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.
Art Nouveau 18K Gold Ombre Enamel Peridot Pearl Diamond Necklace, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Fine Art Nouveau period 18K gold, Ombre enamel, faceted peridot, diamond and natural pearl necklace. Early 20th Century With a central oval peridot measu...
Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Enamel
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Aquamarine Necklace Pearl Amethyst 16" Gold Filled
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aquamarine, Amethyst & Pearl Beaded Choker Necklace – Pastel Multi-Stone Jewelry by J Dauphin A luminous beaded choker by J Dauphin, combining aquamarine, amethyst, and white pe...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Labradorite, Pearl, Gold Plate, Gold-filled
18 Karat Gold Indian Head $2.50 Quarter Eagle Coin Necklace by Michael Bondanza
Located in Troy, MI
Enjoy a piece of American gold coin history! This 1925 $2.50 Indian head quarter eagle coin is framed in 18k yellow gold and suspends from a ribbon-...
18k Gold, Gold
Opal, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 7.57 carats, Blue Sapphire 14.43 carats and Diamond 1.0 carat Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 5.0 cm Length: 51.0cm Total Weight: 37.1 grams "We first opened d...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Lady With A Snake Lava Quartz Cameo Necklace
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k Gold:0.48g, Diamond:6.59ct, Silver:29.76g, Emerald:16.1ct, Onyx-55.40ct
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Quartz, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Nouveau Plique-a-Jour Dragonfly Silver Pendant Necklace
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Plique-a-Jour Art Nouveau dragonfly pendant necklace in sterling silver in beautiful shades of blue and green with little bright red eyes—possibly ruby or maybe paste, not t...
Silver
$360Sale Price|20% Off
White Pearl Choker Necklace Aquamarine Amethyst Gold Filled J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Pearl Choker Necklace Aquamarine Amethyst Gold Filled – Pastel Multi-Stone Jewelry by J Dauphin A luminous beaded choker by J Dauphin, combining aquamarine, amethyst, and whit...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Labradorite, Pearl, Gold-filled
Fine 7.30 Carat Colombian Emerald Necklace 18 Karat
Located in Brunswick, ME
Fine Quality Colombian Emeralds 100% Natural. This Incredible Emerald Necklace is a custom made of solid 18k Yellow Gold. Feature 6 Natural Colombian Emerald, The fines quality in c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,987Sale Price|25% Off
Certified Natural Uncut rose cut Diamonds 14K white gold ribbon bow necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
This gorgeous ribbon bow uncut rose cut diamond Gold necklace is unique in itself. It has been created by the fine artisans using Natural real Uncut Diamond and real rose cut diamond...
Diamond, White Gold
Amethyst Antique Silver Pendant Royal Purple Gemstone Magic Amulet Henri Miault
Located in Berlin, DE
Amethyst silver antique brooch, signet Miault (Henri Miault, French artist) France, early 1900s, Art Nouveau style brooch weight - 14 grams b...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,460Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Uncut Diamonds green onyx Sterling silver necklace with earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
This gorgeous Floral Style necklace set is unique in itself. It has been created by the fine artisans using Natural real Uncut Diamond and Moonstone. The Gemstones and Diamonds have ...
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Opal Gold Pendant Boulder Australian Nature Inspired Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.24 х 0.71 х 1.38 in / 6 х 18 х 35 mm stone weight - 13.65 carats pendant length - 1.73...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Multicolor Australian Stone
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold necklace with natural boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.55 х 1.34 in / 4 х 14 х 34 mm opal weight - 32 carats pendant weight - 10.79 ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold Crystals Moon Long Crescent Pendant Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Unisex Crystals Long Crescent Moon Pendant Pendant Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely n...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare GROSSE 1972 Massive Gold White Clovers Leaf Necklace
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1972 Vintage Unisex Massive Huge White Enamel Clovers Leaf Flowers Layer Chunky Pendant Modernist Elegant Pendant Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. on...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Rare Gold White Pearl Crystals Round Marquise Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Classic Iconic. White Pearl Crystals Flower Round Circle Marquise Pendant Elegant Necklace, Gold Plated Good condition. Not any peel off at faux pearl, ...
Gold Plate
$1,129Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Emerald Ruby Blue Sapphire Turquoise Yellow Gold "Cat" Pendant
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...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Gold Large White Pearl Crystals Leaf Woven Omega Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s White Pearl Crystals Flower Layer Leaf Openwork Satin Mesh Omega Woven Chunky Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. 100% Gen...
Gold Plate
$2,071Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Handcrafted Emerald Aquamarine Yellow Gold "Cat" Pendant Necklace
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Aquamarine, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold, Tiffany & Co Enamelled Pendant Watch on Chain
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This Art Nouveau pendant watch on chain was made for Tiffany & Co for retail in the United States. The watch hangs from a yellow gold filled curb link chain that has a swivel type cl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Gold-filled, Yellow Gold, Enamel
French Art Nouveau Fine Pearl Diamond Silver Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
18 carat yellow gold and silver necklace eagle's head hallmark. Featuring an openwork floral design set with rose cut diamonds. The necklace features a yellow gold Iris motif set with a fine flat pearl...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Silver, Ye...
Necklace Tourmaline Crystal Silver Patina Ivy Natural Raw
Located in Berlin, DE
Patinated silver pendant with natural Tourmaline Rubellite crystal with 100% silk cord from Japan tourmaline crystal of origin - Brazil crystal measurements - 1.02 х 1.65 in / 26 х 42 mm crystal weight - 185 carats pendant weight - 65.24 grams pendant height - 2.68 in / 68 mm Ivy collection
Crystal, Rubelite, Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
Large Art Nouveau Portrait Floral 18k Gold Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
***Locket Only!!! Chain shown is for display only, and is sold separately. *** Details: Absolutely beautiful 18K Buttery Yellow Gold Art Nouveau Repousse Locket...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant Nacreous White Multicolor Natural Australian Stone
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.2 х 0.51 х 1.06 in / 5 х 13 х 27 mm opal weight - 19.45 carats pendant weight - 6.54 grams pen...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$5,178Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Ruby Turquoise Coral Pearl Enamel Yellow Gold Necklace
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, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, ...
$1,318Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
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, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...
$1,882Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Turquoise Peridot Onyx Yellow Gold Heart Pendant
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, Onyx, Peridot, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,447Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Emerald Ruby Tsavorite Yellow Gold "Elephant" Pendant
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold,...
Antique Art Nouveau Amethyst and Pearl Pendant, 9k Gold, Quatrefoil Floral
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique, Art Nouveau era Amethyst and seed pearl pendant. The pendant has an unusual Quatrefoil design in a rich 9ct gold ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,071Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
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, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...
Art Nouveau Portrait Roses 14k Gold Locket Pendant and 18" Necklace
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Absolutely beautiful 14K Buttery Yellow Gold Art Nouveau Locket with a lovely woman's face surrounded by roses that is paired with an 18 inch 14K gold rope chain. The piece ...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$2,636Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Oval Cut Blue Sapphire Yellow Gold Heart Pendant
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, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, S...
Art Nouveau 19 Karat Gold Portuguese Cross with Garnets and Zircons
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This elegant pendant showcases a striking combination of white and yellow gold, beautifully contrasted by the rich crimson tones of natural garnets. Designed in the shape of a classi...
Garnet, Zircon, Yellow Gold, Gold, White Gold
Art Nouveau Hedera Pendant in the Manner of Lucien Gaillard
Located in London, GB
Illustrated in our book: Beatriz Chadour-Sampson & Sonya Newell-Smith, Tadema Gallery London Jewellery from the 1860s to 1960s, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, Stuttgart 2021, cat. no. 41 A good French Art...
Garnet, Malachite
$1,506Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
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, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...
20th Century Jade Fine and Precious Stones Metal 18 Karat Gold Birds Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
This pendant consists of a large oval jade plate, held in place by a gold-plated and 18-karat gold bail. On the front, the plate is decorated with a gold-plated metal floral and plan...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Garnet, Jade, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow G...
$3,389Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Sapphire Peridot Tourmaline Aquamarine Yellow Gold Owl Pendant Necklace
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...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Pe...
$788Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Minimalist Ruby Diamond Pendant Art Nouveau Style Ruby Pendant
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Art nouveau pear cut ruby diamond pendant in 18K Gold. It has a pear cut ruby with diamonds that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are used to wear or gifted to repre...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum & Gold Art Nouveau Antique Pendant 2.70 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Platinum & Gold Art Nouveau Antique Pendant With 2.70 ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds Diamonds: Old cut diamonds, 2 big diamonds of 1 ct each, all small ones together 0.7ct. Total diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum
Quartz & Onyx Collar Necklace with Diamonds Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18K:2.35g, Diamond:10.600ct, Silver:39.64g
Diamond, Onyx, Quartz, 18k Gold, Silver
Black Tourmaline crystal necklace gold Amulet raw schorl
Located in Berlin, DE
14K gold pendant with natural raw Schorl Black Tourmaline crystal tourmaline origin - Madagascar crystal weight - 29.85 carats pendant weight - 9.15 grams pendant height - 2.76 in /...
Crystal, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fire Agate Gold Pendant Brownish Red Volcanic Lava Natural Mexican Stone Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural fire agate fire agate origin - Mexico fire agate measurements - 0.35 х 0.94 х 1.46 in / 9 х 24 х 37 mm stone weight - 60.70 carats pendant we...
Agate, Fire Agate, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fire Agate Silver Pendant Terracotta Red Raw Uncut Natural
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Fire Agate fire agate origin - Mexico agate measurements - 0.2 х 0.79 х 1.57 in / 5 х 20 х 40 mm stone weight - 18.75 carats pen...
Agate, Fire Agate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Portuguese Crucifix in 19kt Yellow and White Gold
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This antique crucifix is very stylized and combines yellow and white gold. The particularity of this pendant is the gold quality. Portuguese gold is fa...
White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,129Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant Necklace
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, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 9k Gold...
18 Karat Yellow Gold Locket with Green Enamel and Diamonds on Chain with Enamel
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
18k gold locket pendant with green enamel and diamonds. Keep your treasure close to your heart: this 'My Locket' is for you alone! The 18k yellow gold locket is adorned with vitreou...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Danish Antique Georg Jansen Signed Dove Silver Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant and chain in silver, crab hallmark. Important antique silver pendant featuring a dove in an openwork plant crown. It comes with a silver chain. The clasp is a spring-loaded r...
Silver
Azurite Yellow Gold Pendant Dark Blue Patterned Gem Triangle Black Magic
Located in Berlin, DE
18k yellow gold pendant with natural Azurite stone measurements - 0.28 х 1.1 х 1.38 in / 7 х 28 х 35 mm stone weight - 64.3 carats pendant weight - 17.52 grams pendant height - 1.77 ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Uvarovite Gold Pendant Dark Green Garnet Raw Gem Unisex LOTR style art Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural uvarovite garnet uvarovite weight - 44.10 carats pendant weight - 12.64 grams pendant height - 2.48 in / 63 mm st...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Tourmaline Yellow Gold Pendant Natural Crystal Healing Unisex Raw Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural black Tourmaline Schorl tourmaline origin - Madagascar tourmaline measurements - 0.2 x 0.31 x 1.57 in / 5 x 8 x 40 mm stone weight - 22.75 carats...
Crystal, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Pendant 1.10 ct 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Make sparkle a priority with this elegant baguette and Round diamond Cluster Halo with a delicate design open work around the cluster in this pendant necklace. Inspired by the era o...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Style Diamond Pendant Gold
Located in Brunswick, ME
Showcasing a stylish marquise shape antique 1.29 carat diamond pendant, Made of Solid 14K White & Yellow Gold 258 genuine round cut diamonds, Approx : 1.29 carat, H-I-J Color /S...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant gift Multicolor Natural Australian Stone necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.2 х 0.51 х 1.06 in / 5 х 13 х 27 mm opal weight - 19.45 carats pendant weight - 6.54 grams pen...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 3.50 Carats Total Mixed-Cut Blue Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful drop necklace, featuring a 1.38 carats round brilliant cut diamond, bezel-set in platinum. Accented by mixed-cut sapphires weighing 1.60 carats total, set in a floral mot...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Tourmaline Rubellite Crystal Silver Ivy Pendant Natural Raw L’automne
Located in Berlin, DE
Patinated silver pendant with natural Tourmaline Rubellite crystal with a handmade 100% silk cord from Japan tourmaline crystal of origin - Brazil crystal measurements - 1.02 х 1.6...
Crystal, Rubelite, Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 2.21 carats Necklace set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 4.2 cm Length: 52 cm Total Weight: 13.29 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Nouveau 14k Gold, Pearl, Coral and Diamond Swag Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau 14k gold , pearl, coral and diamond swag necklace with central foliate form pendant accented by a single prong-set diamond and 3 natural pearl...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Amethyst Crystal pendant White gold Rare Raw necklace rough
Located in Berlin, DE
Natural rare Phantom Amethyst crystal pendant in 14K white gold amethyst origin - Brandberg, Namibia amethyst measurements - 0.59 х 0.59 х 1.77 in / 15 х 15 х 45 mm amethyst weigh...
Amethyst, Crystal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Carnelian Gold Necklace Honey Orange Triangle Cabochon Magic Forest Roots Gems
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural Carnelian carnelian weight - 29.70 carats pendant weight - 10.61 grams pendant height - 1.77 in / 45 mm stone measurements - 0.2 х 1.02 х 1.34 in...
Carnelian, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Art Nouveau Pearl Gold Necklace Featuring a Woman’s Head
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Baume creation - Unique piece. Necklace in 18 carat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Featuring a woman’s head, her hair blends into an openwork design engraved beneath. She wears a...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold