The Art Nouveau period began circa 1890 and ended around 1919. This period represents the turn of the century and the coming of the "modern age".
Art Nouveau Jewelry Designs
The feminine form was highly celebrated, as were soft curves, sinuous lines, and pale colors. The representation of the female head with long flowing hair is prevalent during the Art Nouveau period. Nature motifs also remained strong. Butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, poppies, orchids, irises and water lilies prevailed in jewelry design. Jewelry which was created during the Art Nouveau period embodied art for the sake of art, as well as a dramatic trend in fashion. Free flowing asymmetrical lines were important and emphasized the designers innovative skills. Because materials were not as important as design and craftsmanship, a number of varied gemstones were popular. Amber, opals, moonstones, citrines, and peridots were used along with other interesting materials like horn, copper, tortoise-shell, ivory, carved glass, shells, pearls, and gemstones cut in cabachon.
The romance of a fairy garden comes to life in this Art Nouveau pendant with plique a jour. Made of 18k yellow gold, the center of this pendant is splashed with garden green plique a jour enameling. A delicately enameled blossom with a spherical pearl center tops this display and a wing shaped pearl dangles from the bottom. The focal point of this Art Nouveau pendant is a golden sprite whose locks are highlighted with an old style single cut diamond. A 14k white gold cable link chain is included. Circa 1950s or later
A bezel set blue glass bead ascends from this Art Nouveau stick pin like a glorious full moon. The 10k yellow gold construction of this antique stick pin has a 14k gold clutch. The pyramid design of this Art Nouveau pin boasts a round brilliant cut diamond at its base. The diamond weight of this Art Nouveau antique stick pin is 0.025 carats. Circa 1910