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 Dangle Earrings Moon Stone solid 14K Gold / 2.2gr
Located in SE
A pair of Finish dangles in 14K Orange toned Gold with oval cut Moon Stone or Chalcedony settings . There are finish hallmarks on the wire. Marked 585 for 14K Gold. Maker's marks no...
Chalcedony, Moonstone, 14k Gold
Hallmarked solid 18K yellow gold emerald green earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
## Emerald cut vivid green Lab created Emerald Stud Earrings in Solid 18K yellow Gold Add timeless elegance to your jewelry collection with these **Green Emerald Gold Stud Earrings*...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1916 Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings solid 18K Yellow Gold/ 2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of Art Nouveau period dangles in solid 18K Yellow Gold with with small dangling drops. Swedish pair, hallmarked 18K ,maker's marks , city of Goteborg, made in 1916 ( combina...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1903 Russian Earrings Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamonds 56 Gold / 5 gr
Located in SE
A pair of old luxurious Earrings in solid 56 Yellow Gold and Silver decorated with Blue Sapphires, Red Rubies, Emeralds and Diamonds. Naturality of Rubies is questionable/ can lab ...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Natural Myanmar Handcarved Bicolor Icy Jadeite Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Kowloon, HK
Make a striking statement with these breathtaking Myanmar Bicolor Jadeite Earrings. Meticulously hand-carved by skilled artisans, these drops feature a rare, natural blend of Vivid G...
Jade, 18k Gold
Antique European Earrings solid 18K Orange Gold /2.16 gr
Located in SE
A pair of hand - engraved knot- shaped hooked dangles with freely suspended terminated with two drops . European hand - made ca. early 20th century. No hallmarks, metal tested solid...
18k Gold
1915 Austrain Empire Earrings 2 Ducats Coins 23K/ 14K Gold / 7.8gr
Located in SE
Antique Austrian Earrings Coins featuring one Austrian 23K Gold Ducat coin on each piece soldered with folding hooks in solid 14K Rose Cold. Wires h...
24k Gold, 14k Gold
$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
$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
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
$165Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Modernist Crescent-Shaped 925 Silver Blue Sapphire Ear Crawler Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These modern 925 sterling silver earrings showcase seven 5x3 mm pear-shaped blue sapphire stones per ear in a dramatic crescent design that drapes elegantly along the earlobe. The sl...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$240Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Modern Natural Ruby Leaf-Motif Dangle Earrings in 925 Silver for Women
Located in New York, NY
925 sterling silver dangle earrings feature six 5x3 mm marquise-cut natural ruby stones per ear, arranged in a cascading cluster that sways with movement for a fun, feminine vibe. Th...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$285Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra September Birthstone Multi Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver multi sapphire and diamond stud earrings feature a vibrant cluster of oval and round multi sapphires in rich hues, beautifully accented with sparkling 1 mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$272Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Timeless Deep Blue Sapphire Stud with Diamond Petal Cluster Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 925 sterling silver dangle earrings featuring 18 natural oval blue sapphires (5x3 mm, 2.02 carats total) accented by sparkling 1 mm diamonds (0.15 carats), arranged in a de...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Gold Textured Sun Flower Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Unisex Textured Large Sunflower Sunburst Sun Dome Dots Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or...
Gold Plate
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...
Antique Tsarist Russian Earrings Sapphires Diamonds solid 56 / 14K Gold /12 gr
Located in SE
A pair of antique Russian hand-made chandeliers with whimsy openwork dangles of fused solid 14K Gold and Silver, decorated with Blue Sapphires and diamonds. Ca.early XX cent, Russian...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 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
$150Sale Price / set|50% Off
925 Silver Rainbow Moonstone Cluster CZ Halo Stud Earrings for Girlfriend Gift
Located in New York, NY
These Cabochon Moonstone Cluster CZ Halo Studs Earring, 925 sterling silver stud earrings. Each earring features a natural rainbow moonstone (totaling 0.66 carats) known for its ethe...
Moonstone, Zircon, Rainbow Moonstone, 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
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Large Lapis Foil Navy Blue Oval Chunky Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Textured Large Lapis Navy Blue Foil Stone Oval Modernist Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very new. Very light scratches or col...
Gold Plate
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
$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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gripoix Gold Citrine Yellow Topaz Oval Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Arty 1980s Vintage Gripoix Citrine Topaz Yellow Oval Cabochon Pendants Charms Crystals Chunky Double Wheat Chain Modernist Elegant Necklace Cli...
Gold Plate
Antique European Drop Earrings solid 18K Yellow Gold / 1.7 gr
Located in SE
A pair of drop shaped Antique Swedish dangles in solid 18K Gold. Drops are freely suspended and will mark any slightest movement of the head. Hallmarked 18K. No date marks visible....
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$102Sale Price / set|50% Off
5.65 Carat Blue Topaz Amethyst Round Stud Earrings in 925 Silver for Graduation
Located in New York, NY
5.65 Carat Blue Topaz Amethyst Round Stud Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look. These earri...
Amethyst, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,866Sale 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...
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Green Onyx Drop Studded Dangler Earrings for Her Crafted in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These Lightweight Green Onyx Studded Dangler Earrings 925 Sterling Silver Earrings. Each earring features a natural green onyx gemstone, totaling 0.25 carats, prized for its rich gre...
Onyx, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
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
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
Hungarian Amethyst and Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Unusual amethyst and pearl earrings from the early part of the 20th Century. Fancy cut amethysts and blister pearls are set in gilt silver ...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Antique Earrings solid 18K Gold / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
A pair of drop shaped Antique Swedish dangles in solid 18K Gold . A pair of European ca. 1920s -1930s earrings with drop shaped pendants and delicate hand- engraved ornaments. Free...
18k Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Large Gold White Crystals Domed Hoop Elegant Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large White Enamel Double Crystals Domed Gold Half Hoop Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe very light scr...
Gold Plate
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Certified Natural Myanmar Jade Snake Earrings in 18K White Gold with Sapphires
Located in Kowloon, HK
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with our striking asymmetric jade snake earrings, crafted in 18K white gold. Each earring features intricately carved jade, ...
Garnet, Jade, Sapphire, White Gold
$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
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
Christian Dior Vintage 1980 Crystals Black Interlocked Half Twist Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Crystals Half Black Enamel Interlocked Twist Swirl Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe li...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Gold Large Vivid Large Shell Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Textured Vivid Large Shell Chunky Statement Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches or colour loss....
Gold Plate
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...
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Prong Mixed Cut Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings for Wedding Gift in Silver Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Prong Set Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these statement drop earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cubic zirconi...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
"Noucentisme Period" Turquoise, Seed Pearls, Rose cut Diamond Earrings. Spain
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Early 20th Century "Noucentisme Period" Turquoise, Seed Pearls, Rose cut Diamonds Earrings mounted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. ("Noucentisme" Catalonia 1914 -1936) Wonderful example of the Noucentisme jewelry exquisitely handcrafted pair cabochon turquoise, rode cut diamond and seed pearl earrings. 18K gold with silver views, rose cut diamonds, 0.22 carats approx., 4 mm diameter cultured seed pearls and oval cabochon cut turquoises. Length: 1 inch. Total weight: 13.2 grams "Noucentisme" Catalan cultural movement of the early 20th century that originated largely as a reaction against Modernisme, The artists of ªNovecentisme" develop literature, painting, architecture, sculpture and jewelry (Ramón Sunyer i Clará,, Jaume Mercadé i Queralt. Fuset y Grau...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Christian Dior John Galliano Vintage Huge Rose des Vents Crystals Star Earrings
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior by John Galliano 1990s Vintage Huge Massive Large Oval Rose des Vents Compass Whole Sparkling Crystals Double Layer Sunburst Star Elegant Modernist Statement Chunky Cl...
Gold Plate
$1,800,000 / set
AtelierX Ocean’s Breath Haute Couture Jewelry Diamond Earrings
Located in Stockholm, SE
AtelierX Ocean’s Breath Haute Couture Jewelry – A singular vision, crafted for one collector alone. Inspired by the moment a wave curls before breaking, this sculptural masterpiece...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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
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
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...
$295Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Genuine Floral Halo Tanzanite & Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings for Women
Located in New York, NY
These stunning 925 sterling silver stud earrings showcase a beautiful floral cluster design with 10 vibrant oval Tanzanite gemstones, each measuring 5x3 mm and totaling 3.32 carats, ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Crystals White Pearl Round Swirl Trio Clip Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s White Round Circle Pearl Swirl Twist Trio Crystals Flower Triangle Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches or co...
Gold Plate
$39,000 / item
X Feather Diamond Earrings
Located in Stockholm, SE
Suspended from delicate white gold , the AtelierX Feather Diamond Earrings capture the effortless grace of a single feather in mid-summer. Each earring is meticulously crafted from l...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Christian Dior 1969 Vintage Pearl Crystal Woven Mesh Cross Flower Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1969 Vintage Woven Mesh Cross White Pearl Cluster Crystals Flower Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, barely no...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Large Orange Crystal Flower Clover Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Textured Gripoix Orange Crystal Flourish Blossom Flower Clover Chunky Exquisite Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Large Camellia Crystals Layer Rose Flower Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Large Camellia Crystals Layer Rose Flower Elegant Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss or stone los...
Gold Plate
$150Sale Price / set|50% Off
Unique Turquoise Cabochon and Sparkling Zircon Sunburst Stud Earrings in Silver
Located in New York, NY
These Turquoise Cabochon and Sparkling Zircon Sunburst Stud Earrings striking 925 sterling silver stud earrings, featuring vibrant turquoise cabochons at their center. Each earring i...
Turquoise, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$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
$933Sale 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...
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 Vintage 1980s Interlocked Textured Crystals Twist Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Textured Crystals Interlocked Twist Swirl Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scrat...
Gold Plate
Italian 18Kt Gold 18Kt Diamonds Art Nouveau Vintage Medusa Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare vintage earrings in 18 kt yellow gold, handcrafted by Neapolitan master goldsmiths between the 1970s and 1980s, inspired by Art Nouveau aesthetics and the mythological figure of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold