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Art Nouveau Opal Pendants

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Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
18ct gold & silver set Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch dated circa 1900 Five round opals
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
18ct gold & silver set Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch dated circa 1900 Five round opals
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Platinum Art Nouveau Butterfly Opal Diamond Pendant with Chain
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Breathtaking Opal Diamond and Emerald Butterfly pendant with chain in Platinum and yellow Gold
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace Gingko Leaves Opal Green Enamel Silver
Located in Munich, Bavaria
produced strong and expressive Art Nouveau jewellery. The pendant is accompanied by a period fine long
Category

Antique 1890s German Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver, Enamel

Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Pendant has Tanzanite and Opal. This Pendant has Pearls. This Pendant has
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...

Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Pendant has Tanzanite and Opal. This Pendant has Pearls. This Pendant has
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...

Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
version. This Pendant has also its matching Earrings. This Pendant is inspired by Art Nouveau. We're a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Tanzanite, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Opal, White Diamond,...

Art Nouveau 2.62 Carat Opal and Yellow Gold Necklace
By Murrle Bennett & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Art Nouveau 2.62 carat opal and 15 karat yellow gold necklace made by
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Style Ruby Emerald Sapphire Opal Yellow Gold "Moon Phases" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has 1.10 Carats Of Opals. This Pendant has 5.20 Carats of Peridots. This Pendant has 5.40 Carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, Sapphire, Ruby, Peridot, Opal, Garnet, Emerald...

Boulder Opal Necklace Australian Gemstone Ivy Art Nouveau style gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Ivy pendant with natural Boulder Opal in patinated silver on 100% silk black cord (handmade in
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Egyptian Revival Amber and Carved Opal Scarab Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
Art Nouveau (ca1900s) era! This absolutely gorgeous and unique piece is crafted in 14kt yellow gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amber, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Multicolor Australian Stone
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
х 0.55 х 1.34 in / 4 х 14 х 34 mm opal weight - 32 carats pendant weight - 10.79 grams pendant
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Multicolor Australian Stone
Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Multicolor Australian Stone
H 1.85 in W 0.55 in D 0.16 in L 1.34 in
Georg Jensen Silver Opal and Labradorite Pendant #4
By Georg Jensen
Located in Glasgow, GB
An early Georg Jensen silver pendant, #4, from circa 1904-1908, featuring foliate designs set with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Danish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Labradorite, Opal, Silver

Opal Gold Pendant Boulder Australian Nature Inspired Necklace
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.24
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau chandelier with opal glass
Located in Praha, CZ
In beautiful original condition. A small piece of the hem of one glass screen is glued. - cleaned and rewired - Two separate circuits 1+4x60W, E 25-E27 bulbs - US wiring compatible.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Full Moon Black Opal Silver Pendant Natural Neon Purple Gem Australian
Located in Berlin, DE
Sterling silver pendant with natural black opal opal origin - Australia opal size - 0.12 x 0.71
Category

2010s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

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
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

7.12 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Tweety Bird PT 900 Cocktail Pendant
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Our tweety bird pendant comprises a 7.12-carat orange opal decorated with a 0.21 carat, pear-shaped
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, Platinum

Boulder Opal Pendant w Natural Diamond Accents in Solid 14K Gold Fancy 8x4.7mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This exquisite unique pendant features a 0.71 carat boulder opal gemstone with natural earth mined
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Opal Snake Pendant Necklace Long Antique Gold 1800s Rare
Located in New York, NY
A rare antique Victorian - Art Nouveau Opal Snake Pendant depicting two snakes or serpents wrapped
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold

25 Carat Black Australian Opal "Lightening Ridge'' 4.71 Carat Designer Necklace
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Australian opal is considered to be the most valuable of all types of opal thanks to its
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold

Moon Neon Opal Silver Necklace Natural Neon Australia Dark Magic Stone Healing
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver necklace with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal size - 0.12 x 0.71 x 0.71 in
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique 18K Gold Platinum Opal, Demantoid Garnet, Diamond, Enamel Pansy Necklace
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
and scarce Art Nouveau necklace. The necklace is set to the centre with an opal, which has been carved
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Art Nouveau Yellow Gold Pendant with Opal, Diamonds, and Rubies
Located in Berlin, BE
A beautiful 14K Art Nouveau yellow gold pendant/brooch with chain, this exquisite piece features a
Category

20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Art Nouveau Style Opal & Sapphire Brooch/Pendant in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A stunning example of Art Nouveau style craftsmanship, this vintage convertible brooch and pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Milky way Opal pendant Natural Australian opal neon blue gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Milky way - 14K yellow gold pendant with natural Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau More Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

9ct Gold Opal Pendant & Matching Earrings
Located in London, GB
Beautiful 9ct Gold Genuine Opal Pendant with Matching Earrings Quality Goldsmith Earrings Length
Category

Mid-20th Century British Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Materials

Opal, Gold

The Bochic "Orient" Pearl, Rubies & Sapphires Pendant Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
The Bochic "Orient" Pearl, Rubies & Sapphires Pendant Set In 18K Gold & Silver The Bochic "Orient
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Opal, Sapphire, Pearl, Ruby, Silver, 18k Gold, Gold Plate

John Zerano Art Nouveau Opal Pendant with 14 K Yellow Gold Chain
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Nouveau pendant with 14 K yellow gold chain. By John Zerano, Germany. Opal in cabochon-cut and
Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Opal Silver Scarab Pendant
Located in Berlin, DE
This Art Nouveau silver pendant was crafted about 1900. Studded with oval opal in scarab shape and
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver

Art Nouveau Style Opal and Diamond Drop Pendant
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A very pretty Art Nouveau style drop pendant set in 9ct yellow and white gold with precious opal
Category

Early 2000s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 6.63 Carat Opal Pendant
Located in Essex, GB
A magnificently pretty Art Nouveau pendant. They elegantly forming stylised heart is centred by a
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Platinum Art Nouveau Pendant with Diamonds and Large Opal, 1910s
Located in Antwerp, BE
showing this treasure’s full splendour as no picture can.   Country of origin: unknown Style: Art Nouveau
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Edwardian Art Nouveau Gold Opal Seed Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Perth, AU
Very pretty 9ct gold art nouveau pendant featuring 2 oval opals and seed pearls in an organic
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 9k Gold

Pink Opal and Pink Sapphire Dramatic Pendant by Zoltan David
By Zoltan David
Located in Austin, TX
are set into the Pink Opal. The pendant is 27 mm wide, 58 mm long and 13 mm deep. The chain is an 18
Category

2010s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, Palladium, Platinum

Sapphire Emerald Opal Rubelite White Diamond Gold Phoenix Pendant Necklace
By TIVON FINE JEWELLERY
Located in Borehamwood, GB
, multi-colour Sapphires, fine Emerald, Opal and Rubelite Tourmaline. Double 18ct 18 inch chain included
Category

2010s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Other, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Rubelite...

Swiss, Gold Opal Art Nouveau Openface Pendant
Located in New York City, NY
This is a Swiss, very attractive 18k yellow gold & opal art nouveau openface keyless lever pendant
Category

Swiss Pocket Watches

Art Nouveau Mexican Fire Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Whiplash Pendant Necklace
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant is designed as scrolling whiplash featuring two oval Mexican fire opal cabochons Smaller
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Opal and Seed Pearl Pendant, 15k Gold, Art Nouveau
Located in NEWARK, GB
A pretty and delicate antique, Art Nouveau Opal and seed pearl pendant. It is a pretty geometric
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Opal and Pearl Pendant, 9k Yellow Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
A pretty and dainty antique, Art Nouveau Opal and seed pearl pendant. It is a circular shaped
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marcus Co., Art Nouveau 14K Gold Opal Enamel Iris Pendant Necklace
By Marcus & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Oval-shaped opal approx. 3.2 x 1.6cm. Circa 1900. Weight: 37.3 grams Measurement: chain 57.5 cm
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau 18kt Enameled Opal + Diamond Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous enameled opal and diamond necklace from the Art Nouveau (ca1920) era! This artistic
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau 1.50Ct White Opal and 15k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.50 carat white opal and 15 karat yellow gold Art Nouveau
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Boulder Opal Pearl & Sapphire Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Art Nouveau era was a short-lived period of design which produced the most naturalistic and
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
version. This Pendant has also its matching Earrings. This Pendant is inspired by Art Nouveau. We're a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Tanzanite, Cultured Pearl, Freshwat...

Art Nouveau White Diamond Opal Tanzanite Pearl Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
version. This Pendant has also its matching Earrings. This Pendant is inspired by Art Nouveau. We're a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...

Art Nouveau 18kt + Sterling Carved Opal Diamond + Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
An exquisite Art Nouveau opal, diamond, and pearl pendant from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! Crafted
Category

Vintage 1910s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Style Ruby Emerald Sapphire Opal Yellow Gold "Moon Phases" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Of Opals. This Pendant has 5.20 Carats of Peridots. This Pendant has 5.40 Carats of Garnets. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Peridot, Garnet, Emerald, Turquoise, Ruby, Opal...

Art Nouveau Style Ruby Emerald Sapphire Opal Yellow Gold "Moon Phases" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
has 1.10 Carats Of Opals. This Pendant has 5.20 Carats of Peridots. This Pendant has 5.40 Carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, Sapphire, Ruby, Peridot, Opal, Garnet, Emerald...

Murrle Bennett & Co Art Nouveau Opal and Seed Pearl 15 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant
By Murrle Bennett & Co.
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Art Nouveau opal and seed pearl pendant by Murrle Bennett & Co A finely crafted 15
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Necklace with Opal Scarab by Antoine Bricteux
By Antoine Bricteux
Located in New York, NY
A French Egyptian Revival 18 karat gold pendant necklace with opal, diamond, freshwater pearl and
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Egyptian Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage 14K Gold Inlay Opal Cross Pendant
Located in Henderson, NV
14K yellow gold cross pendant, featuring mixed-cut opal inlays with a vibrant multi color fire. The
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ethiopian Opal Nugget Silver Pendant Raw Uncut Polychrome Neon Yellow Green Gem
Located in Berlin, DE
Sterling silver pendant with natural opal nugget opal origin - Ethiopia stone weight - 50 carats
Category

2010s Russian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Fire Opal 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Fiery Red Natural Mexican Gem Healing Power
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold pendant with natural fire opal opal origin - Mexico stone measurements - 0.39 x
Category

2010s Russian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Opal Demantoid Garnet Seed Pearl 14 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a Swiss cut demantoid garnet surrounded by three oval cabochon opals in a stylized flower
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Opal, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Opal Demantoid Garnet Seed Pearl 14 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a Swiss cut demantoid garnet surrounded by three oval cabochon opals in a stylized flower
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Opal, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Opal Pearl 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Insect Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant brooch designed as a stylized flying insect with fanciful wings that feature matte green
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Opal, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Opal 1.12 Carat Diamond Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine antique opal and 1.12 carat diamond Art Nouveau style 15k yellow gold, platinum set pendant
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Opal Pearl 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Antique Insect Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant brooch is designed as a stylized insect centering a 5.0 x 3.5 mm oval opal cabochon. White
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ethiopian Opal Silver Necklace Raw Uncut Polychrome Neon Yellow Gem Crystal Root
Located in Berlin, DE
Sterling silver pendant with natural opal nugget opal origin - Ethiopia stone weight - 50 carats
Category

2010s Russian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Crystal, Silver, Sterling Silver

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Art Nouveau Opal Pendants For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of art nouveau opal pendants for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Yellow Gold and 14k Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 58 vintage editions and 10 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 19th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of art nouveau opal pendants to choose from, but Art Nouveau and Edwardian art nouveau opal pendants are of considerable interest. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by llyn strong, Marcus & Co. and Murrle Bennett & Co. are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for cabochon art nouveau opal pendants and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and pear cut alternatives. When shopping our range of art nouveau opal pendants, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.

How Much are Art Nouveau Opal Pendants?

Prices for art nouveau opal pendants can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $750 and can go as high as $175,000, while art nouveau opal pendants, on average, fetch $5,648.

A Close Look at Art-nouveau Jewelry

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.