The Vienna Secession was a school of cross-disciplinary artists and thinkers passionate about creating an aesthetic and philosophical vocabulary in response to the rapid industrialization of 1890s Europe.

Inspired by William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement in England, and the Nouveau movement in France, there was great emphasis placed on creating handmade art.

Unlike most design movements, the Vienna Secession does not have a distinct defining characteristic, since its members were mainly concerned with pushing the boundaries of art.

That being said, many of the jewelry pieces produced were textural, with asymmetrical elements, intersected by a strong use of moving line. 

Vienna Secession Jewelry

The term Gesamtkunstwerk meaning “a total work of art” was considered a core aspect of the Vienna Secession’s philosophy, integrating all arts into a way of life.

Japanese design can be seen as an influence in this work, as well as in many golden age movements at the turn of the 19^th century. Of its famous members were artists Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

Painting by Egon Schiele

This time period was a hotbed of revolutionary thinking, as progressive ideologies rebelled against the conservatism of the past.

The turn of the 19^th century brought a sense of modernism that has yet to abate today, and the Vienna Secession was no different. This interesting historical juxtaposition was developed as a reaction to industrialization, yet encapsulated modern thinking.

Ultimately their goal was to create a life immersed in all aspects of their aesthetic philosophy be that architecture, art, or adornment.

Vienna Secession jewelry reminds us of that historical leap into futurism, albeit in the most creative and bohemian way.

Jewelry of this movement is extremely hard to find, and is a delightfully rare addition to any collection. Often we see designs that are textural yet asymmetrical, challenging the eye to experience something new. Each piece is made with love and imagination, encapsulating a precious moment of innovation in history.

Seen below wearing Vienna Secession jewelry is Emilie Floge, the partner and muse to Klimt, yet a talented couturier in her own right.

Emilie Floge