Knowledge Centre > Jewellery History > Design Periods > Art Nouveau

Sensuous Designs of the Art Nouveau movement

unusual creations in jewellery with nature inspirations


Art Nouveau diamond ring berganza hatton garden
Art Nouveau diamond ring, circa 1900.
Ref: 25758

The Art Nouveau period is wedged between the ornate Victorian designs of the 19th century and the signature garland designs of the Edwardian period. During this movement designers rebelled against the norm and created daring pieces inspired by nature and the sensuousness of the human form. Unusual creations emerged depicting dragonflies and moths in flight, sprays of flowers, branches and vines adorned with leaves and erotic female figures all paying homage to naturalism. Goldsmiths decorated these pieces with an array of gemstones including natural pearl, moonstone, opal, sapphire and diamonds further enhancing them with bright vivid enamels.

 Plique-à-jour enamel work was favoured during this time as it provided colour, diversity and light to intricately carved designs bringing life to each piece. This method of enamelling is similar to stained glass windows where the enamel has no backing and is held in place by a metal surrounding. Pieces which included this type of enamelling were viewed as wearable art forms.

The signature theme running throughout the Art Nouveau movement was the free flowing line. These melodious lines are seen in the weaving of plant stems, the arcs of wings, a woman’s flowing hair and in feminine curves. The collection of ancient, antique and vintage jewellery at Berganza includes a selection of rare pieces from the Art Nouveau period. Visit Berganza today and purchase your very own piece of wearable art.

Art Nouveau diamond necklace berganza hatton garden
Art Nouveau diamond necklace, circa 1905.
Ref: 24746
Art Nouveau shirt studs berganza hatton garden
Art Nouveau shirt studs, French, circa 1890.
Ref: 25296
Art Nouveau natural Burmese sapphire diamond ring hatton garden
Art Nouveau Burmese sapphire diamond ring, circa 1900.
Ref: 13600
Art Nouveau diamond pendant/brooch Gautrait berganza hatton garden
Art Nouveau diamond, pearl and enamel pendant/brooch by Gautrait, circa 1900.
Ref: 25425
Signed Art Nouveau gold brooch
Art Nouveau gold and diamond brooch, circa 1900.
Ref: 25363
Wiese solitaire natural pearl ring berganza hatton garden
Art Nouveau natural pearl ring by Wièse, circa 1900.
Ref: 24135
Art Nouveau plique à jour enamel bracelet berganza hatton garden
Art Nouveau plique-à-jour enamel bracelet, circa 1900.
Ref: 24713
Art Nouveau diamond set dress set berganza hatton garden
Art Nouveau diamond set dress set, French, circa 1905.
Ref: 24702
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Updated 2/11/2024 at 3:17PM

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