Art Nouveau is an ornamental style of art that flourished between about 1890 and 1910 throughout Europe and the United States. Art Nouveau is characterized by its use of a long, sinuous, organic line and was employed most often in architecture, interior design, jewelry, and glass design. It was a deliberate attempt to create a new style, free of the style that dominated much of 19th-century art and design. Even today it projects a sense of new beginnings and new freedom in style and fashion. Free flowing hair and vines were an especially popular design motif of the period.
Celestial jewelry first gained popularity thanks to the discovery of Halley’s comet, by astronomer Sir Edmond Halley all the way back in 1682. He correctly predicted the comet would return in 1758, then again in 1835. To prepare for the comet's arrival in the 1800’s, late-Georgian/ early Victorian women sought out comet-themed brooches in gold and diamonds or silver and paste.
The celestial jewelry craze did not pass with Halley’s comet. Throughout the Victorian era, stars were carved into gemstones, or used as the base shape for brooches and hair ornaments. Stars and crescent moons were fashioned out of pearls, opals, rubies, diamonds and other hard stones.
During the reign of King Edward VII in the early 1900’s, Queen Alexandra generously adorned her outfits with many star and crescent jewels.
Another trend during the Victorian era was for young brides to wear crescent moon brooches given by their husbands. The trinkets symbolized the new marriage, referring to the 'honeymoon' they would enjoy after the wedding!
More than 100 years later moon, star and sun designs remain popular in all jewelry categories, from fashion to fine. For almost as long as we’ve been studying the stars, we’ve been adorning ourselves with their glimmering likeness.
Combining a petite crescent moon pin with an Art Nouveau stickpin, we have created a dreamy, one-of-a-kind statement ring! A sliver of a moon encircles a golden beauty with flowing hair. Behind her, we see water and the sunrise, hinting that she is the goddess of the dawn, Eos. A beautiful little treasure that captures the transition from night to day all in one ring!
Details (approximate)
Size (can be resized): 9
Weight: 2.74 grams
Materials: 14K yellow gold
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent converted Antique condition commensurate with age and wear