$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Masriera Art Nouveau Mermaid Enamel Ring, 18K Gold, Diamonds, Spain
By Masriera
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Masriera ring is special and seldom found. You have found it here and it is ready for a new owner. This ring is done in 18K Yellow Gold and has plique a jour wings. This merm...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
SPANISH 1900 Barcelona Art Nouveau Enameled Bracelet In Sterling & 18Kt Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Collateral: This bracelet is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box. Condition: The overall condition of this Spanish art-nouveau bracelet is excellent.
Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Enamel
SPANISH Art Nouveau Plique à Jour Enamel Butterfly Brooch In 18Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
An art nouveau enameled butterfly brooch. This is a beautiful and colorful butterfly brooch created in Barcelona Spain with art nouveau revival patterns.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
$909Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Silver filigree brooch three decorative spherical elements Spanish
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Exquisite antique or vintage silver filigree brooch with three decorative spherical elements. Each sphere features an intricate openwork design resembling a flower or star in the cen...
Silver
"Sunyer" Catalan Art Nouveau–Art Deco Platinum and Gold Opal & Diamond Ring
By Oriol Sunyer
Located in OVIEDO, AS
"Sunyer" Catalan Transitional Art Nouveau–Art Deco Platinum and Gold Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1925 Graceful and radiant, this 1925s ring by Catalan master jeweler Sunyer br...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Masriera Art Nouveau Gold Enamel and Gem set Pendant Brooch
By Masriera
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 - 1990 Masriera of Spain 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch in the extreme Art Nouveau style as Masriera has been producing for over 120 Years. Measuring 2 1/4 inches in lengt...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Modernist Angel Musician Enamel Pendant Necklace Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND RARE ANTIQUE ENAMEL JEWELS WE HAVE SEEN. THE ART NOUVEAU, MODERNIST PENDANT HAS AN EXQUISITE IMAGE OF AN ANGEL PLAYING A MUSICAL STRINGED INSTR...
Enamel, Silver, Sterling Silver
Fairy Lady Art Nouveau Enamel Brooch Pin Necklace Silver and 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hand made in Spain Enamel - Necklace Brooch Sterling Silver (oxidized or black rhodium) and 18K Yellow Gold with brilliant Enamel colors approx size 2.5' inch long (65 mm) fe...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling ...
$5,960Sale Price|20% Off
Masriera Art Nouveau Enameled Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with VS Diamonds
By Masriera
Located in Miami, FL
An art nouveau enameled ring designed by Masriera.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Nouveau Art Angle Cross 18 Karat Yellow Gold Mini Enamel Art Champagne Sapphires
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Enamel Art Hand Made in Spain 18k Yellow Gold Cross with real Sapphire approx. gold weight 5.0 grams Two Champagne Sapphires Total 0.15 carat Cross size: 35 x 26 mm (a bit les...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Nouveau Art Enamel Cross 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Diamonds & Sapphire
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fire Enamel Cross with diamonds and Orange Sapphire Brilliant colors, elegant and unique. mix of 18k yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver 925 small Natural Orange Sapphire sm...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Rare Modernist Art Nouveau Bracelet Blue Enamel Silver 14 Karat Gold Barcelona
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful Modernist Art Nouveau Bracelet in Sterling Silver with 14 Karat Gold and Robin's Egg Blue Enamel in an exquisite undulating motif design dating to circa 1900-1930...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
"Noucentisme Period" Turquoise, Seed Pearls, Rose cut Diamond Earrings. Spain
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Early 20th Century "Noucentisme Period" Turquoise, Seed Pearls, Rose cut Diamonds Earrings mounted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. ("Noucentisme" Catalonia 1914 -1936) Wonderful example o...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18 KT Yellow Gold Lovers Key Chain
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow g...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Masriera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel and Diamond Butterfly Brooch
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Masriera 18-karat yellow gold Butterfly brooch/pendant with multi-color plique-à-jour enameling is delicately detailed with brilliant-cut diamonds and four pearls. The ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
David Grau Vintage Rare Gold Oval Red Ruby Cabochon Crystal Domed Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
David Grau Vintage 1980s Unisex Oval Ruby Red Cabochon Crystal Hoop Dome Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition and very new. Very high quality. 100% Genuine. Material...
Gold Plate
Masriera 18KT Yellow Gold Dragonfly Brooch/ Pendant 2.94Ct Diamond 1.69Ct Ruby
By Luis Masriera
Located in New York, NY
From the house of the prolific Art Nouveau designer, Luis Masriera comes a long tradition of prestige, creativity and unparalleled craftsmanship. These stylistically distinctive work...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brown Agatha Butterfly Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Beautiful Natural brown agate brooche in 18kt gold and diamonds READY TO SHIP *Shipment of this piece is not affected by COVID-19. Orders welcome!* STONES ◘ 2 center diamonds of 0....
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Earrings with old brilliant-cut diamonds 2.90 ct, early 20th century
Located in Chorzów, PL
Dangle earrings crafted from 18-karat yellow gold (0.750 fineness). Early 20th-century earrings with old brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.90 ct. Two diamonds at the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Carrera Y Carrera Diamond 18k yellow Gold Moon Child Pendant Chain Necklace
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite Moon & Child-inspired piece from Carrera & Carrery in Spain. This adorable pendant is crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold. The moon is accented with (4) Round cut, genuin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Masriera 18KT Gold & Plique-a-Jour Enamel Bangle Bracelet with .94Ct. Diamonds
By Luis Masriera
Located in New York, NY
From the house of the prolific Art Nouveau designer, Luis Masriera comes a long tradition of prestige, creativity and unparalleled craftsmanship. These stylistically distinctive work...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel
Masriera 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Magic Flower Plique a Jour Enamel Necklace
By Masriera
Located in Troy, MI
Masriera is a company world-renowned for their amazing enamel work & Art Nouveau jewelry. The delicacy of an imminent desire hidden under the floral beauty of a dandelion. The light,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Masriera 5 Strand Pearl Chocker with Open Work Enamel and Diamond Plaque
By Luis Masriera
Located in New York, NY
From the house of the prolific Art Nouveau designer, Luis Masriera comes a long tradition of prestige, creativity and unparalleled craftsmanship. These stylistically distinctive work...
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel
Carrera y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Women's Profile, 0.32 Carat Diamond Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
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 18 karat yell...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Masriera 18KT Gold Enamel Earrings with 2.48Ct. Emeralds and .88Ct. of Diamonds
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
From the house of the prolific Art Nouveau designer, Luis Masriera comes a long tradition of prestige, creativity and unparalleled craftsmanship. These stylistically distinctive work...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Panther Necklace with 2.88 Carat Diamonds
By Carrera y Carrera
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 18 karat yell...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT Yellow Gold .91Ct. Pear Shaped Diamond Hand Earrings
By Carrera y Carrera
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. These 18 karat yel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold and .65 Carat, Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
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 18 karat yell...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT Yellow Gold Cherub Earrings
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow g...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Butterfly Mask Ring with Diamonds
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow g...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Masriera Y Carreras Plique a Jour Bracelet, 18K Gold & Sapphire, 1980
By Masriera
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Masriera Y Carreras Bracelet is just amazing. These seldom come up for auction so here you go collectors of Masriera. Seldom do we find Masriera bracelets, they are very rare a...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
18 kt. White Gold Carrera y Carrera 0.86 ct. Diamond Ring, Butterfly Dance
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning 18 kt. White Gold Carrera y Carrera 0.86 ct. Diamond Ring, Butterfly Dance The ring features a graceful setting designed with a butterfly motif. The top part of the ring is...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT Yellow Gold Reclining Nude Ring with Diamonds & Rubies
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow g...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamonds Eagle Head Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This eagle head ring i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT YG Double Heart Necklace with 0.45CTs. Diamonds
By Carrera y Carrera
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
Bagues Masriera 18KT Gold, 3.85Ct, Diamond and Enamel Bilboquet Bracelet
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
Bagués – Masriera was founded in Barcelona in 1839 with the creative vocation of endowing their jewels with an artistic value. With more than 150 years of tradition, their works repr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Miniature Stool or Vanity Jewelry Stand, Upholstered Seat in Burlap Fabric
Located in Barcelona, ES
Small Stool, Carved Wood, Burlap Fabric, Spain, 1930s. A lovely Art Nouveau style miniature stool made in carved wood with black painted finish upholstered in burlap fabric .
Fabric, Wood
An Art Nouveau Enamel, Diamond And Gold Pendant By Masriera
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau enamel, diamond and gold pendant by Masriera, depicting a lady in profile wearing a red enamelled headpiece embellished with rose-cut diamond-set decorations, to an op...
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Masriera y Carreras Bangle Bracelet
Located in Barcelona, ES
Art Nouveau bangle bracelet, made of yellow gold and platinum, with plique-a-jour multicoloured enamel depicting vegetal motifs. On the ends, two diamond cluster with cameos. Signe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Nouveau Virgin Mary Beautiful Cameo Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Emotion Beautiful antique from the Art Nouveau period is this charming pendant boasting marvellous workmanship, artistry made of solid 18 KT gold The gold details are amazing f...
Diamond, 18k Gold
"Original Reproduction" Art Nouveau Enamel, Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This masterpiece ring was designed and created by Nouveau 1910 and is crafted in 18k yellow gold with beautiful plique-a-jour enamel. It has a lustrous center pearl with 12 round dia...
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold
Unavailable
W 1.89 in D 0.16 in L 2.33 in
Art Nouveau Masriera Plique-a-Jour Enamel Diamond Gold Religious Pendant
By Masriera
Located in Barcelona, ES
Christian pendant depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus in yellow gold and plique-a-jour enamel surrounded by flowers in relief yellow gold and seven diamonds. Spanish Barcelona Hallm...
Diamond, Gold
Masriera Art Nouveau Plique-a-Jour Diamond Gold Pendant
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
An Art Nouveau pendant of a woman in profile by Masriera Hermanos of Barcelona. The 18 karat gold pendant centers a woman's profile adorned with a decorative gold cap chased with Ar...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Red Dragon Cufflinks
By Masriera
Located in Redlands, CA
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Red Dragon Cufflinks. 18K Yellow Gold Ring with “Basse Taille” Fired Enamel. - 18K Yellow Gold - Serial # G-5807-G Collection: Dragons Type: Art Nouveau R...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Early 20th Century Emeralds Diamonds Brooch
Located in Madrid, ES
Early 20th century brooch in silver-topped gold, Art Nouveau style, decorated with old european and single cut diamonds, totalling 3.00 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Masriera Plique à Jour Enamel and Diamond Ring
By Masriera
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Contemporary Art Nouveau style 18kt. yellow gold ring made by Masriera of Spain in a frog and sunrise motif. The ring is set with a round faceted ruby eye and is accented in white g...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Carrera y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ginkgo Leaf Lariat Necklace
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 18k yellow gold diamond ginkgo leaf lariat necklace by renowned Spanish jewelry designer Carerra y Carerra. There are five bezel set diamonds weighing 0.05 carat total weigh...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Carrera y Carrera Diamond Angel Ring 18K
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Mammoth Lakes, CA
Carrera y Carrera is the passion for gold and dedication for the very best craftsmanship that converts a jewelry piece into a work of art. Established 1885 Madrid, Spain. Four gradu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Masriera and Carreras Pearl Plique a Jour Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Barcelona, ES
This unique MASRIERA and CARRERAS Pendant Brooch depicts a female figure in 18K Gold with ronde-bosse enamel in red and green applied to the dress and flowers in her hair. Plique ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Muse Ring
By Masriera
Located in Redlands, CA
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Muse Ring. 18K Yellow Gold Ring with “Plique-à-Jour” and “Basse Taille” Fired Enamel and 8 Brilliant Cut Diamonds 0.06 ct. - 18K Yellow Gold - Diamonds (8)...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Majestic Night Ring
By Masriera
Located in Redlands, CA
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Flight at Night Bat Ring. 18K Yellow Gold Ring with “Plique-à-Jour” and “Basse Taille” Fired Enamel and 38 Brilliant Cut Diamonds 0.20 ct. - 18K Yellow Gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique European Rose Cut and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Warrington, PA
Ladies original antique ring from a European estate set with old mine cut diamonds and Rose cut diamonds throughout!
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pearl Ring
By Masriera
Located in Redlands, CA
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pearl Ring. 18K Yellow Gold Ring with “Basse Taille” Fired Enamel, a Pearl and 2 Brilliant Cut Diamonds 0.02 ct. - 18K Yellow Gold - Diamonds (2) ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Love Birds Ring
By Masriera
Located in Redlands, CA
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Love Birds Ring. 18K Yellow Gold Ring with “Plique-à-Jour” and “Basse Taille” Fired Enamel, a Peridot 0.20 ct and 29 Brilliant Cut Diamonds 0.12 ct. - 18K ...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Winter Nymph Ring
By Masriera
Located in Redlands, CA
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Winter Nymph Ring. 18K Yellow Gold Ring with “Plique-à-Jour” and “Basse Taille” Fired Enamel, 29 Brilliant Cut Diamonds 0.16 ct and an Aquamarine 0.10 ct. ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Masriera y Carreras 18 Karat Diamond and Leaf Enamel Ring Setting
Located in Pikesville, MD
An exquisite and unique Masriera creation. This 18 karat yellow gold ring mounting features hand painted greenish-blue enamel reminiscent of stained glass in a leaf motif, high quali...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
H 1.5 in W 1.5 in Dm 2.3 in L 2.5 in
Masriera 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire Dragonfly Pendant Brooch
By Masriera
Located in Redlands, CA
Masriera 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Dragonfly Brooch/Pendant with Plique-à-Jour” and “Basse Taille” Fired Enamel. - 18K Yellow Gold - Diamonds (15) 0.12 carat total weight - G in Colo...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old Art Nouveau gold brooch with diamonds and rubies, Spain, 1910s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Old gold brooch (with elements of silver) with diamonds and rubies 23 diamonds weighing approximately 0.65 ct and 15 rubies weighing 0.35 ct set on a Art Nouveau mold yellow gold p...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau Antique Jeweled Gold and Enamel Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Spain, circa 1910 This Art Nouveau antique pendant features a finely carved bone relief of Saint Joseph holding baby Jesus.
Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Antique Gold Silver Diamond Enamel Madonna Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 This very fine Art Nouveau 18K gold Madonna pendant is attributed to a famous Barcelona (Spain) jeweler and artist Luis Masriera. The pendant is embellished with plique à...
Sold
H 5.91 in W 1.19 in D 1.19 in Dm 1.19 in
Pair of Art Nouveau filigree brooches or pins in sterling silver
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
A stunning pair of early 20th-century Art Nouveau pins or brooches, exquisitely crafted balls in sterling silver filigree , each brooch has a pendant with two small filigree silver b...
Silver
Luis Masriera Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant
By Luis Masriera
Located in New York, NY
A Spanish Art Nouveau 18 karat gold pendant brooch with diamond and pearls by Masriera.
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
Masriera Cultured Pearl Enamel Ring Estate 18 Karat Gold Fine Jewelry, Spain
By Masriera
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant estate Masriera ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Centrally mounted cultured pearl measures 8mm. The pearl is lustrous with a thick nacre and shows a lovely rose overt...
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Masriera Art Nouveau Gold Enamel and Gem set Pendant Brooch
By Masriera
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 - 1990 Masriera of Spain 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch in the extreme Art Nouveau style as Masriera has been producing for over 120 Years. Measuring 2 1/4 inches in lengt...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Masriera Art Nouveau Style 18 Karat Gold Enamel 0.25ct Diamond Dragon Necklace
By Masriera
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a lovely Art Nouveau style necklace designed by Masriera in 1960’s-1970’s. It can also be worn as a brooch. The piece depicts a dragon and is crafted in 18K yellow gold. It...
Diamond, 18k Gold
"MASRIERA" Art Nouveau Amethyst Ring with Enamel & Diamonds
By Masriera
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Those who fall in love with Masriera's iconic art nouveau designs become entirely devoted to the brand.
Amethyst
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.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Aside from his iconic commercial prints, the Czech artist endeavored to make works that spoke to the soul.
From vibrant to subtle, elegant to cheeky, enamel jewelry encompasses a wide range of colors and styles, and there are almost as many techniques for creating these distinctive pieces.
The first art and design movement of the 20th century was all about celebrating beauty of women and nature.