Jewelry Crafted in the Art Nouveau Style
Sabrina Easley
18kyg Woman Convertible Brooch / Pendant
From c 1890 - 1914, Art Nouveau saw its peak in popularity. Mostly viewed as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, Art Nouveau really leaned into its nature-oriented flair. With its sinuous curvature and movement, often inspired by subjects such as the female form and vining plants, the Art Nouveau movement sought to form a bridge between traditional fine arts (sculpture work, painting, etc.) and applied arts (interior decoration, jewelry, metal working, architecture). A majority of works made within the Art Nouveau umbrella were within the “applied arts” category, as seen in architecture, decorative items, and of course, jewelry.
Defining Characteristics of Art Nouveau Jewelry
Jewelry with Art Nouveau stylistic elements typically reflects fluid, organic lines found in nature. Featuring bright colors, celestial bodies (goddesses, fairies, nymphs, and other mythological beings), and organic influences from animals, insects, and flowers, Art Nouveau styles can evoke a dreamy, mystical quality.
18kwg Art Nouveau-Style Convertible Brooch / Pendant
Another interesting aspect of Art Nouveau jewelry is that it utilized gemstones and diamonds as accents as opposed to being the main draw. Rather than being a focal point, gemstones were used to support the overall piece, often found in the “background” or layered within a depicted scene. Enamel work was also incredibly popular, bringing sculptural pieces of jewelry to life.
18kyg “Mariposa Butterfly” Convertible Brooch / Pendant
Here at Landmark Jewelers, we have a unique opportunity to display some Art Nouveau-styled pieces of jewelry. This neo-vintage estate collection from the early 2000s will feature pieces from Nouveau 1910, a designer that was based in Barcelona and specialized in hand-crafted jewelry with plique-a-jour enameling techniques.