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.
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Emerald Square Circle Dots Door Knocker Drop Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Baroque Square Cube Crystals Emerald Green Circle Dots Door Knocker Hoop Drop Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition, almost ne...
Gold Plate
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
$182Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
$150Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 1.32ct Sterling Silver Blue Sapphire Pear Drop Earrings gift for her
Located in New York, NY
These delicate 925 sterling silver dangle earrings feature two pear-shaped blue sapphire stones per ear—a 6x4 mm top stone and 5x3 mm drop—for a graceful, elongated silhouette that s...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$397Sale Price / set|50% Off
Vintage Style Natural Blue Topaz and Sapphire Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These Blue Topaz and Sapphire Drop Earrings stunning Art Deco-inspired drop earrings, masterfully crafted in 925 sterling silver. Each earring features a vibrant, cushion-cut blue to...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$750Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Multi Sapphire Drop Earrings in Halo Diamond Jewelry for Girlfriend
Located in New York, NY
These vibrant 925 sterling silver drop earrings showcase eight multi-sapphire octagon, each 4x3 mm, in a stunning rainbow progression of yellow, orange, red, and green for a playful ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold Massive Iconic Lava Circle Round Hoop Chunky Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Massive Iconic Large Lava Round Circle Hoop Drop Dangle Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different style. ...
Gold-filled
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Gold Pink Crystals Green Cross Long Drop 2 Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Luxury Pink Crystals Beads Round Circle Grass Green Cross Layers Strands Water Long Drop Earrings Necklace Exquisite Elegant Modernist 2 Gift Jewellery Set,...
Gold Plate
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Birthstone Amethyst Trio Drop Earrings in 925 Silver Jewelry for Birthday Gift
Located in New York, NY
Birthstone Amethyst Trio Drop Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need drop earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings create a...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
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...
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold Long Brushed Glow Water Tear Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Long Brushed Glow Water Tear Drop Dangle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches, barely noticeable...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Red Blue Shell Long Drop Statement Gold Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Unisex Abstract Crystals Shell Bow Blue Maroon Dark Red Beads Tassel Long Drop Dangle Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good...
Gold Plate
Italian late 19th century 7.4 ct Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond earrings
Located in Firenze, IT
This pair of Italian-made earrings, dating back to the 19th century, consist of a silver and gold setting in which are set two unheated, oval-cut Ceylon sapphires weighing a total of...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold White Pearl Tear Water Drop Hoop Drop Clip Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage Textured White Pearl Tear Water Drop Hoop Dangle Clip Earrings Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition and very unique. 100% Genuine. Givenchy ...
Gold Plate
$117Sale Price / set|50% Off
7.9 Carat Mixed Cut Amethyst Drop Sterling Silver Earrings for Graduation Gift
Located in New York, NY
7.9 Carat Mixed Cut Amethyst Drop Sterling Silver Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need drop earrings to make a statement with your look. The...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,882Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Green Agate Yellow Gold Flowers Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwate...
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Sapphire Coral Crystals Cabochon Long Drop Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Long Trio Navy Sapphire Blue Orange Coral Crystals Cabochon Water Tear Drop Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Excellent condition. Not any scratches,...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold Iconic Matelassé Quilted Circle Hoop Versatile Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Massive Iconic Matelassé Quilted Circle Hoop Drop Versatile Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different sty...
Gold-filled
Handmade Asymmetric Purple Dust Flower Green Beige Chunky Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Asymmetric Dust Purple Flower Green Beige Chunky Drop Clip Earrings, Swarovski Element Very high cost and high quality. 100% handmade. Excellent gift for lady. Material: Alloy, Res...
Bow Silver Cupid Angel Black Heart Love Moonstone Bow Retro Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Black Heart Love Bow Cupid Angel Silver Moonstone Retro Clip Earrings High quality and handmade. Excellent gift for lady. Wear them on casual, prom, holiday... Material: Cloth, Al...
Drop Earrings 2.10ct Old Brilliant Cut Diamonds Circa 1930s
Located in Firenze, IT
The earrings are set with "old" brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.10 ct. The diamonds are bright and brilliant, a beautiful, timeless piece of classic jewelry. Origin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$5,654Sale Price|20% Off
Mediterranean Red Coral Turquoise Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$290Sale Price / set|50% Off
Double Blue Topaz and CZ Halo Dangle Drop Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These Double Blue Topaz and CZ Halo Dangle Drop Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver feature two vibrant round-cut blue topaz gemstones, each surrounded by a halo of sparkling white stone...
Topaz, Zircon, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Rare Gold Matte Bow Circle White Pearl Leaf Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Matte Bow Fan Circle Round White Pearl Long Leaf Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticeable. 100% ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Rare Sapphire Blue Water Drop Oval Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Sapphire Navy Blue Crystals Iridescent Water Drop Oval Flower Openwork Elegant Modernist Dangle Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very good condition. Maybe lig...
Silver Plate
$2,073Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Yellow Gold "Snake" Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,602Sale Price|20% Off
Mediterranean Red Coral 0.20 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Lever-Back Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,636Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Emerald Turquoise Yellow Gold Horse Drop Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold 1991 Matelassé Quilted Flap Bag Logo Coin Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1991 Iconic Classic Matelassé Logo CC Coco Quilted Flap Bag Coin 31 RUE CAMBON PARIS Crown Drop Dangle Swing Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Good ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Long Oval Logo Hoop Statement Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Logo Long Glow Oval Hoop Statement Chunky Drop Dangle Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Not any colour loss. Very light scratche...
Gold Plate
$45,989Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold 40.01 Carats Emerald
Located in Deira, AE
Bold, vibrant, and exceptionally rare, these statement drop earrings showcase magnificent pear-shaped natural emeralds paired with geometric diamond accents. Crafted in luxurious 18K...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Masriera 18KT Gold Enamel Earrings with 2.48Ct. Emeralds and .88Ct. of Diamonds
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
From the house of the prolific Art Nouveau designer, Luis Masriera comes a long tradition of prestige, creativity and unparalleled craftsmanship. These stylistically distinctive work...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Myanmar Icy Type Donut Jade Floral Drop Earrings in 14K Bicolor Gold
Located in Kowloon, HK
Introducing the Cherry Blossom Icy Jadeite Donut Earrings, a breathtaking fusion of nature and luxury. Crafted from premium icy jadeite, these earrings showcase exceptional lustre an...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold
$3,012Sale Price|20% Off
Mediterranean Coral 0.44 Carat White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Large Bamboo Hoop Knocker Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Unisex Textured Hammered Large Bamboo Circle Round Hoop Door Knocker Oval Drop Dangle Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Silver Ton...
Silver Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Gold Double Fire Flame Sun Circle Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Unisex Iconic Classic Large Logo Double Fire Flame Sun Circle Dangle Drop Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light colou...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Double Heart Love Crystals Chunky Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Double Heart Love Whole Shining Sparkling Crystals Black Enamel Drop Dangle Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Excellent condition....
Gold Plate
Swarovski Princess Cut Floating Crystals Long Square White Drop Clip Earrings
By Swarovski
Located in Wokingham, England
Swarovski Vintage Princess Cut Floating Crystals Long Square Drop Clip Earrings, White Silver Rhodium Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Dramatic and refined, they are stateme...
Silver Plate
$1,413Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Amethyst Pearl Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshw...
Swarovski White Swan Lake Sparkling Crystals Drop Pierced Earrings Jackets BNWT
By Swarovski
Located in Wokingham, England
Swarovski Swan Lake Sparkling Crystals Drop Pierced Earrings Jackets BNWT, White Come with original box and certificate. 100% Genuine. This versatile pair of pierced earring jacke...
Rhodium
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Silver Glow Large Oval Hoop Statement Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Glow Oval Hoop Statement Chunky Dangle Drop Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very good condition. Not any colour loss. Some light scratches on the surfa...
Silver Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Green Emerald Peacock Bow Elegant Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Knot Bow Crystals Emerald Green Peacock Eye Water Tear Drop Dangle Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very good condition. 100% genuine. Rare to find. ...
Silver Plate
$117Sale Price / set|50% Off
Art Deco Style Zirconia Leaf Climber Drop Stud Earrings in Silver Gift for Her
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Style Zirconia Leaf Climber Drop Stud Earrings in Silver for Mom. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cubic zirconi...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,298Sale Price|20% Off
Japanese Pearl and Diamond White Gold Earrings, Italy (2010)
Located in Firenze, FI
These refined and elegant earrings feature premium Japanese cultured pearls suspended from a vertical line of brilliant-cut diamonds. The total diamond weight for both earrings is ap...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Holiday Green Red Hoop Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Double Circle Round Spiral Green Red Enamel Ribbon Holiday Hoop Dangle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition....
Gold Plate
Christian Dior GROSSE Door Knocker Glow Circle Hoop Crystals Drop Clip Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Vintage Glow Circle Round Hoop Crystals Bar Door Knocker Drop Clip Statement Modernist Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very new. Maybe ligh...
Gold Plate
$2,071Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Pearl Tsavorite Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Tsavori...
$117Sale Price / set|50% Off
Sterling Silver Pink and White Zircon Drop Earrings for Engagement Gift for Her
Located in New York, NY
Pink and White Zircon Drop Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need dangle drop earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cubic zirconia stones, re...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,412Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Aquamarine Ruby Yellow Gold Lever-Back Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,204Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Emerald Blue Sapphire Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl...
4.62 Carats Ascher cut Aquamarine and Diamonds Platinum Earrings
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
4.62 Carats Ascher cut Aquamarine and Diamonds Platinum Earrings, diamonds brilliant cut for an approximate total carat weight of 0.28ct of G/H color, VS clarity, set in Platinum 950...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Aurora Gold Emerald Vine Long Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Aurora Amethyst Purple Green Emerald Grey Vine Twist Circle Rectangle Marquise Crystals Long Drop Dangle Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, G...
Gold Plate
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Baroque Relief Pearls Crystals Long Drop Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Baroque Irregular White Pearls Crystals Relief Dangle Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition and very unique. 100% Genuine. Givenchy Signed...
Gold Plate
Antique Enamel Violet Earrings of 14k Gold, Circa 1910-1920
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Delicate and romantic, these earrings feature violet blossoms in 14k gold, their petals richly decorated with purple and white enamel and centered by lustrous pearls. Originally part...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Givenchy Vintage 1980 Logo 4G Monogram Double Button Gold Pierced Drop Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Unisex 4G Logo Monogram Double Button Circle Round Matte Modernist Drop Dangle Pierced Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss...
Gold Plate
$5,088Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Mediterranean Peach Coral White Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,250 / set
Estate Coral & Diamond Torpedo 18K Earrings
Located in GOES, NL
One of a kind 18K gold antique 19th century bow earrings with rose cut diamonds and mediterranean corals. These earrings are a true craftsmanship and contain fine handcarved cameo'...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,827Sale Price|20% Off
White Diamond Citrine Onyx Pearl Enamel Yellow Gold Stud "Carousel" Earrings
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater...
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gripoix Purple Amethyst Water Drop Gold Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970 Vintage Gripoix Amethyst Purple Water Tear Drop Whole Shining Sparking Crystals Leaf Flower Elegant Dangle Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. ...
Gold Plate
Colombian Pear Emerald & Diamond Earrings, Gübelin Certified
Located in New York, NY
These breathtaking earrings showcase a matched pair of Colombian pear-shaped emeralds, totaling 28.21 carats, each certified by the prestigious Gübelin Gem Lab. With rich saturation,...
Diamond, Emerald