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 GROSSE 1964 Rare Gold Seven Strands Chain Chunky Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1964 Vintage Unisex Seven 7 Strands Layers Chain Chunky Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss. 100% Genuine. A v...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1984 Rare Iconic Green Emerald Crystals Bezel Sautoir Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1984 Iconic Classic Gripoix Extra Long Emerald Circle Crystals Bezel Sautoir Charms Layer Strands Elegant Modernist Choker Collar Necklace Belt Bracelet, Gold Tone Ve...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Interlocked Omega Filigree Link Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Filigree 8 Peanut Charms Interlocked Omega Linked Strands Layer Choker Collar Chunky Statement Modernist Elegant Long Necklace Bracelet, Gold Tone...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1984 Rare Sautoir Ruby Emerald Sapphire Crystals Bezel Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1984 Iconic Classic Gripoix Long Ruby Emerald Sapphire Red Green Blue Navy Yellow Purple Pink Multi Colour Crystals Circle Round Crystals Bezel Sautoir Charms Layer St...
Gold Plate
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Pink Rose Crystals Layers Snake Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Luxury Pink Rose Extra Large Cluster Crystals Flourish Blossom Flowers Leaf Pendant Double Layers Strands Snake Elegant Chunky Statement Choker Collar Chain Ne...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Gold Pink Crystals Green Cross Long Drop 2 Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Luxury Pink Crystals Beads Round Circle Grass Green Cross Layers Strands Water Long Drop Earrings Necklace Exquisite Elegant Modernist 2 Gift Jewellery Set,...
Gold Plate
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano 1998 Vintage Rare Maasai Ivory Boutique Choker
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano 1998 Boutique Haute Couture Vintage Maasai Ivory Beige Bone 5 Five Layer Strands Choker Dog Collar Necklace, Silver plated Truly amazing Dior by John Ga...
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
Chanel Vintage Rare 1993 Iconic Large CC Clear Lava Long Octagon Rope Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1993 93 A Iconic Classic Unisex Large CC Coco Logo Clear Lava Long Octagon Textured Relief Engraving Rope Spring Ring Interlocked Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist La...
Gold
Christian Dior John Galliano Vintage Rare Gold Masai Strands Long Snake Necklace
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior John Galliano 1990s Unisex Luxury Masai Multi 13 Strands Snake Dots Small Ball Chunky Statement Long Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Very ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior GROSSE 1958 Gold Layers Knot Bow Tassel Mesh Woven Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1958 Vintage Knot Bow Twist Tassel 5 Layers Strands Mesh Woven Elegant Modernist Long Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches and light colo...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage Iconic Logo CC Coco Pendant Matelassé Quilted Gold Long Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1990s Unisex Classic Iconic Logo CC Coco Pendant Matelassé Quilted Pendant Adjustable Hinged Chain Long Double Layer Elegant Modernist Choker Collar Necklace, Gold Ton...
24k Gold, Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1984 Rare Gripoix Ruby Pearls Onyx Gold Choker Strands Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1984 Vintage Luxury Gripoix Baroque Square Ruby Red Relief Engraved Pendant Pearls Onyx White Black Cabochon Beads 7 Layers Strands Tassel Choker Collar Necklace, Silv...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1950s Vintage Pearls Crystals Bib Tear Drop Netted Lace Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1950s Vintage Bib Tear Water Drop White Pearls Sparkling Crystals Netted Lace Tassel Victorian Style Filigree Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. all a...
Gold-filled
Christian Dior Vintage GROSSE 1964 Double Strands Mesh Snake Choker Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1964 Vintage Unisex Double Strands Layers Cross Knot Mesh Snake Modernist Elegant Collar Choker Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or c...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1973 GROSSE Gold Tassel Crystals Braid Rope Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1973 Vintage Unisex Tassel Crystals Braid Twist Chain Rope Long Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss, some stones are ...
Gold Plate
Vintage Rare White Graduated Spherical Pearls Crystals Long Strands Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
White Graduated Spherical Beads Pearls Shining Crystals Long Strands Necklace, Silver Tone Unsigned, but maybe from vintage Christian Dior. Handmade. Vintage. Very excellent conditi...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare 1971 Cabochon Green Purple Tassel Snake Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1971 Emerald Amethyst Green Purple Abnormal Cabochon Balls Fans Tassel Long Snake Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. It seems the...
Gold Plate
Monet Vintage Rare Silver Gold Spiral Twist Interlinked Rope Chain Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Monet Vintage 1980s Unisex Spiral Twist Interlinked Rope Chain Modernist Necklace, Silver Gold Tone Can also worn as a bracelet or add a pendant. Very excellent condition. Very ne...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Christian Dior GROSSE Vintage Long Gold Serpentine Thin Chain Versatile Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1960s Vintage Unisex Versatile Thin Slim Serpentine Chain Long Necklace Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticea...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1980s Gold Matelassé Quilted Diamond Long Necklace Belt Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Classic Iconic Large Matelassé Quilted Glow Diamond Rhombus Crush Pendant Chain Rope Elegant Modernist Long Necklace Belt Bracelet, Gold Tone Very excell...
24k Gold, Gold Plate
Crown Trifari 1940s White Beads Pearls Crystals Trio Strands Layers Necklace
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Crown Trifari 1940s Vintage Luxury White Beads Pearls Trio Strands Layers Crystals Openwork Pendant Chunky Statement Link Collar Choker Necklace, Silver Tone Good condition. Very li...
Silver Plate
CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage 1973 Green Emerald Pink Heart Elegant Gold Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage 1973 Baroque Emerald Green Pink Heart Love Interlocked Link Y Bib Charm Pendant Long Elegant Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Not any stones loss. May...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Floral Pearl Crystals Double Strands Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Flourish Floral Flower Leaf White Pearl Crystals Pendant Double Strands Layer Chain Choker Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Ligh...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior GROSSE 1972 Gold Long Rope Strands Layers Wheat Curb Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1972 Unisex Six 6 Strands Layers Rope Wheat Curb Long Chain Chunky Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss. 100% Ge...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Large Gold Grey Shell Statement Necklace
By Maison Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Large Long Robert Goossens Rive Gauche Shell Water Drop Pendant Charm Circle Grey Brown Glow Y Chunky Statement Choker Collar Elegant Modernist Ne...
Gold Plate
CHRISTIAN DIOR by John Galliano 1997 Masai Beads Coil Five Strands Necklace
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
CHRISTIAN DIOR by John Galliano 1997 Vintage Masai Beads Coil 5 Five Strands Layers Chunky Statement Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Very rare ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Mitchel Maer 1950s Oval Moonstone Milky Gold Layer Bib Necklace
By Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Mitchel Maer 1950s Vintage Oval Moonstones Milky Cabochon Crystals 3 Layers Strands Round Circle Beads Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Mitchel Maer was a prominent Amer...
Gold Plate
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano 1998 Beads Pearls Lattice Leaf Feather Layers Set
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano 1998 Vintage Luxury Beads White Drop Dangle Pearls Leaf Feather Layer Strands Lattice Tassel Exquisite Chunky Collar Choker Necklace Bracelet Clip Earrin...
Silver Plate
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano 1997 Rare Vintage Fall Crystals Leaf Bib Necklace
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
CHRISTIAN DIOR by John Galliano 1997 Fall Whole Sparkling Crystals Leaf Flower Water Drop Dangle Bib Necklace Modenist Collar Choker Necklace, Silver plated Very excellent condition...
Christian Dior Vintage 1967 Gold Turquoise Blue Navy Layers Rope Chunky Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1967 Turquoise Navy Blue Cabochon Crystals 8 Strands Layers Wheat Rope Chain Elegant Chunky Statement Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe li...
Gold Plate
27.83ctw Certified Diamond Studded Double Layer Wedding Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, this exquisite necklace is handset with 27.83 carats of sparkling diamonds. Diamond is a April birthstone and is believed to boost confidence and enhance cre...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Vintage 1969 GROSSE Rare Rope Interlinked Silver Long Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1969 Vintage Long Unisex Spiral Twist Rope Interlinked Chunky Modernist Necklace Bracelet Belt, Silver Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss...
Silver Plate
Chanel Vintage 1994 Gold Openwork Logo CC Coco Circle Medallion Long Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1994 Unisex Classic Iconic Logo CC Coco Circle Round Openwork Medallion Dots Charm Pendant Long Double Layer Elegant Modernist Choker Collar Necklace Bracelet, Gold To...
24k Gold, Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage GROSSE Gold Braided Rope Long Chain Versatile Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE Vintage Unisex Braided Twist Rope Long Chain Versatile Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss. 100% genuine. A uni...
Gold Plate
860 Carat Morganite Triple Strand, Plique a Jour, Peridot and Diamond Clasp
Located in Southport, CT
The Focal Point of this necklace is also the clasp with a safety catch made from an Art Nouveau Plique a Jour Broach created between 1900 - 1910. The broach was created with matchin...
Diamond, Morganite, Peridot, 14k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Givenchy Vintage Gold White Pearl Beads Four Oval Crystals Pendant Long Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s White Pearls Beads Four 4 Oval Crystals Openwork Pendant Charms Linked Long Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very light scratches or colour loss,...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gripoix Red Blue Sapphire Ruby Emerald Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gripoix Sapphire Ruby Emerald Navy Blue Green Red Cabochon Crystals Double Side Multi Strands Layers Figaro Chain Long Necklace, Gold Tone A versatile n...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold Versatile Twist Rope Chain Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Versatile Twist Spiral Rope Chain Modernist Long Necklace Bracelet, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss. 100% genuine. A un...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Masai Crystals Black Silver Beads Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Masai Asymmetric Beads Black Crystals Ball Bar Modernist Abstract Long Necklace, Silver Plated Versatile necklace. Can be worn as 1/2/3/4 layers. Go...
Silver
Christian Lacroix Vintage Pearls Crystals Pink Sapphire Flower Layers Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Pink Sapphire Emerald Blue Green Opal Rectangle Marquise White Pearls Crystals Twined Flower Leaf Pendant Layers Strands Elegant Modernist Necklace, G...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Aqua Blue Clear Crystals Shield Beige White Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Aqua Blue Triangle Shield Clear Crystals Beige Enamel Chunky Elegant Modernist Jewellery Set Necklace Dome Pierced Earrings, Gold Tone Very good conditi...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1973 Long Gold Layer Chain Spiral Rope Versatile Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1973 Long Chain Spiral Twist Rope Versatile Elegant Modernist Long Necklace Bracelet, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% genuine. A unique piece. Sign...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Leaf Crystals Long Statement Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Unisex 1980s Double Dangle Drop Openwork Crystals Chunky Statement Tassel Rope Leaf Flower Pendants Charms Layers Strands Modernist Elegant Long Necklace ...
Gold Plate
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano 1997 Masai Bronze Crystals Tassel Bib Necklace
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
CHRISTIAN DIOR by John Galliano 1997 Masai Vintage Beads Crystals Multi Strands Layers Bronze Bib Tassel Statement Necklace Very good condition. Not any stones loss. Come with origi...
Christian Dior Vintage 1962 Strands Milk White Glass Bead Layers Chunky Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1962 Eight 8 Strands Milk White Glass Beads Layers Chunky Statement Elegant Necklace Good condition. Not any stones lost. Clasp is secure. However, the neckla...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1973 Unisex 5 Five Strands Layer Sliver Gold Snake Omega Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1973 Unisex 5 Five Strands Layer Sliver Gold Snake Omega Long Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Chain Necklace Very good condition. Light scratches or colour...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Crystals Rope Black Triangle Double Strands Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Black Enamel Triangles Crystals Crescent Bar Double Layers Strands Modernist Choker Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Not any stones ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Emerald Ruby Sapphire Stars Square Mesh Openwork Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Luxury Baroque Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Red Blue Green Purple Crystals Stars Square Double Mesh Openwork Interlocked Triangle Wide Modernist Elegan...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Green Emerald Crystals Square Layers Silver Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Emerald Green Marble Circle Round Whole Crystals Square V Pendant Double Layer Chain Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Not...
Silver Plate
Crown Trifari 1950s Forget Me Not Turquoise Green White Crystals Flower Set
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Crown Trifari Alfred Philippe 1950s Green Turquoise White Crystals Forget Me Not Cluster Flower Leaf 3 Earrings Bracelet Necklace 4 Gift Jewellery Set, Gold Tone Very excellent cond...
Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Ruby Amethyst Cabochons Avon Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Avon Vintage Gripoix Cabochons Emerald Sapphire Ruby Amethyst Green Navy Blue Red Purple Jewellery Gift 2 Set Chunky Statement Y Necklace Earrings, Gold Tone Ve...
Gold Plate
Valentino Vintage Rare Golden Beads Pearls Trio Layers Crystals Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Valentino Garavani Vintage 1980s Golden Beads Pearls Trio Three 3 Strands Layers Crystals Pendant Long Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe some light scratches, ba...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Lapis Blue Navy Cabochon Mesh Woven Chunky Thick Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Unisex Lapis Navy Blue Oval Cabochon Pendant Chunky Mesh Woven Modernist Statement Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Marked '...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior GROSSE Interlocked Baroque Gold Brushed Linked Chunky 2 Gift Set
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970 Vintage Unisex Baroque Brushed Linked Interlocked Chunky Statement Gift Jewellery 2 Set Necklace Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches ...
Gold Plate
$256,379
X Lucia Colliar
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegance, Embodied in a Single Drop. Introducing our Diamond Drop Necklace X Lucia Colliar , where the brilliance of a hundred hand-set diamonds converges into a single, breathtakin...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Masriera 5 Strand Pearl Chocker with Open Work Enamel and Diamond Plaque
Located in New York, NY
From the house of the prolific Art Nouveau designer, Luis Masriera comes a long tradition of prestige, creativity and unparalleled craftsmanship. These stylistically distinctive work...
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gripoix Blue Red Green Interlocked Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gripoix Sapphire Ruby Emerald Blue Red Green Balls Charm Curb Linked Interlocked Chain Modenrist Elegant Long Necklace, Gold Tone Versatile necklace. It...
Gold Plate
Fendi Vintage Rare Gold Fendista Leaf Water Drop Pendant Chunky Long Necklace
By Fendi
Located in Wokingham, England
Fendi Vintage Unisex Large Logo F Fendista 3D Leaf Water Drop Openwork Pendant Chunky Statement Modernist Long Necklace Bracelet, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Very new. 100...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Geometric Square Triangle Charms Long Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Geometric Square Triangle Charms Modernist Long Necklace Bracelet, Gold Tone Versatile necklace. It also can be worn as bracelet or add a pendant...
Gold Plate