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 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
Vintage Vermeil Turquoise Tourmaline Enamel Butterfly Brooch Pendant Necklace
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous butterfly is a combination brooch pendant. It is 18k gold vermeil over silver with blue and green enamel. It features 2 round cut 5mm turquoise and 2 pear cut 5x8mm ora...
Tourmaline, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Silver, Enamel
$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
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
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
Antique Bohemian Necklace Garnets Gilt 830 Silver / 43cm / 9.7gr.
Located in SE
Bohemian ca. 1930s Austrian / Bohemian Garnet Necklace. All metal parts made of gilded or Gold filled Silver. All blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut, both prong and bezel set ...
Garnet, Gold-filled, Silver
$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
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
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
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
$915Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
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
ART NOUVEAU ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with old mine cut diamond 0.32 ct F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18(56) detailed description: the top of the ring is 7.7 mm wide Ring size U.S. 7....
Diamond, 18k Gold
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Unique Link Matching Necklace & Bracelet Set 29.50
Located in Eagan, MN
This is a really unique and remarkable necklace and bracelet set. It is so rich looking but it can be dressed up or down. It has a patterned side and the reverse side has a flat sh...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique German Ring Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ø US7.5 / 1.8gr
Located in SE
Old cluster ring ,fine example of early XX century design. Combination of Gold, Platinum and Diamonds of Old European cut. Platinum on Gold openwork crown with 6 natural Diamond sto...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 18K Gold Virgin Mary Medal Pendant Signed C. Charles
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
This exquisite vintage French devotional pendant is a remarkable work of religious art, bearing the prestigious signature of the renowned French medalist C. Charles. Masterfully craf...
18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Diamond & Seed Pearl 3 Cat Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cat Brooch 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Step into a world of elegance with this exquisite Art Nouveau brooch, crafted from rich 18ct yellow gold. This stunning piece feat...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Bohemian Necklace + Earrings Garnets Gilt 830 Silver / 45cm / 27gr.
Located in SE
Bohemian ca. 1930s Austrian / Bohemian Garnet Necklace. Metal parts made of gilded or gold filled Silver. All blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut, both prong and bezel set with...
Garnet, Silver, Gold-filled
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
Necklace and pendant with emerald and brilliant cut diamond upto 0.60ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with drop-shaped pendant set with emerald. 1.80ct and brilliant cut diamond up to. 0.60ct - F/G - VS/SI - 50 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 5...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
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
ART NOUVEAU RIng with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 14k white gold ring with old mine cut and rose-cut diamond total 1.00ct – G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.75 – EU. 15.5(49) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1...
Diamond, 14k 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
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
Antique Art Nouveau Pearl & Green Gold Ivy Pendant, 14k Gold
Located in Orlando, FL
Antique Art Nouveau Pearl & Green Gold Ivy Pendant, 14k Gold Pearls: 5 pearls, softly lustrous with subtle cream/rose overtones, cultured Metal: 14k green gold ivy leaves on 14...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
1903 Russian Earrings Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamonds 56 Gold / 5 gr
Located in SE
A pair of old luxurious Earrings in solid 56 Yellow Gold and Silver decorated with Blue Sapphires, Red Rubies, Emeralds and Diamonds. Naturality of Rubies is questionable/ can lab ...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
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
Art Nouveau Enamel Garnet Butterfly Moth Insect Pendant Necklace Rare 1900
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful and rare Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace in the form of a Butterfly or Moth. The magnificent Butterfly has exquisite enamel wings, with a fine Bohemian Garnet body ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Garnet, Enamel
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Blue Purple Iridescent Crystals Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Sparkling Crystals Navy Purple Iridescent Modernist Drop Clip Earrings Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage earrings f...
Art Nouveau 18k Yellow Gold Green Moissanite and Diamond ring - by NOOI JEWELRY
Located in Dueville, IT
Art Nouveau 18k Yellow Gold Green Moissanite and Diamond ring - made by NOOI JEWELRY This is a Made to order item 3-5 weeks from the payment ( August 6 to 7 weeks ) Please messag...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Art Nouveau 14k White Gold Cocktail Ring with 0.25ct Diamonds, 1920
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.25 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size 10.25 - EU 20 (63) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 6.5 mm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
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
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
Silvorra Statement 8.6 Carat White Topaz Tennis Bracelet in sterling silver
Located in New York, NY
This Luxurious 925 sterling silver tennis bracelet is adorned with 46 natural oval shaped White Topaz gemstones, each measuring 4 x 3 mm, arranged in a continuous, classic line desig...
Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Necklace and pendant with onyx and single cut diamonds up to 1.00ct platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum necklace with center piece set with onyx and single cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description the necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide ...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
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 Portuguese Ring Diamonds solid 19K Gold Silver ØUS6.5 /3.4gr
Located in SE
Antique Portuguese Renaissance styled Ring decorated with 21 natural Diamonds. Hand -engraved band, crown in solid 19K and top of the crown in Silver. Band Hallmarked with Portugues...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Lalique Art Nouveau Lys Lily Opalescent Glass Necklace Silk Cord 1920s
By Lalique
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING ANTIQUE RENE LALIQUE ART NOUVEAU LYS OPALESCENT GLASS PENDANT NECKLACE WITH SILK CORD IN ITS ORIGINAL POUCH. The French Art Nou...
Crystal
ART NOUVEAU 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
Scottish Art Nouveau Silver and Enamel Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
The Scottish Art Nouveau Necklace is architectural and elegant and fabulously striking and elegant form and contrasting colors. The blue is bright...
Sterling Silver
White Pearl Choker Necklace Aquamarine Amethyst Gold Filled J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Pearl Choker Necklace Aquamarine Amethyst Gold Filled – Pastel Multi-Stone Jewelry by J Dauphin A luminous beaded choker by J Dauphin, combining aquamarine, amethyst, and whit...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Labradorite, Pearl, Gold-filled
Christian Dior Mitchel Maer 1950s Gold Sapphire Aqua Cabochon Crystals Bracelet
By Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior by Mitchel Maer 1950s Sapphire Navy Aqua Blue Oval Round Cabochon Whole Crystals Flower Charm Pendant Dome Modernist Elegant Bracelet, Silver Plated Mitchel Maer was ...
Silver Plate
$302Sale Price / item|50% Off
Antique Style Emerald, Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Foliate Brooch Pendant Silver
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous 14.08 carat emerald, yellow sapphire, and diamond brooch pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a botanical design inspired by flowing natural forms. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique European Bangle Bracelet Enamels solid 830 Silver / 29gr
Located in SE
Antique Silver & champlevé Enamel Bracelet with continuous hand - engraved and enameled floral ornament. Combination of White, Blue, Red ,Green and Yellow. Original V - lock and sec...
Silver, Enamel
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
Antique Russian Locket Pendant natural Ruby Demantoid solid 14K Gold / 10gr
Located in SE
Antique Pendant / Locket in solid 14K Yellow Gold decorated with engraved floral ornament and natural Rubies and Demantoid Garnets. Removable bezels with original glass inserts ins...
Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold
Silvorra Round Sapphire Infinity Drop Earrings in Halo Diamonds Jewelry for Her
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 925 sterling silver natural blue sapphire and diamond earrings feature a graceful infinity-inspired drop design that blends timeless symbolism with refined sparkle. Eac...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling 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
1914 Antique Trowel Pendant Freemason Masonic Enamel solid 18K Gold / 1.5gr
Located in SE
Antique Freemason Masonic Trowel pendant in solid 18K Yellow Gold featuring miniature Freemason trowel with Enameled masonic symbols on front side and engraved brick pattern on the b...
18k Gold, Enamel
Silvorra 925 Silver Natural Ruby Drop Earrings in Diamonds for Valentine Gift
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver ruby and diamond drop earrings feature rich red baguette and round-cut rubies elegantly arranged in a sleek vertical drop design, accented with subtle 1.5 m...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique European Earrings solid 18K Orange Gold /2.16 gr
Located in SE
A pair of hand - engraved knot- shaped hooked dangles with freely suspended terminated with two drops . European hand - made ca. early 20th century. No hallmarks, metal tested solid...
18k Gold
Silvorra Art Nouveau Style Blue Sapphire Opal & Diamond Floral Pendant for Gifts
Located in New York, NY
This pendant is finely crafted in 925 sterling silver and features a floral cluster design set with natural blue sapphire and opal gemstones, accented by diamonds. The piece showcase...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior GROSSE 1972 Vintage Massive Huge Large Gold Interlocked Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1972 Vintage Massive Huge Extra Large Textured Clover Flower Oval Interlocked Openwork Pendant Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. 100% Genuine....
Gold Plate
Antique German Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls Gilt Silver/44.5cm/11.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful arrangement of 15 oval and round cut of natural Amethyst stones and 7 Seed Pearls framed into chained clusters of solid Gilt Silver. Likely German necklace, hand -made ca....
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 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
$165Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Modernist Crescent-Shaped 925 Silver Blue Sapphire Ear Crawler Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These modern 925 sterling silver earrings showcase seven 5x3 mm pear-shaped blue sapphire stones per ear in a dramatic crescent design that drapes elegantly along the earlobe. The sl...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
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.