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.
14k Yellow Gold Italian Chunky Link Bracelet 7 Inches
Located in Eagan, MN
This bracelet is just gorgeous. I love the design. Half of the link is flat high-gloss gold and the other side is patterned. It is such a quality made piece. It just smooth to th...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Champagne Pearl Panel Link Bracelet 7.25 Inches
Located in Eagan, MN
This bracelet is just gorgeous. I love the design. It is such a quality made piece. It is 7.25 inches long and has a lobster claw closure. It is stamped "14K" and also has a Make...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Negligee Necklace natural 3.55ctw Aquamarines solid 14K Gold/ 47cm/5.2gr
Located in SE
Fine Modern styled Neglige Necklace made in Finland in early 1900s at the time when it was a part of former Russian Empire as a Grand Duchy of Finland. Hallmarked both with Finish 58...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Sterling Silver & 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Faceted Topaz Briolettes 6.75"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous vintage, hinged bangle bracelet is sterling silver with 19k yellow gold accents and faceted blue topaz briolettes. The tips on this bracelet measure 3/8 of an inch. The...
Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Bohemian Bangle Star Bracelet Garnets Granat Silver / 19 gr
Located in SE
Fine bangle type ca. late XIX period Bohemian Garnet Bracelet. Handmade in Central Europe/Bohemia/Austrian Empire, no hallmarks. Metal is likely Silver alloy with purity about 800 o...
Garnet, Silver
ART NOUVEAU Ring with old mine cut diamond sup to 0.60ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold and silver ring set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 0.60 ct - F/G - SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 3.7 mm wide b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 10k Yellow Gold Designer Stamped Link Bracelet 7.25" 8.35 Grams
Located in Eagan, MN
This bracelet is just gorgeous. I love the design. It is such a quality made piece. It is 7.25 inches long and has a slide-in closure with a safety clasp. It is stamped "10k 417"...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Pearl & Green Gold Ivy Pendant, 14k Gold
Located in Orlando, FL
Antique Art Nouveau Pearl & Green Gold Ivy Pendant, 14k Gold Pearls: 5 pearls, softly lustrous with subtle cream/rose overtones, cultured Metal: 14k green gold ivy leaves on 14...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Dangle Earrings Moon Stone solid 14K Gold / 2.2gr
Located in SE
A pair of Finish dangles in 14K Orange toned Gold with oval cut Moon Stone or Chalcedony settings . There are finish hallmarks on the wire. Marked 585 for 14K Gold. Maker's marks no...
Chalcedony, Moonstone, 14k Gold
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14K High-Gloss Yellow Gold 8.29 Carat Amethyst Ring Size 6.5
Located in Eagan, MN
This is a beautiful vintage ring. It is marked "585" and is 8.29 carats. It weighs 9.72 grams. It has one oval cut Amethyst center-stone that is 17 x 13 x 7.60 mm. It is a size ...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Vermeil Turquoise Tourmaline Enamel Butterfly Brooch Pendant Necklace
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous butterfly is a combination brooch pendant. It is 18k gold vermeil over silver with blue and green enamel. It features 2 round cut 5mm turquoise and 2 pear cut 5x8mm ora...
Tourmaline, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Silver, Enamel
$2,129Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic Capri Vintage Cuff Bracelet, 18K Gold & Silver, 25ct Ruby, Gems
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi-Gem Cabochon Cuff Bracelet in 18K Gold & Silver 25 Carats of Natural Rubies, Amethyst & Fancy Color Sapphires A striking expression o...
Amethyst, Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
ART NOUVEAU ring with old mine adn rose cut diamonds up to 0.70ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 18k bicolour gold ring set with old mine cut and rose cut diamonds up to 0.70ct – G/H - SI – ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is...
Diamond, 18k Gold
8.07 Carats Certified Padparadscha Sapphire No Heat Sri Lanka Solitaire Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An extraordinary investment opportunity for the discerning collector. This magnificent solitaire ring features a monumental 8.07-carat Padparadscha sapphire, the rarest and most cove...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , 18k Gold
$422Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Peacock Motif 23.5ct Multi Gem Brooch Pendant with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This ornate 23.5 carat multi gem peacock brooch pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a striking blend of Art Nouveau inspired elegance and regal motif design. Design...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Blue Navy Black Dots Cocktail Statement Ring
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Cabochon Navy Blue Enamel Black Dots Statement Chunky Cocktail Ring, US 5, Gold Tone Front side is excellent, colour loss at back and band...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Antique 14k White Gold & Platinum Pendant Necklace with Diamonds, 1910
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with an ART NOUVEAU 14k white gold and platinum pendant set with old European cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI - 45 cm long Detailed description the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$302Sale Price / item|50% Off
Antique Style Emerald, Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Foliate Brooch Pendant Silver
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous 14.08 carat emerald, yellow sapphire, and diamond brooch pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a botanical design inspired by flowing natural forms. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Hallmarked solid 18K yellow gold emerald green earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
## Emerald cut vivid green Lab created Emerald Stud Earrings in Solid 18K yellow Gold Add timeless elegance to your jewelry collection with these **Green Emerald Gold Stud Earrings*...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$823Sale Price / item|55% Off
Silvorra Pear 1.77 CT Ruby and Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This bold floral cocktail ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver and showcases 1.77 carats of natural rubies alongside 1.08 carats of sparkling mixed cut diamonds. The contemporary b...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Diamond & Seed Pearl 3 Cat Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cat Brooch 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Step into a world of elegance with this exquisite Art Nouveau brooch, crafted from rich 18ct yellow gold. This stunning piece feat...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Bohemian Necklace Garnets Gilt Silver / 46cm / 31gr.
Located in SE
Bohemian ca. 1920 - 1930s century Austrian / Bohemian Garnet Necklace. Metal parts made of gilded / gold filled Silver. All 250 blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut and cluster ...
Garnet, Silver
Ring with pearl and old mine cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 12.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a pearl and an old mine-cut diamond up to 1.00 ct - F/G - SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide a...
Diamond, Pearl, 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
Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.75ct 14k gold 2.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with old mine-cut diamond up to 0.75 ct – G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 5.5 – EU 16(50) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 3.7 mm high. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1863 Bombe Ring natural Gems Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US5.75 / 1.7 gr
Located in SE
A Ring of Bombe appearance with voluminous hollow crown and shoulders hand - engraved with floral ornaments and nine clustered natural Turquoise, Garnets stones and Swedish River Pea...
Pearl, Garnet, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gripoix Ruby Amethyst Sapphire Charms Pearl Heart Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Circle Oval Red Blue Purple White Charm Elegant Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone. Good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, especi...
Gold Plate
Natural uncut Diamonds 18K yellow gold-plated 925 silver 8"-inch bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Diamond- 6.10cts Diamond type: uncut diamonds Diamond color: White with a tint of yellow Metal: Silver Metal Purity: Sterling Silver or 92.5% Pure Silver Metal color-18K yellow gold...
Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Snake Serpent Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US6 / 8.3gr
Located in SE
Antique Serpent Ring ca. late 19th - early 20 century in solid 18K Yellow Gold.Coiled body with engraved scales, the head decorated with two natural old mine cut Diamonds Ø 2.25ct / ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$220Sale Price / item|50% Off
Art Deco Inspired Opal and Diamond Convertible Brooch Pendant in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This captivating opal and diamond convertible brooch and pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver. Showcasing a total gemstone weight of 4.95 carats, the luminous opal measures appr...
Diamond, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
ART NOUVEAU Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 1.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 14k bicolour gold solitaire ring set with old mine cut diamond total 1.00ct - I - SI2 - ring size U.S. 5 - EU 15.75 (49) detailed description: the top of the ring is 6....
Diamond, 14k Gold
Burmese No-Heat Cushion Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring, Gübelin & SSEF Certifi
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary example of true collector-grade gemstone rarity, this exceptional ring showcases a magnificent 22.60-carat natural Burmese sapphire, certified by both Gübelin Gem La...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum Necklace with Old Mine-Cut Diamond Pendant, 1.35ct, 1990
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum necklace with pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond, totaling approximately 1.35 ct – G/H - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 m...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold, Art Nouveau Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Art Nouveau Necklace 18ct Gold Circa 1910 Elegant and timeless, this exquisite Art Nouveau pendant captures the graceful, flowing lines that define the era. Crafted in rich 18ct y...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1916 Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings solid 18K Yellow Gold/ 2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of Art Nouveau period dangles in solid 18K Yellow Gold with with small dangling drops. Swedish pair, hallmarked 18K ,maker's marks , city of Goteborg, made in 1916 ( combina...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Scottish Art Nouveau Silver and Enamel Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
The Scottish Art Nouveau Necklace is architectural and elegant and fabulously striking and elegant form and contrasting colors. The blue is bright...
Sterling Silver
Antique Halo Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS 4.25 /2.55gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ring from ca. late 19th early 20th cent. with Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm/ ca. 0.45ct and 10 old diamond cut Ø 1.5 mm / 0.015 ct each = Rock Crystal / White Quartz, White Spine...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Natural Myanmar Handcarved Bicolor Icy Jadeite Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Kowloon, HK
Make a striking statement with these breathtaking Myanmar Bicolor Jadeite Earrings. Meticulously hand-carved by skilled artisans, these drops feature a rare, natural blend of Vivid G...
Jade, 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Gold Blue Navy Black Dots Statement Ring
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Navy Blue Black Dots Cabochon Enamel Chunky Statement Ring, Size 7, Gold Tone Very good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, barely no...
Gold Plate
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 950 platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
950Pt Platinum necklace and pendant set with old mine cut diamonds up to. 2.50ct – G/H – SI – 50 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 50 cm long by 0.7 mm wid...
Diamond, Platinum
1903 Russian Earrings Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamonds 56 Gold / 5 gr
Located in SE
A pair of old luxurious Earrings in solid 56 Yellow Gold and Silver decorated with Blue Sapphires, Red Rubies, Emeralds and Diamonds. Naturality of Rubies is questionable/ can lab ...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
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 European Cigarette case box solid 925 Gilt Silver / 155 gr
Located in SE
Early 20th century solid Sterling Silver cigarette case of excellent quality with engraved decorative pattern on both side, gilt parts and handy nail - catcher attached. Measurement...
Sterling Silver, Gold-filled
Ring with sapphire and old European cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 3.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold entourage ring set with a sapphire in the center. 0.90ct and an entourage of old European cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
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
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Gilt Chatelaine Box, Austria, c. 1890-1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an antique Art Nouveau style silver chatelaine box. It comes from Austria with gilt inside silver box with iris motif on the lid. I have included a 19.25 inch sterling silver...
Silver, Gilt Metal
Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Lavaliere
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Lavaliere in 18k gold from the early 1900's. Lovely leaf design with gradient green to yellow enamel tones with natural pearls and Mississippi pearl drop. 1....
Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold
Cluster ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.10ct 14k white gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.10ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 5.25 - EU 16(50) detailed description the top of the ring is 1.5 cm wide weight 3.2 grams...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Green Jade solid 10K Yellow Gold Ø US 5 / 4 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 10K Yellow Gold with divided shoulders, decorated with bezel set natural untreated oval cut Jade of Green color measuring 10.5 mm x 8.5 mm x 4.35 mm / ca 3.5 ct Not...
Jade, 10k Gold
Antique Russian Locket Pendant natural Ruby Demantoid solid 14K Gold / 10gr
Located in SE
Antique Pendant / Locket in solid 14K Yellow Gold decorated with engraved floral ornament and natural Rubies and Demantoid Garnets. Removable bezels with original glass inserts ins...
Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Blessed Virgin Mary Medal Pendant 18k Gold, French, 17.25mm
Located in Orlando, FL
Antique Art Nouveau Madonna Medal – 18K Yellow Gold (French, c.1924) Specifications: Metal: 18K yellow gold Origin: French (eagle head hallmark on bail ring) Diameter: 17.25 mm (exc...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Bangle Bracelet natural 6 ct. Aquamarine solid Gilt 830 Silver / 16.5 gr
Located in SE
Fine Finish ca. early 20th.century bangle in solid Gilt high - grade Silver decorated with claw set natural fine quality Aquamarine old oval diamond / or old mine cut 12 mm x 11 mm x...
Aquamarine, Silver, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque 1900 Diamond Ring in 18Karat Gold
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque Diamond ring in 18 Karat Gold. Ca. 1900 Belle Epoque (Spanish or French) Bypass Diamond ring mounted in 18 karat ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau 18k Gold Cabochon Garnet Unisex Ring, Italy, Circa 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1900's Ring size: 8 Weight: 3,76 gr The ring, dating back to the early 20th century, can be ascribed to Art Nouveau goldsmith production. In fact, the 18-karat yellow gold s...
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold
ART NOUVEAU Ring with old European cut diamonds up to 1.50ct platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum ring with antique European cut diamond total 1.50ct – G/H – SI/Pique1 - ring size U.S. 7.25 – EU. 17.5(55) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 6.4 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Chanel Vintage 1970s Iconic Gold Coco CC Logo Cross X Pendant Chain Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Classic Iconic Textured Coco CC Logo Cross X Pendant Chain Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely not...
Gold Plate
$377Sale Price|50% Off
Silvorra Statement 8.6 Carat White Topaz Tennis Bracelet in sterling silver
Located in New York, NY
This Luxurious 925 sterling silver tennis bracelet is adorned with 46 natural oval shaped White Topaz gemstones, each measuring 4 x 3 mm, arranged in a continuous, classic line desig...
Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique European Ring 1ct Diamond solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.25 US /2.7gr
Located in SE
Fine Antique Ring made in ca. late XIX - early XX century. Solid 18K Orange - Yellow Gold band with scaly decorations on the shoulders. Round rose cut Diamond in Silver bezel measur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 2 ctw. Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver US 6.5/ 10 gr
Located in SE
Old Diamond Ring with octagonal open work crown with top in Silver. European, likely German or Russian. No hallmarks, ca. late 19th - early 20th cent. Gold parts tested solid 14K Ro...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Art Nouveau Enamel Garnet Butterfly Moth Insect Pendant Necklace Rare 1900
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful and rare Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace in the form of a Butterfly or Moth. The magnificent Butterfly has exquisite enamel wings, with a fine Bohemian Garnet body ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Garnet, Enamel
From vibrant to subtle, elegant to cheeky, enamel jewelry encompasses a wide range of colors and styles, and there are almost as many techniques for creating these distinctive pieces.
The first art and design movement of the 20th century was all about celebrating beauty of women and nature.