Art Nouveau Jewelry is classic and refined with ornate detailed designs that depict a wealth of sophistication for an era gone by. Glorious artistic imagery is at the heart of every Art Nouveau jewelry design and piece. The nature of Art Nouveau jewelry dates back to the decadent days of the Art Nouveau movement of 1890 to 1910.
Production of Art Nouveau jewelry steadily increased during the era of Victorian rule. The style transcended the stuffy look and appearance that constricted all area of life. Art Nouveau open a wave of experiential design and art. It swept across and permeated the traditional way of Victorian and Edwardian living and creativity. Art Nouveau was made exceptionally famous by artists such as Renoir, Servat and Gauguin.
What makes Art Nouveau style so set apart is the softness of colors used to create a delicate appearance. Shading of colors also aids the illusion and dreamlike appearance created through Art Nouveau art and design. Art Nouveau jewelry became more than an object adorning the body. It became the mirrors of ones heart and soul as well as the essence of the world around the those who wore the jewelry.
Material list
Gemstones
Coins
Metals
Bronze
Gold
White gold
Platinum
Palladium
Titanium
Sterling silver
Stainless steel
Fused-glass
Enamel
Wood
Shells
Natural animal parts such as bone and ivory
Natural clay
Polymer clay
Plastics
Step-by-Step Instructions
The most important aspect of the creative process behind making Art Nouveau jewelry is to utilize natural resources such a glass, gemstones, wood, shells, clay and metal. The foundation of an Art Nouveau piece of jewelry is in the casting, carving and the enameling process. The most popular type of enameling is Plique a’jour which involves a transparent base with no backing. This particular enameling process is what gives Art Nouveau jewelry its three dimensional painting appearance.
Choosing from beautiful gemstones like Quartz, Amethyst, Ruby, Turquoise and Citrine to set into a base material such as gold, silver or metal is the first step. Use one or a combination of these natural resources to make bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces that are authentically Art Nouveau. To create beaded Art Nouveau jewelry, choose a larger stone for the center piece of the jewelry.
Once the larger center piece stone is selected then select smaller beads including beads called seed beads. Seed beads are the smallest style of beads used in “woven” style jewelry featuring beads. Select metal then bend into a U-shape to create bracelet. Adorn the bracelet with ornate beads, gemstones or natural materials such as shell or stone. Elegant design that depict the Victorian and Edwardian times makes the Art Nouveau jewelry piece most unique. Click here for images of Art Nouveau jewelry.
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