The Arts and Crafts movement that emerged in England in the late 19th century saw a dehumanization of design in the rise of industrialization and mass production of objects. Its practitioners prized craftsmanship and a close connection between the artisan and the entire process of what they were making. This included the design of Arts and Crafts jewelry and watches, which evolved as the movement spread to the United States in the early 20th century.
While much of the Arts and Crafts furniture realm was dominated by male designers like William Morris and Gustav Stickley, several women came to prominence in Arts and Crafts jewelry design, including British metalworker Charlotte Newman and American enamelist and metalsmith Elizabeth Copeland. Many creators were part of guilds, encouraging an exchange of ideas, with some focused on jewelry, like England’s Guild and School of Handicraft — founded by Charles Robert Ashbee — and Birmingham Guild of Handicraft.
In contrast to the Victorian era, with its decadent gemstones and heavy mourning jewelry, designers of Arts and Crafts jewelry looked to the past and abroad for inspiration, from simple medieval shapes to East Asian styles. The movement’s emphasis on natural forms overlapped with Art Nouveau. Flourishes like leaves and flowers formed from silver, aluminum and copper can be found in bracelets and necklaces designed in this style, while rings and earrings are adorned with affordable gems such as turquoise and freshwater pearls.
Arts and Crafts jewelry designers used materials that were often simple, such as semiprecious stones and enamel, which is one of the oldest forms of surface decoration. Artisans prioritized the use of artistic techniques to elevate the jewelry rather than expensive components, and every piece was intended to be one of a kind — a work of wearable art.
Find antique Arts and Crafts jewelry boxes and a collection of Arts and Crafts jewelry on 1stDibs.
1847 Centerpiece solid 830 Silver / 382 gr
Located in SE
Antique centerpiece in solid 830 Silver, Arts and Crafts period with cast floral decorations, in perfect condition after 178 years of existence. Measures: 17.5 cm high x 20.5 cm ...
Sterling Silver
Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver Centrepiece by William Comyns & Sons
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This unusual sterling silver centrepiece could be described as several things - a comport, a jardiniere or simply a footed bowl. Crafted by London silversmith William Comyns & So...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$55,250Sale Price|35% Off
Exceptional Nautical Themed Silver Centerpiece by Buccellati
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Nautical Themed Silver Centerpiece by Buccellati A silver masterpiece depicting: putto, leaves, Neptune holding a trident, shell, and dolphins by master silversmiths Buc...
Silver
1915 Sterling Silver 3"X 2.25"X 1/2" Antique English Snuff & Pill Box
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique English Snuff & Pill Box All original with very minor dents or scratches, weighting 31.9 grams Vintage English Snuff or Pill Box, in excellent condition considering 100 y...
Sterling Silver
$9,394
H 10.44 in W 11.62 in L 21.93 in
Big and Heavy Sterling Silver Fruit, Flower Bowl, Basket, Hazorfim, Judaica
Located in Berlin, DE
Big and very heavy sterling silver fruit bowl, basket. Hazorfim. Beautiful decoration object.
Silver, Sterling Silver
$800Sale Price|73% Off
Pair of Estate Handpainted Grape Leaf Floral Centerpiece Porcelain Vases
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Spectacular Pair of Estate Handpainted European Grape Leaf Floral Centerpiece Urns / Vases. Very Finely and Exquisitely Detailed. Excellent Co...
Exquisite French Floral Scroll Handpainted Sevres Style Limoges Cake Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item that we are offering is A Rare and Impressive Magnificent and Exquisite Rare Large Handpainted Sevres Style Limoges Stamped Porcelain Cake Plate Server Centerpiece...
$750Sale Price|50% Off
Rare Large French Bohemian Cranberry Glass Centerpiece Lidded Bowl
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Magnificent Large 1920's Bohemian Cranberry Glass Lidded Bowl. Beautifully done with Fine and Intricate Scrolling and with Outstanding Hand...
Crystal, Bronze
$395
H 2.75 in W 12.88 in D 10.13 in
Signed Antique French Art Deco Silver Plated Tazza or Table Centerpiece
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed French Art Deco period tazza. In silver plate. Apparently marked for Durousseau & Reynaud of Lyon, France. Simply a fine French Art Deco form! Date: Early 20th Cent...
Silver Plate
$2,100Sale Price|61% Off
Rare Important 19th Century Sevres Style Yellow Porcelain Bronze Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is A Beautiful Rare 19th Century Fine French Gilt Bronze and Yellow Sevres Porcelain Center Bowl. The hand p...
Bronze
Georg Jensen, Sterling Silver Comport by Johan Rohde
By Georg Jensen
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This rather beautiful sterling silver comport was made by Georg Jensen in a design by the famed craftsman Johan Rohde. The piece was first designed betw...
Sterling Silver
$2,700Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 5.5 in W 4.5 in
4 Norwegian MCM Modernist Enamel Sterling Silver Candlesticks N.M.Thune Viking
By N.M. Thune
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare museum quality set of Four Norwegian Mid-Century Modernist Enameled Sterling Silver Candlesticks by N.M. Thune of Norway and dating to the 20th century. Each candlestick is adorned with magnificent enamel images with depictions of Norse Mythology and Viking imagery. The colors and design are mid-century magnificence. The very rare group of candlesticks...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
French Empire, Cobalt Glass and Silver Centrepiece
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This oval jardiniere which has been crafted from silver and cobalt blue glass dates to France at the end of the 19th Century. The neoclass...
Silver
$2,545
H 3.55 in W 4.73 in L 8.67 in
Late Victorian, Neoclassical Style, Gilt Silver and Cobalt Glass Centrepiece
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
An impressive gilt sterling silver footed basket with original cobalt blue glass liner. The silver frame sits upon four gilt sterling feet and externally features swags with bows and...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal