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.
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Ladies Rado Diastar Swiss Watch Round Case Scratch Resistant, Rare Serviced 90s
By RADO
Located in San Diego, CA
Ladies Rado Diastar Swiss Watch Round Case Scratch Resistant, Rare Serviced, 1990s - Battery Operated. For sale is a ladies’ Rado Diastar Swiss watc...
Stainless Steel
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Money Clip Metal: 925 sterling silver Measurements: 1.25" x 1.10" Total Weight: 17 Grams Stamped: "925" "Tiffany & Co." "Elsa P...
Sterling Silver
$975Sale Price|25% Off
Stainless Steel 18kt Yellow Gold Men's Concord Watch Serviced Warranty 15.65.221
Located in San Diego, CA
Stainless Steel 18kt Yellow Gold Men's Concord Watch Serviced Warranty 15.65.221 - Introducing the stunning Men’s Concord Steeplechase watch, a rema...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Elgin Pocket Watch Silverode Heavy Working 7 Jewel Year 1921, 59mm Open Case
By Elgin
Located in San Diego, CA
Elgin 1921 pocket watch with a 59mm case made of silverode and is 20mm thick. Heavy watch with a clean plastic crystal. The case has a minor blemish and a light hand-carving that co...
Silver
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Elgin 52mm 1906 Pocket Watch, 17 Jewel Serviced 30-Day Warranty, Serial 12195791
By Elgin
Located in San Diego, CA
This stunning 1906 53mm Elgin pocket watch features a white face and is crafted with precision and elegance. Weighing 95.9 grams, this silver-colored watch is not only visually appealing but also designed to stand the test of time. With a diameter of 52mm and a thickness of 14mm, this pocket watch is the perfect size for carrying. The plexiglass crystal is very clean, adding to its allure. Rest assured, this watch has been fully serviced, including a complete clean and overhaul, ensuring it is in optimal working condition. It comes with a 30-day warranty for added peace of mind. While it is a vintage watch and may not keep time with the precision of a brand-new model, it is consistently accurate. The watch features a 17-jewel movement and bears the name of the esteemed Elgin National Watch Company. Its serial number, 12195791, confirms its authenticity and enhances its collectibility. Although there is a tiny hairline near the 7 on the face, it does not detract from the overall beauty of this timepiece. For any watch collector, this Elgin pocket watch is a must-have. Its classic style and impeccable craftsmanship make it a true gem in any collection. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. **Pocket Watch Database Information:** - Manufacturer: Elgin - Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois - Movement Serial Number: 12195791 - Grade: 339 - Model: 6 - Class: 107 - Estimated Production Year: 1906 - Run Quantity: 3,000 - Grade/Model Run: 7 of 38 - Grade/Model Total Production: 50,500 - Variant Estimated Production: 49,500 (16S-M6-17J-HNP) - Size: 16s - Jewels: 17j - Jewel Setting: Screw-Set - Movement Configuration: Hunting - Movement Finish: Nickel - Movement Setting: Pendant - Plate: Bridge Plate - Barrel: Going - Balance Type: Expansion - Train: Quick - Regulator: Moseley - Hairspring: Breguet - Standard Dial Type: Single-Sunk - Adjusted: No - Railroad Grade: No **About Rock N Gold Creations:** Rock N Gold Creations is a reputable and long-standing jewelry...
Longines Dolce Vita Tank Watch, Quartz, Model 7753, Stainless Steel, Like
By Longines
Located in San Diego, CA
Longines Dolce Vita Tank Watch, Quartz, Champagne/Peach Face, Stainless Steel, Swiss-Made. Like New Condition. Beautiful Champagne/Peach Face. Wate...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Movado St.Christopher Coin Watch Sterling Silver Retailed By Turler
By Movado
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
An unusual sterling silver coin watch by Movado ca' 1950's-60's. Dial double signed by Turler-the famed Swiss retailer. Saint Christopher was a patron sai...
Sterling Silver
Tom Ford Apple Pocket Watch Chain, A must Have
By Tom Ford
Located in Antwerp, BE
Tom Ford invents the Apple pocket watch Designer customised his new gadget to make it chicer Tom Ford has a knack for making things look chic - even the clunky Apple Watch, it turns...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Diamond And Enamel Sunfish Lapel Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
A delightful blend of watchmaking refinement and unique artistry, this charming lapel watch takes the form of a sunfish. The aquatic creature is stunning in its level of detail. Craf...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
SWATCH SPECIAL GK340 Watch With Shoulder Strap 2001
By Swatch
Located in Milano, IT
Swatch Watch Shoulder Bag Over Shoulder Bag Zipper Purse NOS Vintage 2001 GK350 Neon Yellow Crossbody Handbag Hipster Retro Gent Originals. Quart...
Tom Ford Apple Pocket Watch Chain, A must have
By Tom Ford
Located in Antwerp, BE
Tom Ford Apple Pocket Watch Chain, A must have Tom Ford invents the Apple pocket watch Designer customised his new gadget to make it chicer Tom Ford has a knack for making things l...
Stainless Steel
Herna 14K YG Pocket Watch with 18K Gold Engraving Hinged Cover
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Herna 14K yellow gold pocket watch pendant with 18K yellow gold engraving on both side hinged cover and a 17 jewels incabloc shock protection Swiss made manual wind movement ...
14k Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian Gold-Filled Necklace, Pocket Watch Chain, or Bracelet
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a great looking hand made necklace or bracelet, pocket watch chain. Done in the Edwardian style, it looks like it was produced at the turn of the last century. The workmanshi...
Gold-filled
1950s LUCIEN PICCARD 14K Yellow Gold Multicolor Gemstone Watch Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This stunning mid-century LUCIEN PICCARD 14K yellow gold multicolor gemstone watch brooch is a luxurious blend of functionality and decorative artistry. Designed in an ornate circula...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Mathey-Tissot Watch, #3560625, Manual, 25mm Case, 37.2gr
By Tissot
Located in San Diego, CA
This beautiful ladies' watch by Mathey-Tissot features an 18kt yellow gold case measuring 25mm in diameter and 7mm in thickness. The watch has a gold face adorned with black Roman nu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ebel Tanis travel and table clock with quartz alarm clock new
By Ebel
Located in Perugia, IT
Ebel Tanis travel and table clock with alarm clock made of steel and metal NOS (New Old Stock) New condition. Dimensions mm 90 x 40 x 55 Net weight 455 g Swiss Made Quartz Movement ...
Steel
$1,032Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm
By Bulgari
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm B12 This elegant Authentic Bvlgari Watch is made of stainless steel. Newly polished TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 P...
Crystal, Quartz, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Diamond Quartz Women's Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Model: Divan Reference: 2599 Case Size: 20 x 32mm Movement: Quartz Stone: Diamond Material: Stainless Steel, Leather Strap Size: 6.5" Weight: 32 Grams Condition: Great...
Stainless Steel
International Watch Co. Stainless Steel Open Face Watch
By IWC
Located in Palm Beach, FL
International Watch Co. Stainless Steel Open Face Watch hinged cuvette and case back Case No.1022878, Movement no.970059, circa 1940. Keyless...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rado Voyager Automatic Stainless Steel Rare Dial AMMAN Watch
By RADO
Located in Toronto, CA
Description Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Automatic Stainless Steel Reference Number: 636.3581.4S Price :125 USD Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Mat...
Stainless Steel
Hermès Stainless Steel Cape Cod black alligator Quartz Wrist watch
![[WTS] Vintage Rado Brienzer Rare Dial Automatic Watch](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/wts-vintage-rado-brienzer-rare-dial-automatic-watch-for-sale/j_36962/j_266323821750459456056/j_26632382_1750459456339_bg_processed.jpg?width=240)
![[WTS] Vintage Rado Brienzer Rare Dial Automatic Watch](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/wts-vintage-rado-brienzer-rare-dial-automatic-watch-for-sale-picture-2/j_36962/j_266323821750459550174/IMG_E6174_master.JPG?width=240)
[WTS] Vintage Rado Brienzer Rare Dial Automatic Watch
By RADO
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand : Rado Model: Brienzer Price: 175 USD Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless Steel Measurements :35mm diameter (excluding crown...
Stainless Steel
Juvenia Art Deco Swiss Galalith Sterling Silver Purse Watch, 1920s
By Juvenia
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Art Deco Swiss travel purse watch dating to the 1920s–early 1930s. The exterior case is crafted in a green galalith-style material. Galalith, an early semi-synthetic material develop...
Sterling Silver
Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Concord Saratoga SL 18 Karat Gold & Stainless Steel Mens Wrist Watch
Located in Boston, MA
A distinguished Concord wristwatch crafted in 18k gold and stainless steel. The round watch features a brick-patterned dial with Roman numeral hour markers. The Concord signature i...
18k Gold
Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Watch Details: Case size: 38mm x 24mm Case Material: Stainless steel Movement: Quartz Dial: White with Roman numerals Crystal: Sapphire Strap mat...
Stainless Steel
Antique Ladies Hunter Elgin 4 Color Gold Pocket Watch and 18k Gold Chain
By Elgin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Antique 14k four color gold hunter case pocket watch made by the Elgin Company around 1908 (based on movement serial # 13333340) features an elaborately decorated 14 c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
New Gucci 40mm stainless steel quartz watch
By Gucci
Located in Cattolica, IT
New Gucci Watch swiss made stainless steel quartz. The 'watch has never been worn and comes from an authorized Italian seller. Accompanied by box and Gucci international warranty. T...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 1.85 in W 0.95 in D 0.4 in L 29 in
DeLaneau Josephine Pendant Watch Necklace in 18K White Gold with Pearl Tassel
By Delaneau
Located in New York, NY
A rare and collectible pendant watch with pearl tassel from DeLaneau, the Geneva maison celebrated for its jeweled and high-art timepieces. This rare “Josephine” model is crafted in ...
Onyx, Pearl, Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare French 18K Yellow Gold Transparent Pocket Watch Pendant
By Mido
Located in New York, NY
A rare and visually striking French 18K gold pocket watch, this piece features a transparent double-sided case, creating a floating dial effect with elongated Roman numeral indexes a...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ebel loupe travel and table clock with quartz alarm clock new
By Ebel
Located in Perugia, IT
Ebel Loupe travel and table clock with alarm clock made of steel. NOS (New Old Stock) New condition. Dimensions when closed mm 58 x 37 x 20 Dimensions all open mm 97 x 37 x 20 Net we...
Steel
Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Automatic 35MM Watch Ref. WSPA0013 Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Automatic 35MM Watch Ref. WSPA0013 Box & Papers Metal: Stainless steel Case: 35mm Reference: WSPA0013 Serial: 43272957**** (card dated 2013) Wrist size...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Travel Alarm Clock
By Cartier
Located in Lucerne, CH
Elevate your journey with the Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Travel Alarm Clock. This exquisite timepiece blends Cartier's iconic design with practical sophistication. Its blue dial...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Sold
D 0.32 in Dm 1.86 in
Lanco Pocket Watch 1950s, Chrome Case, Working, Slim Modern Design, 15 Jewel
Located in San Diego, CA
Lanco Pocket watch 1950s, Chrome Case, Working, Slim Modern Design, Very Good Condition, 15 Jewel Rubies Movement, Swiss Made. Beautiful mid-century...
Steel
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Enamel Dial Railroad Pocket Watch, 1940s
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1917 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 45mm MOVEMEN...
Gold-filled
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Enamel Dial Railroad Pocket Watch, 1940s
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1917 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 45mm MOVEMEN...
Gold-filled
Chopard Happy Day Traveling Pocket Watch And Clock 51/6677-23 - 890818
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
Chopard Gold Plated "Happy Day" Traveling Pocket Watch or Desk Clock. A vintage relic from the luxury Swiss watch and Jeweler, Chopard. Featuring an alarm function, roman numeral di...
Silver
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ladies Automatic rose gold and diamonds 2022 case papers
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
NAUTILUS “LADIES AUTOMATIC” 7118/1200R - NAUTILUS SELF-WINDING excellent condition With the rounded octagonal shape of its bezel, the ingenious porthole construction of its case, and its horizontally embossed dial, the Nautilus has epitomized the elegant sports watch since 1976. Forty years later, it comprises a splendid collection of models for men and women. In steel, rose gold, white gold or two-tone combinations they accompany the most active lifestyles with incomparable class Self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber 324 S C. Date in an aperture. Sweep seconds hand. Golden brown opaline, gold applied hour markers and numerals with luminescent coating. Rose gold. Sapphire crystal case back. Water-resistant to 60 m. Case diameter (10–4 o’clock): 35.2 mm. Height: 8.62 mm. Bezel set with 56 diamonds (~0.67 ct). Rose gold bracelet. Nautilus fold-over clasp. It shouldn’t be surprising that a Patek Philippe holds the world auction record for a watch ($31.2 million for a Patek Grandmaster Chime, sold at Christie’s Geneva last November, in case anyone’s wondering). Known for impeccable craftsmanship and some of the most complicated timepieces ever created, the brand is considered by many to be the height of fine watchmaking. The house was founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek. Czapek left the firm, and in 1845, Patek partnered with French watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Catering to the glitterati of Europe, the pair counted among their clients Tolstoy, Pope Pius IX and Queen Victoria, as well as Countess Koscowicz of Hungary, for whom they created the first Swiss-made wristwatch in 1868. They also had their eye on the American market and in 1851 entered an arrangement with Tiffany & Co. still in effect today. During the Great Depression, brothers Jean and Charles Stern, who had previously supplied Patek Philippe with watch dials, bought the company, and it continues to be run by the Stern family today. Under the Sterns, the house has developed some of its most famous models, including the Calatrava, an elegantly minimal dress...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Hermes Watch, Kelly 2
By Hermès
Located in Vannes, FR
Hermes Watch, Kelly 2 Women’s bracelet watch in steel, white dial with applied Arabic numerals, stylized bezel. Quartz movement. Double row leather strap ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Swatch Red Knit Limited Edition For Christmas 2013
By Swatch
Located in Milano, IT
A truly beautiful special edition, it is the one with which Swatch comes to our rescue in the desperate search for what should be the perfect Christmas gift. By combining one of the ...