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.
$3,294Sale 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
$394Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Amethyst Rectangle Crystals Purple Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Amethyst Purple Rectangle Crystals Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition, crystals are perfect, light scratches or colour loss...
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
Trifari Vintage Rare Gold White Pearls Aurora Pink Orange Crystals Swirl Set
By Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Trifari Vintage 1980s Pink Orange Enamel Spiral Twist Flower Floral White Pearls Aurora Crystals 2 Gift Jewellery Set Earrings Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition. Some of light...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare GROSSE 1970s Crystals Silver Hoop Domed Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Vintage Unisex Crystals Interlocked Glow Half Hoop Dome Monderist Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very excellent condition. Vintage and rare to find. 100% Gen...
Silver 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...
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Triangle Crystals Beige Hoop Domed Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Beige Cream White Enamel Triangle Geometric Crystals Hoop Dome Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches or c...
Gold Plate
$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
Christian Dior GROSSE 1990 Gold Large White Round Pearl Crystals Clip Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1990 CHC Vintage Extra Large Round White Pearl Crystals Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches or colour loss, barely notic...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Orange Cabochon Spiral Water Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Orange Cabochon Irregular Spiral Water Tear Drop Triangle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Rare to find. 100% Genuin...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Large Gripoix Ruby Emerald Sapphire Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Textured Large Massive Luxury Baroque Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Ruby Circle Marble Green Navy Blue Red Cabochon Engraved Domed Half Hoop Openwork Exquisit...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1990s Large Logo CC Coco Iconic Matelassé Quilted Clip Earrings
$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
$3,200Sale 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...
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Blue Oval Sapphire Crystals Openwork Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980 Double Oval Sapphire Navy Blue Crystals Openwork Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone One earring is in excellent condition. other one is some colo...
Gold Plate
3.00 Carat Natural Diamond In and Out Hoop Earrings G SI 14K White Gold
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
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Double Oval Knot Rope Interlocked Hoop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Double Oval Knot Rope Interlocked Hoop Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches and colour loss, ba...
Gold Plate
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
European Dangle Earrings natural Red Coral solid 14K Rose Gold / 12gr
Located in SE
A pair in solid 14K Rose Gold with suspended and moving crescents decorated with natural / untreated Red Precious Coral settings and five - pointed Stars pendants. Each of 6 Coral s...
Coral, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$352Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Structured Blue Topaz Hoop Earrings with Multi-Line Zircon Gift for Her
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 925 sterling silver, these elegant bar earrings feature natural round blue topaz gemstones measuring 2 mm, beautifully arranged in sleek vertical channel-set rows. The sof...
Topaz, Zircon, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Earrings with pearl and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 14k gold and platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold with platinum clip-on earrings set with a pearl and an old mine cut diamond totaling 0.80ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the clip-on earrings a...
Pearl, Diamond, Platinum, 14k Gold
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
Chanel Vintage Rare 1960s Gold Huge Massive Clear Round Dome Curved Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1960s Unisex Huge Massive Extra Large Clear White Round Circle Dome Curved Rope Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Very light scratches or colo...
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
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
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Aqua Blue Double Crystals Triangle Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Aqua Light Blue Double Crystals Triangle Clip Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Rare to find. 100% Genuine. A very beautiful ...
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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Green Heart Amethyst Cube Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Dark Green Enamel Heart Amethyst Purple Diamond Cube Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Vintage and very rare to find. 100% Genui...
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
$5,083Sale 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
$1,312Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 5.07 CTW Pink Sapphire & Diamond Openwork Dangle Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These shimmering 5.07 carat round cut pink sapphire dangle earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver. The vibrant gemstones are set within an intricate openwork design accented by ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,818Sale 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...
Chanel Vintage Large Rare Gold White Round Pearl Flower Swirl Rope Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Large Coco Crush White Round Pearl Flower Swirl Twist Rope Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Very light scratches or colour loss, light sc...
Gold Plate
$322Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Antique-Inspired Opal & Diamond Silver Stud Earrings for Everyday Wear
Located in New York, NY
These elegant stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and feature natural round opal gemstones measuring 6 mm, with two stones totaling 1.13 carats, beautifully framed by sp...
Diamond, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Oval Large White Pearl Retro Elegant Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Oval Large White Pearl Retro Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, one earring side is looks like melt...
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
Givenchy Vintage Gold Large Textured 4G Logo Monogram Round Chunky Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Unisex Textured Classic Iconic Large 4G Logo Monogram Relief Round Dome Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition.Some light scratches or ...
Gold Plate
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
Chanel Vintage Rare Iconic Gold Sunburst Byzantine CC Openwork Circle Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Iconic Unisex Sunburst Byzantine CC Coco Logo Openwork Round Circle Engraved Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Maybe very light ...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage Iconic Gold Victoire de Castellane Crown Crest CC Oval Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Victoire de Castellane Iconic Classic Unisex Crown Crest Logo CC Coco Oval Clip Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Maybe light sc...
Gold Plate
$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
Chanel Vintage 1970s Rare Gold Openwork Circle Ribbon Knot Logo CC Coco Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Textured Openwork Circle Round Ribbon Knot Whole Logo CC Coco Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Very good pr...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Gripoix Gold Fuchsia Green Citrine Star Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Textured Purple Clear Green Orange Fuchsia Emerald Citrine Amethyst Crystals Cabochon Star Flower Statement Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Go...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1994 Rare Iconic Gold Circle Round Domed CC Coco Logo Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1994 94 A Iconic Circle Round Domed Logo CC Coco Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. 100% Genuine. A very beautiful pair of earrings by...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1998 Rare Gold Camellia Openwork Spiral Petal Coco Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1998 98 P CC Coco Logo Camellia Flower Openwork Spiral Petal Clip Earrings,Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss....
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1993 Rare Gold Large Coco Double Circle Openwork Glow Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1993 Unisex Large Logo CC Coco Double Circle Openwork Glow Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Only light colour loss at back, bare...
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
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Gripoix Amethyst Cabochon Knot Openwork Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Textured Gripoix Amethyst Purple Round Cabochon Crystal Knot Floral Flower Openwork Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very new. Speci...
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
Antique Finish Dangle drop Earrinngs Hematite solid 14K Gold /2.5gr
Located in SE
Vintage or Antique pair with cabochon-shaped Hematite stones, in solid 14K Rose Gold. Each earring is 18 mm long and suspended. Each stone is 10 mm x 5 mm wide/ca.2,5 ct. What mak...
Hematite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Chanel Vintage Massive Large Lucky Four Leaf Clover Black Circle Clip Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1960s Robert Goossens Massive Large Lucky Four Leaf Clover Flower Medallion Black Circle Round Coco Twist Swirl Rope Gilt Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earri...
Gold Plate
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.50ct 14k gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold entourage stud earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 3.50ct - J/K - SI/P1 detailed description: The diameter of the stud is 1.5 cm the top of the stud wa...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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
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
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Rare Iridescent Red Ruby Marquise Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Iridescent Ruby Red Crystals Floral Wing Feather Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Rare to find. A fabulous pa...
Silver Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold White Pearl Circle Shining Crystals Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s White Round Circle Shining Pearl Crystals Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Good condition. Light scratches or colour loss at front side, not any stones ...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Iridescent Blossom Crystals Statement Gold Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Iconic Large Massive Huge Blossom Flower Leaf Enamel Pink Purple Brown Grey Square Round Circle Marquise Water Tear Drop Crystals iridescent Chunky Statemen...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Arty Gold Green Blue Pink Crystals Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL 1980s Vintage Arty Blue Pink Green Shining Crystals Cluster Flower Openwork Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Vintage and rare to find. 10...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Unisex Gold Hallmark Monogram Openwork Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Classic Logo CD Double Half Circle Oval Monogram Hallmark Openwork Petite Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% genuine. A ver...
Gold Plate