Rooted in centuries of history of adornment dating back to the ancient world, modern jewelry reimagines traditional techniques, forms and materials for expressive new pieces. As opposed to contemporary jewelry, which responds to the moment in which it was created, modern jewelry often describes designs from the 20th to 21st centuries that reflect movements and trends in visual culture.
Modern jewelry emerged from the 19th-century shift away from jewelry indicating rank or social status. The Industrial Revolution allowed machine-made jewelry using electric gold plating, metal alloys and imitation stones, making beautiful jewelry widely accessible. Although mass production deemphasized the materials of the jewelry, the vision of the designer remained important, something that would be furthered in the 1960s with what’s known as the “critique of preciousness.”
A design fair called the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” brought global attention to the Art Deco style in 1925 and gathered a mix of jewelry artists alongside master jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and Boucheron. Art Deco designs from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels unconventionally mixed gemstones like placing rock crystals next to diamonds while borrowing motifs from eclectic sources including Asian lacquer and Persian carpets. Among Cartier’s foremost design preoccupations at the time were high-contrast color combinations and crisp, geometric forms and patterns. In the early 20th century, modernist jewelers like Margaret De Patta and artists such as Alexander Calder — who is better known for his kinetic sculptures than his provocative jewelry — explored sculptural metalwork in which geometric shapes and lines were preferred over elaborate ornamentation.
Many of the innovations in modern jewelry were propelled by women designers such as Wendy Ramshaw, who used paper to craft her accessories in the 1960s. During the 1970s, Elsa Peretti created day-to-night pieces for Tiffany & Co. while designers like Lea Stein experimented with layering plastic, a material that had been employed in jewelry since the mid-19th century and had expanded into Bakelite, acrylics and other unique materials.
Find a collection of modern watches, bracelets, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Leto Lama Emeralds and Diamonds All Around Ring Band 18 Ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
18ct gold band set all around with a combination of Colombian and Zambian emeralds and diamonds. Stones include mixed cuts — heart, square, pear shape and rounds — individually set ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 14k gold 8.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approx. 1.20ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18 (56) detailed description the top of the ring is 5.8 mm wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Leto Lama One Of A Kind E/F Diamond Ring Band Chubby Bubbles 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
A timeless modern bubbles band that will easily blend to your rings stack collection. A classic piece that wont get old. Handcrafted and completely unique. A constellation of light...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Eterbity ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.70ct 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.70ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 3.9 mm wide and 2.6 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co Size 5.25 Sterling Silver and Gold Gatelink Flexible Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold Gatelink Flexible Hinged Ring Size 5.25. ( 1990’s) The ring is made up of silver elements hinged by 18 karat yellow gold p...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
Diamond Multi-Row 14 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Motif Wide Band Ring Modern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elegant and distinctive, this Diamond Multi-Row Floral Motif Wide Band Ring is beautifully crafted in 14 Karat Yellow Gold and showcases 81 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling appr...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Diamond 18KYG Platinum Band Ring Size 5
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Diamond Wrapped Rope Band Ring crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. This iconic design features Schlumberger’s signatur...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.90ct Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Ring CERT 18k Gold Sz 6.25 Wide Band Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural Ceylon (no heat) sapphire ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1980s). Natural sapphire measuring approx. 10.0 x 7.0 x 4.8mm (approx. 2.90ct). The sapphire is in ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Panther Link Three Row Wide Band Ring Size 7
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage 18 karat yellow gold Panther Link Diamond Band Ring featuring an impressive three-row wide design set with 210 brilliant round cut diamonds totaling approximately 4.20 carats...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 1.50 carats, natural Diamonds modern Band Bridal Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Diamonds is 1.50 carats. The Diamonds are of VVS -...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum & 1.05 Ct. Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage eternity band ring. In platinum. With 30 channel set round single cut diamonds (1.05 TCW ±) set around the circumference. Accompanied by a GEMLAB (Gemological Appr...
Diamond, Platinum
Set in 18K white Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Band Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 3.80 carats. The Multi Sapphires...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Sterling Sapphire Band Ring Size 7.5 Elsa Peretti
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful band ring is a product of Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. It is sterling silver with a genuine sapphire. Measurements: 2.5mm wide Size: 7 1/2 Marks: Tiffany & Co, 925...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Double Loving Heart' Band Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver ring. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Designed by Paloma Picasso. From the 'Double Loving Heart' series. Fully marked to the shank. Simply wonde...
Sterling Silver
Eternity ring with oval cut sapphire up to 6.30ct 18k rose gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold alliance ring set with a sapphire totaling 6.30 ct - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed description The ring is 4.1 mm wide and 4.5 mm high. Ring size US 7.25...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
70s Vintage Cartier Ring Sz 7 CC Logo Sterling Silver 18k Gold Band Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Out of production vintage Cartier ring crafted in sterling silver & 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). The Cartier "CC" logo in 18k yellow gold adorns the center of the ring, with the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
70s Vintage Tiffany & Co Scorpio Ring Sz 3 18k Yellow Gold Zodiac Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co Scorpion ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). The beautifully detailed Zodiac ring is a rare find! The ring is a s...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold Interlocking Double Band Ring Sz 7
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A captivating Cartier Vintage Double Band Ring, embodying timeless elegance. Crafted in France circa 1994, this ring features two substantial interlocking bands, one in 18k yellow g...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.97ct 18k yellow gold 3.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18 kt yellow gold row ring set with brilliant cut diamonds. 0.97 ct - J/K - SI/piq - ring size U.S. 4 - EU. 15(47) detailed description: the top of the ring is 3.6 mm wide by 3.5 m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with garnet 14k gold 9.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold band ring set with garnet - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description the front of the ring is 1.3 cm wide ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) weight : 9.3 ...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Natural Baguette Blue Sapphire Diamond Stacking Thin Band Ring in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This band ring features a 0.15 carat baguette-cut blue sapphire, set in 14K white gold. The sapphire measuring approximately 2 x 4 mm, secured in a classic prong setting. The slim ba...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 3.00 carats, natural Diamonds Band Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Diamonds band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Diamonds is 3.00 carats. The Diamonds are of VVS - VS qual...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$135Sale Price / item|55% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Open Wave White Enamel Ring with Multicolor & White Zircons
Located in New York, NY
This modern Silvorra ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver and designed in an open wave for a chic, stacked look. The top wave band is coated in smooth white enamel and dotted with ...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$1,092Sale Price / item|30% Off
Stackable Natural Emerald Half Eternity Band Ring 1.59ct in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Half Band ring is features a 1.59 carat of natural emeralds set in 14K yellow gold. Each measuring approximately 3.91 x 2.93 mm, creating a rich and vibrant green look. ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 2.74 carat, Aquamarines & Diamonds Band Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 2.74 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.17 c...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Maillon Panthere Rigid Ring 18 karat White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size 51 Measurements: Band Width : 0.8 cm Band Depth : 0.2 cm The Cartier Maillon Panthère Rigid Ring in 18-karat white gold is a stunning, architectural piece of jewelry ...
18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Twisted Infinity Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite diamond twisted band, a perfect fusion of classic warmth and modern artistry. Crafted in radiant 14K white gold, the ring features...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Hermes 18k Yellow Gold Anchor Cocktail Band Ring Sz 5
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Hermes ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold. Features a white gold anchor, meticulously set atop the band, embodying sophistication and nautical charm. Size: 5 US (Resizable) Brand: ...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$340Sale Price / item|50% Off
Genuine 18.1 Ct Swiss Blue Topaz Full Eternity Stackable Band Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Genuine 18.1 Ct Swiss Blue Topaz Full Eternity Stackable Band Ring stunning prong-set sterling silver eternity band features 18.1 carats of natural Swiss blue topaz gemstones. Each o...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$900 / item
Vintage Akoya Pearl Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
An elegant band of Seven lustrous pearls that are perfectly matched to wrap your finger. The gold is 10 Kt in a color that easily can be joined with other bands or or pearl gemstone ...
Pearl, 10k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Round Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed rounded gold band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a cylindrical or round-edged form. Marked to the shank. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Da...
Yellow Gold
Vintage Hidalgo 18K Yellow Gold Green Enamel X Band Ring Size 6.5
By Hidalgo
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the artistry of designer fine jewelry with this Hidalgo 18K Yellow Gold Green Enamel X Band Ring. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, this ring features a signature “X” motif ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$474Sale Price / item|50% Off
Baguette green and purple gems half eternity silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Baguette lab emerald and lab amethyst 14k gold half eternity ring. 14k gold ring with purple and green gems. Minimalist baguette gems mens, unisex ring. Semi-eternity gold ring. Met...
Amethyst, Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Cartier Love Classic Three Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Love Classic Three Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 8.52 grams Diamonds: 3 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.23 CTW D-F VVS Width...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Entwined Infinity Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Embrace understated elegance with this sophisticated diamond entwined band. Crafted in high-polished 14k white gold (marked 585), the ring features a graceful, fluid crossover design...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Tiffany & Co. Sapphire Cabochon Cigar Band Ring
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the 1970’s, this 18k gold vintage Tiffany & Co. ring is a simple, wide cigar band with a central natural blue cabochon sapphire. The sapphire is a saturated dark blue; when...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Rolled Leaf Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Rolled Leaf Band Ring Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 6.97 grams Width: 5.3 x 10.5mm Size: 6.75 (US) Signed: Tiffa...
Sterling Silver
$215Sale Price / item|50% Off
Uneven Ruby Sapphire Stackable Band Ring in 925 Silver Gift for Wife Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Uneven Ruby Sapphire Band Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these band to make a statement with your look. These band create a sparkling, luxurious look featuring 3.8 carat of ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,139Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Cartier Trinity Size 5.25 US 18 Karats Yellow Rose and White Gold Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Vintage Cartier Trinity 18 Karats Yellow Rose and White Gold Ring Size 5.25 US code: aka283 in original box. Grams: 4,5 Cartier Trinity Ring is a famous and iconic jewels. The Trin...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$760Sale Price / item|50% Off
6.48 Carat Green Emerald Eternity Unisex Band Ring for in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
6.48 Carat Green Emerald Eternity Band Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these eternity band to make a statement with your look. These eternity band create a sparkling, luxurio...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & Diamond Band Ring
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver ring. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a small bezel-set round brilliant cut diamond. Marked to the shank. Simply a wo...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Brilliant 5 Stone Peridot Band Ring c.1970
Located in Stamford, CT
The brightest color of a cat's green eyes shining in the night is cut and set in this five stone peridot ring. The color is far far more clear and bright than the photos show. Clear ...
10k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage platinum band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 950 platinum. Engraved to the interior with an inscribed date '1987 • 2012'. Marked to the shank for Tiffany & Co. ©/ PT95...
Platinum
Hermes Vintage Chain 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring Sz 7
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
A refined Hermes vintage chain band ring, exemplifying the house’s timeless craftsmanship and design expertise. Crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold, this ring features a supple c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
c1992 Cartier Ellipse Ruby Band Sz 6.25 Ring EU 53 18k Gold Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier ruby 'Ellipse' ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1992). Oval faceted ruby measures 5mm x 4mm (note: small chip to the edge of the ruby - visible under a 10x l...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bold Oval Garnet and Rock Crystal Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
The ring glows a warm burgundy color set with three oval faceted garnets so that you can taste the wine! Between the garnets are rock crystals, six of them that are as bright as diam...
Crystal, Garnet, 10k Gold
Ming's Hawaii Dragon Dome Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 10.1 mm tall Condition: Preowned...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
AIGS Certified 1.56 Carat Royal Blue Sapphire Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a AIGS Certified 1.56 Carat Natural Royal Blue Sapphire made in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as well as tough...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Set in 18K white Gold, 4.32 carats, natural Zambian Emerald & Diamonds Band Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 4.32 carats. The Emeralds are completely natura...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Elephant Hair Ring Circa 1970s Size 5.25
Located in South Pasadena, CA
14k Yellow Gold Elephant Hair Ring Circa 1970s. This 14k Yellow Gold Elephant Hair Ring was made in the 1970s. And it's a size 5.25. It was all ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.86 Carats Unheated Multi-Color Sapphires Full Eternity Ring Made in 18K Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 6.86 Carats of Natural Multi Color Unheated Sapphires made in 18K Gold. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as well as toughne...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green ...
Vintage Hidalgo 18 Karat Gold Diamond Enamel United States Flag Band Ring
By Hidalgo
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage United States flag band ring designed by Hidalgo in 1990s. The piece is crafted in 18K gold. It features 26 round brilliant cut...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Petite Vintage 14 Karat Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine, petite estate 14k gold and diamond ring. This tiny 14k ring is flush-set with a round brilliant diamond at its center. Simply a wonderful ring in the incredibly hard t...
Diamond, Gold
$3,560 / item
14k Gold Ring for Men with Blue Sapphire
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 K Gold Mens Ring with Sapphire. Gold ring for men with sapphire. Blue sapphire gold ring. Unisex ring with sapphire. Natural sapphire ring. Oval sapphire ring. December birthston...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
4.12 Carats Eternity Blue Sapphire Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Special Eternity Band This is a Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Band. The ring is 18K White Gold. The ring has 3.09Ct in Natural Blue Sapphires. There are 1.03Ct in Diamonds F VS The r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1998 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage X Kiss Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a fluted band ring centering a raised X motif Grooved and resembling a tied knot With high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for Tiffany & Co. Circ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wide Brilliant and Baguette Diamond Band Ring 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Diamond Count: 64 brilliant cut, 50-54 baguette diamonds Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~1.13 carats Ring Height: 9.7 mm tall Diamond Co...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Modern 18 Karat Gold 0.40 Carat VVS-VS Diamond Bamboo Design Band Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a bamboo design band ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 2000. The piece features 27 brilliant cut diamonds: TW ~0.40ct, RW+/W, VVS-VS. Weight: 5.25g Size: 16 (US 5.5) IMPO...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 18k gold 9.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.20ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.75 – EU. 15.5(49) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 4.5 mm hi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ruby Diamond Band Sz 7 Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ring Estate Stacking Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby & diamond band crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Two diamonds total an estimated 0.25 carats (estimated at H-I color and VS2-SI2 clarity). Rubies total an e...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold