Antique Art Nouveau Era Ruby Red Glass & Gold Plated Floral Ornate Brass Brooch

Antique Art Nouveau Era (c.1890-1915) large brooch featuring gold plated ornate floral details intricately carved into the brass base metal & an oval shape Ruby red cut glass stone in the center. The back of the brooch has an open c-clasp shaped closure.  

Measurements: 2 3/8" x 1 1/2

Weight: 6 grams

Brooch is in very good antique condition with minor signs of wear to brass due to age. Open back clasp is in working condition 

The brooch is not signed.

Quantity: 1

History:  The Art Nouveau Movement (c.1890-c.1915) was created in France and short lived due partly to the onset of World War 1 (1914-1918). The designs of The Art Nouveau Era (which means 'New Art') were inspired by the natural world. Popular motifs included insects such as butterflies and dragon flies. Often times in Art Nouveau jewelry, the pieces emphasized a woman's physical features, being surrounded in a serene nature setting, and mythical creatures such as mermaids. The artistic merit and natural beauty of semi-precious stones were emphasized in Art Nouveau jewelry as opposed to value. Moonstones, opals, amethyst, malachite, and enamel were all used in many different jewelry pieces of this time period.

The Art Nouveau Era jewelry designs were quite different from Victorian pieces, which were more heavier or bulkier at times. However, Art Nouveau Era pieces were sometimes considered 'exaggerated' or 'over the top' compared to the mainstream popular Edwardian Era (c.1901-c.1915) jewelry that were being produced during the same time period. Presently, the Art Nouveau Era is now retrospectively analyzed from a historical perspective and the artistic designs were greatly influenced by major societal changes. Many Art Nouveau Era jewelry is centered on women due to the interest & focus on women's rights, and the radical possibilities that were implemented after France's lost in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871).