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.
Vintage Hamilton Platinum & Palladium Diamond Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies vintage Hamilton platinum and palladium diamond wristwatch. The case is stamped .900 Plat, .10 Iridium. The bracelet tests 56% Platinum and 3...
Diamond, Palladium, Platinum
Art Nouveau French Snake Bracelet Covered Dial Watch
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1910-1919 Provenance: France Circumference: 18 cm Weight: 126 gr Il bracciale in oro 18 carati è stato realizzato tra il 1910 e il 1919, in perfetto stile Art Nouveau, un mo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera y Carrera Horse Watch 18K Yellow Gold Quartz
Located in Fairfield, CT
Carrera y Carrera Horse Watch 18K Yellow Gold Quartz This Carrera y Carrera watch features a round case in 18k yellow gold, defined by sculpt...
18k Gold
Philippe Charriol Quartz Watch w Date 12395
By Charriol
Located in New York, NY
Philip Charriol Cable Twist Watch Good Working order. SLight Scuffs.
Hermes Faubourg Joaillerie watch white gold and diamonds
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Diamond-set white gold watch, quartz movement, diamond-set white gold dial, bracelet in diamond-set white gold. 18ct White Gold Diamond-set white gold case, 16 mm, set with ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Ladies Wrist Watch, Platinum with Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Art Nouveau ladies watch, platinum with diamonds. Case and strap are studded with diamonds throughout. Manual wind movement. Very good con...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Breguet Yellow Gold Pin Set Manual Wind Watch, circa 1900's
By Breguet
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Breguet Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Pin Setting METAL / MATERIAL: 18 Kt Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 37mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1900's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels...
18k Gold
Lorett-Corletto Lady’s Wrist Watch
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lorett Corletto Lady’s Wrist Watch. It depicts an 18K/750 white gold round case with beige color dial that has stick “numerals” and color hour/minute hands. An acrylic mate...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Brooch Fob Watch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly remarkable creation from the world renowned jewellery designer, Tiffany & Co. This antique pocket watch come fob brooch has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow ...
Garnet, 18k Gold
Leather Cuff Watch in 18kt. Gold with Rose Cut Diamond Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Leather Cuff Watch STYLE / REFERENCE: Custom Made METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1900's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Len...
Bvlgari 18K White Gold Serpenti White Dial Leather Bracelet Diamond Ladies Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful watch to gift to your loved one or to purchase for yourself: Bvlgari Serpenti Leather Bracelet Wrap Diamond Watch. It is made in the best fashion of the Italian designer, w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
H 1.45 in W 0.36 in L 6.01 in
Antique Art Deco Platinum Glycine 4.41tcw Diamond Handwind Ladies Watch
By Glycine
Located in New York, NY
Elegant antique Art Deco ladies wristwatch by Glycine crafted in platinum and set throughout with diamonds. The rectangular case is framed by baguette cut diamonds along the sides an...
Diamond, Platinum
Bulgari Diagano Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Chronograph Quartz Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold fusion of sport and luxury, this Bulgari Diagono chronograph watch showcases the brand’s iconic design language with refined Italian flair. Crafted in stainless steel and 18k ...
Stainless Steel
H 0.5 in W 0.5 in
Antique Platinum Diamond Omega Ladies Wrist Watch Vintage Art Deco
Located in Greer, SC
" Lady's dress watch by Omega measures 6.5 inches long. It weighs 13.3 pennyweights. It has a rectangular platinum case measuring 13.62 by 13.21 mm with bead set round diamond lugs. ...
Diamond, Platinum
H 1.42 in W 1.23 in
Vintage Patek Philippe Grand Ellipse 18K Gold Quartz 31mm Unisex 1980 Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Authentic Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Grand Ellipse 3838 Unisex 18K Yellow Gold Watch. Vintage, circa 1980. Featuring a 31mm dial with a smooth gold ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Tiffany & Company retailed Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch, 18 x 18 M.M. Cushion shape case with Hand Engraving work and single cut Diamonds set into the beze...
Diamond, Platinum
Patek Philippe "24" Ladies Steel and Diamond Quartz Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2010 Patek Philippe "24" Reference 4900 / 10A-001 Wrist watch, 30 x 25 M.M. 2 piece Stainless Steel case with Factory set Diamonds, Sapphire Crown, Quartz movement, Gray Dial w...
Diamond, Steel
Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 X 9 M.M. 2 Piece Platinum Case set with European cut Diamonds totaling 1 Carat, the case sides and back are fu...
Diamond, Platinum
Graham Chronofighter Stainless Steel Grand Lefty Hand 47mm Blue Dial
By Graham
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: automatic Function: hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph Case: round 47mm stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal, smoothed bezel, push-pull crown, crown protector, wa...
Stainless Steel
Tiffany & Co. 18k yellow gold Tesoro watch. Quartz movement
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. 18k yellow gold Tesoro watch. Quartz movement. The watch features white face with yellow gold stick hour markers, yellow gold hands, and dat...
Yellow Gold
Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 X 24 M.M. 2 Piece 18k Yellow Gold Oval case, Piaget Factory White Gold Diamond set Bezel totaling 1.20 Carats. Caliber 9P 17 Jewel, mechanic...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Citizen Quartz S/Steel Gents' Watch with date display.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Citizen Quartz S/Steel Gents' Watch featuring date display with vertically arranged numerals, silver tapestry dial, 40mm case (not including the crown) ...
Steel
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Double Spiral Steel and Diamond Watch
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Double Spiral Steel and Diamond bezel set white dial watch, 35mm womens. A signed watch from the house Bulgari steel, 'Serpenti' collection, tubogqs bracelet...
Diamond, Steel
Carrera Y Carrera 18K Watch Adam and Eve Figural Quartz Movement 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Carrera Y Carrera 18K Watch Adam and Eve Figural Quartz Movement 18K Yellow Gold The Carrera y Carrera Figural Watch – Adam and Eve features an asymmetrical design centered around a...
18k Gold
Art Nouveau Floral Pocket Watch of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Art Nouveau Diamond Watch Brooch (c. 1890-1900) A masterwork of the Art Nouveau era, this antique 14k gold pendant watch is a floral reverie...
Diamond, 14k Gold
c. 1910 Patek Philippe Vintage Unisex Chronometro Gondolo Fancy Dial Watch
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? c. 1910 PATEK PHILIPPE Vintage Ladies Unisex Chronometro Gond...
18k Gold
H 1.19 in Dm 8.27 in
Pequignet French gold-plated Black quartz wristwatch, vintage
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Elegant and timeless French watch from the prestigious fine watchmaking house Pequignet Pequignet - Gold-Plated Quartz Watch - CASE: Good condition, glass in very good condition. - B...
Gold Plate
Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Opal and Sapphire Pocket Watch Brooch 14 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Opal and Sapphire Pocket Watch Brooch 14 Karat Gold This Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Pocket Watch Brooch, made in 14k ye...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
H 17.33 in W 13.39 in
Cartier Baignoire pink Gold Diamond Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in London, England
Cartier Baignoire XL pink Gold Diamond Ladies Watch. CARTIER Baignoire Watch18K rose Gold, pink mat crocodile straps. Manual winding Cartier Baignoire lady's wristwatch. Oval case i...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Omega Cocktail - Vintage White Gold & Diamond Manual Wind Ladies' Watch
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Up for sale is this beautiful Swiss Made 18k White Gold and Diamond Ladies' cocktail watch with reference number 7256, made by Omega and dating back to 1969 based on its serial number. The watch case measures approximately 16.5mm in diameter, is crafted from solid 18k white gold, and seamlessly flows over into the white gold mesh bracelet. The factory set diamond bezel contains 20 high quality brilliant cut diamonds totalling approximately 0.4ct. The dial is kept to its bare minimum: simplistic hour markers combined with a vertically brushed silver tone dial and baton shaped hands create a minimalist watch face. Behind the solid gold case back we find the beating heart of this watch: a mechanical hand-winding Omega movement with caliber reference 650. Thanks to the incorporation of this movement, the watch case can be kept as thin as 6mm. For such a sleek and refined watch, its total weight still adds up to about 36.5 grams. The watch is sold as pre-owned and vintage, however it still is in good condition considering its age. You will find wear marks on the case and bracelet, but no coarse damage. The case has been cleaned thoroughly, but was left unpolished to maintain its original edges and curves. The sapphire crystal looks unscathed to the naked eye. The crown is original and signed with the Omega logo. The movement was freshly serviced, and is working perfectly. Please study the pictures in this listing well: they show the watch in the condition that it is in, with no digital enhancements to make it look better than it is. We are sure that you like honesty, and so do we. Please do note that the clasp has a small adjustment setting, but the bracelet on this watch is otherwise not drastically resizable. Ideally, the watch fits wrists with a circumference between 16 and 17.5cm. Accompanying the watch is its lovely original clamshell Omega presentation box, but sadly no paperwork is present with this piece. Your new timepiece will be packaged with great care, and will be shipped out as fast as possible. We usually ship the same day your payment comes in, and provide full insurance as well as a tracking code for all of our packages. If you have any questions regarding the item or our services, please do not hesitate to reach out. We'll gladly assist as soon as we get the chance. Brand : Omega Movement : Manual Winding - Omega 650 Year of production : 1969 (Approximation) Case : 18k White Gold Case Diameter : 16.5mm Case Thickness: 6mm Bracelet material : 18k White Gold Bracelet length : Between 16 and 17.5cm Clasp : Jewellery Clasp Clasp material : 18k White Gold Original box, no original papers Water resistance : not water resistant Condition : The condition of the watch can be seen on the pictures. Please study them carefully and be your own judge. The potential present scratches have come over the years as with all vintage...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Platinum Diamond 17 Jewel Acoro Wrist Watch Bracelet Working Condition
Located in Eagan, MN
This watch is really gorgeous! It is currently working when wound and keeps accurate time. The watch mechanism was made by the Acoro company and is 17 jewel. It is also marked as ...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Platinum
Patek Philippe 18 Karat Gold Art Deco Wristwatch with Enamel Dial, circa 1920
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Pendant / Wrist Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1910's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 37mm x 32mm MOVEMEN...
Patek Philippe 18 Karat Gold Art Deco Wristwatch with Enamel Dial, circa 1920
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Pendant / Wrist Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1910's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 37mm x 32mm MOVEMEN...