What Defines the Timeless Appeal of Art Nouveau Jewelry?

The Art Nouveau style had a very demarcated timeline- it was in vogue from the 1890s till the advent of the First World War. The form of art was all-encompassing, and its influence was seen across paintings, literature, music, architecture, and jewelry. It was a way to usher in the new at the turn of the century. When you buy the best tiffany gold online today, you will come across many designs inspired by this era.

Although this style faded by 1910, it managed to leave behind a timeless appeal that inspires designers even today. Since it was a definitive break away from the revivalist style, Art Nouveau jewelry was marked by bold motifs and purity of materials. Nouveau, or new, was a break from all that was traditional and was a significant step towards innovation, a phenomenon that is an inspiration even today.

What Are the Features of Art Nouveau Jewelry?

This style of jewelry tried to take away some of the starkness of the previous decades and was an attempt to reconnect with nature.

Stunning Motifs

This kind of jewelry is marked by motifs derived from plants and flowers, butterflies and birds, and has a fluid quality to it, like that of a nymph. Mermaids and maidens were often depicted in the jewelry, brought to life by intricate carvings of gemstones. A humble insect like a bee or a regal bird like the peacock were both depicted with the finest craftsmanship on statement pieces of jewelry.

Use of Precious Metals and Gemstones

What made this line of jewelry stand apart was that apart from using precious metals and gemstones, it also used seemingly commonplace materials like stained glass, enamel, natural resin, and even a type of synthetic plastic known as Galalith. They raised the exquisiteness of the jewelry with these unique materials, which is a testament to the highest degree of craftsmanship.

Creativity

This was because the designers placed great value in the creativity rather than the intrinsic value of the materials used. Another feature was the use of delicate goldwork, and filigree designs complemented the bold motifs perfectly.

Why Is Art Nouveau Jewelry Considered Classic?

What underlines the timelessness of the art nouveau jewelry is that they were not meant for the general public. The traditionalists found the jewelry exceptionally provocative and sensual. Instead, this kind of jewelry was designed to cater to the Parisian intelligentsia. Attention to detail was a significant factor- not only for the facet of the jewelry on display but also the reverse of the piece so that the larger pieces sat perfectly on the body.

They could afford exquisite jewelry and possessed an air of nonchalance that came from a position of power. The air of mystery surrounding this form of style made it even more irresistible, which continues to date.

While buying the best tiffany gold online, you may find jewelry that once adorned the chests of the nouveau rich of France. Although the advent of the Great War brought a sense of disillusionment among the connoisseurs about the finer things of life, modern designers have reinvented the art nouveau jewelry style and made them accessible more than ever before.