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 Gold Filled Locket Chain Necklace with Pearl Opal Slide Lorgnette
Located in Webster, SD
These chains are referred to as a watch chain, slide chain, muff chain or guard chain. These were worn with a watch, locket, fob or lorgnette. It looks gorgeous as a necklace when at...
Opal, Pearl, Gold-filled
14k Yellow Gold Antique Curb Link Chain
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This antique curb link chain is made in rich 14k yellow gold and comes from the early 1900s. This chain is continuous and does not feature a clasp or lock. This creates a sleek and c...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Antique Gemstone Necklace 18k Yellow Gold 19" Quatrefoil Chain Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed French antique quatrefoil gemstone necklace crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1900s to 1910s). Small 3mm cabochon cut sapph...
Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$32,800Sale Price|20% Off
29 Carats of Unparalleled Brilliance: A Timeless Tennis Necklace H Color Vs SI
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Behold a masterpiece of extraordinary scale and scintillating beauty. This is not merely a necklace; it is a breathtaking cascade of light, a definitive statement of luxury and refin...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Leo Glass Late 30s Medallion Choker w/ Drops
Located in Gresham, OR
Wonderful Leo Glass late 30s medallion choker: triple chain strand with large filigree medallion with colored carved glass stones and filigree balls drops! ...
Boho Vintage look oxidized sterling silver Link 20" inches long chain necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Color- Oxidized silver look Length- 20"inches Weight- 45.900gms Presented in Our Signature Jewellery Box ...
Sterling Silver
$7,444 / item
20.28 Carat Burma Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Firenze, FI
An impressive classic Tennis Necklace a line that features a substantial total Ruby weight of 20.28 Carats in beautifully graduated Round Cut gems. each stone has a four-claw setting...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Gorgeous Vintage Trombone 14K/18K Yellow Gold Chain with Pearls and Enamel, 19 i
Located in San Francisco, CA
LOVE LOVE LOVE. I love unique chain, and this Gorgeous Vintage Trombone 14K/ 18K Yellow Gold Chain is one of kind and special! It can be worn sooooo many different ways - just a perf...
Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Regal oxidized sterling silver Link 20" inches long chain necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Color- Oxidized silver look Length- 20"inches Weight- 22.90gms Presented in Our Signature Jewellery Box ...
Sterling Silver
Diamond Necklace set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 2.49 carats Necklace set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 5.5 cm Length: 54.0 cm Total Weight: 18.39 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Boho Vintage look oxidized sterling silver Link 20" inches long chain necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Color- Oxidized silver look Length- 20"inches Weight- 12.150gms Presented in Our Signature Jewellery Box ...
Sterling Silver
Art Novo Dangly Pearl and Amethyst Green Leaf Enamel Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 5.5 Grams Chain Length: 15" Pendant Drops: 1.6" Amethyst Count: 1 pear shaped and one round (2 total) Round...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Boho Vintage look oxidized sterling silver Link 20" inches long chain necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Color- Oxidized silver look Length- 20"inches Weight- 10.800gms Presented in Our Signature Jewellery Box ...
Sterling Silver
Boho Vintage look oxidized sterling silver Link 20" inches long chain necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Color- Oxidized silver look Length- 20"inches Weight- 20.150gms Presented in Our Signature Jewellery Box ...
Sterling Silver
Boho Vintage look oxidized sterling silver Link 20" inches long chain necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Color- Oxidized silver look Length- 20"inches Weight- 16.800gms Presented in Our Signature Jewellery Box ...
Sterling Silver
Boho Vintage look oxidized sterling silver Link 20" inches long chain necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Color- Oxidized silver look Length- 20"inches Weight- 13.600gms Presented in Our Signature Jewellery Box ...
Sterling Silver
Boho Vintage look oxidized sterling silver Link 20" inches long chain necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
Details are here below: Metal- Silver Metal purity- sterling silver or 925 Color- Oxidized silver look Length- 20"inches Weight- 23.00gms Presented in Our Signature Jewellery Box ...
Sterling Silver
1920s Czech Art Nouveau Silver Peking Glass Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
This beautiful 1920s Peking glass pendant necklace is most likely to be of Czech origin and we suspect it may be the work of Czech costume jewellery designers the Neiger brothers. Th...
18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Bead 0.80 Carat White Diamond Butterfly Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection an enchanting pendant necklace handcrafted in 18 karats Yellow Gold chain with a light blue Aquamarine Drop. The pendent is a Butterfly made in 18 karats yellow gold embellished with white diamonds wings. Fly away. The butterfly catches the eye, with its lightness and sparkling diamonds. With its antennas alert and shining with precious dew, the butterfly handmade in 18K yellow gold with wings embellished with white diamonds, stands out on the one-of-a-kind necklace, rests on the necklace with an Aquamarine bead and spreads its wings dressed in gold and diamonds. The butterfly returns to be the protagonist among garments, accessories and jewels. Free flying when the Modern butterfly spreads its diamond wings on the 18K Yellow Gold necklace. It is yet another sign offered by nature that spares no inspiration in terms of creativity. The infinite color combinations and symmetrical designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef & Arpels to Chopard - who are committed to translating every detail with precision and mastery. It is therefore not surprising that every spring the desire to wear butterflies is reborn to feel the pleasure of freedom. The butterfly is an ornament that symbolizes the fragility that adorns the person and that aesthetically essential dignity to grace. The natural metamorphosis of the caterpillar that becomes a chrysalis and then a butterfly concretely represents that rebirth that follows the abandonment of the material shell in pagan beliefs, that exit of the soul from the body in the Greco-Roman tradition and the metaphor of resurrection in Christian iconography . And it is thanks to this 'sublime' spirit that the étoile of the meadows managed to seduce the imagination of many artists and to know the true glory at the beginning of the 20th century, when it became queen of the ornamental world of Art Nouveau, the current that from Japonism he rediscovered the beauty and decorative elegance of organic forms. Always pinned to the rever of suits and coats in the 50s and 60s, today the jewel butterfly is celebrated in this pendant necklace as the perfect embodiment of the desire for freedom. Perhaps because its beauty is one of nature's masterpieces, it has tickled the imagination of many artists. Details: Rossella Ugolini Design Collection Fashion Jewelry Butterfly Pendant Female Necklace White Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Statement Charms Choker Necklace Gift This Butterfly Yellow Gold Pendent...
Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Handmade Long Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Darnestown, MD
Handmade long gold chain necklace with unusual , detailed elongated links. They are 3/16" wide. Between them are groups of tiny circular links. The necklace measures 50 inches in len...
Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Red Enamel with .80 Carat of Diamonds Vintage Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage necklace is designed with 12 marquis shaped sections of 18 karat yellow gold with red enamel and diamond centers. Each piece has enamel and diamonds on both sides, this ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Demantoid Garnet Diamond Gold Chain
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An art nouveau 18k karat yellow gold chain with approximately 31 carats of bezel set demantoid garnets. This is a rare stone and it is uncommon to find such a collection assembled to...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Enameled Leaf Diamond Blue Garnet Necklace #16978
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Delicate and dainty, this draped chain holds iridescent pink and green enameled leaves with a freshwater pearl drop. One leaf holds a bezel set old minor cut diamond approx. .06c...
White Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k...
Vintage Elephant & Peace Design Carved Coin Necklace with Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:3.8g, Diamond:2.25ct, Silver:44.15g
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
18K Yellow Gold 0.80 Carat White Diamond Aquamarine Butterfly Pendent Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection an enchanting pendant necklace handcrafted in 18 karats Yellow Gold chain with a light blue Aquamarine Drop. The pendent is a Butterfly made in 18 karats yellow gold embellished with white diamonds wings. Fly away. The butterfly catches the eye, with its lightness and sparkling diamonds. With its antennas alert and shining with precious dew, the butterfly handmade in 18K yellow gold with wings embellished with white diamonds, stands out on the one-of-a-kind necklace, rests on the necklace with an Aquamarine bead and spreads its wings dressed in gold and diamonds. The butterfly returns to be the protagonist among garments, accessories and jewels. Free flying when the Modern butterfly spreads its diamond wings on the 18K Yellow Gold necklace. It is yet another sign offered by nature that spares no inspiration in terms of creativity. The infinite color combinations and symmetrical designs of her livery have also been the object of attention of the great jewelers - from Van Cleef & Arpels to Chopard - who are committed to translating every detail with precision and mastery. It is therefore not surprising that every spring the desire to wear butterflies is reborn to feel the pleasure of freedom. The butterfly is an ornament that symbolizes the fragility that adorns the person and that aesthetically essential dignity to grace. The natural metamorphosis of the caterpillar that becomes a chrysalis and then a butterfly concretely represents that rebirth that follows the abandonment of the material shell in pagan beliefs, that exit of the soul from the body in the Greco-Roman tradition and the metaphor of resurrection in Christian iconography . And it is thanks to this 'sublime' spirit that the étoile of the meadows managed to seduce the imagination of many artists and to know the true glory at the beginning of the 20th century, when it became queen of the ornamental world of Art Nouveau, the current that from Japonism he rediscovered the beauty and decorative elegance of organic forms. Always pinned to the rever of suits and coats in the 50s and 60s, today the jewel butterfly is celebrated in this pendant necklace as the perfect embodiment of the desire for freedom. Perhaps because its beauty is one of nature's masterpieces, it has tickled the imagination of many artists. Details: Rossella Ugolini Design Collection Fashion Jewelry Butterfly Pendant Female Necklace White Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Statement Charms Choker Necklace Gift This Butterfly Yellow Gold Pendent...
Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl & Black Diamond Chain Necklace Made In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:2.66g,D:41.58ct, ,,Pearl:75.05ct
Pearl, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Rose Gold Necklace With Center Tanzanite and Pink & White Ceramic Stations
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:23.79g, Diamond:1.19ct Tanzanite:0.68ct "
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
25 Carats of Unparalleled Brilliance: A Timeless Tennis Necklace H Color Vs SI
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Presenting an extraordinary piece of haute joaillerie, this magnificent tennis necklace is the epitome of timeless elegance and uncompromising luxury. Expertly crafted in lustrous 18...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$549Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Silver Necklace and Enamel Silver Pendant with Rubies and Pearls
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Offered beautiful Art Nouveau silver pendant with silver necklace. The pendant is decorated with 4 pieces of pearls, 3 pieces of rubies and an enamel leaf. It really is a showpiece! ...
Silver, Enamel
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Pendant and Long Chain
Located in San Francisco, CA
LOVE LOVE LOVE. I just love this Gorgeous Vintage Filigree Turquoise Pendant and Long Chain. Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, the design is a simple, bez...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique amethyst and gold muff chain
Located in New York, NY
An Art Nouveau longchain necklace set with cabochon amethyst lozenges, in 14k gold. This elegant longchain is composed of fine gold links punctuated at intervals by softly rounded a...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
French Art Nouveau Fine Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Drapery Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Charming antique necklace, it is formed by a convict mesh chain separated by filigree openwork patterns, which holds in the center 5 patterns of openwork shape with a plant decoration and separated by 4 fine pearls. The attachment system is a spring ring. Diameter of the pearls : 2,5/3 mm approximately. Length : 42,5 cm approximately, width of the chain : 1,4 mm approximately, height of the main pattern : 16,5 mm approximately, width of the main pattern : 2,5 cm approximately. Total weight of the jewel : 4,6 g approximately. Authentic antique jewel - French work circa 1900, Art Nouveau jewel...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Heart Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 11.8 Grams Chain Length: 18" Pendant and Bail Length: 1.30" Heart Diameter: 1" x1" Diamond Count: 71 Round Br...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Boulder Opal Necklace Australian Gemstone Ivy Art Nouveau style gift
Located in Berlin, DE
Ivy pendant with natural Boulder Opal in patinated silver on 100% silk black cord (handmade in Japan) opal origin - Australia opal weight - 122 carats pen...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
18ct Gold Leaf Design Necklace with Diamonds, London Hallmarked, 1988
Located in London, GB
Exceptional 18ct Gold Leaf Design Necklace with three natural diamonds each diamond is aprox 2.5 mm - 2.75 mm 3 x 0.065 totalling 0.2 ct. These are very lively and clear. The te...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT YG Double Heart Necklace with 0.45CTs. Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This necklace with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Pearl Station Chain Necklace in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This necklace is crafted in 925 sterling silver and arranged with 5 mm round cabochons of ruby, emerald, sapphire, and pearl in a colorful beaded design. The gemstones have a total w...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
French Figural Silver Long Chain with Gemstones
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Silver gilt long chain made in France from the turn of the 20th Century. Little crawling "lizards" are stations spaced throughout the silver gilt chain dotted with tumbl...
Amethyst, Labradorite, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Antique gold and amethyst station chain
Located in New York, NY
An Art Nouveau gold longchain necklace set with amethyst stations, in 14k * Free shipping * Includes letter of authenticity for insurance purposes * Please do not hesitate to reques...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Shaped & Multi Colored Sapphire Chain Link Neckalce With Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:3.63g, Silver:59.85g Diamond:15.43ct Sapphire:174.45ct Size: 533mmXXMM"
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Vintage Elephant & Om Design Carved Coin Necklace with Diamonds in Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:3.25g, Diamond:2.25ct, Silver:42.18g
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Ivy Art Nouveau 0.45 ct aquamarine necklace in 18k gold and platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Nouveau Aquamarine ivy necklace in platinum and 18 karat white gold. Necklace from the Art Nouveau period, composed of a platinum chain with a double ...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Egyptian Revival 14K Gold Pharaoh Necklace with Seed Pearls, 1910 UK
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Pharaoh started life as a pin which I converted into a necklace. The details are amazing. The face is detailed and carved into a lovely expression this 14K Yellow Gold and it ...
Pearl, 14k Gold
$2,660Sale Price|35% Off
18karat Gold Pendant Necklace Two Tone White Gold Rose Gold Diamond Pave Fashion
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18Karat Gold Pendant Necklace Two-Tone White Gold Rose Gold Diamond Pave Fashion Pendant Necklace A fashion Art Nouveau open textured pendant necklace meticulously crafted to mesmerize. Each part of this art piece shows the passion for jewelry from Oshi Jewels Designs Inc. sculptural arrangements of diamonds designed to enchant and enthrall. An elegant creation designed to intrigue; this luxury pendant...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Unisex Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace in 18k Solid White Gold Christmas Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Unisex Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace in 18K Gold studded with round cut diamonds. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April birthstone...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Round Locket Pendant - 18k Yellow Gold - Blue Enamel - 12 Diamonds 0.19 ct GVS
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Round locket pendant, 18k yellow gold, Merian Collection, medium blue and opalescent turquoise vitreous enamel, 12 diamonds, total 0.19 ct G VS, brilliant cut About the creator Vict...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Multi Shaped Ruby & Blue Sapphire Beads Chain Necklace with Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Diamond:0.24ct, Silver:34.22gm, Ruby:91.80ct, Sapphire:120.04ct Size: 444MM"
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Silver
Trifari necklace and earrings vintage set, 1990s
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari necklace and earrings vintage gold-tone metal set. Necklace length – 40 cm Earring length – 4,5 cm Condition – very good ........Additional information ........ - Photo...
0.50 Carat Diamond Bezel Clip Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.5 Carat Diamond Bezel Clip Necklace G SI 14K Yellow Gold 14 stones 18 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way 0.5CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold, Bezel style, 2.5 gram ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold