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.
Antique 18ct Gold, Art Nouveau Three Stone Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Experience the elegance of a bygone era with this stunning Art Nouveau statement ring. It features an exquisite three...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.5ctw White Sapphire solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.25 / 2.5 g
Located in SE
Ca. 1920s - 1930s Renaissance styled Three Stones Ring handmade with carved band in solid 18K Orange Gold and clusters in Silver. Natural White Sapphires old European diamond cut wi...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 0.45ct Diamond 0.45ctw Blue Sapphire 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5 /2.1 gr
Located in SE
Three stones Diamond and Blue Sapphires Ring hand - made ca. 1910s - 1920s.This design with secure bezel clusters is perfect for everyday/ permanent wear. Likely British, ca. first...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1948 Ring natural 2ct. Sapphire 0.6 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.25/2.7gr
Located in SE
Three Stone Cluster Ring set with sort of transitional bezel and claw setting with oval cut natural Blue Sapphire accented with 2 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum claws on solid 18K Orange Gold band...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring Garnet Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 3.28gr
Located in SE
Nordic Renaissance-styled ring with carved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Claw set Natural oval rose cut Garnet with open back 8mm x 5.5mm x 3.3 mm deep / ca. 1.5 ct and flanked with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1946 Ring natural 2.25ct. Sapphire 0.2ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS5.75 /2.8gr
Located in SE
Three Stone Cluster Ring in solid 18K set with octagon cut natural Blue Sapphire accented with 2 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum settings. This sturdy Art- Deco inspired design...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Three Stone, Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Experience the elegance of a bygone era with this stunning Art Nouveau statement ring. It features an exquisite open-work des...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Stones Ring 0.65 ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid White Gold ØUS6.75 /2.4gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Sapphire and Diamonds Ring made ca.1930s - 1950s. Not hallmarked, metal tested solid 18K White Gold. Crown: 15.5mm x 5.8mm x 3.05mm in depth. Old Diamond cut natural Sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$310Sale Price / item|50% Off
Natural Ruby Real Diamond Three Stone Silver Ring in Fine jewelry Ring for Her
Located in New York, NY
Natural Ruby with Diamond Three Stone Silver Ring in 925 sterling silver featuring natural ruby of 3.10 carat and diamonds of 0.07 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with eve...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø US5.75 / 1.31 gr
Located in SE
European Ring from early XX cent. with plain band end engraved bezel in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with rose cut natural Red Garnet Ø 4mm / ca.025ct. Back side closed. Crown is ...
Garnet, 18k Gold
$125Sale Price / item|50% Off
Handmade 1.65 Ct Blue Sapphire Three-Stone Unisex Ring in 925 Silver Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely handcrafted in 925 sterling silver, this 1.65 ct blue sapphire three-stone unisex ring showcases the timeless allure of natural oval-cut sapphires. Each gemstone radiates...
Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
1919 Nordic Ring Lapis Lazuli Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US7.5 / 3.2gr
Located in SE
Antique Renaissance styled ring with carved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold and clusters in Silver. This ring demonstrates natural tan of Patina ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Silver
1912 Antique Ring 0.45ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø 5.5 US / 2.0 gr
Located in SE
Three stones Ring with crown top in Platinum on 18K Yellow Gold Ring featuring old European diamond cut Diamonds. Largest in the center Ø 3.5 mm / 0.17 ct and two on its flanks Ø 3.2...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$112Sale Price / item|50% Off
Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring in 925 Silver Jewelry for Women
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring in sterling silver featuring natural ruby of 0.7 carat and diamonds of 0.08 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
JUGENDSTILL Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.66ct 18k gold 4.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.66ct – J, F/G – VS2, VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.75 – EU. 15.5(49) Detailed description the top of the ring is 8.0 mm wide and 7...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique European Ring 1.3 ctw / 5Diamonds 23K/18K Gold Silver ØUS 5.25/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Antique Diamond Ring, Renaissance styled. Dates to ca. 19th - early 20th century. Perfect for everyday wear. Band is solid 23 ct Gold with distor...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Silver
$520Sale Price / item|50% Off
Natural Garnet Red Bold Three Stone Ring in 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry for Her
Located in New York, NY
This Natural Garnet Red Bold Three Stone Ring statement ring showcasing a classic three-stone design. Featuring three richly hued oval-cut garnet-like gemstones, this ring evokes tim...
Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver
1932 Finish Three stones Ring 0.7 ctw. Diamonds solid 18KGold Ø US6.25 /2gr
Located in SE
Nice Finish Three Stones cluster ring made in 1932 . Combination of 18K Orange Gold, White Gold /or Platinum and three natural Diamonds of old European Diamond cut, hand - made cut. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 18k Gold Cabochon Emerald Diamond Ring, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
The cabochon emerald approximately 1ct of oval form inset and spaced in the broad gold band between old round European cut diamonds approximately 2ct. Width at top 11 mm Width at bac...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Three-Stone Ring Art Nouveau Gold 585 Diamonds 1.0 Carat Vienna Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Golden Art Nouveau Gorgeous so-said Alliance Ring or Three Stone Ring. GOLD (14 ct / 585) & THREE DIAMONDS (VINTAGE CUTS / 1.0 Carat in total) Most elegant ring: One lar...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau Three Stone Ring. 0.90ct Old Mine Diamond 14k Yellow Gold J VS2-SI2
Located in New York, NY
"**Other Details:** Primary Stone: Diamond Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.90 Carats Diamond Cut: Old Mine Cut Diamond Color: J Color Overall Diamond Clarity: VS2–SI2 Overall J...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring 3 natural Sapphire Red Blue Yellow solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.25
Located in SE
Antique Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold band with Platinum /or White Gold clusters holding 3 natural old European cut Sapphires. Sapphire in Blue of medium intensity Ø 3.75 mm / ca 0.2...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
$202Sale Price / item|50% Off
17.6 CTW Green Amethyst Three Stone Unisex Ring in Sterling Silver Gift for Him
Located in New York, NY
17.6 CTW Green Amethyst Three Stone Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these three stone ring to make a statement with your look. These three stone ring create a sparkling, luxu...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
$190Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Contemporary Emerald and Blue Sapphire Three-Stone Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 925 sterling silver ring showcases a classic three-stone design with natural emeralds and blue sapphire. A 7x5 mm oval blue sapphire sits at the center, flanked by two 5...
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Ring 1920's Old Mine Diamond and Pearl Cultured Yellow Gold 18 Kts
Located in MADRID, ES
Original and spectacular Art Nouveau ring from the 1920s, 18K yellow gold, with leaf pattern, with a central culture pearl of 3.90 mm in diameter and two antique diamonds cut in a mi...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Quartz & Light Blue Topaz Ring - 8K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Quartz & Light Blue Topaz Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Rose Quartz - 4.50 carats Natural Light Blue Topaz - 2.50 carats This Ring is from...
Quartz, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
$122Sale Price / item|50% Off
Vintage-Inspired Triple Blue Topaz Unisex Statement 925 Sterling Silver Ring
Located in New York, NY
Three Vintage-Inspired Triple Blue Topaz Unisex Statement 925 Sterling Silver Ring The trilogy design symbolizes the past, present, and future making it a meaningful statement piece....
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Zorab Creation Aquamarine and Diamond Les Trois Carres Ring
Located in San Diego, CA
A bold, colorful and sophisticated three-stone ring featuring a 5.06-carat yellow beryl flanked by two 3.63-carat aqua beryls and further adorned with 1.58-carat diamond pavé. The ge...
Aquamarine, Beryl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Palladium
$2,816Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.02 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Three Stone Wedding Ring in 18k Two Tone Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
2.02 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Three Stone Wedding Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural aquamarine of 2.02 carats and diamonds of 0.64 carats. T...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 1.94 Carat SI/H Marquise Pear Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Natural 1.94 Carat SI/H Marquise Pear Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry This exquisite three-stone diamond ring features a stunning ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow and green gold, owl hallmark and platinum, mascaron hallmark. Art Nouveau ring, it is formed of 2 patterns in the shap...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$100Sale Price / item|50% Off
925 Silver Prong Setting Garnet & Zirconia Three Stone Ring Gift for Daughter
Located in New York, NY
This Garnet & Zirconia Three Stone Gift Ring 925 sterling silver ring, showcasing a rich 1.05 carat natural garnet as its stunning centerpiece. Flanked by 0.33 carats of dazzling cub...
Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Turquoise and Diamond Ring of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A graceful expression of early 20th-century design, this Art Nouveau era ring (circa 1915) features a luminous trio of turquoise cabochons, accented by six glittering diamonds, all s...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
1.80 Carat Fancy Deep Yellow-Orange & Brownish-Yellow Diamond 18k Gold Ring GIA.
Located in New York, NY
Three-Stone Fancy Color Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold Vibrant, rare, and masterfully crafted, this exceptional three-stone ring features a captivating trio of natural fancy co...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 18k gold and platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold with 950 platinum ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.32ct - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16 (50) detailed description: The top of the ring i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau Turquoise Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Three Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring three graduated oval-shaped turquoise cabochons Medium bluish-green to medium green in color Ranging in size from 3.5 x 5.0 mm to 4.5 x 6.0 mm - prong set With old mine cut...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.80 Carat Fancy Deep Yellow-Orange & Brownish-Yellow Diamond 18k Gold Ring GIA.
Located in New York, NY
Circles of diamonds in timeless elegance. This ring set with three GIA certified natural fancy color diamonds. A 0.63 carat circular-cut fancy deep brownish yellow diamond...
Yellow Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
4.93 Carat Cabochon Cut Ruby & Oval Cut Diamond Three Stone 18K Ring
Located in Miami, FL
4.93 carat cabochon cut deep pink ruby ring. Adorned with 2 oval cut diamonds on each side of the shank, 0.40 cttw. All set in 18 yellow gold. US size 6 and weighs a total of 3.98 gr...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau natural pearl and diamond ring, the central pearl accompanied by a AnchorCert report stating the pearl to be natural and ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Delicate 14k Solid White Gold Three Stone Ring with Oval Cut Ruby and Emerald
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Delicate yet dazzling, this elegant ring is expertly crafted in 14k white gold and showcases a 0.36-carat vibrant Ruby & Emerald . The sleek band enhances the brilliance of the gemst...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$576Sale Price / item|20% Off
14 Karat White Gold Blue Sapphire Birthstone Three Stone Engagement Ring for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire Birthstone Three Stone Engagement Ring in 14K Gold featuring natural blue sapphire of 0.93 carat. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Sapphire stimulat...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique French gold ring with rose cut diamonds and a pearl
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique ring made of 18-karat yellow gold and platinum, set with 2 main rose-cut diamonds weighing approx. 0.14 ct and a pearl. Additionally, 8 small rose-cut diamonds. Very good co...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Three-Stone Fancy Color Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold, GIA Certified Center
Located in New York, NY
A striking three-stone ring featuring a 1.07-carat round brilliant Fancy Deep Grayish Greenish Yellow diamond at the center (GIA certified), bezel-set and framed by a fine halo of wh...
Yellow Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$305Sale Price / item|50% Off
Gold Plated Moissanite Three Stone Engagement Ring in Silver Jewelry for Her
Located in New York, NY
Moissanite Three Stone Engagement Promise Ring in yellow gold plated sterling silver. You shall need these three stone ring to make a statement with your look. These Moissanite three...
Other, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$305Sale Price / item|50% Off
Certified Moissanite Gemstone Rose Gold Plate 925 Silver Ring for Grandma Gift
Located in New York, NY
Moissanite Gemstone Ring in rose gold plated sterling silver. You shall need these three stone ring to make a statement with your look. These Moissanite three stone ring create a spa...
Other, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Rosecut Diamonds Band Ring With Sparkling Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:3.203g,D:2.30ct, Size: US-7
Diamond, 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
$297Sale Price / item|50% Off
Simple Moissanite Three Stone Ring for Her in Rose Gold Plated in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Simple Moissanite Three Stone Ring in rose gold plated sterling silver. You shall need these three stone ring to make a statement with your look. These Moissanite three stone ring cr...
Other, Silver, Sterling Silver
'Squid Game' Inspired Unique Natural Fancy Color Diamond 18K Band Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Inspired by the Korean Drama Series Squid Game, 2 pieces of Triangle and Square natural fancy color diamonds weighing 0.28 carats are set in this band ring....
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.20tcw 18K Fine Quality Asscher Cut Emerald & Princess Cut Diamond Accent Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A remarkable emerald and diamond ring. This masterpiece features a desirable emerald green asscher cut emerald in the very center, carried by a six-prong setting. The gemstone in ful...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18KT Rose Gold 1.67CT Marquise Princess Round Natural Diamond Halo Illusion Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Take glamour to the next level with the incredible sparkle and design of this ring with a beautiful marquise-shape and Princess centre stone Clusters set amidst a shimmering array o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold