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 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1900, France
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This striking Art Nouveau-style ring showcases a nature-inspired design centered on a bezel-set, old-cut diamond that glows with warm, antique brilliance. Flanking the central stone ...
Diamond, 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
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Textured Ribbon Crystals Knot Bow New Brooch
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Textured Knot Bow Ribbon Crystals Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone, New. New, never used. Not any scratches or colour loss. 100% Genuine. A unique p...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1995 Iconic Gold Circle White Pearl Large Logo CC Coco Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1995 95 P Unisex Classic Iconic White Pearl Large Logo CC Coco Round Circle Modernist Elegant Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Very tiny peeled...
Gold Plate
Necklace with coral beads and diamonds up to 0.55ct 18k gold 26.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold centerpiece set with pearls, old European and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.55 ct – F/G – VS/SI – on a 5-strand coral bead necklace – 45 cm long Detailed description T...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
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
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
Christian Dior Vintage 1958 Rare Iridescent Crystals Marquise Wing Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Floral Iridescent Citrine Yellow Clear Crystals Marquise Oval Wing Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very good condition. Light scratches, barely notice...
Silver 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
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Large Hoop Interlocked Double Link Chunky Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Unisex Textured Large Hoop Interlocked Double G Link Curb Chunky Statement Modernist Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Maybe light scratches, barely no...
Gold Plate
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
Chanel Vintage 1997 Large Gold Cross Oval White Pearl CC Coco Openwork Brooch
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1997 97 P Unisex Large Cross Flower Clover Heart Oval White Pearl Logo CC Coco Openwork Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare GROSSE 1960 Fish Ridged Woven Mesh Gold Bracelet
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1960 Unisex Fish Ridged Woven Mesh Link Modernist Cuff Bracelet, Gold Plated Very good condition. Only Light scratches or colour loss near clasp, barely notice...
Gold Plate
Vintage look Natural Diamond Green Onyx sterling silver Halo Pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Gemstone- Onyx Origin- Natural Diamond- Natural rose cut diamond Diamond origin- Natural, real, earth mine...
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Late Art Deco old mine Diamond 0.80 crt solitaire ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
An elegant and timeless 14k yellow gold solitaire ring, showcasing a beautiful old brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.80 carats. Graded H color and VS clarity, the diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Fine Art Nouveau period 18K gold, Ombre enamel, faceted peridot, diamond and natural pearl necklace. Early 20th Century With a central oval peridot measu...
Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel
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
Vintage Carol Felley Orchid Cuff Bracelet Earrings Jewelry Set
By Carol Felley
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous jewelry set is a 1987 creation of Carol Felley. The earrings measure 1 3/16 by 1 inch. Weight: 10.1 grams Marks: Sterling, Carol's hallmark, 87 The bracelet tapers fr...
Sterling Silver
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
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
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
19.84 Carats Vivid Green Emerald & 1.64 Carats Diamond Massive Engagement Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A true masterpiece of high jewelry. This jaw-dropping statement ring showcases a monumental 19.84-carat natural Zambian emerald, offering an elite tier of scale and prestige rarely s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique German Necklace natural 37ctw Citrine Pearls Gilt Silver /44 cm/ 22 gr
Located in SE
Fine necklace in high graded Gilt Silver with 10 oval cut of natural Citrine stones and 28 Seed Pearls. Likely German hand - made between 1920s - 1930s. Hallmarked with Swedish cust...
Pearl, Citrine, Gold, Silver
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
Art Nouveau Style Oval Cut Ametrine Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
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 ever...
Amethyst, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Antique Art Nouveau 14k Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Hand Engraved Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a rare and absolutely incredible antique engagement ring that was crafted during the art nouveau period from solid 14k yellow gold. It features a fine diamond with a uni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique European Bangle Bracelet Enamels solid 830 Silver / 29gr
Located in SE
Antique Silver & champlevé Enamel Bracelet with continuous hand - engraved and enameled floral ornament. Combination of White, Blue, Red ,Green and Yellow. Original V - lock and sec...
Silver, Enamel
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
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Enamel Dove Necklace with Diamonds & Ruby, 1910
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exquisite antique necklace features a spread-winged dove rendered in luminous white and cream enamel, suspended gracefully from a platinum chain. The bird's outstretched wings a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
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
Silvorra 13.09 CTW Carved Moonstone Rose Flower Cocktail Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This unique cocktail ring showcases a beautifully hand carved natural moonstone flower weighing 13.09 carats, expertly set in 925 Sterling Silver. The sculpted floral centerpiece hig...
Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls 850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr
Located in SE
Early XX cent. beautiful arrangement of 14 oval cut of natural Amethyst stones and 21 Seed Pearls framed into chained clusters of solid Gilt Silver. Hallmarks on C-lock part 850, un...
Amethyst, Pearl, Silver, Gold
Antique Ring 1.25ct natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø7.5US/2.5gr
Located in SE
Late XIX - early XX century. European Ring with Silver on 18K Gold openwork crown with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 rose cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, band tested solid 18K . Medium...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
1900 Nordic Necklace Gilt Silver Enamels /38.5 /10.5 gr
Located in SE
Old Norwegian Necklace in solid gilt sterling Silver with filigree decorations and Enamel works . Secure the original period push lock. Ca. late 19th - early 20th cent, marked 925, ...
Silver, Gold, Enamel
1905 Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 8.7.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with openwork crown arranged with 19 care cut Rubies and 5 natural Diamonds in Platinum clusters. Worn Swedish hallmarks: 18K, 3 crowns , maker's , year combination C7 = hand-...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Nouveau Garnet Pendant solid 56/ 14K Gold / 8.5gr
Located in SE
1908 - 1917 Imperial period Garnet Pendant chained, all metal parts in solid 56 /14K Yellow Gold. Original anchor-linked chains. The length of the chains is 50 cm if open and widesp...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Antique 14ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Four Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 14k Stamped Circa 1910 Art Nouveau 14ct gold ring, with flowing openwork shoulders and set with four matching old‑cut diamonds, each held in softly carv...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1904 Art Nouveau Nordic Locket Pendant Sapphire Pearls solid 18KGold / 5.25gr
Located in SE
120-year-old Pendant / Locket made of solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with two Sapphires Ø 2.75 mm / 0.08 ct each and inlaid with 4 paved seed Pearls Ø 1.6 mm each. The locket is 3....
Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
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
Antique Halo Ring 0.9 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø 6US/ 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring with Diamonds, ca 1920s -1930s, likely German or Danish. No hallmarks, band tested solid 14K Rose Gold. Crown with top in White Gold or Silver holding 11 old diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Antique European Earrings solid 18K Orange Gold /2.16 gr
Located in SE
A pair of hand - engraved knot- shaped hooked dangles with freely suspended terminated with two drops . European hand - made ca. early 20th century. No hallmarks, metal tested solid...
18k Gold
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
Antique German Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls Gilt Silver/44.5cm/11.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful arrangement of 15 oval and round cut of natural Amethyst stones and 7 Seed Pearls framed into chained clusters of solid Gilt Silver. Likely German necklace, hand -made ca....
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, Silver
5.76 Certified Mozambique Paraiba Neon Color With White Diamonds Classical Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An extraordinary opportunity to own one of the most elusive and mesmerizing treasures in the gemstone world. This classical statement ring centers a magnificent, certified 5.76-carat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Paraiba, 18k Gold
1969 Turkish Coin Unisex Men's Ring 25 Kurush solid 22k & 14k Gold ØUS6.5 /4.6gr
Located in SE
A ring with Turkish Coin. Solid 14k Rose Gold band featuring bezel set genuine Turkish solid Ø14mm 22K Yellow Gold 25 Kurush coin minted in 1969. The fa...
14k Gold, 22k Gold
Natural Myanmar Lavender Icy Jadeite Sakura Petal Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold
Located in Kowloon, HK
Elevate your collection with this exquisite, custom-designed pendant necklace featuring a highly coveted Type A natural Myanmar lavender icy jadeite. Handcrafted to perfection, the t...
Jade, Rose Gold
Antique Russian Lodka Ring solid 56 /14K Gold Diamonds Ø6.5US /3.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Antique Art Nouveau period Russian 56 Rose Gold /14K Ring featuring rose diamond cut Diamonds arranged in fancy Boat - shaped pattern with carved shank of beautiful leave...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1914 Antique Trowel Pendant Freemason Masonic Enamel solid 18K Gold / 1.5gr
Located in SE
Antique Freemason Masonic Trowel pendant in solid 18K Yellow Gold featuring miniature Freemason trowel with Enameled masonic symbols on front side and engraved brick pattern on the b...
18k Gold, Enamel
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
Bohemian Garnet Necklace solid 18K Gold Silver /43cm / 9.1gr
Located in SE
Austrian or Czechoslovakian Bohemian ca. 1920 - 1930s Garnet Necklace with pendants in Gilt Silver and chain in solid 18K Yellow Gold. No markings on pendant. Chain hallmarked 18K....
Garnet, 18k Gold, Silver
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold Massive Iconic Lava Circle Round Hoop Chunky Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Massive Iconic Large Lava Round Circle Hoop Drop Dangle Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different style. ...
Gold-filled
Choker with sappphire and old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 2.10ct platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
950Pt platinum necklace with an oval-cut sapphire verneuille, old mine and rose cut diamond total approx. 2.10ct – G/H – VS/SI – 40 cm long with matching case Detailed description ...
Diamond, Platinum
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
Antique Georgian Orthodox Cross Crucifix Solid 56 / 14K Gold /4cm /2 gr
Located in SE
Russian / Georgian Orthodox Cross pendant in solid 56 / 14K Gold. Delicate hand - engraved ornament. Hallmarked 56 zolotniks (14K) used betwee...
14k Gold
$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
Rose Gold Intense Pink Spinel Champagne Diamond Pink Diamond Pink Sapphire Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rose Gold Intense Pink Spinel Champagne Diamond Pink Diamond Pink Sapphire Ring. A vivid one-of-a-kind ring in 18K rose gold, created in my mosaic pavé style with an intense pink pa...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Spinel, Brown Diamond, 1...
Antique Intaglio Signet Ring Carnelian solid 20K Gold Ø US8 / 3.7gr
Located in SE
Signet intaglio Ring featuring natural Carnelian stone with naturalistic and symbolic intaglio of a middle aged Woman - Wife , Mother or Sister measuring 10 mm x 5 mm . The body of t...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
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
$1,755Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” VIntage Sapphire, Amethyst & Tsavorite Brooch - 18K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Multi-Gem Brooch / Pendant Sapphire, Amethyst, Tsavorite & Ruby — Set in 18K Gold & Silver A striking expression of color, craftsmanship, and versatility, t...
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Silver