Skip to main content

Art Nouveau Vanity Items

ART NOUVEAU STYLE

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.

to
5
24
12
5
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
10
24
1
6
2
3
1
1
1
1
27
8
2
2
2
1
to
2
1
1
1
1
114
69
56
47
37
33
27
21
17
7
5
2
2
1
31
4
19
13
Style: Art Nouveau
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Ivy Leaf Tiara, Circa 1890
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Ivy Leaf Tiara, Circa 1890

Antique Art Nouveau Silver Ivy Leaf Tiara, Circa 1890

Located in Altrincham, GB

A charming Art Nouveau headpiece/tiara, modelled in silver throughout and gorgeously decorated with ivy leaves. Antique jewellery often includes floral motifs, as part of their "Lang...

Category

1890s Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver

Vintage Alpo Kempanen Puukko Knife Steel Sterling Silver Birch Wood / 146gr
Vintage Alpo Kempanen Puukko Knife Steel Sterling Silver Birch Wood / 146gr

Vintage Alpo Kempanen Puukko Knife Steel Sterling Silver Birch Wood / 146gr

Located in SE

Nice Puuko type hunting knife hand - made by finish knife- maker Alpo Kempanen a couple of decades ago. Sheath and handle with integrated carved panels of Birch root wood. Opening of the sheath with mounted carved bone ring...

Category

1980s Finnish Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver, Steel

18k French Antique Gold mesh purse - Art Nouveau - Petite gold coin purse bag
18k French Antique Gold mesh purse - Art Nouveau - Petite gold coin purse bag

18k French Antique Gold mesh purse - Art Nouveau - Petite gold coin purse bag

Located in Antwerp, BE

We are thrilled to show you these magnificent French heirlooms. This rare and glamorous treasure dates back to the Art Nouveau period. It is a delightful miniature mesh coin purse with a very detailed hing closure and hundreds of hand made small links woven together. This 18 ct yellow gold jewel is hallmarked with a French eagle head and is in very good condition considering its age. It is in perfect working condition and a pleasure to wear. We like to mention that the back of the purse has deeper scratches as clearly visible in the pictures. This 18k solid gold purse...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Art Nouveau Style Silver Plated Pocket Perfume Bottle Scent Flask c.1970
Italian Art Nouveau Style Silver Plated Pocket Perfume Bottle Scent Flask c.1970

Italian Art Nouveau Style Silver Plated Pocket Perfume Bottle Scent Flask c.1970

Located in Honolulu, HI

A pristine vintage 1970s Italian collectible pocket perfume bottle by ALBO Florence, featuring a deeply embossed Art Nouveau relief of a maiden with flowing hair and floral motifs. ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Arts and Crafts Silver Plate Tiara Head Ornament
Antique Arts and Crafts Silver Plate Tiara Head Ornament

Antique Arts and Crafts Silver Plate Tiara Head Ornament

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This extravagant tiara in the Arts and Crafts taste was created out of silver plated copper in the last decade of the nineteenth century out of silver plated copper. The metal shows ...

Category

1890s English Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver

Early 1900s Antique Silver Hand Vanity Mirror Lilies Of The Valley Decoration
Early 1900s Antique Silver Hand Vanity Mirror Lilies Of The Valley Decoration

Early 1900s Antique Silver Hand Vanity Mirror Lilies Of The Valley Decoration

Located in Rome, IT

Early 1900s Antique Silver Hand Vanity Mirror Lilies Of The Valley Decoration. Antique Hand Vanity Silver Mirror, with high-relief of lilies of the valley floral design. This hand mi...

Category

1920s Italian Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver

Art Nouveau "Kroko" hair comb, tortoiseshell imitation, 1920s - Switzerland
Art Nouveau "Kroko" hair comb, tortoiseshell imitation, 1920s - Switzerland

Art Nouveau "Kroko" hair comb, tortoiseshell imitation, 1920s - Switzerland

Located in VALLADOLID, ES

Elegant celluloid hair comb with tortoiseshell imitation, made around the 1920s by Owalter-Obrecht AG in Mulmiswal, Solothurn, Switzerland, and signed with the “Kroko” brand. It fea...

Category

1920s Swiss Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Antique Art Nouveau Hair Pin Hair Ornament Garnet Silver Gilt
Antique Art Nouveau Hair Pin Hair Ornament Garnet Silver Gilt

Antique Art Nouveau Hair Pin Hair Ornament Garnet Silver Gilt

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This lovely hairpin was created in the last decade of the 19th century in Bohemia which, at the time of the creation of this hair ornament belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Bo...

Category

1890s Czech Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Garnet, Silver

Alvin Silver Overlaid Perfume Bottle
Alvin Silver Overlaid Perfume Bottle

Alvin Silver Overlaid Perfume Bottle

Located in Coeur d Alene, ID

Alvin silver overlay glass perfume bottle. With clear glass and art nouveau style silverwork, featuring 8 bouquets of daffodil or narcissus flowers with complementary design on stopp...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

1932 Lennart's Jocker Baby Rattle Teether Toy Sterling Silver / 18gr
1932 Lennart's Jocker Baby Rattle Teether Toy Sterling Silver / 18gr

1932 Lennart's Jocker Baby Rattle Teether Toy Sterling Silver / 18gr

Located in SE

Great Sterling Silver Jocker baby rattle toy, hand - engraved / dated 1932 on one side and named Lennart on the other. This is a toy has four little rattles/bells attached that make ...

Category

1930s European Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

1918 Nordic Engraved Fruit Mini Puuko Pocket Knife Sterling Silver Steel/16gr
1918 Nordic Engraved Fruit Mini Puuko Pocket Knife Sterling Silver Steel/16gr

1918 Nordic Engraved Fruit Mini Puuko Pocket Knife Sterling Silver Steel/16gr

Located in SE

Old Fruit or Pocket Knife. Original Sheath, chain, hanger parts, and handle - all in solid high - grade Silver. The blade is made of rust/ stain Iron (that reacts with water). Silver...

Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver, Steel

Antique  Art Nouveau Evening Bag Silver Mesch Handbag on  Silver Chain
Antique  Art Nouveau Evening Bag Silver Mesch Handbag on  Silver Chain

Antique Art Nouveau Evening Bag Silver Mesch Handbag on Silver Chain

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant silver handbag is made out of engraved silver and delicate silver mesch. The bulge of the bag is made out of silver and impressed, cut and engraved with flower, flower ...

Category

Early 1900s European Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver

Gorham Art Nouveau Sterling Buckle, 1902
Gorham Art Nouveau Sterling Buckle, 1902

Gorham Art Nouveau Sterling Buckle, 1902

By Gorham

Located in Toronto, ON

Gorham Art Nouveau Sterling Buckle, 1902. Marks for Gorham Sterling and B1949 copyrighted with 1902 (year). Beautiful open floral nouveau whiplash des...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Gilbert Sterling Silver Match Safe Vesta Case with Monogram #21300
Antique Gilbert Sterling Silver Match Safe Vesta Case with Monogram #21300

Antique Gilbert Sterling Silver Match Safe Vesta Case with Monogram #21300

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Antique sterling silver match safe/vesta case by F.S Gilbert & Co, with monogram. Monogram appears to be GHH This beautifully repoussed piece features an Art Nouveau design of scro...

Category

19th Century Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Jugendstil Silver Serpent Belt Buckle
Antique Jugendstil Silver Serpent Belt Buckle

Antique Jugendstil Silver Serpent Belt Buckle

Located in Rotterdam, NL

This is an antique silver belt buckle from the Jugendstil period, Germany 1890-1914. The buckle is created in 900 silver and it has a beautiful design with rose gold 'serpent teeth'. The piece has a silver carved striped design with two rose gold colored prongs, which represent the 'serpent teeth'. The bottom of the piece reveals a buckle, making it easy to attach to a favorite ribbon or leather belt. Presumably, the belt buckle used...

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver

Art Nouveau Mirror Argentor, circa 1900
Art Nouveau Mirror Argentor, circa 1900

Art Nouveau Mirror Argentor, circa 1900

Located in Toronto, ON

Art Nouveau pewter Mirror, attr Argentor, Austria C.1900. The mirror of floral design, original easel and back. Height: 52 cm. Width: 32 cm. ...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Turn of the Century Parasol Handle for Flirty, Twirling Come-Hither
Turn of the Century Parasol Handle for Flirty, Twirling Come-Hither

Turn of the Century Parasol Handle for Flirty, Twirling Come-Hither

By Georg Adam Scheid

Located in New York, NY

Ramp up your allure with a turn-of-the-century parasol handle. Silver and amber cylinder mounted to cone with enameled stylized vertical leafing branches on green guilloche basket-we...

Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Amber, Silver

Black Opal Phoenix bird Carving for necklace Cobalt Blue 68 carats
Black Opal Phoenix bird Carving for necklace Cobalt Blue 68 carats

Black Opal Phoenix bird Carving for necklace Cobalt Blue 68 carats

Located in Berlin, DE

One of a kind piece - Black Opal "Phoenix" bird carved by Daniela L`Abbate, world champion of Opal carving opal origin - Australia opal weight - 68.85 ca...

Category

2010s Australian Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Art Nouveau Gold Plated Hat Pin
Art Nouveau Gold Plated Hat Pin

Art Nouveau Gold Plated Hat Pin

Located in London, GB

Art Nouveau ornate gold plated hat pin with a lovely rectangular top featuring floral and swirl decoration. The top measures length 5.35 cm / 2.1 inches by width 3.35 cm / 1.3 inches, and the pin is length 24.8 / 9.76 inches. The pin finishes with a push on gold plated end cap. This is a beautiful detailed Art Nouveau hat pin.

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Gold Plate

Rare Design WMF Jugendstil Mirror, circa 1905
Rare Design WMF Jugendstil Mirror, circa 1905

Rare Design WMF Jugendstil Mirror, circa 1905

Rare WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist pewter Mirror, Germany C.1905. All original bevelled glass, back and easel, bracket cornice supports, stylised border with open arts and ...

Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Georg Jensen Art Nouveau Silver Dresser Box 79 Pill Jewelry Ring Box 1915-1932
Georg Jensen Art Nouveau Silver Dresser Box 79 Pill Jewelry Ring Box 1915-1932

Georg Jensen Art Nouveau Silver Dresser Box 79 Pill Jewelry Ring Box 1915-1932

By Georg Jensen

Located in New York, NY

THIS IS A WONDERFUL AND RARE EARLY ORIGINAL GEORG JENSEN ART NOUVEAU DRESSER PILL JEWELRY RING BOX IN STERLING SILVER WITH A FLOWER MOTIF ON THE TOP. This is an absolutely stunning rare early antique small silver dresser box...

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Tiffany & Co. Parasol Handle
Tiffany & Co. Parasol Handle

Tiffany & Co. Parasol Handle

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Art Nouveau Tiffany & Co. Parasol Handle A parasol handle made of 18 karat gold, jade, rocky crystal and wood made circa 1900 Signed Tiffany & Co. Stamped 18 KT. Gold Length: 8.5"

Category

Early 1900s American Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gorham Sterling Silver Three Piece Vintage Vanity Set
Gorham Sterling Silver Three Piece Vintage Vanity Set

Gorham Sterling Silver Three Piece Vintage Vanity Set

By Gorham

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Elegant touch points that enhance your daily routine can make all the difference in setting the tone for the day. Treat yourself and adorn your vanity with this beautiful estate trio...

Category

1950s North American Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile Iridescent Gold Glass Bowl Circa 1880s
Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile Iridescent Gold Glass Bowl Circa 1880s

Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile Iridescent Gold Glass Bowl Circa 1880s

By Louis Comfort Tiffany

Located in Westport, CT

An extraordinary Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile iridescent gold art glass bowl, circa 1882. The hand blown bowl displays a luminous golden surface with shifting iridescent undertones of pink, blue, and violet that change beautifully with the light, exemplifying the rich luster and color depth for which Tiffany’s Favrile glass became renowned. This elegant example reflects the pioneering artistry of Louis Comfort Tiffany and the refined aesthetic of American Art Nouveau glassmaking. Signed “1882 P 1402 L. C. Tiffany…”. Measuring approximately 167.6 mm in top diameter, approximately 83.1 mm in base diameter, and approximately 59.7 mm in height. Gross weight of 332.60 grams. Keywords: Louis Comfort Tiffany glass bowl, Favrile iridescent glass, Tiffany art glass bowl...

Category

Late 19th Century North American Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Art Nouveau Silvered Belt Buckle in the Form of Peacock Feathers, circa 1900
Art Nouveau Silvered Belt Buckle in the Form of Peacock Feathers, circa 1900

Art Nouveau Silvered Belt Buckle in the Form of Peacock Feathers, circa 1900

Located in Rotterdam, NL

An elegant and beautifully crafted Art Nouveau belt buckle, designed as a pair of stylized peacock feathers, dating to around 1900. The buckle is composed of two separate halves whi...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver Plate, Base Metal

Art Nouveau Soft Pastel Colors and Black Enameled Papyrus Buckle
Art Nouveau Soft Pastel Colors and Black Enameled Papyrus Buckle

Art Nouveau Soft Pastel Colors and Black Enameled Papyrus Buckle

Located in Rotterdam, NL

This rectangular Art Nouveau buckle is a stunning example of the movement's elegant and organic design, blending flowing lines and natural motifs. The buckle features intricate papyr...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Gold, Enamel, Gold Plate

Gorham Antique Sterling & Crystal Art Nouveau Pocket Flask
Gorham Antique Sterling & Crystal Art Nouveau Pocket Flask

Gorham Antique Sterling & Crystal Art Nouveau Pocket Flask

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1910 Gorham Art Nouveau Aesthetic period Pocket / Hip flask, Molded Crystal with High relief flowers with a heavy High relief Sterling Silver bottom that is removable as the dr...

Category

Early 1900s American Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Painted Portrait
Art Nouveau Painted Portrait

Art Nouveau Painted Portrait

Located in Geneva, CH

Art Nouveau Painted Portrait on metal. Total weight: 7.13 grams. Dimensions: 4.50 x 3.30 centimeters.

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Jugendstil Silver Buckle by Max Joseph Gradl, for Theodor Fahrner, circa 1900
Jugendstil Silver Buckle by Max Joseph Gradl, for Theodor Fahrner, circa 1900

Jugendstil Silver Buckle by Max Joseph Gradl, for Theodor Fahrner, circa 1900

Located in London, GB

Superb Jugendstil Buckle designed by Max Gradl for Theodor Fahrner Additional Information: Material: Silver, enamel, chalcedonies Origin: Germany, c. 1900 Marks: 'Depose' 'TF' & '900...

Category

Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Chalcedony, Silver

Antique Moser Enamel and Gilt Glass Vase with Bees and Chrysanthemums
Antique Moser Enamel and Gilt Glass Vase with Bees and Chrysanthemums

Antique Moser Enamel and Gilt Glass Vase with Bees and Chrysanthemums

Located in West Hollywood, CA

A stunning example of late 19th-century Bohemian artistry, this exquisite Moser glass vase showcases the brand’s mastery of color, form, and opulent decoration. The tall, cylindrical...

Category

Early 1900s Czech Antique Art Nouveau Vanity Items

20Th Vintage 11 Carat Unheated Sapphires Detachable Unsigned Certified Necklace
20Th Vintage 11 Carat Unheated Sapphires Detachable Unsigned Certified Necklace

20Th Vintage 11 Carat Unheated Sapphires Detachable Unsigned Certified Necklace

Located in Rome, IT

Introducing a remarkable Vintage late 20th-century unsigned jewelry piece, boasting an impressive 11 Carats of exquisitely rare, not heated certified sapphires. This unique jewelry report, numbered 2303751, showcases the timeless elegance of 14K yellow gold and silver craftsmanship, ensuring both enduring beauty and quality. Two bracelets, each 19 cm in length (approximately 7.08 inches), offer versatility and charm. One bracelet features a captivating line of these coveted not heated sapphires...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Malachite, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold

Brooch Art Nouveau Wheat Ear Silver Brooch Henri-Victor Miault Unisex Antique
Brooch Art Nouveau Wheat Ear Silver Brooch Henri-Victor Miault Unisex Antique

Brooch Art Nouveau Wheat Ear Silver Brooch Henri-Victor Miault Unisex Antique

Located in Berlin, DE

Art Nouveau wheat ear Silver Brooch by Henri-Victor Miault, Paris, France, circa 1910, signed Miault brooch measurements - 0.34 x 0.39 x 3.19 in / 9 x 10 ...

Category

1910s French Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

silver compact with Lapis Lazuli, Hand painted miniature scene
silver compact with Lapis Lazuli, Hand painted miniature scene

silver compact with Lapis Lazuli, Hand painted miniature scene

Located in Wallkill, NY

Stunning hand-painted miniature 800 silver compact. The hand-painting is signed (illegible look at photo) It measures 3 in. x 2 3/8 in. Mirror inside along with powder and puff. Pl...

Category

1920s Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver