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.
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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Large White Pearl Statement Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Huge Massive Camellia Flourish Blossom Flower White Circle Round Pearl Layers Petal Chunky Statement Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Ruby Heart Massive Gripoix Cabochon Double Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent by Robert Goossens Vintage Classic Iconic Massive Huge Large Gripoix Textured Ruby Red Cabochon Double Heart Love Dangle Drop Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold ...
Gold Plate
$259,919 / set
X Orchid Earrings
Located in Stockholm, SE
Capturing the ethereal beauty of a tropical orchid in diamond form, these earrings unite the sunlit warmth of yellow diamonds with the brilliant purity of white diamonds. Each petal...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Gold Green Pearls Emerald Amethyst Aqua Earrings
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Robert Goossens Arty Textured Large Gripoix Emerald Ruby Sapphire Green Blue Red Cabochon Crystals White Pearls Triangle Chunky Statement Clip Earrings...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Massive Orange Heart Green Leaf Logo Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Massive Huge Large Long Logo Orange Heart Love Green Enamel Double Leaf Square Cube Crystal Drop Dangle Elegant Statement Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold T...
Gold Plate
5.06 Carat Emerald & Aquamarine Diamond Earrings, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing the Queen of Knockshigowna Earrings from the Garden of Myth Collection by Austy Lee. In folklore, fairies can transform into animals. In Scotland, fairy women often took...
Topaz, Onyx, Emerald, Diamond, Aquamarine, Rhodium, White Gold, 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Gold Gripoix Cross Red Statement Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Robert Goossens Vintage Arty Large Gripoix Red Cross Enamel Citrine Yellow Crystal Elegant Chunky Statement Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 1...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Haute Couture Gold Medallion Tassel Rope Long Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Medallion Double Tassel Rope Openwork Chunky Modernist Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Marked 'Chr.Dior (C) '. Rare to find. 1...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage AB Gold Textured Navy Lapis Cabochon Rectangle Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s AB Large Textured Navy Blue Lapis Cabochon Rectangle Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Foil in only one earring's stone. others are perfect....
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1958 Rare Iridescent Crystals Marquise Wing Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Floral Iridescent Citrine Yellow Clear Crystals Marquise Oval Wing Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very good condition. Light scratches, barely notice...
Silver Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Ruby Vintage Large Heart Love Cabochon Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Large Gripoix Ruby Red Heart Love Cabochon Crystal Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Come with original box and...
Gold Plate
Handmade Luxury Openwork Red Fire Circle Crystals Tassel Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Luxury Openwork Red Fire Circle Cluster Black Tassel Crystal Drop Clip Earrings, Swarovski Element Very high quality and high cost. Handmade, fine workmanship. Anti-oxidant. Excelle...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Gold Crystals Flower White Round Pearl Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Vivid Curled Flower White Round Pearl Crystals Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Vintage and rare to find. A very beauti...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Gold Fuchsia Crystal Square Openwork Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Baroque Openwork Textured Dots Flower Fuchsia Pink Purple Crystal Cabochon Square Domed Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good conditi...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Large Gold Lucky Clover Amethyst Crystal Flower Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Lucky Clover Amethyst Purple Clear Crystal Flower Heart Modernist Elegant Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Gripoix Emerald Pearls Cabochon Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Robert Goossens Arty Textured Large Gripoix Emerald Ruby Sapphire Green Blue Red Cabochon Crystals White Pearls Triangle Chunky Statement Clip Earrings...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Butterfly Ruby Pink Crystals Pearls Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Butterfly Bow Ruby Red Black Purple Blue Pink Crystals Marquise White Pearls Water Drop Dangle Tassel Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good cond...
Swarovski Vintage Openwork Floral Pansy Clover Crystals Gold Pierced Earrings
By Swarovski
Located in Wokingham, England
Swarovski Vintage Openwork Floral Pansy Clover Crystals Drop Dangle Pierced Earrings, Yellow Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Come with original box and certificate. 100% Genuine...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Iconic Gold Heart Cross Logo Monogram Love Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Unisex Classic Cross Logo Monogram Heart Love Glow Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light colour loss at side and back. Barely noticeabl...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Mitchel Maer Shining Crystals Leaf Flower Water Drop Earrings
By Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior by Mitchel Maer 1950s Flower Whole Shining Crystals Leaf Circle Marquise Water Drop Dangle Openwork Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Mitchel Maer was a prominent Am...
Silver Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Unisex Baroque Blossom Flower Large Oval Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Baroque Blossom Flower Large Oval Sparkling Crystal Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. A very beautiful pair of e...
Gold Plate
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Large Gold Blue Navy Enamel Interlocked Chunky Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Large Navy Dark Blue Enamel Swirl Knot Interlocked Chunky Statement Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Some light scratches or ...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Aqua Emerald Baroque Openwork Water Drop Gold Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Iconic Luxury Baroque Aqua Emerald Blue Green Lilic Chandelier Openwork Crystals Water Drop Brooch Long Dangle Clip Earrings Elegant Modernist 2 Jewellery G...
Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in Westport, CT
An original pair of Art Nouveau 14K yellow gold diamond and opal chandelier earrings. Each earring is mounted with one natural Australian pear shaped opal suspended at the center, su...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.25 Carat Emerald & White Diamond Elegant Chandelier 18K Earring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
These breathtaking 18K gold chandelier earrings are a true masterpiece of elegance and luxury, featuring a stunning combination of 8.25 carats of vivid emeralds and dazzling white di...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Designer Vintage Looking Cameo Tassel Earring with Diamond and Sapphires in Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Designer Vintage looking Cameo Tassel Earring with Diamond and Sapphires in Gold and silver. The cameo is hand carved out of lava stone which makes this e...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Christian Dior Mitchel Maer 1950 Citrine Amber Flower Crystals Openwork Earrings
By Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior by Mitchel Maer 1950s Vintage Citrine Amber Flower Crystals Rectangle Baguette Circle Openwork Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Mitchel Maer was a prominent America...
Silver Plate
$1,848Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Multi Colored Sapphires Chandelier Engagement Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Multi Colored Sapphires Chandelier Engagement Earrings in 18K Gold to make a statement with your look. You shall need chandelier earrings to make a statement with your look. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...
$11,107Sale Price / set|20% Off
6.91 Carat Certified Diamond Chandelier Earrings Wedding Jewelry 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
6.91 Carat Certified Diamond Chandelier Earrings Wedding Jewelry 18k White Gold These earrings features a cluster diamond on top of the earlobe with five strands dangling down making...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$16,556Sale Price / set|20% Off
11.14 Carat SI/HI Diamond Waterfall Dangle Earrings 18k White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 11.14 carats of sparkling diamonds. Diamond is a April birthstone and is believed to boost confidence and enhance c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior GROSSE Leaf Black Enamel Curled Large Wine Chunky Clip Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE Vintage 1970s Unisex Large Black Enamel Curled Leaf Wine Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Front side is pe...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Rare White Pearl Crystals Blossom Flower Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Flourish Blossom Flower White Pearl Crystals Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very new. 100% Genuine. Vintage and rare to find...
Gold Plate
$13,535Sale Price / set|20% Off
6.91 Carat Certified Diamond Chandelier Earrings Wedding Jewelry 14k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
6.91 Carat Certified Diamond Chandelier Earrings Wedding Jewelry 14k White Gold These earrings features a cluster diamond on top of the earlobe with five strands dangling down making...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$22,166Sale Price / set|20% Off
Spectacular SI/HI 11.53ctw Diamond Chandelier Earrings 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 11.53 carats of sparkling diamonds. Diamond is a April birthstone and is believed to boost confidence and enhance c...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$17,804Sale Price / set|20% Off
Spectacular SI/HI 11.53ctw Diamond Chandelier Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 11.53 carats of sparkling diamonds. Diamond is a April birthstone and is believed to boost confidence and enhance c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1900s Art Nouveau Diamonds Dangle Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Earring in 18 karat yellow and white gold, eagle head hallmark. Antique earrings, they are each made of a line of three diamonds that holds in tassel another diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
11.35 Ct Diamond Open Frame Chandelier Earrings, Pear Baguette, 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Nouveau 1900s American Seed Pearl Tassel Drop Stud Enamel Earrings Hallmark 14K
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Art Nouveau1900s American Seed Pearl Tassel Drop Stud Enamel Earrings Hallmark, 14K Weighing 12.7 gram 29 mm circular top Hanging 1 inch Screw back,...
Pearl, Enamel
Christian Dior GROSSE 1969 Jade Emerald Flower Openwork Interlocked Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1969 Vintage Emerald Jade Green Round Ball Flower Openwork Interlocked Dome Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very new. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Mitchel Maer Emerald Lake Green Cross Flower Crystals Earrings
By Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior by Mitchel Maer Vintage 1950s Emerald Lake Green Cross Flower Crystals Rectangle Baguette Circle Openwork Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Mitchel Maer wa...
Silver Plate
Carved Shell Cameo with Studded Diamond in Flower Shape Made in 18k Rose Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:13.716g, Diamond:8.57ct, Shel:42.75ct,
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
5.00 Carat Marquise Diamond Stylish Modern Earrings
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
Ferrucci 5.00 Carat Marquise Diamond stylish modern earrings in 18k white gold, hand made in New York City by Italian master jeweler, modern twist to a classic chic look, fine and so...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold
Multi Cut 11.35 Ct Natural Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings 14k White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
25.45 Carat Vivid Green Emerald Sugarloaf 1.78 Carat Diamond Dangle Earring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A massive pair of 25.45 carat of vivid green emerald are set along with 1.78 carat of white brilliant round diamond. The gorgeous dangle earring is a must wear for all red carpet eve...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K Gold 3.35 Carat Kite Shaped Colombia Emeralds & White Diamond Dangle Earring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A pair of asymmetrical earrings comprising of kite shaped emeralds and white diamonds. A total of 3.35 carat of elegant long cut kite shaped emeral...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$30,240Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Nouveau Emerald and Diamond Chandelier Earrings Studded in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and diamond chandelier earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings create a sparkling, luxurious look featuring octagon cut gemstone. If you love to gravitate...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
3 Layer Mix Shaped Ice Diamond Chandelier Earrings Made in 18k Rose Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18Kt Gold:28.12g, Diamond:50.48ct,
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$15,680Sale Price|40% Off
Chrysoprase gold earrings Ivy dangle long green art nouveau style
Located in Berlin, DE
Ivy earrings with green cabochon-cut Chrysoprase in 14K yellow gold Chrysoprase origin - Kazakhstan gemstone measurements - 0.12 х 0.35 х 0.87 in / 3 х 9...
Chrysophrase, Agate, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,990Sale Price / set|20% Off
X Olivia
Located in Stockholm, SE
Spring doesn’t have to come early. Winter frost won’t be late. The past will pass. Everything that should come is on its way. X Olivia Earrings , well balanced of wisdom and beauty,...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Garnet Citrine Chandelier Earring with Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Stunning this Rhodolite Citrine Chandelier Earring with Diamonds is like that cocktail earring you have been looking for in silver and...
Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Silver
$15,680Sale Price|40% Off
Chrysoprase Gold Earrings Dangle Long Green Art Nouveau Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Ivy earrings with green cabochon-cut Chrysoprase in 14K yellow gold Chrysoprase origin - Kazakhstan gemstone measurements - 0.12 х 0.35 х 0.87 in / 3 х 9...
Agate, Chrysophrase, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold 3.93 Carat Diamond Teardrop Shape Chandelier Earrings
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold 3.93 Carat Diamond Teardrop Shape Chandelier Earrings As it is rightly said that Chandeliers are marvels of drop-dead showiness and the jewelry of architecture, we pre...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold