What is Art Nouveau jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Art Nouveau jewellery emerged in the 1890s and continued through to around 1910, marking the transition from the heavier decorative styles of the Victorian era toward something more fluid and expressive. It is characterised by sinuous, organic lines inspired by nature, women with long flowing hair as a motif, dragonflies, orchids and other flora and fauna, and a willingness to use unusual materials like horn, ivory, enamel and glass alongside precious metals and stones. Designers like René Lalique took the style to its greatest heights.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key features of Art Nouveau jewellery?
- Flowing, asymmetrical lines; nature motifs including flowers, insects and female figures; rich enamel work, especially plique-à-jour; and a mix of precious and non-precious materials valued for their appearance rather than their rarity.
- Who are the most famous Art Nouveau jewellers?
- René Lalique is the most celebrated, known for his extraordinary enamel and glass work. Georges Fouquet, Henri Vever and Lucien Gaillard were also leading figures. In Britain, the Arts and Crafts movement ran alongside and overlapped with Art Nouveau.
- What came before and after Art Nouveau?
- Art Nouveau followed the heavier, more formal jewellery of the Victorian era. It gave way to Art Deco around 1910 to 1920, which replaced the organic curves with sharper geometric forms and a more modernist sensibility.
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