Art Nouveau and Art Nouveau Engagement Ring. What are they exactly? Think nature, animals, and being one with Mother Earth. Art Nouveau is a design concept that swept into the Western world and brought a lot of shock and awe. This dreamy design is seen in art, architecture, metalwork, textiles, and interior design all around the world. But where the magic lies is in the magnificent Art Nouveau engagement rings. These once-taboo darlings are often bedazzled with moonstone, opal, turquoise, and tourmalines (and sometimes even horn or ivory), and these heavenly designs speak to the souls of the hippies at heart, devoted Geminis, early Cancers, those watery, deep-feeling Scorpios, and airy late Libras. Below, we dive into the unique and unforgettable world of Art Nouveau and Art Nouveau Engagement Style Rings, so what are you waiting for, let’s begin!

ART NOUVEAU 101

 

 

We start in the late 19th century, where this shocking design and the Art Nouveau Engagement Ring take over Europe and the United States like a wildfire. The term 'Art Nouveau' meaning 'new art' in French, was actually coined for a style that rejected the soullessness of industrialization in favor of handmade artistic expression. 

People really wanted beauty and craftsmanship back then. And who wouldn’t? While this style of bling was met with gasps and awes, it was here to stay whether the Victorian elites liked it or not. Surprisingly, many elites disapproved of the 'garrish' designs. But  to this day, it has left a legacy, and we have grown to appreciate the beauty of these nature-esque, flowy designs. 

Rooted in nature, these organic, curvilinear shapes appeared in many expressions of beauty beyond just Art Nouveau engagement rings. We see this reflected in structures like the stunning stained glass of Victor Horta’s work in Belgium, the curved, plant-like designs of the Sagrada Familia in Spain, and the floral ironwork of the Paris Metro in France. These influences spread into fashion, with flowy, organic silhouettes and jewel-toned colors that echo nature’s beauty. Similar influences appear in fine art, like The Kiss by Gustav Klimt, which reflects the movement’s ornate lines and symbolism while deeply inspiring the style of the Art Nouveau engagement ring.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN ART NOUVEAU AND ART DECO ENGAGEMENT RINGS?

 

 

While both the Art Deco and Art Nouveau Engagement Rings explore themes of rebellion against traditional norms of their respective time periods, there are some core differences between the two. Art Nouveau, is inspired by the shapes and shades of plants, flowers, and flowing natural designs. Art Deco, on the other hand, emphasizes symmetry, strong lines, angles and draws inspiration from Cubism, ancient civilizations, and modern day technological advances. Art Deco rings reflect a sleek, futuristic elegance, whereas Art Nouveau honors the organic forms of the universe that brought us into existence. 

Art Nouveau captures the essence of soft curves, botanical contours, and intricately handcrafted and sculpted details. Still, some individuals may gravitate toward the clean, cohesive design of Art Deco. If you’re hypnotized by bold symmetry and sharp geometric lines, then Art Deco is your gal. It’s ideal for those who admire modern architecture but still love the timeless beauty of vintage glamour-think elongated shapes, baguette diamonds, and the sleekest of platinum band settings. Meanwhile, Art Nouveau engagement rings whisper to those seeking a magical, sensual experience, through the softened, hush tones of nature itself.

WHAT ARE THE HALLMARKS OF AN ART NOUVEAU ENGAGEMENT RING?

ART NOUVEAU ENGAGEMENT RINGS ARE CURVY 

Delicate curves and long lines, like something out of a fairytale book-that’s the essence of the Art Nouveau engagement ring style. Featuring botanical motifs such as the soft, swirling contours of ivy vines or the natural twists and turns of a fallen maple twig, the Art Nouveau Engagement Rings feel like tiny works of nature’s art. It’s in these graceful, curving details that their dreamy designs truly come to life.

Engraved or sculpted details that honor Earth’s beauty can be chiseled directly into the band, woven into the setting, or both. Want budding blossoms? You got it. Prefer an interlaced branch-inspired band? No problem. The world is your oyster, or in this case, designing your own custom Art Nouveau engagement ring is your oyster.

ART NOUVEAU ENGAGEMENT RINGS TEND TO HAVE FILIGREE 

Historically, fine wire filigree and intricate detailing were hallmark characteristics for these rebellious designs. The Edwardians even used platinum as a social experiment, crafting lace-like openwork and delicate scrolls in rings. However, some of the most captivating, nature-inspired elements came from the smallest of the two winged, metamorphic creatures such as the dragonfly and butterfly, or the gentle forms of a fresh summer flower in full bloom. These key motifs helped to define the airy, sculptural essence in the Art Nouveau designs.

If that feels a bit too avant-garde for you, that’s perfectly alright. Soften the look with an Olivia Ewing simple twig design that organically curves and hugs your darling finger. Craving just a hint of subtle flair? Add filigree around the band and a pop of color with sapphires or tourmalines, and suddenly, you’re the high elf herself. Whatever your heart desires, we’re here to bring the dream of an Art Nouveau Engagement Ring to life for you.

ART NOUVEAU ENGAGEMENT RINGS HIGHLIGHT GEMSTONES OTHER THAN DIAMONDS

While diamonds are the typical, classy go-to for saying ‘I do’, Art Nouveau sapphire engagement rings have been the edgy new favorite topping the charts, like our beloved Chappell Roan. Neither are a bad choice, especially since both score high on the hardness scale (we love practical and pretty things). But it comes down to what resonates with you more: something timeless and traditional, or a modern-day, kaleidoscopic spin of an Art Nouveau design?

If you’re leaning towards the path that rocks, yes, pun intended, you’ll find sapphires come in a stunning variety of hues. That’s the exciting part! Sapphires aren’t limited to its staple deep blue it-girl, they’re an inclusive gemstone that shows up in a full spectrum of glowing shades: yellow, red, green, purple, pink, orange, or even bi-colored blends. 

Add some filigree detailing on the sides or intertwining bands of 18k gold for extra enchantment. But just be warned, with a design like this, woodland creatures might mistake you for elven royalty.

ART NOUVEAU DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS TAKE INSPIRATION FROM NATURE 

Art Nouveau diamond engagement rings take inspiration from nature by celebrating organic form, intricate detail, and an ethereal kind of elegance. You will find an echo of this spirit that ripples across the various collections of Olivia Ewing Jewelry. Rooted deeply into the soul of jewelry crafting, each design serves a delicate nod to the natural world. Whether via diamonds that glisten like the pure white sand of Siesta Key beach, or gemstones that mimic the turquoise oceans in the Caribbean or the lush green of the Appalachian mountains. Our ecosystem-inspired settings and bands feel less like mass-produced pieces and more like small, intentional, handcrafted sculptures of pure perfection. It’s as if each ring is an ode to Earth’s beauty.

Case in point? The Starlight Collection maintains a dreamy energy that takes on a celestial tone. There’s a magical aura here, like the reflection of the forest lake under the beaming full moonlight kind of energy. And while you may not stumble across a Cullen, the woodland spirit that radiates from this collection is undeniable. You’re welcomed by iridescent moonstone, mystical moss agate, watery aquamarine, and some other heavenly specimens-cradled by the hug of the outdoors with the free-flowing branch bands cast in sparkling yellow or rose gold.

Then there’s the Lord Of The Rings collection, a story all its own. While one ring doesn’t rule them all, they still do channel the spirit of Elvish craftsmanship while also embodying the romantic mysticism found in this classic trilogy. Here, hand-sculpted goldwork and sustainably sourced gemstones seemingly feel plucked from an enchanted forest themself. And these aren’t just engagement rings, they are Tolkien's of timeless storytelling.

So, choose your own adventure or let us help you design one. Want to incorporate raw, uncut diamonds as accent pieces to evoke a starry night sky? Or make it a party, where more is the merrier, by curating a clustered cutie with iridescent moonstone, heavenly blue tourmaline, and a splash of lavender sapphire for a soft, whimsical surprise. Add in curved metalwork, filigree details, or a textured band that makes you do a double take, and you’ll have a ring that feels like it materialized straight from an enchanted forest floor, or middle earth itself. Whatever journey you decide on, we are ready to help you tell your own story with an Art Nouveau engagement ring.

GET THE LOOK: ART NOUVEAU STYLE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Whether you are drawn into the romantic curvature, earthy textures, or glistening gemstones, an Art Nouveau Engagement Ring is more than just jewelry, it’s a love poem from the universe itself, formed over thousands of years as gold and gemstones emerged from the Earth’s crust and were sculpted into whimsical, organic treasures. From the moss agate to the delicate kiss of nature in filigree details, each design is one-of-a-kind, offering a true fairy-tale story of your own making. 

Ready to explore Olivia Ewing’s magical world of rings? Browse the collection that leads you towards the path of endless dreams, mix and match our loose gemstones with our settings to create your very own story or contact us today to design your one-of-a-kind Art Nouveau engagement ring.

You can also check out our Rough Montana Sapphire Rings for another stunning and unique option.

  

Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing