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 Large Gold Square Chunky Octagon Basket Woven Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large Square Octagon Basket Woven Openwork Chunky Statement Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Signed at...
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 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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Massive Large Crystals Heart Love Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Large Whole Shining Sparkling Crystals Heart Love Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. 100% Genuin...
Gold Plate
Certified Emerald Earring 2.30ctw Emerald 18K Yellow Gold vermeil Earring
Located in Delhi, DL
*DETAILS- (ITEM no=e2730) ------------------------------------------------- - Gold Color: Yellow (18k Gold vermeil ) ------------------------------------------------- -Gemstone-Natur...
Emerald, Yellow Gold, Vermeil
Christian Dior GROSSE Large Whole Crystals Black Shell Openwork Oval Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Vintage Large Whole Sparkling Shining Crystals Black Enamel Openwork Oval Shell Statement Chunky Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good con...
Gold Plate
$882Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Style 0.08 Carat Ruby Onyx Yellow Gold Stud Dangle "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...
Onyx, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$230Sale Price / set|50% Off
Bold Blue Topaz & Ruby Halo Stud Earrings Gift for Women in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These Bold Blue Topaz & Ruby Halo Studs Earrings vibrant halo stud earrings, handcrafted in fine 925 sterling silver. At the heart of each earring sits a brilliant round-cut blue top...
Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Massive Gripoix Crystals Orange Heart Oval Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Massive Large Gripoix Orange Ruby Red Heart Oval Crystals Openwork Chunky Statement Exquisite Drop Dangle Dangle Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very ex...
Gold Plate
$1,882Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style Emerald Ruby Sapphire Turquoise Yellow Gold Butterfly 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...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k G...
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Textured Crystals Swirl Twist Circle Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Textured Swirl Twist Crystals Circle Round Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely notice...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1980s Gold Massive Large Monogram Insignia Crest Square Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Unisex Massive Huge Large Baroque Logo Monogram Insignia Crest Square Openwork Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Mar...
Gold Plate
6.02ct SI/H Brilliant Cut Diamond Floral Drop Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
6.02ct SI/H Brilliant Cut Diamond Floral Drop Earrings 18 Karat White Gold feature a delicate floral motif at the top, crafted with precision-set marquise-cut and pear-shaped diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage White Pearl Sparkling Crystals Flower Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Sparkling Crystals White Round Pearl Flower Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very excellent condition. Not any scratches or colour loss. Vintage and r...
Platinum
Christian Dior Vintage 1980 Lapis Foil Blue Oval Cabochon Wing Feather Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Textured Foil Lapis Navy Blue Oval Cabochon Stone Wing Feather Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe Light scratches...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1980 Logo CC Coco Round Whole Circle Gold Engraved Clip Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Whole Logo CC Coco Round Circle Engraved Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Front side is perfect. Light scratches or colo...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Gripoix Emerald Wing Oval Crystals Clip Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Vintage Gripoix Emerald Green Oval Cabochon Stone Crystals Wing Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Good condition. Not any stones lost. Light scr...
Gold Plate
White Oval Cluster Pearls Gold Curled Long Drop Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
White Oval Cluster Pearls Curled Long Drop Dangle Elegant Clip On Earrings, Gold Tone, Swarovski Element 100% handmade. Natural pearls, each one is different. Excellent gift for lad...
Gold Plate
Blue Vivid Butterfly Yellow Shell Round Circle White Pearl Pierced Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Blue Butterfly Yellow Shell Round Circle Pearl Retro Pierced Earrings Very high cost and very high quality, 100% handmade. Excellent gift for lady. Wear them on casual, prom, holid...
Gold Plate
Artisan Shell Cameo Diamond Drop Motif Earrings In 18K Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
These drop earrings feature hand-carved 59.05ct shell cameos framed by 7.71ct of glittering diamonds, crafted in 1.69g of 18k gold and 17.66g silver. The ornate design and artistic cameo motif offer a vintage-inspired style ideal for collectors and individualists. Metal Details 18k Gold: 1.69g Silver: 17.66g Diamond Details Total Diamond Weight: 7.71ct Cameo Details Hand-Carved Shell Cameo: 59.05ct Product Features Style: Artistic Drop Earrings Design: Hand-carved shell cameo with diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Baroque Green Emerald Enamel Flower Openwork Gold Drop Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Baroque Green Emerald Openwork Retro Enamel Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Tone, Swarovski Element The cost is very high. 100% handmade. Excellent gift for lady. Fine handcraft. Material...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Christian Dior 1980s Crystals Round Circle Openwork Filigree Domed Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Baroque Round Circle Openwork Whole Crystals Openwork Carved Dome Filigree Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Vintage an...
Gold Plate
$1,694Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamonds Emerald Pearl Yellow Gold Stud 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...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Lion Polygon Animal Brown Black Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Large Lion Head Animal Polygon Brown Black Clip Chunky Statement Modernist Earrings, Gold Tone Excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Signed at th...
Gold Plate
Carved Mother & Daughter Art Cameo Earring with Diamonds in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18Kt Gold:1.37g, Diamond:1.72Ct, Silver:9.44g, Cameos:31.75Ct"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Christian Dior Vintage 1980 Large White Crystals Enamel Hoop Domed Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large White Enamel Double Row Crystals Dome Half Hoop Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour l...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Iconic Gold Logo 4G Door Knocker Oval Hoop Drop Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Unisex Classic Iconic 4G Logo Monogram Door Knocker Oval Hoop Drop Dangle Modernist Elegant Pierced Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Special style des...
Gold Plate
$1,317Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Aquamarine 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...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterl...
Chanel Vintage 1970s Trio Logo CC Coco White Pearl Round Openwork Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Trio 3 Logo CC Coco White Pearl Openwork Round Circle Ball Drop Modernist Elegant Dangle Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratc...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1987 Robert Goossen Huge Cabochon Jelly Belly Orange Shell 2 Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1987 Robert Goossen Vintage Unisex Huge Massive Large Jelly Belly Orange Shell Conch Torch Chunky Statement Brooch Clip Earrings Jewellery Set, Gold Tone Very excelle...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior GROSSE Leaf Black Enamel Curled Large Wine Chunky Clip Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE Vintage 1970s Unisex Large Black Enamel Curled Leaf Wine Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Front side is pe...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Red Ruby Gold Cabochon Chunky Earrings
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty 1980s Unisex Asymmetric Triangle Ruby Red Clear Cabochon Crystals Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Only light colou...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Gold Double Olive Leaf Fruit Relief Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Double Olive Leaf Fruit Relief Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. One earrings maybe need a deep clean. 100% Genuine. A v...
Gold Plate
Peridot Pearl Art Nouveau Inspired Drop Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the graceful beauty of the Art Nouveau movement, these Peridot Drop Earrings feature vibrant pear-shaped peridots accented with luminous pearls in an elegant scrolling ye...
Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer Vintage Looking Cameo Tassel Earring with Diamond and Sapphires in Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Designer Vintage looking Cameo Tassel Earring with Diamond and Sapphires in Gold and silver. The cameo is hand carved out of lava stone which makes this e...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
9.96 Carats Pear Shape Aquamarine and Diamonds Platinum Drop Dangling Earrings
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
9.96 carats Pear Shape Aquamarine and Diamonds for an approximate total carat weight of 1.00ct of G color, VS clarity, set in Platinum 950 drop dangling earrings The diamond's halo i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
$1,882Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau 5.12 Carat White Diamond Tanzanite 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior by John Galliano Circles Openwork Crystals Citrine Clip Earrings
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior by John Galliano Vintage Baroque Double Circles Openwork Citrine Crystals Filigree Elegant Clip On Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very new. 100% Genuin...
Gold Plate
$361Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Dior Vintage 1960 Textured Ripple Sapphire Lapis Navy Oval Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1960 Unisex Textured Lapis Sapphire Navy Dark Blue Ripple Oval Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Silver Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or colour l...
Silver Plate
$1,506Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Drop Cut Red Coral Yellow Gold 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, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling S...
$1,412Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Mediterranean Coral Yellow Gold 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, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling S...
Christian Dior GROSSE Large Snowflake Crystals Water Drop Triangle Clip Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Extra Large Snowflake Water Tear Drop Triangle Circle Whole Sparkling Crystals Hexagon Flower Openwork Elegant Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Plated...
Gold Plate
$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
Christian Lacroix Vintage Large Cross Heart Crystals Purple Black Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Unisex Iconic Classic Large Logo Double Fire Flame Sun Circle Dangle Drop Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light colou...
Gold Plate
$160Sale Price|64% Off
Italian new Chandelier earrings, sterling silver and zircons
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Chandelier earrings, sterling silver and zircons, 20th century – Italy Type: Chandelier earrings Period: 20th century Frame material: 925 sterling silver Main stone: Zirconia Total ...
Zircon, Silver
Flower Daisy Circle Round Openwork Long Water Drop White Pearl Gold Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Flower Daisy Round Openwork Long Water Drop White Pearl Clip On Earrings, Gold Tone, Swarovski Element 100% handmade. Excellent gift for lady. High cost and quality. Material: Faux...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Gripoix Ruby Emerald Sapphire Baroque Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Baroque Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Ruby Green Navy Blue Red Cabochon Dome Half Hoop Openwork Exquisite Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent con...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Crystal Baroque Blossom Flower Large Oval Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Baroque Blossom Flower Large Oval Sparkling Crystal Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. A very beautiful pair of e...
Gold Plate
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Myanmar Icy Type Bicolor Green and Yellow Jade Carved 18K Gold Earrings
Located in Kowloon, HK
Discover our bicolor jade earrings, inspired by bamboo leaves with one shiny and one textured leaf design. Crafted from exquisite icy-type jade, these earrings feature elegant gold h...
Jade, 18k Gold
Two Tier Sliced Geode Dangle Earrings with Pave Diamonds in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18k:1.75g, Diamond:1.83ct, Silver:5.65gm, Geode:36.55ct Size: 45X17MM"
Diamond, Geode, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$2,259Sale Price|20% Off
White Diamond Emerald Peridot Turquoise Pearl Enamel 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl...
$175Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pear Cut Handcrafted Citrine Stud Earrings for Anniversary Gift in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted Pear Cut Citrine 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 crea...
Citrine, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,388Sale Price|20% Off
White Diamond Pearl Tanzanite Opal Enamel Yellow Gold Drop "Birdcage" 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, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...
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
3.67 ct Ruby, Mother-of-Pearl & Diamond Floral Drop Earrings in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A pave-accented rose-gold lattice inlaid with mother-of-pearl frames a five-petal ruby blossom at the lower edge. The rubies read deep pink-red against the pearl's soft luminescence,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Cluster White Irregular Pearls Rectangle Gold Half Hoop Pierced Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Cluster Natural White Irregular Pearls Rectangle Pierced Earrings, Gold Tone, Swarovski Element 100% handmade. Excellent gift for lady. Very high cost and quality. Material: Natura...
Gold Plate
Givenchy Vintage Textured Tear Water Drop White Pearl Fan Elegant Clip Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Textured Tear Water White Long Pearl Fan Elegant Dangle Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition and very unique. Very light scratches, barely...
Gold Plate
$5,648Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Coral Diamond Yellow Sapphire Yellow Gold "Bee on Flower" 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, Black Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire,...
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Silver Door Knocker Rectangle Circle Hoop Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Vintage Unisex Circle Door Knocker Rectangle Chunky Statement Hoop Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe very light scratches or col...
Silver Plate
Natural Kite Shape Jade Carved Earrings in 18K Gold with Diamond and Tsavorite
Located in Kowloon, HK
Discover the allure of these stunning kite shape jade carved earrings, expertly crafted to blend traditional artistry with modern elegance. Set in luxurious 18K gold, these earrings ...
Diamond, Jade, Tsavorite, 18k Gold