette case box solid 925 Gilt Silver / 155 gr
Located in SE
Early 20th century solid Sterling Silver cigarette case of excellent quality with engraved decorative pattern on both side, gilt parts and handy nail - catcher attached. Measurement...
Sterling Silver, Gold-filled
Antique 14k White Gold & Platinum Pendant Necklace with Diamonds, 1910
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with an ART NOUVEAU 14k white gold and platinum pendant set with old European cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI - 45 cm long Detailed description the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Bochic Capri Vintage Cuff Bracelet, 18K Gold & Silver, 25ct Ruby, Gems
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi-Gem Cabochon Cuff Bracelet in 18K Gold & Silver 25 Carats of Natural Rubies, Amethyst & Fancy Color Sapphires A striking expression o...
Amethyst, Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
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
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold White Pearl Oval Crystals Omega Collar Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Oval White Pearl Crystals Omega Adjustable Collar Choker Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Marked 'Chr.Dior (C) '. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
$422Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Peacock Motif 23.5ct Multi Gem Brooch Pendant with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This ornate 23.5 carat multi gem peacock brooch pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a striking blend of Art Nouveau inspired elegance and regal motif design. Design...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare GROSSE 1963 Gold Strands Wheat Rope Snake Bracelet
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1963 Vintage Unisex Four 4 Strands Layers Wheat Chain Rope Snake Modernist Cuff Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage GROSSE 1964 Rare Gold Seven Strands Chain Chunky Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1964 Vintage Unisex Seven 7 Strands Layers Chain Chunky Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss. 100% Genuine. A v...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1984 Rare Iconic Green Emerald Crystals Bezel Sautoir Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1984 Iconic Classic Gripoix Extra Long Emerald Circle Crystals Bezel Sautoir Charms Layer Strands Elegant Modernist Choker Collar Necklace Belt Bracelet, Gold Tone Ve...
Gold Plate
MAX LAEUGER - Rare Jugendstil Karlsruhe Majolica Bird Pendant - Germany - C.1925
Located in Chatham, CA
MAX LAEUGER (1864-1952) - STAATLICHE MAJOLIKA-MANUFAKTUR KARLSRUHE (Manufacturer) - Rare antique Jugensdstil / Art Deco majolica pendant attributed to Max Laeuger - featuring an oval...
Sterling Silver
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
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
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
ART NOUVEAU ring with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 0.60ct platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU Platinum ring set with brilliant-cut and single-cut diamonds up to 0.60ct - F/G - SI/pique1 - ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16(50) detailed description: the top of the ring...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Bohemian Necklace Garnets Gilt Silver / 46cm / 31gr.
Located in SE
Bohemian ca. 1920 - 1930s century Austrian / Bohemian Garnet Necklace. Metal parts made of gilded / gold filled Silver. All 250 blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut and cluster ...
Garnet, Silver
Christian Dior Vintage 1970 Rare Peacock Emerald Green White Oval Domed Brooch
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970 Emerald Dark Green Oval Crystals Marquise Rectangle Circle Dome Peacock Eye Elegant Brooch, Silver Plated Very excellent condition. Not any stones lost. ...
Silver Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Black Interlocked Mesh Woven Omega Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Black Enamel Crystals Knot Bow Interlocked Pendant Mesh Woven Modernist Elegant Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colou...
Gold Plate
Platinum Necklace with Old Mine-Cut Diamond Pendant, 1.35ct, 1990
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum necklace with pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond, totaling approximately 1.35 ct – G/H - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 m...
Diamond, Platinum
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Lavaliere
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Lavaliere in 18k gold from the early 1900's. Lovely leaf design with gradient green to yellow enamel tones with natural pearls and Mississippi pearl drop. 1....
Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Ruby Citrine Topaz Openwork Flower Crystal Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Baroque Oval Ruby Red Citrine Topaz Yellow Orange Amber Openwork Flower Crystals Row Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Very new. 1...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Ruby Crystals Ribbed Interlocked Omega Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Ruby Red Square Cube Clear Round Crystals Interlocked Bow Ribbed Omega Chunky Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very new. Very rare to find....
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Triangle Crystals Marquise Pendant Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Triangle Whole Crystals Marquise Pendant Chain Elegant Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very good price. 100% Genuine. Signed at the bac...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Interlocked Omega Filigree Link Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Filigree 8 Peanut Charms Interlocked Omega Linked Strands Layer Choker Collar Chunky Statement Modernist Elegant Long Necklace Bracelet, Gold Tone...
Gold Plate
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Ivy Leaf Tiara, Circa 1890
Located in Altrincham, GB
A charming Art Nouveau headpiece/tiara, modelled in silver throughout and gorgeously decorated with ivy leaves. Antique jewellery often includes floral motifs, as part of their "Lang...
Silver
Chanel Vintage 1984 Rare Sautoir Ruby Emerald Sapphire Crystals Bezel Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1984 Iconic Classic Gripoix Long Ruby Emerald Sapphire Red Green Blue Navy Yellow Purple Pink Multi Colour Crystals Circle Round Crystals Bezel Sautoir Charms Layer St...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Interlocked Cross X Crystals Omega Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Interlocked Knot Cross Crystals Pendant Adjustable Omega Collar Choker Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Not any stones lost. Marke...
Gold Plate
very rare beetle pendant watch adorned with enamel, diamonds and rubies
Located in PARIS, FR
An exquisite and very rare beetle pendant watch in 18 carat gold, set with diamonds and rubies and decorated in blue enamel. A simple press of the button spreads the wings to reveal ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
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
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
Rose Gold Intense Pink Spinel Champagne Diamond Pink Diamond Pink Sapphire Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rose Gold Intense Pink Spinel Champagne Diamond Pink Diamond Pink Sapphire Ring. A vivid one-of-a-kind ring in 18K rose gold, created in my mosaic pavé style with an intense pink pa...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Spinel, Brown Diamond, 1...
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Gilt Chatelaine Box, Austria, c. 1890-1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an antique Art Nouveau style silver chatelaine box. It comes from Austria with gilt inside silver box with iris motif on the lid. I have included a 19.25 inch sterling silver...
Silver, Gilt Metal
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 950 platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
950Pt Platinum necklace and pendant set with old mine cut diamonds up to. 2.50ct – G/H – SI – 50 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 50 cm long by 0.7 mm wid...
Diamond, Platinum
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
From vibrant to subtle, elegant to cheeky, enamel jewelry encompasses a wide range of colors and styles, and there are almost as many techniques for creating these distinctive pieces.
The first art and design movement of the 20th century was all about celebrating beauty of women and nature.