Introduced in the 1890s, the flowing style of Art Nouveau was a departure from the historic revival styles that had dominated nineteenth –century decorative arts. Art Nouveau, French for “new art,” was inspired by the vitality of the natural world and a new appreciation for Japanese art
Jewels in Art Nouveau style combine realistic interpretations of plants and animals with creatures of fantasy and myth. Raised to the level of fine art by such designers as Rene Lalique, this sinuous and sensual style disappeared completely with the onset of World War I in 1914.
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau jewelry often includes one or more of these features:
- Curving lines
- Realistic portrayals of nature including butterflies, birds, and intertwining foliage
- Fantastic creatures such as dragons and other mythical beasts
- Gems such as pearls, opal, moonstone, aquamarine, tourmaline, rose quartz, chalcedony, chrysoprase, and amethyst
- Use of glass, either molded or as enamel
- Designs of women transformed into mermaids, winged sprites, or flowers
This article brought to you by the makers of “Nouveau” tungsten wedding bands
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