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.
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About A refined 14K yellow gold ring finished with a graceful line of natural round brilliant-cut diamonds across the upper portion. The balanced combination of polished gold and di...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Geometric Round Diamond Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this modern ring features a openwork geometric design composed of interlocking oval loops bisected by a sparkling line of pavé-set diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14K gold gentlemans Intaglio ring : stag with antlers - Sardonyx Signet
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful blue black gold signet ring. This 14 K solid gold handmade stunner is a real sign of nobility and status which is perfect to wear with your favorite statem...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 90's Diamond Pavé Cable Buckle Ring ~0.76ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
A twisted rope motif in polished yellow gold sweeps into a crossover loop of pavé-set white gold diamonds, the two halves overlapping at the shoulder in a buckle-like knot. The inter...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval Garnet & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A rich oval garnet takes center stage in this 14K yellow gold cocktail ring, framed by a carefully balanced arrangement of round brilliant natural diamonds. The warm gold and...
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Estate Tiffany & Co. 10 Diamond Platinum Etoile Band Ring, 6.75 US
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Etoile Collection, after the French word for Star, is one of the brand's iconic designs. Sleek and beautiful, the diamonds are set in platinum bezel settings, draw...
Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Baguette & Round Diamond Geometric Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A refined geometric composition distinguishes this 14K yellow gold band ring, combining baguette and round natural diamonds within a sleek linear setting. The contrast of dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k solid gold snake ring, Diamonds, Victorian symbol of eternal love
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning 18 karat solid yellow gold snake ring. It exists out of a yellow gold ring band, with a white gold snake curling around it. This ring is most likely crafted...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Platinum Diamond Band – Fishtail Set, 0.50ctw, Sz 7.25
Located in Orlando, FL
This platinum band is pure Mid-Century design, its fishtail prongs splaying outward between each diamond in the graduated, architectural style so distinctive to the era. Seven round ...
Diamond, Platinum
Set in 18K White Gold, 33.31 carats, Kunzite & Diamond Oversize Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, oversized Kunzite Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 33.31 carats. The Diamo...
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold classic diamond half-eternity wedding band
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : This sleek and classic band ring features a channel or pave-set row of sparkling round diamonds set in polished 14K yellow gold. Designed with a smooth, low-profile finish, i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About A graceful 14K yellow gold ring accented by a row of natural round single-cut diamonds and a distinctive sculptural gold detail at the center. The combination of polished meta...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver 7.50ct Oval Cut Tanzanite Cocktail Ring, Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful domed cocktail ring is sterling silver with an estimated 7.50 carats in genuine, rich, oval cut tanzanite gemstones. The face of this ring measures 5/8 of an inch nort...
Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold 0.07 Cts Round Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About A refined 14K yellow gold band ring featuring a delicate row of natural round single-cut diamonds across the front. The understated profile brings together polished gold and s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Vintage 18 Karat Gold 2.46 Carat VS2 Central Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage engagement ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece is certified by the Assay Office with a gemstone testing report. The ring is set with 37 natural diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-Century Modern Diamond Honeycomb Cluster Ring with Black Enamel, 14k Gold
Located in Orlando, FL
Approached as a study in massing and repetition, this 1970s ring reads like a small piece of Brutalist architecture scaled for the hand. Seven hexagonal cells step and cantilever off...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$532Sale Price / item|44% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Moissanite
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Moissanite. Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yellow gold plating over Weight: 4.2 g. depends from size...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
c1992 Cartier Ellipse Sapphire Band Sz 6.25 Ring EU 53 18k Gold Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier sapphire 'Ellipse' ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1992). Oval faceted sapphire measures approx. 5mm x 4mm (note: few light surface abrasions to the emerald...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 3 Stone Tanzanite Ring in Sterling Silver Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful ring is sterling silver with an estimated 1.85 Carats in genuine tanzanite gemstones. It features a 6mm round cut tanzanite accented by a 5mm round cut tanzanite on ea...
Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, natural Emerald & Yellow Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, vintage style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The approximate weight of the Emerald is 2.00 carats. The Emerald is ...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$567Sale Price / item|40% Off
Men’s Art Deco Baguette Topaz Gold Plated Ring, Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Men’s Sky Blue Topaz Gold Plated Silver Art Deco Ring. Men’s Baguette Sky Blue Topaz Geometric Ring. Men’s Geometric Baguette Topaz Statement Ring This men’s sky blue topaz ring f...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
18K Yellow Gold 4.00 CTW Invisible-Set Princess & Pavé Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
A masterpiece of architectural jewelry design, this substantial 18-karat yellow gold statement band pairs striking geometric symmetry with continuous brilliant fire, boasting a magni...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 2.00 Carat Emerald 1.30 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cluster ring crafted in 18K white gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 emerald, emerald cut, 2.00ct, vslbG 5/5, P1 - 10 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 1....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Rubellite, Yellow Sapphire, Emeralds & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite, Yellow Sapphire & Emerald Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubellite is 1.87 carats. The we...
Diamond, Emerald, Rubelite, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Trinity Ruban Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A masterfully crafted engagement ring by Cartier, embodying architectural elegance. The Trinity Ruban design features a dynamic ribbon motif, adorned with pavé-set round brilliant d...
Diamond, Platinum
$567Sale Price / item|40% Off
Men’s Garnet Geometric Statement Ring, Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Square-Cut Garnet Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring. Contemporary Garnet Silver Designer Ring. Men’s Garnet White Topaz Silver Ring A bold statement ring crafted from silver with g...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
Ring with emerald, ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold 8.7 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold ring set with ruby, sapphire, emerald, and brilliant-cut diamond (total approx. 0.40 ct – F/G – VS/SI) – ring size US 6.5 / EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of the...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Double Panthere Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 6 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier Vintage Panthère Ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold. Features two panther figures holding an oval rose cut sapphire. Size: 6 1/4 (Resizeable) Brand: Cartier Material: Yello...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, natural Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Toi et Moi Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 2.32 carats. The shield cut Rubies are comp...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Hermes 18ct Rose Gold Chaine d'Ancre Enchainee Sz 7
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Hermes ring, crafted in 18k rose gold. Features the distinctive Chaine d’Ancre design, with oval anchor links joined by smaller plain oval links. Each anchor link includes a center...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond Sz M
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring in 18k rose gold, embodying sleek sophistication and timeless design. Crafted in 18k rose gold, the ring features a continuous coil of articulated scal...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier French 2.78ct Diamond Cocktail Ring 18k White Gold Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Cartier ring, epitomizing dynamic elegance and masterful design. Crafted from luxurious 18-karat white gold, this ring features a captivating 1.10-carat round brilliant c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Three Stone Colored Jade Ring Sz 6.5 Band 14k Gold Stacking Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage colored jade ring crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1990s). Orange, green and yellow jade each measure 6mm x 4mm. A distinctive vintage yellow-gold ring centered...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring natural Diamond Sapphire 14K Gold / ØUS 7.25 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Diamond and Sapphire Ring in solid 14K (tested) White Gold with openwork bridge and shoulders decorated with floral patterns,modern styled. European, ca. early 20th. century with a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
Bvlgari B.zero1 18k Rose Gold Band Ring Sz 6
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Bvlgari ring exemplifying the brand’s innovative design and superior craftsmanship. This ring is crafted from 18K rose gold, offering a warm and luxurious aesthetic. The ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Emerald Diamond White Gold Ring Sz 6 1/2
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Bvlgari ring, crafted in 18k white gold. Features a serpent's head design, adorned with pave-set diamonds within hexagonal gold borders, and accented by two pear-cut emerald eyes. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 2.86 carats, natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold and natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 2.86 carats. The Emerald is completely n...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sterling Silver Gold Vermeil Peridot & Black Spinel Ring, Size 7
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful, unique ring is sterling silver with gold vermeil accenting. It features a pear cut, 4x6mm peridot, a round cut 2mm black spinel and a wavy line of tiny round spinels....
Peridot, Black Spinel, Spinel, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, 5.04 carat Morganite & Diamond modern Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.04 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.30 carats....
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Men’s Art Deco Style Baguette Amethyst Silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Architectural Amethyst Men’s Ring. Art Deco Amethyst Men’s Wedding Band. Men’s Baguette and Princess-Cut Amethyst Ring. A bold men’s ring crafted from silver and finished with gold ...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
Men’s Black Onyx Ring with Arabic Calligraphy Design
Located in Istanbul, TR
Arabic Calligraphy Black Onyx Signet Ring for Men. Men’s Black Onyx Statement Ring with Arabic Ornament. Kufic Arabic Calligraphy Men’s Black Onyx Ring...
Onyx, Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, 7.60 carats, Aquamarine & Diamond modern Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 7.60 carats. The Diamonds weight is ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou White Gold Diamond Ring Classic Model Sz 62
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Cartier ring exemplifying the brand’s commitment to innovative design and exquisite craftsmanship. This ring is crafted from 18K white gold, presenting a sleek and modern...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fred of Paris Chrysoprase Cabochon 18k Gold Cocktail Ring Size 6
Located in Feasterville, PA
A sophisticated Fred of Paris Gold Cocktail Ring showcasing timeless elegance. This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring features a captivating 7ct chrysoprase cabochon, exuding a tranqui...
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,801 / item
14K Yellow Gold Topaz Daisy Flower Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Gold Marquise Topaz Floral Ring. 14K Gold Botanical Topaz Statement Ring. 14K Yellow Gold Eight-Petal Topaz Ring. 14K Gold Vintage-Inspired Topaz Floral Ring. A floral-inspired ...
Topaz, 14k Gold
$2,310Sale Price|44% Off
18K White Gold 1.20ct Oval Vivid Green Tsavorite & 0.23ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Elegant 18k white gold tsavorite and diamond ring featuring a 1.20ct vivid green oval tsavorite in a refined four‑prong setting. The gem shows bright, lively color with natural fine ...
Tsavorite, Garnet, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Juliette Diamond & Cultured Pearl Ring in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A captivating ring by Cartier, embodying timeless elegance. This design features a domed band entirely paved with round brilliant diamonds, parting at the center to cradle a luminou...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Cushion-Cut Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold, 1.50 Carats
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An elegant emerald and diamond ring in 18K white gold, centred with a cushion-cut emerald weighing approximately 1.50 carats. The emerald displays a bright green colour, with visible...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage David Yurman Sterling Silver & Blue Topaz Infinity Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & topaz ring. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. From the 'Infinity' series. With a prong-set cushion cut blue topaz. Marked to the shank. Together ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.1 mm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Large Paloma Picasso Tiffany Sterling Silver & Rock Crystal Sugar Stacks Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & rock crystal (or colorless quartz) cocktail ring. Designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a large sized, prong-set ro...
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver
Vintage Carinated Sterling Silver Blue Spinel Ring Size 5.5
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, vintage, carinated solitaire is sterling silver with a stunning 6mm blue spinel gemstone. The band on this ring measures 6mm wide with a rise of 4mm off the finger. Si...
Spinel, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Accented Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Make a bold, symbolic statement with this captivating Snake Bypass Ring. Expertly cast in warm 14K yellow gold, this piece features a fluid, serpentine design that gracefully coils a...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver & Rose Quartz Sugar Stacks Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & rose quartz cocktail ring. Designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a prong-set rose quartz sugarloaf cabochon to the ...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Double Row Blue Sapphire Ring - Band Ring
Located in Heemstede, NL
A beautiful vintage ring crafted in 14k yellow gold, set with two sparkling rows of round-cut blue sapphires. The rich, deep blue tones of the sapphires stand out beautifully against...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and unique ring featuring a tiger's eye butterfly and a mother-of-pearl quatrefoil. The butterfly's wings are crafted from a single stone, showcasing chatoyant bands that...
Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval London Blue Topaz and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sophisticated and striking, this London Blue Topaz Halo Ring is a masterclass in elegant contrast. At its center lies a captivating, deep-sea-toned oval-cut London Blue Topaz, secure...
Blue Topaz, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 0.94 ct Diamond Solitaire Ring in a Tiffany & Co. Platinum Setting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine estate solitaire diamond engagement ring. In .950 platinum. This ring is a wonderful marriage of a vintage Tiffany 6-...
Diamond, Platinum
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Cigar Ring Band GIA 1.48 Cts Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A perfectly imperfect handmade one of a kind statement Emerald Cigar ring that features a bezel set beautiful Colombian Emerald of 1.48 Cts certifie...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.90ct 18k yellow gold 9.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant cut diamond 0.90 ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.5(55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide Ring size U.S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold