The Art Nouveau jewelry 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
In Art Nouveau jewelry, 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.
This antique Art Nouveau flower pin was made by Hedges and Company of Newark, N.J.. A slim stem curls out of its center from a multicolored fluttering flower blossom. Green, violet, rose and cornflower yellow are all represented in the multicolored display. Circa 1905
This Art Nouveau antique pendant brooch is as fresh as the morning dewy glow and tantalizing color of an English garden. Done in a freeform heart design, this 14k yellow gold pendant is dotted with three silver white button shaped pearls. Rose and green enamel brings the floral and leaf elements to life. A Carter, Gough & Co. trademark attests to this pendant's provenance. A classic pin assembly with chatelaine hook allows this antique pendant to also be worn as a brooch. Circa 1900
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
According to Chinese lore, good luck will befall the person who sets a turtle free. The platinum band of this Art Nouveau turtle motif antique ring is topped with a collection of gemstone elements that are arranged to form a tortoise. A 2.8 carat oval cabochon star sapphire forms the turtle's shell while a collection of six round single cut and straight baguette cut diamonds form the head, legs and tail. The total diamond weight of this Art Nouveau turtle motif ring is 0.09 carats. This charming antique ring would make a special gift for any occasion. Circa 1910.
Delicate white blossoms peek their way out of summer's greenery in this Art Nouveau antique pendant. The 9k yellow gold base of this antique pendant is done in a romantic heart and horseshoe design. The flower petals that accent the metal's open-weave construction are highlighted with a collection of fourteen round half seed pearls. A round faceted mixed cut peridot weighing 0.39 carats is suspended from the center of the pendant. An oval faceted mixed cut spinel dangles from the bottom of the pendant. Circa 1900
The winged foot design of this Art Nouveau antique stick pin is sure to delight. This platinum and 18k white gold pin is finely carved to bring textural authenticity to the wing and foot. A round transitional brilliant cut diamond is bead set at the heal, adding a diamond weight of 0.40 carats to this Art Nouveau stick pin. Circa 1910
This Art Nouveau style diamond engagement ring brings to mind the whipped peaks of soft ice cream with caramel drizzled on top. The 18k royal yellow gold band of this antique style engagement ring is carved in a swirling pattern. At its summit, the engagement ring cradles a round brilliant cut diamond that weighs 0.31 carats. The color of the center diamond is N and the clarity is SI2. This new diamond engagement ring is crafted in the Art Nouveau style.
The plique a jour enameling adds subtle color to this Art Nouveau 1910 fairy brooch. Constructed of 18k yellow gold, this fairy brooch is exquisitely carved with fine detail. The textured wings are set with four round full cut diamonds. Two round faceted mixed cut pink sapphires contrast with the pastel blue of the fairy's flowing gown. A pear-shaped faceted mixed cut pink natural spinel dangles from the fairy's toes. The total gemstone weight of this fairy brooch is 0.60 carats. This is a new brooch in the Art Nouveau style.
Fluffy clouds misted with vibrant drops of dew are brought to mind with this Art Nouveau sapphire and diamond pendant. Set in 14k yellow gold and tipped with silver, this antique-style pendant's swirls are enhanced with two blue sapphires. The upper sapphire is oval faceted mixed cut while the lower, suspended sapphire is pear shaped. The total gemstone weight of this pendant is 2.43 carats. A collection of rose cut diamond add a touch of shimmer. This is an Art Nouveau reproduction pendant.
This Art Nouveau antique pendant is nature-inspired with cat-o-nine tails and leaf fronds. A silvery white pearl dangles from this antique pendant, while six additional half seed gray pearls highlight the wispy cattails that emerge from the base. Constructed of 18k gold with a 14k gold bail and chain, yellow and green enameling lends a colorful touch to this antique pendant's leafy folds. Circa 1890.