The Art Nouveau Period (1890-1915) was romantic and lighthearted and swept across Europe and America as a reaction to the staid Victorian era and mass-produced pieces from the Industrial Revolution.

Popular were ethereal figures such as the head of a girl with a dreamy expression and swirling hair, dragonflies, and peacocks. Diamonds and pearls were used in dainty styles with ivory, horn, carved glass, and enamel all used for Art Nouveau jewelry.

The aesthetics of design were considered more important than the value of the materials used. Accordingly, semi-precious stones like moonstone, opal, amethyst, citrine, peridot and freshwater pearls were widely used.