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.
Vintage grey rose cut diamonds pearl drop oxidized sterling silver earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
These beautiful vintage look pearl drop earrings with real grey rose cut diamonds in oxidized sterling silver consists of Metal- Sterling silver Metal purity- 925 silver Metal color...
Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Gripoix Crystals Green Emerald Octagon Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Gripoix Shining Sparkling Crystals Emerald Marble Green Octagon Rectangle Elegant Modernist Pierced Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition....
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Large Interlocked Matte Knot Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large Interlocked Glow Matte Knot Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Maybe light scratches, barely ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gripoix Ruby Red Black Crystals Octagon Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Ruby Red Gripoix Black Enamel Crystals Octagon Rectangle Chunky Elegant Modenrist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches or ...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold Iconic Matelassé Quilted Circle Hoop Versatile Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Massive Iconic Matelassé Quilted Circle Hoop Drop Versatile Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Versatile earrings. Can be worn in different sty...
Gold-filled
Christian Dior Vintage 1980 Crystals Black Interlocked Half Twist Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Crystals Half Black Enamel Interlocked Twist Swirl Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe li...
Gold Plate
Crown Trifari 1950s Vintage Rare Gold Coral Cabochon Interlocked Linked 2 Set
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Crown Trifari 1950s Vintage Coral Orange Floral Flower Round Beads Cabochon Interlocked Linked Openwork 2 Jewellery Set Necklace Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition....
Gold Plate
$117Sale Price / set|50% Off
7.9 Carat Mixed Cut Amethyst Drop Sterling Silver Earrings for Graduation Gift
Located in New York, NY
7.9 Carat Mixed Cut Amethyst Drop Sterling Silver Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need drop earrings to make a statement with your look. The...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage style wheel rose cut diamonds ruby sterling silver gold plated earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
These beautiful vintage look wheel wire earrings with real rose cut diamonds and ruby in sterling silver consists of Metal- Sterling silver Metal purity- 925 silver Metal color- Oxi...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Natural Myanmar Handcarved Bicolor Icy Jadeite Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Kowloon, HK
Make a striking statement with these breathtaking Myanmar Bicolor Jadeite Earrings. Meticulously hand-carved by skilled artisans, these drops feature a rare, natural blend of Vivid G...
Jade, 18k Gold
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Crystals White Pearl Round Swirl Trio Clip Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s White Round Circle Pearl Swirl Twist Trio Crystals Flower Triangle Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches or co...
Gold Plate
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Prong Mixed Cut Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings for Wedding Gift in Silver Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Prong Set Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these statement drop earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cubic zirconi...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Unisex Large Insignia Initial Monogram Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large Insignia Initial Monogram Logo Circle Round Disc Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Very light scratches or colour l...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Curled Flower Petals Crystals Leaf Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Curled Flower Petals Whole Sparkling Crystals Leaf Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Some light scratches, barely noticeabl...
Gold Plate
Givenchy Vintage Rare Gold Sapphire Coral Crystals Cabochon Long Drop Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage 1980s Long Trio Navy Sapphire Blue Orange Coral Crystals Cabochon Water Tear Drop Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Excellent condition. Not any scratches,...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Gold Ripple Zigzag Hoop Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Textured Large Zigzag Ripple Fire Flame Hoop Domed Chunky Statement Modenrist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches...
Gold Plate
Handmade Asymmetric Purple Dust Flower Green Beige Chunky Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Asymmetric Dust Purple Flower Green Beige Chunky Drop Clip Earrings, Swarovski Element Very high cost and high quality. 100% handmade. Excellent gift for lady. Material: Alloy, Res...
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Large Camellia Crystals Layer Rose Flower Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Large Camellia Crystals Layer Rose Flower Elegant Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Not any colour loss or stone los...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Pearl Oval White Crystals Rectangle Circle Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Oval White Pearl Rectangle Circle Round Crystals Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. A very beau...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Massive Huge Oval Pearl White Flower Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Massive Huge Large Oval White Pearl Flower Interlocked Rope Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe some light scratches or col...
Gold Plate
Bow Silver Cupid Angel Black Heart Love Moonstone Bow Retro Drop Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Black Heart Love Bow Cupid Angel Silver Moonstone Retro Clip Earrings High quality and handmade. Excellent gift for lady. Wear them on casual, prom, holiday... Material: Cloth, Al...
Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Rare Gold Matte Bow Circle White Pearl Leaf Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Matte Bow Fan Circle Round White Pearl Long Leaf Drop Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticeable. 100% ...
Gold Plate
$150Sale Price / set|50% Off
925 Silver Rainbow Moonstone Cluster CZ Halo Stud Earrings for Girlfriend Gift
Located in New York, NY
These Cabochon Moonstone Cluster CZ Halo Studs Earring, 925 sterling silver stud earrings. Each earring features a natural rainbow moonstone (totaling 0.66 carats) known for its ethe...
Moonstone, Zircon, Rainbow Moonstone, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Gripoix Sapphire Ruby Emerald Crystals Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gripoix Sapphire Ruby Emerald Blue Navy Red Green Oval Whole Shining Crystals Hoop Domed C Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition, very new. ...
Gold Plate
Earrings with sapphire and old ine cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold and silver drop earrings set with sapphire and old mine cut diamonds totaling 1.006ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the drop are 3.1 cm long by...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Large Orange Crystal Flower Clover Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Textured Gripoix Orange Crystal Flourish Blossom Flower Clover Chunky Exquisite Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Large Black Enamel Crystals Domed Hoop Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large Black Enamel Crystals Domed Hoop Chunky Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Good condition. Scratches or colour loss, barely noticea...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1997 Rare Iconic Lace Ruffles Gold Round Circle Logo CC Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1997 Unisex Classic Iconic Logo CC Coco Lace Ruffles Trimming Round Circle Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratche...
Gold Plate
$941Sale Price|20% Off
0.30 Carat Emerald Ruby 0.08 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Stud Flies Earrings
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...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Aquamari...
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Rare Sapphire Blue Water Drop Oval Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Sapphire Navy Blue Crystals Iridescent Water Drop Oval Flower Openwork Elegant Modernist Dangle Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very good condition. Maybe lig...
Silver Plate
$1,800,000 / set
AtelierX Ocean’s Breath Haute Couture Jewelry Diamond Earrings
Located in Stockholm, SE
AtelierX Ocean’s Breath Haute Couture Jewelry – A singular vision, crafted for one collector alone. Inspired by the moment a wave curls before breaking, this sculptural masterpiece...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage White Pearls Crystals Flower Double Leaf Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Flower Double Leaf White Round Pearls Crystals Openwork Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Very beautiful. Vintage...
Gold Plate
$290Sale Price / set|50% Off
Double Blue Topaz and CZ Halo Dangle Drop Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These Double Blue Topaz and CZ Halo Dangle Drop Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver feature two vibrant round-cut blue topaz gemstones, each surrounded by a halo of sparkling white stone...
Topaz, Zircon, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Large White Double Crystals Gold Domed Hoop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large White Double Row Crystals Dome Dome Half Hoop Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very new. Very beautiful...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1960s Gold Massive Large Black Lucky Clover Leaf Circle Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1960s Robert Goossens Massive Large Black Lucky Four Leaf Clover Medallion Circle Round Coco Twist Swirl Rope Gilt Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Go...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Rare Iridescent Red Ruby Marquise Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1958 Vintage Iridescent Ruby Red Crystals Floral Wing Feather Elegant Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Rare to find. A fabulous pa...
Silver Plate
$5,648Sale Price|20% Off
Mediterranean Red Coral Turquoise Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
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, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Vintage 1980s Logo CC 31 Rue Cambon Paris Round Button Relief Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Classic Iconic Logo CC 31 Rue Cambon Paris Relief Round Button Circle Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches o...
Gold Plate
Trifari Vintage Rare Gold Pink Purple Blue Yellow Crystals Rectangle Earrings
By Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Trifari Vintage 1980s Purple Pink Blue Yellow Crystals Rectangle Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. A very beautiful earrings, signed at the back. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Long Oval Logo Hoop Statement Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Logo Long Glow Oval Hoop Statement Chunky Drop Dangle Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Not any colour loss. Very light scratche...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold 1991 Matelassé Quilted Flap Bag Logo Coin Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1991 Iconic Classic Matelassé Logo CC Coco Quilted Flap Bag Coin 31 RUE CAMBON PARIS Crown Drop Dangle Swing Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Good ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Amethyst Gripoix Cabochon Heart Love Logo Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Gripoix Amethyst Purple Cabochon Heart Love Logo Elegant Modenist Exquisite Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scra...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Massive Vivid Shell Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Large Textured Vivid Shell Chunky Statement Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. 100% Genuine. Vintage and rare to find. ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Textured Large Red Cabochon Ruby Oval Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Textured Large Ruby Red Oval Cabochon Stone Elegant Modernist Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barel...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Orange Cabochon Spiral Water Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Orange Cabochon Irregular Spiral Water Tear Drop Triangle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Rare to find. 100% Genuin...
Gold Plate
$125Sale Price / set|50% Off
Sparkling Yellow Cubic Zirconia Engagement Studs Earring for Her in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Sparkling Yellow Cubic Zirconia Engagement Studs Earring in sterling silver. You shall need these statement studs earring to make a statement...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,071Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Yellow Gold "Snake" Earrings
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
Drop Earrings 2.10ct Old Brilliant Cut Diamonds Circa 1930s
Located in Firenze, IT
The earrings are set with "old" brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.10 ct. The diamonds are bright and brilliant, a beautiful, timeless piece of classic jewelry. Origin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mediterranean Red Coral 0.20 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Lever-Back Earrings
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
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT Yellow Gold .91Ct. Pear Shaped Diamond Hand Earrings
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
Trifari Vintage Rare Ruby Sapphire Emerald Crystals Cabochon Triangle Earrings
By Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Trifari Vintage 1980s Ruby Sapphire Emerald Red Navy Green Triangle Trio Circle Round Ball Crystals Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition, very new. 100% Genuine...
$105Sale Price / set|50% Off
Round Turquoise with Zircon Halo Everyday Stud Earrings for Her in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Round Turquoise with Zircon Halo Everyday Stud Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look. These ...
Turquoise, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Large Round White Pearl Interlocked Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Round White Pearl Rope Twist Interlocked Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. 100% Genuine. Vintage and rare to find. A very bea...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Interlocked Textured Crystals Twist Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Textured Crystals Interlocked Twist Swirl Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scrat...
Gold Plate
$2,635Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Emerald Turquoise Yellow Gold Horse Drop Earrings
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, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Vintage 1980s Extra Pearl Large Camélia Flower White Coco Clip Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Extra Large Camélia Flower White Pearl Circle Round Coco Crush Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Very light scratches or colour loss. 100%...
Gold Plate
Italian 18Kt Gold 18Kt Diamonds Art Nouveau Vintage Medusa Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare vintage earrings in 18 kt yellow gold, handcrafted by Neapolitan master goldsmiths between the 1970s and 1980s, inspired by Art Nouveau aesthetics and the mythological figure of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$295Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Genuine Floral Halo Tanzanite & Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings for Women
Located in New York, NY
These stunning 925 sterling silver stud earrings showcase a beautiful floral cluster design with 10 vibrant oval Tanzanite gemstones, each measuring 5x3 mm and totaling 3.32 carats, ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Natural pave diamond oxidized sterling silver jhumka wire earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
These beautiful, elegant beach vibes natural diamonds jhumka wire earrings consists of Metal- Sterling silver Metal purity- 925 silver Metal color- Oxidized silver look Diamond- pav...
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural pave diamond Black sapphire oxidized sterling silver dangler earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
These beautiful elegant real natural pave diamonds and black sapphire earrings consists of Metal- Sterling silver Metal purity- 925 silver Diamond- Pave diamonds Diamond type- Natur...
Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver