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 Designer Murrle Bennett, 9ct Gold, Art Nouveau Mother of Pearl Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Murrle Bennett Pendant 9ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Art Nouveau pendant by Murrle Bennett in 9ct gold, set with two iridescent mother of pearl. The openwork frame shows the maker’s...
Pearl, Gold, 9k 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 Iconic Unisex Black Crystals Interlocked Ribbed Omega Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Black Enamel Crystals Interlocked Ribbed Omega Choker Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% genuine. A unique piece. Signed at the b...
Gold Plate
Art Nouveau George Steere Swan Phoenix Bird Locket Necklace Antique Belle Epoque
Located in New York, NY
INDULGE IN A MAGNIFICENT MUSEUM QUALITY ART NOUVEAU -BELLE EPOQUE LARGE PICTURE LOCKET NECKLACE MADE BY GEORGE STEERE OF RHODE ISLAND (SIGNED GNS) WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY IMAGE OF TWO...
Gold-filled
Antique c.1900 Jugendstil Silver and Paste Pendant
Located in Wilmslow, England
This lovely pendant was created in c.1900, most likely in Austria or Germany. Condition Report: Very Good - A tiny element of ageing to the silver and a couple of the stones. This...
Silver
Art Nouveau Ivy and Ribbon Locket of 10k Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming antique locket (circa 1900-1910) featuring an elegant arrangement of ivy and a bow crafted in 10K gold, accented by a tiny opal. The ivy motif was particularly meaningful ...
Opal, 10k 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
Antique Edwardian 15ct Gold Garnet and Seed Pearl Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet Pendant 15ct Gold Makers Mark YB Circa 1910 *The chain is sold separately This is an elegant Art Nouveau pendant crafted in 15ct gold, displaying the characteri...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 15k 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
Antique Art Deco Negligee Necklace Amethyst Seed Pearls Silver / 42.5 cm / 4.1 g
Located in SE
Hand - Hand-made necklace from the early 20 century featuring three natural Amethyst stones and Seed Pearls in Silver framing with Silver anchor type chain with c- c-closure. Such N...
Amethyst, Pearl, Silver
Antique von Aminoff 3 Intaglio Fob wax Seal Citrine solid 18K Gold / 8.7gr
Located in SE
18th - 19th-century fob pendant in solid 18K Yellow Gold mount with 3 intaglio seals skillfully carved in solid natural Citrine stone. One seal shows the coat of arms of the noble f...
Citrine, 18k 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
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
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 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
$376Sale Price|20% Off
Late Victorian Silver Mechanical Folding Fan Pendant circa 1900
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exceptional antique sterling silver mechanical folding fan pendant from the turn-of-the-century late Victorian to Art Nouveau transition period, circa 1900. Sourced in Europe, thi...
Silver
MAX LAEUGER - Rare Jugendstil Karlsruhe Majolica Bird Pendant - Germany - C.1925
Located in Chatham, CA
MAX LAEUGER (1864-1952) - STAATLICHE MAJOLIKA-MANUFAKTUR KARLSRUHE (Manufacturer) - Rare antique Jugensdstil / Art Deco majolica pendant attributed to Max Laeuger - featuring an oval...
Sterling Silver
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
Rare Plique a Jour Pendant, Hemmerle
By Hemmerle
Located in New York, NY
Rare Plique a Jour Pendant from the early part of the 20th Century by Hemmerle, Germany. Hemmerle Jewelers was founded in the late 19th Century...
Opal, Sterling Silver, 10k Gold, Vermeil
Tiffany & Co Iconic Rare Elsa Peretti Silver Initial Alphabet Y Pendant Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Tiffany & Co Vintage Elsa Peretti Alphabet Initial Y Elegant Modernist Charm Pendant Elegant Modernist Necklace, 925 Sterling Silver Very excellent condition. Come with origina...
Silver
$152Sale Price|39% Off
LB offers 60’s Enamel Brass snake earring Peking glass Venetian glass Necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux has on offer a 60’s Green Enamel floral motif pierced Brass Pendant. Green vintage Peking glass faceted beads, Brass Tibetan beads, Venetian glass Mille Fiore bead...
Brass, 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
Antique Art Nouveau Tourmaline Gems & Lampwork Glass White Gold Filigree Sautoir
Located in Chicago, IL
Epitomizing the Art Nouveau movement, this antique post-1912 sautoir drop necklace with a white-gold openwork-and-wire pendant and filigree clasp features a rainbow of handcrafted gem beads--the largest of which are carved "Rose of France" and purple amethysts plus faceted-pink and beveled-aqua tourmalines--along with what appears to be lampwork glass...
Amethyst, Tourmaline, White Gold, Enamel, Rhodium, Gilt Metal
Antique French 18k Elephant charm - small light 18k solid gold animal pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this antique French Elephant charm crafted in 18 karat solid yellow gold. An elephant symbolizes good luck, strength, wisdom, and protection. This small hollow charm is ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,076Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade One of its kind Excellent Diamond Real Emerald solid 18K Gold pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
This Stunner Pendant defines class. It completes your everyday look and will also attract special attention on special occasions. This piece of beauty comprises of Natural Zambian Em...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
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
Christian Dior Vintage Iconic Gold Lapis Foil Cabochon Octagon Omega Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Lapis Navy Foil Cabochon Octagon Square Sparkling Crystals Ribbed Omega Adjustable Collar Chunky Statement Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condit...
Gold Plate
1916 Antique Necklace solid 18K Gold Filigree Citrine River Pearl / 7.7 gr
Located in SE
Antique hand-made Swedish necklace in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Delicate filigree work, oval and drop cut natural Citrine stones accented with tiny Seed P...
Citrine, Pearl, 18k Gold
$152Sale Price|44% Off
LB vintage Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Bow Brooch Venetian glass necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux Vintage Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Bow brooch , one of a kind, handmade necklace is on offer. This vintage, elegant, feminine, bow brooch is enhanced with marcasit...
Amethyst, Marcasite, Quartz, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Iconic Rare Gold Lapis Stone Foil Oval Cabochon Omega 2 Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Lapis Navy Blue Stone Foil Oval Cabochon Openwork Omega Chunky Statement Collar Choker Necklace Clip Earrings Elegant Modernist Jewellery Set, Gol...
Gold Plate
Carrera y Carrera 18K Gold Intertwined Couple Erotic Pendant Necklace
Located in Henderson, NV
Vintage Carrera y Carrera pendant with chain, crafted in 18k yellow gold. Features an intricate design depicting two lovers in an embrace in an Art Nouveau style. The two intertwined...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Handmade 5.76 Ct Natural Amethyst Solitaire Pendant in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver and features a natural octagon shaped amethyst measuring 11x9 mm and weighing 5.76 carats. The stone is securely bezel set and the pend...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold White Pearl Oval Crystals Omega Collar Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Oval White Pearl Crystals Omega Adjustable Collar Choker Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Marked 'Chr.Dior (C) '. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
French antique Chalice & host pendant - rare Victorian Catholic Religious charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
We are delighted to introduce this Antique French 18k yellow gold medal featuring a chalice, which is a cup often use for drinking during a religious ceremony. A host marked with a c...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer natural Emerald Diamond Pendant Solid 18K Yellow Gold IGI Certified
Located in Delhi, DL
This Stunner Pendant defines class. It completes your everyday look and will also attract special attention on special occasions. This piece of beauty comprises of Natural Zambian Em...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Masriera Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace in 18K Gold, Platinum & Diamonds
By Masriera
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exquisite Art Nouveau pendant is by Masriera out of Spain and it is centered on a finely carved ivory profile of a woman, her serene expression framed by a richly detailed blue en...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau Enamel Goddess Woman Pendant Necklace Silver Antique Museum Quality
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare antique Art Nouveau Goddess Woman Enamel Pendant Necklace in silver. The magnificent hand painted enamel portrait of a goddess woman is of museum quality and she has ...
Enamel, Silver
Silvorra 3.61 Ct Natural Ruby Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver Thanksgiving Gift
Located in New York, NY
This pendant in 925 sterling silver and showcases 13 natural rubies arranged in a graceful Art Nouveau inspired design. The composition features a harmonious mix of oval and round ru...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Pink Clover Emerald Green Dots Crystals Linked 2 Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Pink Clover Flower Cross Emerald Green Dots Crystals Row Interlinked Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Only one green stone shade ...
Gold Plate
Dainty Amethyst Oval Shape Cluster Pendant Made 925 Silver for Graduation Gift
Located in New York, NY
Dainty Amethyst Oval Shape Cluster Pendant in sterling silver studded with oval cut amethyst gemstone. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfi...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique European Pendant Demeter Carved Shell Cameo solid 14K Rose Gold / 9.7gr
Located in SE
Antique pendant/brooch with hand carved Shell cameo depicting Demeter - Greek Goddess of the harvest and agriculture, who presided over grains and the fertility of the earth She has ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Christian Dior Vintage 1990s Leather CD Bow Tie Beige Charm Choker Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1990s CD Logo Charm Silver Dangle Pendant Bow Tie Beige White Leather Choker Collar Necklace Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely notic...
Silver Plate
Silvorra Art Nouveau Style Blue Sapphire Opal & Diamond Floral Pendant for Gifts
Located in New York, NY
This pendant is finely crafted in 925 sterling silver and features a floral cluster design set with natural blue sapphire and opal gemstones, accented by diamonds. The piece showcase...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique German Neglige Necklace Citrines solid Silver / 44cm / 4.95gr
Located in SE
A hand-made German Negligee Necklace. 6 Natural Citrines in Silver framing suspended from a Silver anchor type chain with c-closure. Such Negligee design was very popular in the 192...
Citrine, Silver
14K Gold Butterfly Pendant Necklace with Ruby and Pearl, 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a wonderful and rare Ruby, Pearl, Enamel and 14 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace in the form of a Butterfly. The life size butterfly is beautifully modeled to create an almost...
Ruby, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Necklace natural Pearls Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Silver / 44cm/ 6.8 gr
Located in SE
Early 20th century Lavalier styled Necklace featuring beautiful set of 6 Seed Pearls and 3 half - Pearls complemented with rose and old diamond cut Diamonds. Centerpiece in solid P...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Silver
IGI Certified Natural Diamond Emerald Pendant 18K Gold Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
This Stunner Pendant defines class. It completes your everyday look and will also attract special attention on special occasions. This piece of beauty comprises of Natural Zambian Em...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Russian Lavalier Art Nouveau Necklace Garnet solid 56/ 14K Gold / 8.5gr
Located in SE
Russian Lavalier styled 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 5...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Propelling Pencil by Sampson Mordan, London 1925
Located in Firenze, IT
by Sampson Mordan & Co, hallmarked for London, 1925, of plain cylindrical form, with ring terminal, length 10.3cm.
Gold
1900 Antique Danish Faceted Natural Amber Honey Cognac Necklace 58 /85gr
Located in SE
Wonderful XIX -early XX cent. Danish natural Amber strand featuring 56 faceted beads of gradual sizes that exhibit inclusions, color variations, and crazing common in older amber bea...
Amber, Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Ribbed Omega Snake Ripple Choker Chunky Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Geometric Pendant Ribbed Omega Snake Choker Collar Modernist Chunky Statement Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or colou...
Gold Plate
LB offers Vintage SS Enamel Bird Brooch Crystals Marcasite Venetian Necklace
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux has on offer a handmade necklace with a delicate centerpiece of a vintage Sterling Silver, Enamel and Marcasite small brooch. Vintage blue faceted teardrop crystals...
Marcasite, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Iconic Gold Ruby Peacock Water Drop Wing Chunky Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Baroque Ruby Red Peacock Eye Tear Water Drop Crystals Wing Openwork Pendant Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent cond...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Lapis Blue Stone Octagon Oval Cabochon Gold Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Lapis Navy Blue Rectangle Octagon Oval Cabochon Stone Pendant Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Light scratches or colour ...
Gold Plate
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
ART NOUVEAU 14k white gold pendant with rose-cut diamonds total 0.40ct 2.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 14k white gold pendant with rose-cut diamonds total 0.40ct – G/H - SI Detailed description The dimensions of the pendant are 3.0 cm high and 1.4 cm wide Total weight: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Demantoid Garnet Ruby Flower Locket Pendant Necklace Art Nouveau Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a gorgeous and very rare Art Nouveau - Victorian - Belle Epoque Picture Locket pendant set with Demantoid Garnet and Ruby gems in a flower motif design. The locket is the ...
Ruby, Garnet, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Lalique Art Nouveau Lys Lily Opalescent Glass Necklace Silk Cord 1920s
By Lalique
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING ANTIQUE RENE LALIQUE ART NOUVEAU LYS OPALESCENT GLASS PENDANT NECKLACE WITH SILK CORD IN ITS ORIGINAL POUCH. The French Art Nou...
Crystal
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
Multi Gemstone Encrusted Flower Sterling Silver Pendant for Anniversary Gift
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gemstone Encrusted Flower Sterling Silver Pendant in sterling silver studded with marquise, trillion cut multi gemstone. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a cas...
Multi-gemstone, Silver, Sterling Silver