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.
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Gripoix Red Ruby Cabochon Statement Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Huge Extra Large Massive Gripoix Ruby Red Cabochon Spiral Circle Round Openwork Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Vintage...
Gold Plate
Celine 1992 Vintage Large Citrine Orange Cabochon Circle Gold Clip Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1992 Vintage Large Citrine Orange Cabochon Jelly Belly Circle Round Dome Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Maybe light scratches or colour loss, barely...
Gold Plate
$941Sale Price|20% Off
0.30 Carat Emerald Ruby 0.08 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Flies 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...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Aquamari...
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage White Pearls Crystals Flower Double Leaf Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Flower Double Leaf White Round Pearls Crystals Openwork Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Very beautiful. Vintage...
Gold Plate
Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Red Enamel Heart Earrings with Certificate
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
These classic yet playful earrings are crafted using the traditional Faberge guicholle enameling technique. Crafted with seven layers of red enamel and 24 kt gold flowers. These earr...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Iconic White Pearl Circle CD Elegant Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Unisex Logos CD Iconic Classic White Pearl Circle Round Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Almost new. 100% Genuine. V...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Green Rectangle Domed Hoop Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Green Enamel Crystal Rectangle Triangle Dome Hoop Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Vintage and rare...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gripoix Gold Lapis Navy Cabochon Rectangle Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Gripoix Lapis Navy Blue Cabochon Rectangle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, b...
Gold Plate
Fendi Vintage Rare Gold Fendista Baroque Large Round Pearl Openwork Earrings
By Fendi
Located in Wokingham, England
Fendi Vintage Unisex Iconic Classic Large Monogram Logo Black F Fendista Baroque Large Round Circle Pearl Openwork Leaf Dome Clip Earrings, Gold Plated A very beautiful pair of clip...
Gold Plate
Celine 1990 Vintage Large Gold Globe Celestial Stars Round Circle Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1990 Vintage Unisex Extra Large Iconic Classic 3D Globe Celestial Stars Sun Circle Round Domed Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Gold Large Vivid Wavy Leaf Row Crystals Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Large Vivid Textured Wavy Leaf Row Crystals Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Maybe light scratches or colour loss, barely ...
Gold Plate
Ruby & Black Onyx Tassel Earrings with Diamonds Made in 18k Rose Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:13.898g, Diamond:4.722ct, Ruby:116.9ct, ONYX BLACK:2.20ct Size: 76X15MM"
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Rose Pink Crystals Flower Openwork Elegant Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Pink Rose Cluster Crystals Double Flourish Blossom Flower Leaf Openwork Chunky Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition and very unique. 10...
Gold Plate
$1,941Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Ruby Emerald Blue Sapphire White 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold Rare Large Wing Leaf Fire Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Textured Wing Leaf Fire Elegant Modernist Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches, barely noticeable. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Gold Red Ruby Double Sunburst Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Large Gripoix Ruby Red Crystal Double Layer Sunburst Starburst Flower Openwork Chunky Statement Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Citrine Flower Domed Gold Chunky Earrings
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Citrine Orange Cabochon Six Crystals Pentagram Flower Dome Openwork Chunky Statement Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. May...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold Five Strands Openwork Shell Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Five 5 Strands Openwork Shell Dome Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches and colour loss. 100% Genuine. A ve...
Gold Plate
$1,694Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Emerald Amethyst Citrine Ruby Yellow Gold Stud Flies 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, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire...
Christian Dior Vintage Huge Octagon White Oval Pearl Crystals Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Huge Extra Large Octagon Rectangle White Oval Pearl Sparkling Crystals Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Gold White Pearl Wavy Flower Crystals Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Wavy Flower White Round Pearl Crystals Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. 100% Genuine. Vintage and rare to find. A very beautiful p...
Gold Plate
Roman Malakov 7.50 Carats Total Black Onyx & Briolette Diamond Fashion Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A stylish pair of drop earrings showcasing two cushion onyxes weighing 7.50 carats total, each with a bezel-set brilliant round diamond at the center. The onyxes are separated by a b...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Jelly Belly White Shell Frost Crystals Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s White Jelly Belly Shell Frost Crystals Elegant Clip On Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. A very beautiful pair of earrings by...
Gold Plate
$1,411Sale Price|20% Off
White Diamond Mediterranean Red Coral Enamel Yellow Gold Stud "Frog" 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, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Genuine Opal Cabochon and Rhinestone Drop Screwback Earrings, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Neither buttons or dangles, these luminous earrings feature an inverted “V” of rhinestones punctuated by a perfect 12 mm opal cabochon. Petite yet statement...
Opal, Base Metal
Carved Agate Cameo Surrounded by Pave Diamonds Made in 18k Yellow Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18KT Gold:1.515g, Diamond:1.64ct, SiIver:7.608g, Agate Cameo:22.05ct,"
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Tahitian Pearl & Pave Diamond Tunnel Earring Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:1.87g, Diamond:1.95ct, Silver:1.28g Tahitian Pearl: Size: 8-17 MM"
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Carved Lava Quartz Earring With Ruby & Diamonds Made in 18k Yellow Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt Gold:2.05g, Diamond:2.5ct Shell Cameos:51.7Cts, Ruby:0.95Cts" Size: 64X26MM
Diamond, Ruby, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Double Sided Micro Pave Diamond Set Tunnel Earring Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt:1.98g, Diamond:13.19ct, Silver:13.45g, Size: 10-18 MM"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Internally Flawless White Diamond Opalescent Enamel Flower Stud Earrings
Located in Dallas, TX
One-of-a-Kind flower earrings by master jewelry artist Eva Steinberg intricately handcrafted in 21k yellow gold featuring a gorgeous turquoise bluish green golden opalescent enamel flower-pressed outer edge surrounding inner yellow and green opalescent enamel and finished with 0.54 total carats of internally-flawless round brilliant-cut white diamonds. Custom-made 18k yellow gold cup backs included for optimal support. Stamped and Hallmarked. Eva Steinberg has always been fascinated with the Art Nouveau...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Diamond and Gold Flower Earclips
Located in Geneva, CH
Realistic Old Mine Diamond and white Gold Flower Earclips.
Diamond, Gold
Carved Jade & Black Spinel Earring With Diamonds Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18Kt:2.95g, Diamond:3.3Ct, Silver:12.99g, Jade:22.95Ct, BLACK SPINEL:4.75Ct Size: 78*30"
Diamond, Jade, Spinel, Black Spinel, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,220Sale Price / item|20% Off
14kt Solid Yellow Gold Sapphire Snake Dangle Earrings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Pink Sapphire Snake Dangle Earrings in 14K Gold to make a statement with your look. You shall need small dangle earrings to make a statement with...
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1.65 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Flower Earring Studs in Platinum 950
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
1.65 carat Pear Shape diamond Flower earring studs, conceived in Platinum 950 by FERRUCCI NEW YORK, with the best Italian craftsmanship in New Yo...
White Diamond, Platinum
Long Aquamarine Gold Earrings Ivy Greek Goddess Style Blue Beryl
Located in Berlin, DE
Long Aquamarine earrings in yellow 18K gold aquamarine measurements - 0.24 х 1.42 in / 6 х 36 mm aquamarine weight - 21.07 carat earrings le...
Aquamarine, Beryl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,506Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sapphire Ruby Emerald Mediterranean Red Coral 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...
Coral, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Long Aquamarine Gold Earrings Ivy Art Nouveau Style Blue Beryl
Located in Berlin, DE
Long Aquamarine earrings in yellow 18K gold aquamarine measurements - 0.24 х 1.42 in / 6 х 36 mm aquamarine weight - 21.07 carat earrings le...
Aquamarine, Beryl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ice Diamond Beads Earrings with Pave Diamonds Made in 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
These earrings are made of 18 karat gold and feature diamonds in the form of ice diamond . Ice diamonds are the most popular choices for diamond jewelry. The combination of the gleam...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,420Sale Price / item|20% Off
Blue Topaz Gemstone Flower Stud Earrings with Diamond in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Earrings create a subtle beauty while showcasing the colors of the natural precious gemstones and illuminating diamonds making a statement. Pear cut Blue Topaz and Diamond Stud earr...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Boulder Opal Gold Earrings Triangle Australian Gemstone Rainbow gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold earrings with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opals measurements - 0.16 х 0.55 x 0.79 in / 4 х 14 х 20 mm opals weight - 14.40 carats earrings lengt...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Opal Titanium Gold Earrings Deep Neon Blue Fantasy Shape
Located in Berlin, DE
Titanium and 18K yellow gold earrings with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.47 х 0.55 in / 12 х 14 mm stone weight - 2 carats earrings measurements - ...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Titanium
Art Nouveau Style Enamel Diamond Gold Butterfly Stud Earrings
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Earrings in 18 karat yellow gold. These earrings are in the form of butterflies in flight, the wings are beautifully reproduced in shades of glittering blue ename...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.70 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond & 1.01 Carat White Diamond Stud Earring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A beautiful combination of fancy intense yellow diamond and white diamond are set in head turner earring. 0.70 carats of fancy intense yellow diamond and 1.01 carat of white brillian...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Diamonds 1.10 carats 18KT White Gold Classic Cluster Stud Earring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Solitaire Cluster Stud earrings are perfectly balanced pieces that announce your sense of refinement and class. It is a classic stud look for daytime wear and for night time, it is...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 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
Memo Mabe Pearl & Diamond Clip-On Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Previously-owned pair of MEMO Mabe Pearl and Diamond Earrings. These earrings measure approx. 1.5" x 1.5". They are made of 18K yellow gold, and weigh 26.10 DWT (approx. 40.59 grams)...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold White Round Pearl Crystals Floral Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Floral Flower Sunburst White Round Pearl Marquise Crystals Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches on faux pearls, ba...
Gold Plate
$5,150Sale Price / item|20% Off
Handmade 18K Yellow Gold Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Wedding Dangle Earrings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Dangle earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings create a sparkling, luxurious look featuring marquise cut gemstone. If you love to gravitate towar...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Celine 1988 Vintage Large Gold Radiant Sun Face Star Trapezoid Domed Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1988 Vintage Unisex Large Iconic Classic Sun Face Star Radiant Trapezoid Domed Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Good condition. Light scratches or colour l...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Lapis Crystals Cabochon Foil Triangle Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Lapis Navy Blue Oval Cabochon Stones Whole Sparkling Crystals Foil Triangle Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Not any stones lost, light col...
Gold Plate
$1,506Sale Price|20% Off
Handcrafted White Diamond Aquamarine Enamel Yellow Gold Stud "Frog" 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, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Red Gripoix Large Ruby Square Cube Dots Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Robert Goossens Vintage 1980s Large Baroque Gripoix Ruby Red Crystal Square Cube Dots Chunky Statement Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition...
Gold Plate
$2,070Sale Price|20% Off
White Diamond Blue Sapphire Ruby Emerald Red Coral 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...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9...
$705Sale Price|25% Off
Handcrafted Green Enamel Yellow Gold Stud "Frog" 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...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Celine 1990 Vintage Large Gold Round Stars Celestial Pentagram Domed Earrings
By Celine
Located in Wokingham, England
Celine 1990 Vintage Unisex Large Iconic Classic Cluster Stars Celestial Pentagram Round Circle Domed Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light s...
Gold Plate
Carved Jade & Black Onyx Earring with Diamond & White Agate in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18Kt:1.74g, Diamond:1.41Ct, Silver:5.252g, ,Onyx Black:0.75Ct, Agate White:2.13Ct, Jade-16.55ct Size: 65*21
Agate, Diamond, Onyx, Jade, 18k Gold, Silver
Morganite Ball & Pave Sapphire Earrings Made in 14k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"14kt gold:1.87g, Sapphire:2.15ct, Morganite 8-16mm"
Morganite, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Mini Tria Frame Diamond and 18K Gold Stud Earrings
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
These limited edition, Mini Tria Frame Diamond and 18K Gold Stud Earrings sparkle with strength. These statement earrings represent exploding stars, with a sparkling diamond in the c...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Luxurious 18k Satin finish gold ball tunnel earring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:16.75g Size: 8-14 MM"
18k Gold
Layered White Cermaic Ribbon Design Earrings with Pave VS Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:8.37g, Diamond:1.19ct
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel