Like all art, the zeitgeist of a particular era is written in the design of its jewelry. It is said that Art Nouveau jewelry was a reaction to French society at the time, including women's fight to secure more rights for themselves outside of the home. The nation's loss in the Franco-Prussian War left the French worried about what would occur if women got jobs and education, and worried the birth rate would then drop, leaving the country with fewer men to support future armies. This explains the feminist flavor of Art Nouveau. 

An extremely hard-to-find example in sterling, this early 20th-century necklace boasts 27” of length and no less than 4 different designs of stations including an Iris, a fleur-de-lyse, an end station, and a stylized floral cross.

Materials & Features: sterling silver

Age/Origin: Art Nouveau, c. 1890-1920, French

Measurements: 27" in length, 24.6 grams

Condition: Excellent condition. Minor associated age wear. 

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.