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.
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
$4,142Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Turquoise Yellow Gold Dangle Clip-On 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Finish Dangle Earrings Smoky Quartz solid 14K Rose Gold /2.3gr
Located in SE
A pair of Finish dangles in 14K Rose Gold with oval cut Smoky quartz settings . There are finish hallmarks on the wire. Marked 585 for 14K Gold. Maker's marks not clear, no date sta...
Hematite, Quartz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold Huge Logo CC Coco Diamond Vine Flower Relief Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Textured Hammered Huge Extra Large Logo CC Coco Diamond Vine Flower Arabesque Relief Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. On...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare 1960 Purple White Pearl Oval Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1960 Vintage Textured Oval Ball Round Circle Purple Marble Floral White Pearls Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches or colo...
Gold Plate
Fendi Vintage Rare Gold Crown Crest Fendista Insignia Roma 1925 Round Earrings
By Fendi
Located in Wokingham, England
Fendi Vintage Unisex Crown Crest Logo F Fendista Insignia Roma 1925 Round Circle Button Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe very light colour loss ...
Gold Plate
1916 Finish Earrings solid 18K Gold Ruby / 4.8 gr
Located in SE
A pair of Art Nouveau period 108 years old Gold earrings decorated with flowers ans rose cut Rubies. Freely suspended main pendants and tassel shaped dangles. Each earring is 57 mm ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
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
Francoise Montague Vintage Glass Cabochons Clip Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Glass handmade cabochons and faceted crystal beads, made in her atelier in Paris. a true statement piece! Vintage elements in gold plated brass. A unique one of a kind creation from...
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Blue Cubic Zirconia Hexagon Halo Studs Earring for Girlfriend Gift in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Blue Cubic Zirconia Hexagon Halo Studs Earring in sterling silver. You shall need these statement stud earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cubic...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Ruby Square Crystal Crescent Chunky 2 Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage by Robert Goossens Arty Textured Ripple Gripoix Ruby Red Square Cabochon Crystal Collar Choker Chunky Modernist Elegant Necklace Crescent Clip Earrings...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Octagon Square Mesh Openwork Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Octagon Square Openwork Mesh Chunky Statement Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches or colour loss,...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold White Oval Pearls Elegant Brooch Earrings Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s White Oval Pearls Elegant Modernist 2 Jewellery Gift Set Earrings Brooch, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light any scratches or colour loss,...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Purple Amethyst Crystal Triangle Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Amethyst Purple Crystal Heart Triangle Oval Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticeable. 100%...
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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Gold Gripoix Cross Red Statement Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Robert Goossens Vintage Arty Large Gripoix Red Cross Enamel Citrine Yellow Crystal Elegant Chunky Statement Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 1...
Gold Plate
Fendi Vintage Rare Gold Unisex Crystals Leaf Pineapple Fruit Pierced Earrings
By Fendi
Located in Wokingham, England
Fendi Vintage Unisex Oval Crystals Leaf Flower Pineapple Fruit Pierced Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Unique design. A very beautiful...
Gold Plate
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
$117Sale Price / set|50% Off
925 Sterling Silver Amethyst Halo Line Shaped Dangle Earring for Wedding Gift
Located in New York, NY
These striking linear drop earrings, expertly crafted in 925 sterling silver. Each earring features a graceful vertical bar design set with alternating marquise-cut amethyst gemstone...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Chanel Vintage 1980 Gripoix Blue Sapphire Cabochon CC Coco Logo Circle Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Gripoix Sapphire Navy Blue Cabochon Engraved CC Coco Logo Monogram Circle Round Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Good condition. Front sides are pe...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Gold Cross Star Jelly Belly Blue Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Unisex Cross Star Jelly Belly Double Navy Blue Flower Plum Blossom Chunky Statement Elegant Monderist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent conditi...
Christian Dior 1992 Vintage Vivid Crystals Black Blossom Flower Leaf Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1992 Vintage Vivid Black Blossom Flower Crystals Pistil Leaf Openwork Elegant Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Silver Gold Row Crystals Satin Demi Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Row Crystals Satin Demi Domed Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Silver Tone Very excellent condition. 100% genuine. Rare to find. A very bea...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Diamond Zircon Linear Silver Dangle Earrings Fashion Jewelry for Girlfriend
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Cubic Zirconia Linear Dangle Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these statement dangle earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cubi...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Crystals Monogram Logo CD Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1990s Unisex Iconic Monogram Logo CD Crystals Drop Dangle Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe some light scratches or colour loss, bare...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Baroque Citrine Cabochon Heart Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Gripoix Baroque Heart Oval Citrine Orange Cabochon Openwork Jelly Belly Elegant Modernist Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Maybe light ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1957 Rare Jade Green Yellow Pearls Crystals Leaf Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1957 Jade Light Green Circle Pearls Yellow Crystals Flower Leaf Daisy Earrings, Silver Tone Good condition. Lights scratches, some peel off at faux pearls. St...
Silver Plate
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Retro Multi Gem Burst Earrings Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Retro Multi Gem Burst Earrings Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Ovals Blue Topaz 2 Carats Natural Multi Color Gems and Pearls Blue Topaz, Peridot, ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Si...
Antique set of earrings and pendant with old-cut diamonds, Austria, circa 1900.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A vintage jewelry set in the style of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The pendant and earrings are made of 0.585 gold and 0.900-0.950 silver. The set originates from the A...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Yves Saint Laurent YSL 1962 Roger Scemama White Pearl Black Crystals Earrings
By Roger Scemama for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL 1962 Roger Scemama Haute Couture Vintage Iconic Black Crystals White Round Pearl Square Chunky Elegant Exquisite Clip Earrings Very good condition. Light scra...
Gold Plate
$207Sale Price / set|50% Off
Crowned Citrine & CZ Stud Earrings in 925 Silver Jewelry for Mom Gift
Located in New York, NY
Crowned Citrine & CZ Handmade 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 earrings cre...
Citrine, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,317Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Blue Sapphire Emerald Yellow Gold "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...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphi...
$315Sale Price / set|50% Off
Art Deco Style Real Ruby Cluster Dangle Earrings in 925 Silver for Girlfriend
Located in New York, NY
Real Ruby Cluster Dangle Drop 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 create a...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Givenchy Vintage Unisex Gold Rare Large Round White Pearl Relief 4G Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage Unisex Large Round White Pearl Relief 4G Logo Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Good condition and very unique. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noti...
Gold Plate
$242Sale Price / set|50% Off
Contemporary 925 Sterling Silver Circle Blue Sapphire & Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These contemporary 925 sterling silver stud earrings showcase four 2x2 mm square blue sapphire gemstones per ear in a bold geometric circle motif, framed by 1 mm diamonds for refined...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Gripoix Green Cabochon Rectangle Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Gripoix Clear Green Cabochon Rectangle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely not...
Gold Plate
Givenchy Vintage Gold Large 4G Round Logo Monogram Relief Chunky Clip Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Unisex Textured Classic Iconic Large 4G Logo Monogram Relief Chunky Round Circle Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Front side is excellent conditi...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gripoix Crystals Gold Emerald Domed Hoop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gripoix Double Crystals Emerald Green Rectangle Dome Half Hoop Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Not any stones lost. Ligh...
Gold Plate
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Large Gold Blue Navy Enamel Interlocked Chunky Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Large Navy Dark Blue Enamel Swirl Knot Interlocked Chunky Statement Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Some light scratches or ...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Vintage Art Nouveau Style Garnet Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
These gorgeous vintage earrings are sterling silver. They have an art nouveau style to them with natural garnet cabochons. Measurements: 5/8 by 1 1/2 inches Weight: 9.9 grams Condi...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Citrine Topaz Crystals Openwork Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Baroque Oval Citrine Topaz Yellow Amber Orange Crystals Openwork Flower Rope Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very n...
Gold Plate
Antique rhinestones clip-on-earrings, 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Antique branch-shaped clips with rhinestones Period – 1930s Length: 4,5 cm Width: 4 cm Condition – very good ........Additional information ........ - Photo might be slightly...
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Earrings, Ruby, Amethyst, Tanzanite & Topaz, Silver & 18k Gold &
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Cascading Red Ruby, Tanzanite, Topaz & Purple Amethyst Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Red Ruby Cabochons - 20.28 Carats Natural Purple Am...
Amethyst, Ruby, Tanzanite, Topaz, Silver, 18k Gold
$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...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Ruby Emerald Sapphire Dome Openwork Gold Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty 3D Vivid Textured Ruby Emerald Sapphire Citrine Pink Red Blue Navy Green Multicolour Round Circle Dome Openwork Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Sunburst Ruby Crystal Flower Blossom Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Ruby Red Circle Round Crystal Blossom Flourish Flower Sunburst Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches or...
Gold Plate
$394Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Topaz Light Green Octagon Crystals Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Topaz Light Green Octagon Crystals Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss at one rhinestone side and...
Gold Plate
$394Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Purple Amethyst Crystals Rectangle Octagon Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Amethyst Purple Crystals Octagonal Rectangle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition and very new. 100% Genuine. A very bea...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Large Circle Round White Pearl Twist Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Round Circle White Pearl Twist Swirl Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss at back, barely noticeab...
Gold Plate
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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Gold Double Layer Dogwood Flower Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Unisex Large Textured Hammered Dogwood Flower Double Layer Modernist Elegant Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. ...
Gold Plate
$125Sale Price / set|50% Off
Natural Aquamarine Gemstone Earrings in 925 Silver Dainty Graduation Studs
Located in New York, NY
Natural Aquamarine Gemstone Studs 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 crea...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
$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
$3,388Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Pink Coral Yellow Gold Flowers 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, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Unisex Gold Oval Whole Crystals Black Enamel Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Oval Whole Crystal Black Enamel Elegant Modenrist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Excellent condition. Very new. 100% genuine. A very beautiful pair of...
Gold Plate
Charming flower-shaped earrings with old-cut diamonds and pearls
Located in Chorzów, PL
Charming flower-shaped earrings crafted from yellow gold (0.650 fineness) and platinum in a stone setting. The earrings are adorned with cultured pearls measuring approximately 4.6 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Artistic Imperial Green Jade Irregular Cabochon Earrings in 18K Gold & Diamond
Located in Kowloon, HK
Step into elegance with these artistic imperial green jade irregular shape cabochon earrings, expertly set in 18K gold. The lush green jade is intricately carved to resemble flower p...
Diamond, Jade, Tsavorite, 18k 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
Rare White Pearl Vivid Yellow Sunflower Flower Green Leaf Clip Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Cloth Yellow Sunflower Green Leaf White Pearl Dangle Clip On Earrings 100% handmade. Very high quality. Excellent gift for lady. Material: Cloth, Enamel, Faux pearl. Metal. Size:...
Gold Plate, Base Metal, Enamel
$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