Jewelry trends inspired by the art nouveau movement

Since fashion trends tend to be cyclical, looks that were popular in the past can be worn again. If you're looking for inspiration in designing your custom jewelry, consider looking at history. One art and design movement that still plays a role in modern culture is art nouveau, or "new art."

The movement

Art nouveau began in the 1880s and took off a decade later, lasting through World War I. By this time, the Industrial Revolution had begun turning handmade industries into assembly lines and mechanical construction. Artists and craftsman wanted to return to an era of organic design. This is why the art nouveau movement became popular, as it relies on natural forms for aesthetic inspiration. Key identifiers include botanical patterns, animals, fantastic creatures and whiplash curves. These elements could be found in art, graphic design, architecture and fashion.

The jewelry

Popular gemstones of the time included agate, garnet and opal. Pearls and long necklaces prevailed and featured the natural elements described above. Jewelry from the art nouveau movement often drew from the feminine figure and featured various techniques using enamel.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases a brooch that is a collaborative effort by two major art nouveau names, Alphonse Mucha and Georges Fouquet. The piece features gold, enamel, mother-of-pearl, opal, emerald, colored stones and gold paint, all of which contribute to an almost Egyptian-looking design. During his collaboration with Mucha, Fouquet wanted to marry interior design with jewelry. Much of the work he did in 1901 was inspired by that idea.

Modern take

If you'd like an art nouveau-inspired piece of custom jewelry, be sure to include elements like insects, botanical design, exotic creatures - like fairies or mermaids - and curving lines. Overall, the look should feel organic and whimsical. When you work with the Brian Gavin team, specify that you'd like to use materials such as gold and colored stones.

Still looking for inspiration on shape? Check out the Lines of Spiral bracelet. This piece features diamond melee, which moves along your wrist in swirling patterns. Avoid straight lines or sharp angles when designing your custom jewelry based on the art nouveau movement.

Find photos and drawings of art nouveau pieces you would like your jewelry to mirror. Compile the images and sketch out a conceptual picture of the piece you'd like to own. Bring those to the Brian Gavin team so they can work with you to create a historic, one-of-a-kind piece.