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.
Francoise Montague Paris Red Resin Floral Clip-on Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning French Jewelry Designer Francoise Montague Paris resin clip-on earrings feature a dimensional anemone-shaped motif in raspberry red and black. There is no visible make...
Vintage Dior logo script clip on earrings, silver tone metal
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous pair of vintage Christian Dior logo script design clip on earrings. Large oversized silver tone metal dome or disc shaped earrings with the Dior logo written all over th...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
Earrings with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 13.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ear clips set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.2.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.7 cm long by 1.2 cm thick ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Pair of Antique 14K White Gold & Double Pearl Screwback Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique white gold & pearl earrings. In 14 karat white gold. Each earrings with a pair of matched pearls and screw back closures. Marked to the post. Simply a wond...
Pearl, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Diamond Clip-On Drop Earrings, 66.46ct
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a vibrant statement with these spectacular 14K yellow gold turquoise and diamond clip-on earrings, expertly designed to showcase the timeless beauty of natural turquoise in a bo...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Massive Multicolor Acrylic Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight created these rare, stunning chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. These extravagant dangling acrylic pieces feature a dimensional shape with ge...
Angela Caputi Washed Blue Dangle Resin Geometric Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These very chic Angela Caputi resin clip-on earrings, made in Italy, feature an extra-long dangling shape with geometric elements, faceted beads, and flat disks in a rare washed navy...
Francoise Montague Green Floral Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling resin clip-on earrings for French Jewelry designer Francoise Montague. The floral-inspired, handmade, artisanal shape featu...
Angela Caputi Pink and Gold Resin Dangle Flamenco Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature an important dangling design with wavy-shaped floral elements. The pieces boast antique rose, gold, turquo...
Earrings with Coral - 13.1 grams - 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k ear clips set with coral detailed description the top of the ear clips is 1.1 cm high and 1.3 cm wide weight 13.1 grams set with - 2 x 1.3 cm - 1.3 cm half cylinder cut cora...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Earrings Vintage Signed
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
A sophisticated and highly collectable pair of vintage earrings by legendary designer Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., showcasing the designer's unmistakable sculptural aesth...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Black and Gray Floral Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these sophisticated made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces boast a black contrast with a warm gray color. The dimensional, dangling, carved resin bl...
Angela Caputi Black and Gilded Resin Disk Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin and metal clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with black resin geometric elements contrasted with an important metallic coate...
Robert Leed Morris Wabi Sabi Collection, Giant Verdigris Pebble Earring, 1986
Located in New York, NY
The Wabi Sabi theme of soft pebbles, gives way to many Verdigris earrings which were a ground breaking color for jewelry that Robert Lee Morris launched in 1981 with Calvin Klein. Th...
Brass, Other
$1,677Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Onyx Diamond Clip-On Door Knocker Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably chic, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings showcase a striking interplay of color and form. Suspended from diamond-accented hoops totaling 0...
Diamond, Turquoise, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Monique Vedie Floral Green and Purple Resin Clip Earrings, Line Vautrin School
By Monique Vedie
Located in Atlanta, GA
These rare Monique Vedié Talosel or resin clip-on earrings feature a stylized dimensional flower shape in pearlized purple and green. Like all vintage Vedié pieces, there is no visib...
$124Sale Price / set|20% Off
Palm Springs Fashionista Curated Vintage Earring Collection 1950s-2000 #6/100
By Escada
Located in Palm Desert, CA
We have collected vintage costume jewelry earrings since the 80’s. One by one we have curated a lovely collection of unbranded and designer earrings. Made from the 1950s to 2000. Each one unique and worthy of a modern Fashionista’s collection. We are starting with 100 pairs of earrings. Fairly priced. Bracelets and necklaces forthcoming. #6/100 Designer: Escada 1990s...
Richard Kerr Pink and AB Jeweled Roses Clip-on Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr created these spectacular, eye-catching clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are composed of his trademark pavé crystals. The pieces feature a highly dimensional rose-sha...
Vintage Ledo Silver Tone Clip-On Half Flower Earrings, 1960s
By Ledo Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ledo Silver Tone Half Flower Earrings Circa 1960s. These earrings are just stunning. They are 3D and stand out slightly. There is adifferent one for each ear. They look l...
Mixed Metal
3.08 Carat Pink Diamond & Sapphire & Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite pair of earrings by Austy Lee blend timeless glamour with floral finesse. Inspired by the delicate hydrangea, the Pink Lady earrings bloom in a soft, romantic pink hue...
Pink Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
1980s Costume Jewelry Clip-on Earrings by Christian Dior
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These exquisite and rare 1980s Christian Dior clip-on earrings, crafted in Germany are a true testament to the sophisticated costume jewelry designs of the era. Each earring features...
24-Carat Gilded Bronze and Rock Crystal Clip Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Rectangular rock stones set on 24-carat gilded bronze clip earrings. This designer was Robert Goossens personal assistant in all of his creations. She worked by his side for 20 years...
Rock Crystal
Marco Bicego Lunaria 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé Three-Petal Statement Earrings
By Marco Bicego
Located in Plantation, FL
An exceptional example from Marco Bicego’s celebrated Lunaria collection, these substantial statement earrings embody the hallmark qualities that have made the Vicenza-based house on...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Italian 18K Gold & Pink Coral Cabochon Screw Back Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine pair of Mid-Century Italian screw back earrings. With large smooth oval cabochons framed in 18k gold rope design settings. With screwbacks closures to the reverse. Si...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold
Zoe Coste France Gilt Metal Jeweled Dangle Clip Earrings with Blue Cabochon
Located in Atlanta, GA
These are stunning Zoe Coste for Reminiscence gilt metal dangling clip-on earrings. They feature a stylized Maltese cross shape with dangling gilded metal striped teardrops. The Malt...
Gilt Metal
Ilias Lalaounis 18 Karat Yellow Gold Large Swirl Earclip Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
These 18 karat yellow gold Ilias Lalaounis swirl earclip earrings feature a sculptural, flowing design that captures the brand’s signature blend of ancient inspiration and modern art...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$103Sale Price|20% Off
Milky Pink Art Glass Hard Candy Earrings By Vogue, 1960s
By Vogue
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Each earring measures 1" diameter - Gold plated hardware - Pastel pink swirl milk glass cabochons - Cli...
Vintage silver tone modernist designer runway clip on earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • silver tone • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1 3/8" by 3/4" CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ❤️❤️ ...
Silver
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine & Diamond Seven Leaves Earrings
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine & Diamond "Seven Leaves" Clip-on Earrings Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumberger Studios Creator/Maker: Jean Schlumberger for ...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Platinum
$103Sale Price|20% Off
Enameled Sunflower Earrings With Black Crystal Pavé By Weiss, 1960s
By Albert Weiss
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Each earring measures 1" in diameter - Gold plated - Yellow enameling - Black crystal pavé - Clip on e...
Vintage GIVENCHY Paris New York signed huge gold textured modernist designer run
By Givenchy
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed GIVENCHY Paris New York • gold tone • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear...
Gold Plate
18 Karat White Gold Flower Ruby and Diamond Invisible Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
The top quality ruby which make in invisible setting. We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years. The invisible is a highly tech...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1982 Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Onyx Checkerboard Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of collectible Tiffany & Co. earrings, crafted in 18K yellow gold and inlaid with polished black onyx in a bold checkerboard motif. Dating to circa 1982, these earrings ex...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl French Clip Gold Vintage Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Round Mabe Pearl Earrings set in 14K Yellow Gold rims. Each pearl, measuring approx. 15mm and 20.5mm. French Clip-on backs. More Beautiful in Real time. Sure to be ...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman 1950s Diamond Emerald Platinum Gold Vintage Spray Ear-Clip Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as fanning sprays of marquise cut emeralds and diamonds Emeralds weigh approximately 3.88 carats total - medium green Diamonds weigh approximately 3.12 carats total G/H colo...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
Kenzo Paris Silver Plate and Enamel Floral Clip Earrings
By Kenzo
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Kenzo Paris floral clip-on earrings feature a dimensional shape with silver-plate metal framing, carved and textured, and adorned with orange and turquoise enamel. The...
Silver Plate, Enamel
$78Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Leaf Climber Earrings By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.1" tall - Gold plated - Clip on earring backs - By Crown Trifari (signed on clips) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good vintage cond...
Golbaur 18k Bicolor Gold Clip-On Earrings with 0.30ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Golbaur - 18k bicolour gold ear clips set with brilliant cut diamonds up to. 0.30ct - F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: the size of the ear clip is 2.5 cm long by 1.9 cm wide Tota...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings with 0.20ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clip-on earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The clip-on earrings measure 2.5 cm long and 1.8 cm wide. Weight...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lanvin Dangle Clip-on Earrings Gilded Metal and Brown Poured Glass
By Lanvin Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
These rare, elegant Lanvin Paris clip-on earrings feature a long dangling shape with carved gilt metal beads complimented with cocoa-brown poured glass beads in a graduated shape. Th...
Gilt Metal
Earrings with chrysophrase 18k white gold 9.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clip-on earrings set with chrysophrase Detailed description: The clip-on earrings measure 1.7 cm in height and 1.3 cm in width Total weight: 9.4 grams Set with: -...
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, White Gold
Francoise Montague gold and Crystal Lolita Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The iconic earring style from Francoise Montague in gold and Swarovski crystals. These clip earrings dance as you move and are universally flattering. A must have addition to any co...
$148Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Aurora Borealis Crystal Burst Statement Earrings, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 1" in diameter - Aurora Borealis iridescent crystals - Silver tone hardware - Clip on earring backs - Circa 1950s - Estate acquired - Excellent vinta...
Angela Caputi Gilded and Red Cinnabar Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature an oversized, dangling, donut-like design in red cinnabar color, gilded metal embellishment, and cr...
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Gold Vintage 6 Rope X J-Hoop Ear-Clip Earrings
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as fluted j-hoop forms comprised of gold twisted rope segments Wrapped with stylized X motif stations With high polish finish throughout Completed by posts with hinged omega...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli & Diamond Circle Drop Earrings 0.55 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold yet sophisticated statement with these stunning 14K yellow gold lapis lazuli and diamond drop earrings. Designed with rich royal-blue lapis lazuli open-circle drops, each...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage McTeigue for Tiffany and Co 14K Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
Located in New York, NY
An Enduring Symbol of Brand Excellence and Classic Fashion Infuse your everyday style or special-occasion attire with the storied heritage of these Vintage McTeigue for Tiffany &...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Ribbon Clip-On 1 Inch Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A Bold Yet Timeless Statement of Iconic Brand Heritage Step into a world of enduring glamour with these Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ribbon Earrings, meticulously fashioned in 14K yello...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Waterfall Black and Gold Glass Beaded Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning dangling glass clip-on earrings, shaped like a lionfish, feature an oversized shoulder-duster design and a cascading waterfall made with tiny black-and-gold glass stic...
$215Sale Price|20% Off
Byzantine Style Heart Chandelier Statement Earrings, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 5" x 2.25" - Gold plated - Colored crystal rhinestones - Clip on earring backs - Cut ou...
Green Jade & Emerald & Fancy Color Diamond Fan Earrings, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Click Fan Earrings from the Jade Dynasty Collection by Austy Lee are a breathtaking example of intricate jewelry design. These earrings beautifully blend Eastern and Western aest...
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave 18 Karat Rose Gold Earrings
Located in Tysons, VA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. Featuring the maison’s iconic clover-inspir...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-Century 18K Yellow Gold, Turquoise Cabochon, and Diamond Clip Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage gold, turquoise, and diamond clip earrings. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each with central prong-set turquoise oval cabochons surrounded by pave set round single...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A striking pair of Bvlgari Parentesi hoop earrings crafted in 18K yellow gold and accented with polished hematite. Inspired by the iconic architectural motif that became one of Bvlga...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gilt & Red Enamel Oversized Door Knocker Earrings by Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner NY
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 2" tall - Gold plated - Red enamel - Crystal rhinestone accents - Clip on earring backs - By Ciner (signed on clips & verso) - Circa 198...
Angela Caputi Black and Gunmetal Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi-made-in-Italy resin clip-on earrings feature a dangling geometric shape with black resin elements, contrasted with a massive oval donut element in gunmet...
$318Sale Price|20% Off
Enamel Marionette "Wild Cats" Lion Statement Earrings By Lunch At The Ritz
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - Each earring measures approximately 3.5" tall - Gold plated - Enameled - Crystal rhinestone accents - Bead da...
Richard Kerr Black and Multicolor Jeweled Dangle Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr created these exceptional, eye-catching clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are composed of his trademark pavé crystals and feature a large, geometric, donut-shaped dang...
Tiffany & Co Basket Weave 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ear Clip Earrings Circa 1992
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Tiffany & Co. Basket Weave Ear Clips, circa 1992. These beautifully crafted earrings showcase Tiffany & Co.'s timeless basket weave motif, expertly re...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Braided X Motif Clip On Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
From the house of Verdura, these wonderful X motif, braided earrings were designed and created. Four double strands of deftly pulled 18K yellow gold rope intertwine to create this lovely and very wearable pair of everyday earrings. They measure 3/4 inch in diameter and rise 3/8 inch above the ear, when worn. Equipped with secure, fold down, Omega style, clip backs. A raised gold plate...
Gold, 18k Gold