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.
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
14 Karat White Gold Hand Engraved "Leaf" Bracelet with Natural Brown Diamonds
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat white gold hand engraved "Leaf" bracelet with natural Brown diamonds, containing 27 round full cut natural brown diamonds of very fine quality weighing 1.10cts. bracelet me...
Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$5,466Sale Price|20% Off
Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Emerald Enamel Yellow Gold Frogs Bracelet
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 ...
$4,954Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold "Snake" Bracelet
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, Yellow Gold
$4,868Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Style Handcrafted White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
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, Yellow Gold
Unusual Art Nouveau French Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Unusual link bracelet from the turn tof the 20th Century. Dimensional links of patinaed silvered etched metal with foil back pink crystal stones. Striking color contrast.
Exce...
Silver Plate
Mario Buccellati Vintage Plique-à-jour 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
An authentic Mario Buccellati bangle bracelet of unmatched classic elegance, Mario Buccellati was the pioneer to introduce the technique of texture engraving, his pieces are rich in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,644Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
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...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Micro Pave Black Diamond Ball Adjustable Chain Bracelet
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Silver:12.94g, Diamond:6.8cts, Length:10-12mm
Diamond, Black Diamond, Silver
Jade Art Nouveau Pansy Flower Bracelet 14 Karat Gold Pearl Antique
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB RARE JADE ART NOUVEAU BELLE EPOQUE BRACELET WITH 6 EXTRAORDINARY NATURAL ANTIQUE JADE CABOCHONS OF INCREDIBLE BEAUTY SET IN A 14...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,288Sale Price|20% Off
8.60 Carat Aquamarine 1.25 Carat White Diamond White Gold "Snakes" Bracelet
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, 18k Gold, White Gold
Single Line Polki Diamonds Cuff Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:1.75g, Diamond:6.08ct, Silver:22.28g
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Micro Pave Diamond Ball Beaded Bracelet
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Silver:15.02g, Diamond:8.58ct, Length:10-12mm
Diamond, Silver
Art Nouveau French Natural Pearl and Diamond Platinum Line Bracelet, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating from the 1910s, this elegant French bracelet reflects the refined transition from Art Nouveau into the early twentieth century. Finely crafted in platinum, the design is com...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Fancy Pave Diamond Ball Adjustable Bracelet Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:5.03ct, Diamond:4.9ct, Silver:3.82g, Size: 12 MM"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Turn of the Century Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A turn of the century demantoid garnet and diamond bracelet, consisted of eleven links each bearing a flower with a demantoid garnet centre, swiss-cut diamond encrusted petals and stems terminating to pearl-set trefoil, mounted in silver and yellow gold, circa 1910, later hallmaked 18ct gold import Austria, measuring approximately 18.5 x 1cm, gross weight 24.7 grams. Turn of the Century bracelet...
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,019Sale Price|20% Off
18kt Solid White Gold Genuine Multi Sapphire Tennis Bracelet For Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Multi Sapphire Thin Tennis Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 75 endlessly sparkling natural sapphires, weighing 3.2 carats. It measures 7.25 inches long in length. Sapphire stimul...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold,...
Italian Flat Paperclip Link Bracelet Diamond Clasp 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Made in Italy, this 14 karat yellow gold features 12 flat paperclip links with one white gold diamond clasp. Available in smaller & larger link sizes. Clasp available in white, rose...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$159Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Coral, Multi-Strands Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, CE
Gorgeous bracelet mounted with four rows of coral and a silver closure. This bracelet was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions. Coral 49.90 g...
Coral, Silver
$2,040Sale Price|20% Off
L 6.8 in
Handcrafted Octagon Cut Ruby Dangling Chain Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Handcrafted Octagon Cut Ruby Dangling Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 1.3 carats of endlessly sparkling natural ruby. It measures 6.8 inches long in length. Ruby improves ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Sapphire Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstones: 2 red rubies, 2 green emeralds and 2 blue sapphires Gemstones Total Carat Weight: ~0.60 carats Diamond Count: 5 Diamon...
Ruby, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$15,850
H 1.25 in W 2.5 in Dm 2 in
Vintage Italian 18 Karat Gold Sculptural Cuff Bracelet 1970's Design
Located in North Miami, FL
This thick and stunning vintage Italian sculptural bracelet is stamped 18K Gold. It has great weight and presence. it has 3 rows of 18 K yellow gold that is recessed and 3 rows that is frontal giving it it's sculptural entity. It has an in and out pattern of gold as in a weave pattern. It is beautiful, timeless, classic and will work day or evening. It is hallmarked 18K. There is a florentine like pattern on the gold and it is extremely well made. This is a very very fine Italian 18K gold cuff bracelet. The weight is 51.7 DWT. There are two safety hooks and clasps. This will fit a wrist of 6 inches in diameter which is a small wrist to a medium small wrist. The small wrist will have some wiggle room. It will fit a slightly larger wrist which would be a small to medium that will have a tighter fit like 6.5". The inside diameter of this gorgeous bracelet is 2". This has good weight to it and is a very special elegant Italian 18K gold bracelet...
18k Gold, Gold
Red and White Enamel Ladybug Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ladybug Count: 14 Bracelet Length: ~7 inches Bracelet Width: ~ 7.9 mm Total Weight: 5 Grams Condition: Vintage, Excellent Stamp...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1950s Lapis Lazuli Cabochon Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold. Magnificent retro gold bracelet, it is made of gold semicircle motifs articulated between them retaining on top a lapis lazuli cabochon closed set ....
Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5 Authentic Roman Coins '2nd-3rd Cent' Depicting Roman Empresses Bracelet
Located in Roma, IT
This handmade sterling silver bracelet has been set with 5 authentic Roman coins ( denarii ) dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century AD, depicting Roman empresses (except for the last coin, the one depicting Julia Mamea, who was the mother of Emperor Alexander Severus, not his wife!) The coins depict: Sabina, wife of Emperor Hadrian Faustina senior, wife of the Emperor Antoninus Pius...
Sterling Silver
French Retro Braided Gold Curb Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The heavy 18kt yellow gold bracelet designed as a highly flexible row of handmade braided oval curb links, maker's mark for Rollang et Fils et Cie, stamped 750, French, ca. 1945, mea...
Gold, 18k Gold
Round Red Ruby Gold Link Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstones: red rubies Red Ruby Carat Weight: 2.80 carats Red Ruby Count: 96 Bracelet Length: ~6.5 inches Bracelet Width: ~ 5.68...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Green Emerald Cabochon, Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular and exciting David Webb 18K Yellow Gold gemstone bracelet with diamonds. The gemstones include emeralds, sapphires,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Double Spiral Link Wedding Theme Charm Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's 14k double spiral link charm wedding theme bracelet. Contains engagement ring, wedding band set, wedding bells, champagne goblets and 2 pair of shorts hanging on a clothes line...
10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Cameo Slide Charm Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
A stunning example of vintage artistry, this 14K yellow gold bracelet exudes Old World charm and elegance. Crafted meticulously with 12 exquisite cameo slides, each cameo is a miniature work of art carved from mixed color shells. The cameos depict finely sculpted feminine profiles in raised relief against variegated shell backgrounds of cream, peach, and warm earth tones. Golden bead dividers punctuate the spaces between each cameo slide, adding a touch of luminous texture. The bracelet's substantial 14K gold frame measures 6 1/2 inches in length and just under 3/8 of an inch wide, making it a weighty and substantial piece of jewelry. With a total weight of 27.04 grams, it has a pleasant heft on the wrist. This cameo slide charm bracelet...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Art Deco Platinum Emerald and Diamond Bracelet, circa 1936
Located in New York, NY
This Estate bracelet features six Emerald-cut Columbian Emeralds and six Marquis cut Diamonds. The magnificent stones are set in a platinum bracelet with four rows of Round Brilliant...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,510Sale Price / item|20% Off
L 7.5 in
Marquise 2.54 Ct Blue Topaz Dangling Charm Bracelet Inlaid in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Bracelets are worn to enhance the look. Women love to look good. It is common to see a woman rocking a lovely gold bracelet on her wrist. A gold gemstone bracelet is the ultimate sta...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.52 in L 7.29 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
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...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Givenchy Vintage Gripoix Ruby Amethyst Sapphire Pearl Heart Charms 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
Sold
W 0.99 in L 7.88 in
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White 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
Sold
W 0.99 in L 7.88 in
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White Bracelet. Gold Tone. Good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, especially at the chain. 100% genuine...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.52 in L 7.29 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
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...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Sold
W 0.99 in L 7.88 in
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Gripoix Pearl Heart Oval Red Blue Purple White Bracelet. Gold Tone. Good condition. Some light scratches or colour loss, especially at the chain. 100% genuine...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.52 in L 7.29 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
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...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Vintage Sterling Silver Amber Hinged Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A vintage sterling silver hinged cuff bracelet. The front part has an Art Nouveau curved design and is set with a large oval cognac amber stone. Tot...
Amber, Silver, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 0.52 in L 7.29 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
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...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...
Malachite Stones for Bracelet Insect
Located in Naples, IT
Two Malachite stones for repair, Pearl Insect Bracelet.
Malachite
Schumann Son's Riker Bros Art Nouveau Montana Sapphire Pad Lotus Bangle Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a gold bangle with repoussé lily pads and lotus flowers winding throughout. Featuring five cushion shaped stations each centering bezel set round cut Montana sapphires approximately 5.50 carats total. Light lavender, light green, light orange, medium blue, and dark bluish green in color. Stamped 14k for 14 karat gold. With maker's mark for Schumann Son...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yell...
Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli 14 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Floral Antique Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a bangle bracelet with a highly rendered repoussé woven daisy motif. Featuring four oval stations centering bezel set lapis lazuli cabochons. Measuring 5.0 x 7.0 mm - opa...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.63 in D 0.56 in L 8.47 in
Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Emerald Enamel Yellow Gold Frogs Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling ...
Art Nouveau 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pansy Flower Antique Bangle Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed with undulating edges and decorated with highly rendered foliage. Accented by eight rounded stations with engraved pansy flowers. Stamped 14 for 14 karat gold. With maker's ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.52 in L 7.29 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Flowers Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Agate, Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sa...