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.
A Natural Pearl Diamond And 18K Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1910
Located in Firenze, IT
Marquise pearl button ring. It features a large colored pearl button. Set in 18K yellow gold with old european-cut and rose-cut diamonds. Gross weight: 5.08 g. Size : 7 1/4 Pearl dim...
Natural Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,975Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold "Snake" Ring
Located in Naples, IT
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Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Ring Iris Flower Buds 18 K Yellow Gold Oriental Pearl France
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This finely modelled and extremely rare French Art Nouveau ring features two entwined irises and two flower buds surrounding a fine white orien...
Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,466Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Onyx Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Naples, IT
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Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
“Antique Russian Gold Art Nouveau Diamond Flower Ring, Circa 1900”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian old mine cut diamond flower ring designed as a stylized art nouveau diamond flower with 2 gold leaf with 3 old mine cut diamonds diameter of 0.35mm/0.15mm/0.15mm esti...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$2,198Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted Emerald Yellow Gold "Cat" Cocktail Ring
Located in Naples, IT
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Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Silver Ring with Woman's Profile, France, 20th Century
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in silver. Very flat and following the curve of the finger, this lovely antique silver ring features a woman's profile in an openwork plant design. Height : 2.5 cm approximately...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Magnificent Art Nouveau Plique-a-Jour Diamond Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
The extremely fine design & workmanship is typical of a René Lalique / Louis Aucoc creation. A superb example of the finest Parisian jewelers art from the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,748Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Cabochon Cut Emerald Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Naples, IT
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Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ivy Ring Aphrodite Style Multicolor Glare Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional 14K yellow gold ring from the Ivy Collection captures the romantic fluidity of Art Nouveau design while showcasing a luminous natural opal from Ethiopia. The gemston...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Green Jade Yellow Gold Ring Natural Nephrite Cat's Eye Effect Cabochon
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural green Jade (fine quality green Nephrite) nephrite origin - Ural Mountains stone weight - 9 carats stone measurements - 0.31 х 0.39 х 0.55 in / 8 х 1...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 3.40ct Amethyst Ring, 18K Gold, Enamel & Diamonds, Europe
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art Nouveau Amethyst Ring with Enamel & Diamonds Art Nouveau jewelry is instantly recognizable by its embrace of natural forms and its focus on expert...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
$4,397Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Oval Cut Emerald 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,198Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Emerald Ruby Pearl Yellow Gold Cocktail "Cicada" 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Fre...
$1,889Sale Price|25% Off
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
$1,282Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Yellow Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail "Bee" 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 9k Gol...
$2,198Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Cabochon Cut Turquoise Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Naples, IT
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Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Carnelian Sterling Silver Interlocking Statement Ring, 20th Century
Located in Milford, DE
An exquisite art nouveau statement ring with a carnelian cabochon centerpiece. Decorative sterling silver bezel and band. Ring size US 7.75 Marks / hallmarks / etc: Sterling
Carnelian, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold & Round Cut Yellow Citrine Ring - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, CA
Art Nouveau style 14K yellow gold flower form cocktail ring - prong set with a 6.5 carat (approx. size) pale yellow round faceted Citrine gemstone - custom made - asymmetrical applie...
Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Capricorn Zodiac Ring with Natural Pave Diamonds Made in Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14KT:9.406g, Diamond:0.18ct, Size: US-7"
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,576Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Style Oval Cut Carved Turquoise 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...
Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,198Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Oval Cut Blue Sapphire 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Blue Enamel Ring with Diamond Row
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
Modern Faberge by Victor Meyer, 18 karat yellow gold ring has two rows of blue guilloche enamel, and a center row of diamonds totaling .18 carats. Ring Size 7.25, This ring comes complete with the original Modern Faberge certificate of authenticity and in a Modern Faberge box...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$4,581Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Turquoise Yellow Gold Cocktail "Snake" Ring
Located in Naples, IT
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Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1910 The 18K gold ring is set with a sparkling old European cut diamond (approximately 0.48 ct) in a platinum milgrain bezel, which is in the center of a four pointed cobalt...
Diamond
Cat's Eye Nephrite Jade Gold Ring Chatoyant Effect Gemstone Moss Green
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold unisex ring with natural green Nephrite (Jade) with cat's eye effect stone weight - 19.6 carats stone measurements - 0.35 х 0.59 х 0.87 in / 9 х 15 х 22 mm ring size ...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ring Gold 585 Diamonds 0.60 Carat Vienna, Austria, circa 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Golden Art Nouveau Ring of most elegant appearance with many diamonds attached in decorative manner so that impression of stylized flower's blossom arises. GOLD (14 ct / 585) ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,649Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Enamel Red Coral 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 every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, E...
$4,122Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Onyx 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 every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,374Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted White Diamond Ruby 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,832Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Red Coral 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 every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling ...
$1,099Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby Tourmaline 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow S...
$1,374Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Ruby Red Coral Garnet 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 every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,214Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Yellow Gold Dragons 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...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cat's Eye Nephrite Jade Gold Ring Chatoyant Effect Gemstone Green vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold unisex ring with natural green Nephrite (Jade) with cat's eye effect stone weight - 19.6 carats stone measurements - 0.35 х 0.59 х 0.87 in / 9 х 15 х 22 mm ring size ...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,374Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted White Diamond Emerald 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,282Sale Price|20% Off
White Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby Green Tourmaline 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow S...
$1,202Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Ruby Red Coral Amethyst 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 every...
Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,374Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Ruby Red Coral 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...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Ster...
$1,374Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Emerald Ruby Aquamarine 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 every...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold,...
Tourmaline gold silver ring Indicolite Gemstone Art Nouveau style Engagement
Located in Berlin, DE
Connect with the latest addition to our collection and celebrate a special moment from the second it arrives. The flawlessly cut stone sits at the center...
Tourmaline, Indicolite, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
French Art Nouveau Spirit Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, eagle and dog heads hallmarks. This ring is bezel set with 2 brilliant- cut diamonds in a wavy design with a beaded edge that is paved wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
$1,099Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style 0.20 Carat Emerald Pearl 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 every...
Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Moonstone Adularia Yellow Gold Ring Natural
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with natural Adularia Moonstone moonstone origin - Sri Lanka moonstone measurements - 5 х 5 х 7 in / 5 х 5 х 7 mm stone weight - 1.2 carats ring weight - 4.72 gr...
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tourmaline White Gold Ring Brown Honey Color Gemstone Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
14K gold ring with natural brown Tourmaline cabochon tourmaline measurements - 0.47 x 0.47 x 0.51 in / 12 x 12 x 13 mm stone weight - 16.20 carats ring size - 7 US ring weight - 7.55...
Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,465Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Peach Coral 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 every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$2,382Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Blue Sapphire Ruby Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold "Butterfly" 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl...
$1,099Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold,...
$2,290Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style 0.70 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Fashion "Flower" 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Tiffany & Co. Antique Opal Ring with Old Mine cut Diamonds in 14k
Located in Sausalito, CA
A rare and historically important 19th-century Victorian Tiffany & Co. ring, dating from the 1850s–1880s, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of early Tiffany design. At it...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Pyrite Flower Gold Ring One of a kind Raw Stone Art Nouveau style Flower Petals
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural raw Pyrite flower ring weight - 10.42 grams stone weight - 22.80 carats stone diameter - 0.39 in / 10 mm ring size - 7 US We ship our jewelry worl...
Pyrite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,282Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Chalcedony Yellow Gold Cocktail "Owl" 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 every...
Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 2.16 carats with Ruby 3.57 carats and Diamond 0.57 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.3 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 52 "Since we first opened d...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,465Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Rose Cut Diamond Emerald Ruby 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 every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Si...
Heliodor Gold Ring Yellow Beryl Vivid Yellow Art Nouveau style ring 7 size
Located in Berlin, DE
This sculptural 14K yellow gold ring showcases a rare and beautifully saturated natural Heliodor - a golden variety of beryl admired for its luminous, sunlit glow. The crystal displa...
Beryl, Yellow Beryl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,115Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Citrine Red Coral 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 every...
Citrine, Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Coral Cameo Diamond Yellow Gold Ring, Circa 1905
Located in Wheaton, IL
This is a magnificent Art Nouveau coral cameo from 1905 that is sure to captivate anyone who lays eyes on it. The beautifully carved bust of a woman in profile is elegantly set in an elaborate 14kt yellow gold ring mount...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cavansite Flower Gold Ring Art Nouveau Style Bright Blue Raw Uncut Rare Crystals
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Nouveau style 14K white gold ring with natural Cavansite "flower" crystal cavansite origin - India cavansite weight - 7.2 carats ring weight - 7.4 grams ring size - 6.5 US stone ...
Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tanzanite White Gold Ring Classic Oval Cut Tanzanian Gem Report Engagement ring
Located in Berlin, DE
White gold ring with natural high quality Tanzanite classic oval cut tanzanite origin - Tanzania tanzanite weight - 0.9 carats ring weight - 3.80 gr...
Tanzanite, Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and Emerald Ring Set in Platinum, circa 1910
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Circa 1910 Vintage Emerald and diamond ring set in Platinum. Ring features two oval shaped Emeralds with a carat weight of approximately 1 carat each, for a total of 2 carats. The C...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum