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.
Neo Renaissance Gold And Sapphire Ring, Circa 1870's
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 19th century Provenance: Italy Finger Size: 7 Weight: 13,70 gr The ring, dated to the late 19th century, is characterised by a sumptuous 22-karat yellow gold setting i...
Sapphire, Gold
Art Nouveau 10 Karat Gold Malachite Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Gold Malachite ring set in a wonderfully detailed setting. The ring is a size 9 and can be sized by us or your jeweler. Ring measures .76 ...
Malachite, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$125Sale Price / item|50% Off
Round Cut 4.85 crt Garnet Dome Ring in 925 Sterling Silver Gift for Mother
Located in New York, NY
Round Cut 4.85 crt Garnet Dome Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these dome ring to make a statement with your look. These dome ring create a sparkling, luxurious look featurin...
Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique German Ring 1ctw. natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold ØUS7/3g
Located in SE
Beautiful ca. XIX -early XX-century antique Halo type ring. Band in tested 18K Rose Gold. The Crown's top in Silver decorated with natural oval diamond cut Sapphire of medium Blue co...
Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold
Oval Shape Baltic Amber Sterling Silver Statement Ring 7Sz
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
A beautiful antique Arts & Crafts silver ring centered by a striking elongated oval amber cabochon with rich cognac and honey tones. The amber is set within a handcrafted silver ...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Ring Rose Gold Malachite Russia ca. 1915
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautifully carved malachite and rose gold dome ring made in Russia, ca. 1915. The rich color in shades of green is enhanced by the expertise of the carver. A statement piece for the independant lady - colorful but elegant at the same time. The luxuriant, swirling patterns of malachite have striking light and dark green marbling that is unmistakable. The startling beauty of this stone has come to represent sensuality and beauty. With its concentric, eye-like rings of green that mimic the eye of a peacock feather, this stone has captured the imagination of many cultures for ages. The first culture to use malachite for adornment was ancient Egypt around 4,000 BC. The Egyptians used malachite as an ornamental stone in jewelry and art. The stone was imported from King Solomon's infamous copper mines on the Red Sea. Archeologists have found Egyptian tomb paintings using malachite gemstones that had been ground into paint that colored the walls. It was also ground into a fine dust and mixed with galena, a thick paste used to make kohl, on slate palettes to be painted onto eyelids as a cosmetic and talisman against evil. Vivid green malachite kohl is believed to be Cleopatra's favorite cosmetic, and she was buried with a large vase of it for use in her afterlife. Malachite also played an important role in European paintings during the Renaissance period of the 15th and 16th centuries as a pigment for paints and dyes. It is believed that many of the green colors found in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel painting were painted with malachite-based oil paints. It was the Russian Romanov...
Malachite, Rose Gold
Victorian Edwardian Platinum 1.5 Carat Diamond Antique Ring American Bombay 4.5
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Art Nouveau (1895-1910) Platinum Art Deco 1.5 Carat total Diamond weight Antique Ring Size 4.5 6 gram Handmadeو American, Old European Cut...
Diamond, Platinum
Zorab Creation, Bluebird 15 Carat Tanzanite, Diamond and Spessartite Garnet Ring
Located in San Diego, CA
A 15-carat bright blue Tanzanite surrounded by 1.08-carat of Diamond pavé may be the main attraction of this ring but not the only notable quality. The decorative elements on the sid...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Mandarin Garnet, 18k Gold, Palladium
$125Sale Price / item|50% Off
Round Purple Amethyst Cluster Unisex Dome Ring for Him in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Round Purple Amethyst Cluster Dome Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these dome ring to make a statement with your look. These dome ring create a sparkling, luxurious look feat...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Engraved 14 Carat Yellow Gold Pink Quartz Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
Antique engraved floral design ring features a vibrant 12mm x 7mm pink quartz. A lightly treated bright electric teal pink emerald-cut pink quartz is beautifully presented in engrave...
Tourmaline, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zorab Creation-Liquid Blue 14.30 Carat Tanzanite and Diamond Ring
Located in San Diego, CA
The depth of blue in this 14.30-carat oval Tanzanite is mesmerizing as it rests on a well-crafted 18K gold ring surrounded by sparkling 1.68-carat White Diamonds. An adjustable gold ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
10.82 Carat Chalcedony and 0.78 Carat Ruby Crown Head Turner Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A stunning vivid red 0.78 carat Oval Ruby is set as a crown on a 10.82 carat Chalcedony. Chalcedony is a translucent variety of microcrystalline quartz that occurs in a range of colo...
Chalcedony, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.56 Carat Natural Yellow and Brown Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Moon shaped pair in natural yellow and brown color diamonds are set uniquely in this mind bending design. The yellow and brown diamond weight...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
suchan Yellow Gold Ribbed Band Ring with Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
A bold and elegant Italian-made ring crafted in rich yellow gold, featuring a distinctive ribbed, wrap-style band design. This sculptural piece is accented with a row of brilliant-cu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,388Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau 2.97 Carat Diamond Dome cocktail ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
A fashion Art Nouveau floral dome ring meticulously crafted to mesmerize. Each part of this art piece shows the passion for jewelry from Oshi Jewel...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
Art Nouveau Emerald & Old European Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late Art Nouveau 3-stone ring from our antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers. It features an approximately 1.00 carat sugarloaf cabochon cut emerald and two stunning ol...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
10 carat Oval Aquamarine Graduated colors Aqua Diamond Covered 18k Gold ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
FERRUCCI 10carat Oval Blue Aquamarine in a Dome, graduated colors Aquamarine and Diamonds, 18k white Gold ring, with an approximate carat weight of 2.80 carats. Unique work of art, c...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold
SĀMAÁ Diamonds - Brillo Bleu Ring - Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Houston, TX
About the Brillo Bleu Ring: The Brillo Bleu ring radiates a captivating blend of serene blue hues. Inspired by the deep, rich tones of blue sapphires and the striking allure of lapis...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.20 Carat white Diamond Dome Pave 18 Karat White Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
3.20 carat white sparkly diamonds, G/H color, VS clarity, hand set in 18k white gold ring, with the best Italian craftsmanship in New York, by Ferrucci NY, classy, sophisticated, ri...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
3.26 Carat Vivid Green Emerald 1.13 Carat Diamond "Butterfly" Head Turner Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
3.26 carat Colombian Emerald are set along with 1.13 carat of white diamond in this gorgeous 'Butterfly' Inspired cocktail ring. The details of the ring are mentioned below: Color: F...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Ring Enamel Round Opalescent Purple 18k White Gold 5 Diamonds 0.03 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Merian Collection Opalescent Purple Enamel Ring in 18k White Gold with Diamonds About the Creator VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship. Since 1989, the company has been closely associated with the Fabergé name as a workmaster. The company was founded by Victor Mayer in Pforzheim, Germany in 1890 and is managed by his great-grandson Dr. Marcus Oliver Mohr. The inimitably luminous colors are literally created "in the fire": layer after layer of enamel is carefully fired at 800 degrees. During guilloching, the finest wave patterns are engraved on gold, creating a unique depth effect. The rare techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since the company's founding. With a feeling for style, timeless classics are created. The company is working with gold, gemstones as well as diamonds. About the Merian collection: Named afert Maria Sibylla Merian (* April 2, 1647 in Frankfurt am Main, † January 13, 1717 in Amsterdam), who was a natural scientist and artist. With an extraordinarily self-confident spirit, she defied the conventions of the time and was one of the first female scientists of modernity. As a natural scientist she used her talent as a graphic artist and her special style inspired us to create this collection, in which we translated her own style into finely structured drawings in enamel. Ring Merian, 18k WG, vitreous enamel, 5 diamonds total 0.03 ct, G VS Reference: V1724/OH/00/00/101 Material: 18k white gold Vitreous enamel: opal raspberry Diamonds: 5 diamonds, together 0.03 ct Edition limited to: 300 pieces We offer this piece of jewellery in yellow, white and rose gold as well as a wide range of other enamel colours. Each of our jewellery pieces has an individual limit number engraved inside or on the back, which may differ from the one shown in the photos. Authentic vitreous enamel: The glass melting process that gives the jewellery its unmistakeable, sophisticated sheen is conducted today using the same complex process that was employed in the past: up to five layers of pigment are applied with equal measures of skill and patience, before being fired and then polished by hand. The end result is achieved as the consequence of sensitive interplay between time and temperature. The slightest inclusion in the enamel bears...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Sterling silver 925 natural BALTIC amber ring made in POLAND size 8 1.68g
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • stamped 925 and makers mark • sterling silver with natural Baltic amber • made in Poland MEASUREMENTS • please see pictures for details CONDITION • brand new Sku...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sterling silver 925 natural BALTIC amber ring made in POLAND size 9 2.13g
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • stamped 925 and makers mark • sterling silver with natural Baltic amber • made in Poland MEASUREMENTS • please see pictures for details CONDITION • brand new Sku...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sterling silver 925 natural BALTIC amber ring made in POLAND size 5.5 1.92g
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • stamped 925 and makers mark • sterling silver with natural Baltic amber • made in Poland MEASUREMENTS • please see pictures for details CONDITION • brand new Sku...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sterling silver 925 natural BALTIC amber ring made in POLAND size 10 2.62g
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • stamped 925 and makers mark • sterling silver with natural Baltic amber • made in Poland MEASUREMENTS • please see pictures for details CONDITION • brand new Sku...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sterling silver 925 natural BALTIC amber ring made in POLAND size 8 1.81g
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • stamped 925 and makers mark • sterling silver with natural Baltic amber • made in Poland MEASUREMENTS • please see pictures for details CONDITION • brand new Sku...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold and Silver Mens Two-Tone Ring with Onyx
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer unisex all handmade ring crafted from sterling silver and solid 18 Karat yellow gold to create a unique look. The gorgeous ring features a square onyx and is available also with Rubelite. This stunning piece is outstanding in the quality of workmanship and stone selection and is made in our workshop in Athens Greece. Size 13 (can be custom made in all sizes, please contact us). Silver weight: 19.10 gr Gold weight: 2.6 gr Front width 16mm, back width 6mm For a full selection of S.Georgios jewelry...
Onyx, Rubelite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Yellow Gold Round Mabe Pearl Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Mabe Pearl Ring With 0.92 Inch Diameter Including Bezel. Finger Size 5.5; Purchase Includes One Sizing Service Prior To Shi...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling silver 925 natural BALTIC amber ring made in POLAND size 7 2.15g
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • stamped 925 and makers mark • sterling silver with natural Baltic amber • made in Poland MEASUREMENTS • please see pictures for details CONDITION • brand new Sku...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Finely Carved Coral, Diamonds, Rose Gold Wave Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashionable cocktail ring in 14k rose gold structure, mounted with finely carved white coral with wave design, and details of diamonds. The origin of this ring goes back to the 1980s...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Ladies Gold Ring, with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique ladies gold ring, with sapphires and diamonds. The central diamond solitaire has about 0.4 carats. US ring size about 6 1/2. Including certif...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling silver 925 natural BALTIC amber ring made in POLAND size 6.5 2.4g
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • stamped 925 and makers mark • sterling silver with natural Baltic amber • made in Poland MEASUREMENTS • please see pictures for details CONDITION • brand new Sku...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Midcentury Persian Turquoise and 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
The turquoise is a warm and yummy sea foam blue from Persia and is set in a carved filigree prong setting. The turquoise sits high on the setting and is securely held in place by ten...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
This Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Ring
Located in London, England
This Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring is crafted from 18K gold, onyx and diamond and features a band design. Signature "VCA Au750 " and serial number JA****** present. Size ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Foliate Design Crossover Diamond Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 18K gold, the ring features a yellow gold domed crossover design with two diamond solitaires set in white gold in a foliate style diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior GROSSE 1960s Sapphire Navy Oval Crystal Charm Band Ring US 7 1/2
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1960s Sapphire Navy Oval Crystal Charm Band Ring US 7 1/2, Gold Tone Very good condition. Rare to find. Signed at the rear. 100% Genuine. UK size: P. _ _ _ G...
Gold Plate
Antique Art Nouveau Ring Silver Corallium Rubrum
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Art Nouveau was handcrafted towards the end of the nineteenth century. ring is set with a fine large oval corallium Rubrum cabochon and two smaller round cabochons in stylized ...
Silver
20 Carat Lander Blue Turquoise & Black Onyx Beautiful Ring 18K
Located in Hung Hom, HK
The mine where a piece of turquoise was found—not its color, nor its matrix, which refers to the veins and patterns of the stone—is the primary factor in determining its value. Historically speaking, the finest turquoise came from the mountains of Iran’s Khorasan Province. In the 20th century, however, the copper-rich American Southwest supplanted Iran as the primary source of rare, and valuable, specimens, including collector favorites such as Bisbee, Lander Blue...
Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold
American 1895 Art Nouveau Ring In 14Kt Yellow Gold With 3.42 Cts Black Opal
Located in Miami, FL
An art nouveau ring with Black opal. A highly decorated ring, created in America during the art nouveau period, back in the 1895. This beautiful ring has been crafted with intricate organic motifs of leaves and grapes in yellow gold of 14 karats and finished with high polished, Gemstones: Mount in a bezel setting, with 1 oval cabochon cut (15 x 10 x 4 mm) of natural black opal with an estimate weight of 3.42 carats. Birthstone: Opal for the month of October. Weight: 2.70 Grams, (1.73 Dwt). Size: 6.75 and may be easily sized on request. Measurements: 18 mm by 18 mm (0.71 x 0.71 Inches) and raise 4 mm over the finger. Hallmarks: No marks, the ring was electronically tested for 14 karats gold Art Nouveau History Or so called the new art jewelry was created in Europe between about 1895 and 1915, coming on the heels of the “overwrought” designs of the Victorian era (which ended with Queen Victoria's death in 1901) and creating a striking contrast to the mainstream Edwardian designs of that time. While jewelry with a similar aesthetic was being made in other countries during the same time period--for example, Jugendstil in Germany and Austria--true Art Nouveau jewelry is decidedly extended in France. It was a short-lived period in jewelry design, lasting only about 15 years, because of the onset of World War I and because the pieces were so over-the-top that people quickly lost interest in them. Characterised by lavish and organic ornamentation, the Art Nouveau movement blossomed in Vienna at the turn of the 20th Century, with influential Austrians architects Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos making significant architectural contributions that helped shape the city's skyline as we see it today. Opal Opal is one of the world's most popular gemstones and the birthstone for the month of October. A nice precious opal can flash every color of the spectrum with an intensity and quality of color that surpasses the fire of diamond. The best opals command prices per carat that rival expensive diamonds...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 20th Century Labradorite 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gingko Leaves Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Feminine antique ring, its double ring is decorated in application on both sides on the departure of a leaf of gingko biloba engrav...
Labradorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Opal Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Forget-me-not Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round shaped opal cabochon measuring 8.0 mm. Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color. Bezel set in a highly rendered foliate surround. Flanked by forg...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Opal Dragon Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Opal Dragon Ring. This beautiful ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The center holds a vibrant cabo...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Antique Gem-Set and Enamel Ring, Circa 1900's
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a stylized navette-shaped plaque, centering an old cut sapphire, measuring approximately 12mm x 10mm.; within old cut diamond surround, further enhanced by celestian enam...
Sapphire, Enamel
Delicate, Vintage, Dome Coral 14kt Ring
Located in Bozeman, MT
Vintage, Dome Coral 14kt Ring, Size 10. Delicate coral ring set in 14k yellow gold. Size 10.
Coral, 14k Gold
Oval, Dome Moonstone and 14kt Gold Ring
Located in Bozeman, MT
Oval, Dome Moonstone and 14kt Gold Ring with crosses on sides of setting. Size 7. Lovely moonstone ring with unique setting.
Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold