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.
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Pearl White Glossy Oval Clip Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large White Glossy Oval Pearl Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Some light scratches on faux pearls, but b...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Large Silver Crystals Interlocked Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large Whole Crystals Interlocked Knot Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Silver Plated Very good condition. Not any stones lost, l...
Silver Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold Clear Crystal Spiral Modernist Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Sparkling Large Clear White Round Crystal Spiral Bar Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Light scratches or colo...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s White Pearl Crystals Flower Elegant Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Flourish Blossom Flower White Pearl Crystals Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very new. 100% Genuine. Vintage and rare to find...
Gold Plate
Antique Chandelier Grapes Earrings 3.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver / 14.7g
Located in SE
Old European Chandelier Diamond Earrings with Silver over 18K Gold earrings designed as leafed clusters of hanging grapes. Ca. early 19th century, no hallmarks. Each earring measu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,588Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Turquoise Ruby Yellow Gold Clip-On Flowers 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...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Crown Trifari 1950s Pearls White Flower Gold Oval Round Swirl Openwork Earrings
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Crown Trifari 1950s White Oval Round Pearls Swirl Flower Openwork Clip Elegant Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. A very beautiful earrings, signed at the back. 100% genuine. ...
Gold Plate
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Candy Natural Ruby and Sapphire Drop Earrings 18K, Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Candy Natural Ruby and Sapphire Drop Earrings 18K, Silver Bochic Drop Earrings Ruby Natural / Cabochon / 19 Carat Sapphire Natural / Cabochon / 5 Carat White...
Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Silver, 18k Gold
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Huge Shell Conch Swirl Glow Matte Comma Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Unisex Huge Large Swirl Shell Conch Leaf Chunky Statement Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches, barely noticea...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Silver Whole Crystals Square Rectangle Pierced Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Whole Crystals Square Rectangle Modenrist Elegant Pierced Earrings, Silver Tone Very excellent condition. Not any stones lost. Only Light colour ...
Silver Plate
$11,296Sale Price|20% Off
Mediterranean Red Coral White Diamond Green Tourmaline Yellow Gold 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, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Gripoix Emerald Pearls Cabochon Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Robert Goossens Arty Textured Large Gripoix Emerald Ruby Sapphire Green Blue Red Cabochon Crystals White Pearls Triangle Chunky Statement Clip Earrings...
Gold Plate
Givenchy Vintage Gold Rare Pearl Crystal Tear Water Drop Elegant Clip Earrings
By Givenchy
Located in Wokingham, England
Givenchy Vintage Fan White Pearl Crystal Tear Water Drop Dangle Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition and very unique. Very light scratches, barely noticeable....
Gold Plate
Faberge 18 Karat Gold Diamond 0.48 Carat and Blue Enamel Earrings, Certificate
Located in New York, NY
These stunning modern 18 karat white gold, diamond and blue enamel earrings were created by Victor Mayer for Faberge. Crafted in the tradition of the original House...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Christian Dior Vintage Unisex Rare Gold Crystals Shell Triangle Diamond Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Shell Triangle Diamond Crystals Modenrist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches, barely noticeable. 100% genuine. A ver...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Semi Circle Triangle Shell Crystals Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Semi Circle Shell Triangle Crystals Wing Dome Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% genuine. A very beautiful pair of rhinesto...
Gold Plate
Swarovski Vintage Openwork Floral Pansy Clover Crystals Gold Pierced Earrings
By Swarovski
Located in Wokingham, England
Swarovski Vintage Openwork Floral Pansy Clover Crystals Drop Dangle Pierced Earrings, Yellow Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Come with original box and certificate. 100% Genuine...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage Rare Gold Textured Circle Round Sunburst Logo CC Coco Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Unisex Textured Logo CC Coco Circle Round Sunburst Relief Statement Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Only very light colour loss at ...
Gold Plate
CHANEL Vintage 1988 Huge Black Logo White Round Circle Pearl Cambon Tel Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
CHANEL Vintage 1988 15 Massive Huge White Round Circle Pearl Logo 31 Rue Cambon Tel. 42618335 Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. But ...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Massive Gold Geometric Crystal Statement Drop Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Massive Large Long Geometric Crystals 4 parts Link Drop Dangle Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Maybe...
Gold Plate
$1,882Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style Mediterranean Red Coral Enamel Yellow Gold Stud 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, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Chanel Vintage 1990s Gold Camellia Coco Crush Logo CC Cross Domed Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1990s Coco Crush Classic Logo CC Camellia Cross Circle Domed Modernist Elegant Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss. ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Interlocked White Round Pearl Flower Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Interlocked White Round Pearl Flower Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Good condition. Some peel off at faux pearls and colour loss, barely not...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage Gold Large Round Textured Logo CC Coco Button Sunburst Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Large Textured Logo CC Coco Round Button Sunburst Relief Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. light colour loss in...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Huge Shell Conch Swirl Glow Matte Comma Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Unisex Massive Huge Shell Conch Swirl Glow Matte Comma Fire Statement Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches, ba...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1970s Large Logo Circle Coco CC Cross Knot Hoop Drop Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Unisex Large Classic Iconic Round Circle Logo Coco CC Cross Knot Bow Twist Drop Hoop Dangle Drop Clip On Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% Ge...
Gold Plate
$185Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Floral Star Earrings with Ruby & Diamonds Valentine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
These striking 925 sterling silver stud earrings feature nine 4x2 mm marquise-cut natural rubies per ear radiating in a starburst pattern, interspersed with 1.5 mm diamonds for fiery...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Swarovski Symbolic Rose Gold Tone White Blue Moon Crystal Pierced Earrings Set
By Swarovski
Located in Wokingham, England
Swarovski Symbolic White Blue Moon Crystal Pierced Earrings Set, Rose Gold Tone, BNWT Take style inspiration from the night sky this season with this versatile set of three pierced ...
Rhodium
Chanel Vintage 1980s Gold Black Logo CC 31 Rue Cambon Paris Large Oval Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Unisex Classic Iconic Black Logo CC 31 Rue Cambon Paris Large Abnormal Oval Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or...
Gold Plate
8.25 Carat Emerald & White Diamond Elegant Chandelier 18K Earring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
These breathtaking 18K gold chandelier earrings are a true masterpiece of elegance and luxury, featuring a stunning combination of 8.25 carats of vivid emeralds and dazzling white di...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Baroque Gold Crystals Heart Openwork Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1980s Vintage Baroque Crystals Heart Love Openwork Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Very rare to find. 100% genuine. A very beaut...
Gold Plate
Doublet Opal Dangle Earring With Pave Diamonds Made in 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:6.862g, Diamond:1.13ct, Opal:8.24ct, Size: 47X15 MM"
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$115,318 / set
X Fruity Spring Emerald Ruby Earrings
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exquisite pair of 18K gold earrings showcases the enduring value of high-end jewelry as a tangible investment asset. Featuring a total of 12.592 carats of unheated ruby, unheate...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Carrera y Carrera Horse Earrings Diamond Eyes 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Carrera y Carrera Horse Earrings Diamond Eyes 18K Yellow Gold These Carrera y Carrera earrings showcase the Spanish jeweler's signature sculptural style in 18K yellow gold. Each ear...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Black Gold Crystals Winding Domed Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Black Enamel Crystals Winding Half Dome Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Renowned for its timeless elegant designs, Christian Dior presents t...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Christian Dior Vintage Crystals Marquise Circle Flower Openwork Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Flower Marquise Circle Round Whole Sparkling Clear Crystals Openwork Dome Elegant Modernist Pierced Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Not any s...
Gold Plate
Certified Emerald Diamond Earring 1.10ctw Emerald Silver Earring
Located in Delhi, DL
*DETAILS- (ITEM no=e8521 / 205) ------------------------------------------------- - Metal Purity: 925 Sterling Silver (Hallmark) - Metal Color: 14k Yellow Gold Plated ------------------------------------------------- -Diamond : Natural Diamond (Certified) -Diamond Wt: 0.42 Ctw -Gemstone-Natural Emerald CERTIFIED...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage hanging earrings with pearls and old-cut diamonds circa 1910s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Dangling gold earrings with diamonds and cultured pearls, circa 1910. Earrings made of 0.375 yellow gold and 0.585 white gold and 0.750 (18-karat gold clasps) Origin: Western Europ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold Rare Large Wing Leaf Fire Chunky Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Large Textured Wing Leaf Fire Elegant Modernist Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches, barely noticeable. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in Westport, CT
An original pair of Art Nouveau 14K yellow gold diamond and opal chandelier earrings. Each earring is mounted with one natural Australian pear shaped opal suspended at the center, su...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Vintage 1997 Iconic Large Gold Silver Beans Flower CC Chunky Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1997 97 A Iconic Large Silver Beans Flower Openwork Logo Coco CC Modernist Elegant Chunky Statement Clip Earrings Very excellent condition. Maybe very light scratches...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Pearl, Coral & Sapphire Earrings - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Pearl, Coral & Multi Fancy Sapphire Earrings Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural light Blue topaz - 1.50 carat Natural multi color sapphires - 1 carats Baroq...
Coral, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, G...
Burberry's Vintage Rare Gold Rectangle Silver Half Hoop Domed Chunky Earrings
By Burberry
Located in Wokingham, England
Burberry's Vintage 1980s Unisex Rectangle Silver Rope Half Hoop Semi Dome Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Good condition. Light scotches or colour loss, still good to wear. 10...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage Gold Matelassé Diamond Crystals Check Chunky Statement Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Iconic Classic Matelassé Diamond Crystals Check Modernist Elegant Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches or...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold Five Strands Openwork Shell Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Five 5 Strands Openwork Shell Dome Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches and colour loss. 100% Genuine. A ve...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gold Red Ruby Crystals Half Hoop Domed Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Four Ruby Red Rectangle Clear Crystals Half Hoop Dome Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches or colour los...
Gold Plate
Large Edwardian Platinum Rose Cut Diamond Drop Clip On Earrings
Located in London, England
An important pair of Edwardian Art Nouveau style earrings, which showcase two large, white and clear rose cut diamonds. These stones add up to around 3.4 carats. The large diamonds a...
Diamond, Platinum
CHANEL Vintage 1995 Iconic Gold Textured Logo CC Coco Lava Round Circle Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
CHANEL Vintage 1995 Unisex Iconic Classic Textured Logo CC Coco Lava Round Circle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches or col...
Gold Plate
Faberge 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond 0.24cts. & Blue Enamel Huggy Earrings #51/300
Located in New York, NY
These modern Faberge 18 karat yellow gold huggy style pierced earrings center a bezel set round brilliant diamond. The earrings are crafted in a brilliant blue enamel, accented with ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$250Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Contemporary Vertical Stripe Peridot Zircon Half Silver Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in fine 925 sterling silver, these striking natural peridot and zircon bar earrings feature a bold, contemporary multi-row design. Set with vibrant round peridot gemstones me...
Peridot, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Nordic Earrings Balls Octagram Stars solid 18K Gold / 3.3 gr
Located in SE
A pair of old Swedish earrings with chained shiny balls. Delicate engraved ornamentations of Octagram eight-angled stars on front sides. Made ca. 1920s -1930s. Hooks have Swedish h...
18k Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Large Circle Hoop Glow Demi Semi Domed Clip Gold Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Unisex Large Circle Hoop Glow Demi Semi Dome Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noti...
Gold Plate
$1,184Sale Price / set|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Designer Octagon Emerald & Diamond long Bar Stud Earrings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Radiating refined elegance with a touch of bold sophistication, these exquisite bar stud earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold and adorned with 1.53 carats of vibrant emerald-cut e...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Gold Red Ruby Double Sunburst Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Large Gripoix Ruby Red Crystal Double Layer Sunburst Starburst Flower Openwork Chunky Statement Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Starfishes Star Textured Vivid Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Massive Large Textured Vivid Starfishes Star Pentagram Modernist Elegant Chunky Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100% Genuine. ...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Gold Statement Masai Crystals Red Green Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Masai Crystals Beads Threads Leather Red Navy Blue Green Purple Orange Drop Dangle Chunky Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condit...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior GROSSE Large Baroque Heart Love Glow Openwork Crystals Earrings
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1970s Large Baroque Heart Love Openwork Crystals Glow Chunky Statement Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Not any stones lost. Lig...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Extra Large White Round Pearl Double Crystals Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Extra Large White Round Circle Pearl Double Sparkling Crystals Dome Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Not any stones los...
Gold Plate
Christian Lacroix Vintage Rare Aqua Emerald Baroque Openwork Water Drop Gold Set
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage Iconic Luxury Baroque Aqua Emerald Blue Green Lilic Chandelier Openwork Crystals Water Drop Brooch Long Dangle Clip Earrings Elegant Modernist 2 Jewellery G...
Gold Plate
$385Sale Price / set|50% Off
Exquisite Oval Red Garnet Halo Zircon Stud Earrings for Her in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These Exquisite Oval Red Garnet Halo Zircon Stud Earrings, meticulously crafted in 925 sterling silver. Each earring showcases a deep, oval-cut red gemstone evocative of garnet or ru...
Garnet, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver