The name Art Nouveau - meaning "new art" in French was introduced by Parisian art dealer Samuel Bing when he relaunched his gallery under that title. The term soon became inseparable from this innovative style which continues to inspire jewellery lovers today with is organic beauty and elegance.

The art nouveau jewellery movement

The Art Nouveau movement emerged in France at the end of the 19th century, as artists and designers sought to break away from the uniform, machine-made products of the Industrial age. Instead, they embraced creativity, fluid lines and motifs inspired by nature, crafting pieces that celebrated design over material value. 

Characterised by flowing, organic lines, floral motifs and intricate ornamentation, Art Nouveau jewellery drew inspiration from nature, combining elegance with innovation. It was not only jewellery that was influenced by the Art Nouveau era, but architecture, furniture and graphic arts, creating a unified aesthetic that emphasised beauty and craftmanship in everyday objects. Prominent figures like Gustav Klimt, Aubrey Beardsley and Alphonse Mucha defined this movement, helping pave the way for later modernist styles.

Art Nouveau jewellery abandoned the traditional emphasis on large gemstones and precious metals, shifting attention instead to artistry, symbolism and craftsmanship.

art nouveau jewellery: palm leaf collection

At Lovett & Co, we celebrate the beauty of Art Nouveau jewellery with our Palm Leaf collection. Inspired by the elegance of Art Nouveau's nature motifs, the collection features graceful leaf designs set with sapphire and emerald tones. Each piece of our Art Nouveau jewellery collection captures the fluid beauty of the era whilst remaining timelessly wearable today.

from art nouveau jewellery to arts and crafts 

Similarly to Art Nouveau jewellery, the Arts and Crafts jewellery movement celebrated the beauty of handmade design in an era dominated by mass production. Designers focused on simple, thoughtful forms, often using cabochon gemstones, hammered silver and techniques that left the maker's touch visible. Each piece tells a story, reflecting care, skill and individuality. Today, Arts and Crafts jewellery remains cherished for its authenticity, understated elegance and timeless character, appealing to anyone who values jewellery with soul and personality.

Art Nouveau jewellery and Arts and Crafts jewellery are closely connected, as both movements emerged in the late 19th century in response to industrial mass production. While Arts and Crafts jewellery focused on traditional craftmanship, simple forms and honesty in materials, Art nouveau jewellery embraced more elaborate flowing designs inspired by nature, mythology and the female form. Many jewellers worked across both styles, blending the handcrafted ethos of Arts and Crafts with the decorative elegance of Art Nouveau jewellery. Together, these movements reshaped jewellery design, placing artistry and individuality at the heart of each piece.