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.
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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Gold Ripple Zigzag Hoop Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Textured Large Zigzag Ripple Fire Flame Hoop Domed Chunky Statement Modenrist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gripoix Sapphire Ruby Emerald Crystals Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gripoix Sapphire Ruby Emerald Blue Navy Red Green Oval Whole Shining Crystals Hoop Domed C Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition, very new. ...
Gold Plate
Crimson Radiance 14KT Gold Garnet and Diamond Huggie Earrings
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite 14KT gold huggie earrings, where classic elegance meets modern fire. Each earring features a stunning row of 0.59ct natural red g...
Garnet, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Brushed Wheat Half Domed Circle Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Textured Brushed Wheat Half Domed Circle Chunky Modernist Elegant Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe Light scratches or colour...
Gold Plate
Pave Tsavorite Hoop Earrings With Filigree Work On Inside In 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14k:3.61g, TSAVORITE:8.12Cts Size: 35X8MM"
Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
3.00 Carat Natural Diamond In and Out Hoop Earrings G SI 14K White Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
3.00 Carat Natural Diamond Hoop Earrings G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Earrings 3.00CT (each stone is 0.04CT) G-H SI 14K White Gold,...
Diamond, White Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Matelassé Holiday Red Green Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Red Green Enamel Quilted Matelassé Hoop Domed Water Drop Holiday Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent cond...
Gold Plate
Faberge 18 Karat Gold Diamond 0.48 Carat and Blue Enamel Earrings, Certificate
Located in New York, NY
These stunning modern 18 karat white gold, diamond and blue enamel earrings were created by Victor Mayer for Faberge. Crafted in the tradition of the original House...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$125Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 1.9 Sterling Silver Green Onyx Straight Line Half Hoop Earrings for her
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated pair of green onyx hoop earrings in 925 sterling silver, designed with a sleek Art Nouveau aesthetic. The earrings feature a graceful line of square cut green onyx gemstones measuring 2.5 mm, carefully arranged in a refined channel setting that enhances the stones’ vibrant deep green color. These earrings feature 22 square gemstones with a total gemstone weight of 1.9 carats. Measuring 0.86 inches in length, 0.14 inches in width, and 0.13 inches in depth, with a gross weight of 2.93 grams, they offer a refined and slender profile ideal for both everyday wear and elevated occasions. Pair with neutral tones or silver jewelry to let the rich green onyx stand...
Onyx, Silver, Sterling Silver
$117Sale Price / set|50% Off
Blue Topaz Long Dangle Push Back Earrings in Sterling Silver for Wedding Gift
Located in New York, NY
Blue Topaz Long Dangle Style Push Back Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Rope Gold Circle Crystals Hoop Drop Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large Rope Circle Round Hoop Crystals Statement Chunky Modernist Drop Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Very light scratches, very colou...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Huge Shell Conch Swirl Glow Matte Comma Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Unisex Massive Huge Shell Conch Swirl Glow Matte Comma Fire Statement Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches, ba...
Gold Plate
$250Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Contemporary Vertical Stripe Peridot Zircon Half Silver Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in fine 925 sterling silver, these striking natural peridot and zircon bar earrings feature a bold, contemporary multi-row design. Set with vibrant round peridot gemstones me...
Peridot, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Faberge 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond 0.24cts. & Blue Enamel Huggy Earrings #51/300
Located in New York, NY
These modern Faberge 18 karat yellow gold huggy style pierced earrings center a bezel set round brilliant diamond. The earrings are crafted in a brilliant blue enamel, accented with ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Edwardian Lampwork Glass Long Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Delicate Edwardian lampwork glass, Secessionist style, long dangle earrings of 3 concentric black and white oval glass hoops. Delicate and handmade. 190...
Enamel
Carrera y Carrera Horse Earrings Diamond Eyes 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Carrera y Carrera Horse Earrings Diamond Eyes 18K Yellow Gold These Carrera y Carrera earrings showcase the Spanish jeweler's signature sculptural style in 18K yellow gold. Each ear...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$192Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 4.75 Carat Blue Topaz C-Shape Curved Bar Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luminous 925 sterling silver, these elegant bar earrings showcase the fresh brilliance of natural blue topaz in a sleek, contemporary design. Each earring features 14 squa...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$875Sale Price / set|50% Off
18k Solid White Gold C-Hoop Moissanite Earrings Engagement Present for Her
Located in New York, NY
C-Hoop Moissanite Earrings in 18k solid white gold. You shall need these hoop earrings to make a statement with your look. These Moissanite hoop earrings create a sparkling, luxuriou...
Other, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$145Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silver Multicolors Cubic Zirconia Statement Hoop Earrings for Wedding Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Statement Multi Stone Cubic Zirconia Hoop Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these statement hoop earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling c...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
White Pearls Irregular Circle Round Hoop Rectangle Drop Elegant Pierced Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
White Irregular Pearls Rectangle Circle Pendant Hoop Drop Pierced Earrings, Gold Tone 100% handmade. Each one is different. Excellent gift for lady. Very high cost and quality. Si...
Gold Plate
2.85 Carat Tsavorite and 0.79 Carat White Diamond Hoop Cocktail Earring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Tsavorite or tsavolite is a variety of the garnet group species grossular, a calcium-aluminium garnet. Tsavorite is 1000 times more rare than emerald, and some say it surpasses emerald in transparency and brilliance, or how much light is reflected from its interior. Tsavorite is so rare, in fact, that gems over 5 carats...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
$12,694Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian Diamond & Ruby Chandelier Earrings - 8.5 cm, 18K White Gold
Located in Firenze, FI
A magnificent pair of Edwardian chandelier earrings crafted in 18K white gold, featuring an elegant composition of natural diamonds and vivid rubies. The intricate openwork design sp...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Konstantino 18k 750 Gold Hoop Earrings Filigree Open Work Design Huggies 1/2" 8g
By Konstantino
Located in Northbrook, IL
Enhance your collection with these exquisite Konstantino hoop earrings. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, they showcase intricate Art Nouveau detailing. The design features ornate scrollwo...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,552Sale Price|20% Off
David Morris Fortuna Hoop Earrings
By David Morris
Located in London, England
David Morris Fortuna Hoop Earrings set in 18ct rose gold with mother of pearl stones. 18ct rose gold White diamonds Total diamond weight 1.64ct
Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond 1.56 cts 18KT Yellow Gold Classic Hoop Earrings
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Feast your eyes on the 18KT Gold Single Row Diamond In and Out Hoop Huggies Earring, a symbol of pure sophistication and unmatched elegance. It's the perfect piece to enhance any ens...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Round Diamonds 1.30 carat in 18 Karat White Gold in and Out Hoop Earring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Crafted with the utmost precision and adorned with 1.30 carats of natural round diamonds, these earrings are more than just jewelry; they are a testament to your impeccable taste and...
Diamond, White Gold
1.50 Carat Natural Diamond Huggie Earrings Hoops G SI 14K White Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.50 Carat Natural Diamond Hoop Earrings Huggies G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Earrings 1.50CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, 3.36 grams, P...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Chanel Vintage 1993 Iconic Massive Paris Star Hoop Versatile Domed Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1993 Iconic Unisex Massive Large Paris Star Circle Hoop Versatile Domed Drop Circle Gold Versatile Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Ca...
Gold-filled
Natural Japan Akoya Pearl Hoop Earrings in 18K White Gold and Diamond
Located in Kowloon, HK
Discover elegance with our exquisite pearl loop earrings, designed to make a statement. Each earring features a lustrous pearl suspended within a delicate loop, adorned with shimmeri...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Gold Iconic Massive Logo Circle Hoop Drop Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine Paris 1980s Vintage Unisex Massive Iconic Logo Monogram Circle Round Hoop Large Chunky Modernist Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different ...
Gold-filled
Baguette Diamond Inside Outside Hoops made In 14k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14KT:6.374g,D:4.23ct
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,009Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style 0.26 Carat White Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Hoop 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Texture Circle Shell Half Dome Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Textured Shell Half Dome Circle Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Maybe Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticeable. 10...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Domed Gold Silver Cross Rope Hoop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Arty Cross Quilted Rope Hoop Circle Round Domed Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Silver Tone Very good condition. Light s...
Gold Plate, Silver
Exquisite 18K Yellow Gold Peridot and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Elevate your elegance with these captivating 18K Yellow Gold Peridot and Diamond Dangle Earrings—a radiant expression of refined taste and timeless luxury. At the heart of each earri...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baguette Shaped Emerald & Diamonds Hoops Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite Baguette Shaped Emerald & Diamonds Hoops crafted in 18k White Gold combine classic elegance with a contemporary twist. The hoops are meticulously designed to show...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamonds Hoop Earrings Made In 18k Yellow Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:1.34g, Silver:19.7g Diamond:9.76ct Size: 45X5MM"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Faberge 18kt White Gold Diamond 0.22ct. and Blue Enamel Hoop Earrings #18
Located in New York, NY
These stunning modern 18 karat white gold, diamond and blue enamel earrings were created by Victor Mayer for Faberge. Crafted in the tradition of the original House...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade 2.5 Carat Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Clip-on Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite pair of original diamond earrings is meticulously handcrafted with exceptional care, showcasing very high-quality diamonds. Boasting a graceful domed design, the earri...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond 1.30 carats 18KT Yellow Gold 'in and Out' Twist Hoop Earring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
When you just have to sparkle, try these stunning round-cut diamond in and out sophisticated twist hoop earrings. Glamour has no boundaries with these absolutely exquisite round-sha...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,792Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond 1.54 carats 18Kt White Gold 'In and Out' Hoop Huggies Earring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
An Elegant 18 KT Set Hoop earring gives a dainty look! Diamond hoop earrings are a classic and tasteful choice for the sophisticated woman. So versatile, these hoops captivate diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hoop Earring With Pave Black Diamond Ball In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Pave Black Diamond Ball in a hoop earrings 18kt Gold:22.1g Diamond:4.82ct 12 mm diamond Bead
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond 1.00 Carats 18KT White Gold in and Out Hoop Huggies Earring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Introducing our exquisite Natural Diamond Hoops in 18KT White Gold—a true embodiment of elegance and luxury. These Single Row Diamond Hoop Earrings are meticulously crafted to elevat...
Diamond, White Gold
Natural Diamond 1.32 Carats 18KT White Gold ‘In and out‘ Hoop Earrings
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Introducing our exquisite Natural Diamond Hoops in 18KT White Gold—a true embodiment of elegance and luxury. These Single Row Diamond Hoop Earrings are meticulously crafted to elevat...
Diamond, White Gold
Portuguese Art Nouveau Gold Cannetille Foliate Motif Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Art Nouveau gold hoop earrings featuring an undulating vined motif within rope twist borders and a suspended cannetille panel of stylized foliate design, in 18k. Portugal ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond 1.75 carats 18KT White Gold Baguette Hoop Earrings
Located in Antwerpen, BE
An Elegant 18 KT Hoop earring gives a dainty look! Take her breath away with the bold baguette shine of these exquisite hoop earrings bordered by...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Earrings 4.12 ct 18KT White Gold Half Hoop Earrings
Located in Antwerpen, BE
The glamorous and feminine white gold hoops, combined with the artisanal baguette linear set diamond detail make for a stunning look that will flatter your face shape and style. For...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold