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.
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...
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, 1980
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare estate Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW diamond double sphere east west 18K yellow gold and platinum cocktail ring 20th Century This fabulous double sphere diamond ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long Detailed description The beads are in various sizes, approximately 6 mm to 9 mm. Weight: 49.5 grams With - 115 x 6 mm ...
Coral, Silver
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard Platinum .77TCW Diamond Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard platinum six diamond necklace Romantic, timeless, classic. Diamonds: Brilliant full cut, approximately .77 TCW, 6 diamonds Marks: ...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,415Sale Price / item|55% Off
Pear emerald drop bow ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bow ring with emerald pave in 14k gold. Ribbon Ring. Bow ring. Ribbon wedding ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - emerald 6x4 mm, pear br...
Topaz, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
$998Sale Price / item|44% Off
Sapphire and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Blue sapphire and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring. Art deco style sapphire ring in 14k gold. Art nouveau style ring. Oval cabochon sapphire ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g. d...
Peridot, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,451Sale Price / item|55% Off
Snake design 14k gold engagement Emerald ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Snake design 14k gold engagement ring. Marquise emerald gold ring. Open ended, adjustable emerald ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - e...
Topaz, Emerald, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 9.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a sapphire and a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.0 cm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,306Sale Price / item|50% Off
1.5 ct pear citrine 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear citrine 14k gold ring. Citrine solitaire. Plain citrine ring. Diamond cut citrine ring. Citrine engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2.5 gr d...
Citrine, 14k Gold
$522Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Oval cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
$522Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring. Opal solitaire. Plain opal ring. Oval cabochon cut opal ring. Opal engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Anne and Frank Vigneri Black Lucite and Sterling Silver Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Anne and Frank Vigneri designed these stunning Lucite clip-on earrings in the 1980s. The freeform design features a black Lucite base, topped with a sterling silver embossed element....
Sterling Silver
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 1.50 Carat SI Ruby 0.55 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cluster ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 ruby (oval cut, 1.50ct, PR-RP 5/4, SI) - 10 diamonds (round brilliant cut, TW 0.55ct, RW-W, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,180Sale Price / item|55% Off
Peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot 14k gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: peridot, green color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gemst...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold
$522Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval topaz silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval topaz silver, gold ring. Topaz solitaire. Plain topaz ring. Oval cut topaz ring. Topaz engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Weig...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires & Pink sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 2.27 carats....
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamond sup to 1.80ct 18k gold 8.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a 1.80 ct brilliant-cut diamond - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 4.75 - EU 15.5 (49) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.3 cm wide. Ring size ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,200Sale Price / item|40% Off
Octagon moissanite ring for men in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Solid Gold Round Moissanite Ring For Men's. Mens Solid Gold Moissanite Ring. Octagon Cut Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) ...
Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$522Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval citrine silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval citrine silver, gold ring. Citrine solitaire. Plain citrine ring. Oval cut citrine ring. Citrine engagement ring. Wave band ring. Me...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
$609Sale Price / item|65% Off
1.5 ct pear garnet silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear garnet silver, gold. Garnet solitaire. Plain garnet ring. Diamond cut garnet ring. Garnet engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over W...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,176Sale Price / item|40% Off
Amethyst 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 14k gold earrings. Purple gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones amethyst, purple, pear cut,8x6mm side gemstone...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
14k White Gold Cocktail Ring with Green Tourmaline & Diamonds, 0.63ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with tourmaline and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.63ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.75 - EU 17.25(54) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.0 cm...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
$967Sale Price / item|69% Off
Topaz 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct topaz 14k gold engagement ring. Topaz gold ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.2 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - topaz 1 ct, round brilliant cut, blue color Small c...
Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mercedes Robirosa Style Gilded Metal Clip Earrings with Glass Cabochons
Located in Atlanta, GA
These Ultra-chic dangling clip-on earrings have a design reminiscent of Mercedes Robirosa's work. The earrings are a stunning example of baroque style, with a massive construction th...
Gilt Metal
$538Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with rose quartz briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with pink quartz briolettes. Lily flower earrings. Pink quartz earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Metal: silver 925 + 14k gold plating over...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Silver
$665Sale Price / item|44% Off
Baguette Emerald 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald engagement ring. Baguette emerald ring. Emerald gold ring. Emerald vintage style ring. Natural emerald ring. Classic emerald ring. May birthstone emerald ring. Wedding gold r...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Starfish Pendant 18-inch Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed sterling silver pendant necklace. By Tiffany & Co. Designed by Elsa Peretti. In the form of a starfish (38mm size). Set with an integral bail and chain and secured ...
Sterling Silver
Solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 3.40ct 18k yellow gold 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 3.40 ct - M/N - SI1 - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 1.1 cm wide...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$696Sale Price / item|60% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring. Ruby solitaire. Plain ruby ring. Oval cabochon cut ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,306Sale Price / item|50% Off
1.5 ct pear garnet 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear garnet 14k gold ring. Garnet solitaire. Plain garnet ring. Diamond cut garnet ring. Garnet engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2.5 gr depend...
Garnet, 14k Gold
$1,380Sale Price|25% Off
Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Union of Color and Timeless Craftsmanship Infuse your ensemble with a regal pop of color through this Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet. Featuring 15 oval-...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Twirl ladies wristwatch, boxed
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish and iconic ladies Gucci Twirl wristwatch in cool silver tone stainless steel watch. This is a bangle strap watch with a cut out design and a central twirling face. The ca...
Stainless Steel
Set in 18K white Gold, 31.51 carat, Aquamarine & Trillion Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 31.51 carats. The combined weight of t...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,306Sale Price / item|50% Off
1.5 ct pear peridot 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear peridot 14k gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2.5 gr d...
Peridot, 14k Gold
$1,451Sale Price / item|55% Off
Snake design 14k gold Ruby engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Snake design 14k gold engagement ring. Marquise ruby gold ring. Open ended, adjustable ruby ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - ruby 8x...
Ruby, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Love Chain Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Cartier Love chain bracelet with two interlocking rings. It is designed in 2010s. The piece is crafted in 18K yellow gold. Signed with C...
18k Gold
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
Necklace with turquoise beads and 18k gold 92.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold clasp with turquoise beads necklace with gold spacers - 40 cm Detailed description The necklace consists of 6 rows of turquoise beads, each with gold spacers. Three by th...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
$522Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval garnet silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval garnet silver, gold ring. Garnet solitaire. Plain garnet ring. Diamond cut garnet ring. Garnet engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating o...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
$609Sale Price / item|65% Off
1.5 ct pear peridot silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear peridot silver, gold. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating o...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Chanel logo faux pearl clip on earrings, gold tone
By Chanel
Located in NEWARK, GB
A fantastic pair of vintage Chanel clip on earrings. A medium sized and easy to wear pair of earrings in gold tone metal with Chanel Paris written on the gold tone metal in enamel w...
Base Metal
$483Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pink, rose quartz cabochon ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with pink rose quartz cabochon. Rose quartz statement ring. Cocktail pink quartz ring. Birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends fro...
Quartz, Gold, Sterling Silver
$784Sale Price / item|70% Off
Oval cabochon peridot 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon peridot 14k gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2...
Peridot, Topaz, 14k Gold
$483Sale Price / item|50% Off
Red garnet cabochon ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with garnet cabochon. Red garnet statement ring. Cocktail garnet ring. Birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size. Gemston...
Garnet, Gold, Sterling Silver
$508Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ring with aquamarine cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with aquamarine cabochon. Aquamarine statement ring. Cocktail aquamarine ring. March birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from ...
Aquamarine, Gold, Sterling Silver
Monique Vedie, Line Vautrin Student Resin Clip Earrings Pistachio Flower
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Monique Vedie resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a daisy-shaped design with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a textured pattern in glittering pistach...
$483Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ring with citrine cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with citrine cabochon. Citrine statement ring. Cocktail citrine ring. October birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size. G...
Citrine, Gold, Sterling Silver
Ring with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 15.0 grams 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with amethyst and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI- ring size US 9 - EU 19 (60) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
$532Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine cocktail ring silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Solitaire citrine ring. Citrine silver, gold ring. Citrine statement ring. Citrine cocktail ring. Metal type: 925 silver + 14k gold plating Weight: 4 g depends from size Gemstones...
Citrine, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,306Sale Price / item|60% Off
Snake design 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Snake design 14k gold engagement ring. Pear ruby gold ring. Open ended, adjustable ruby ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - ruby 1 ct, ...
Ruby, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Leto Lama Three Emeralds Snake Ring 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
Three Emeralds Snake Ring A snake band of 18-carat yellow gold winds around the finger like molten light, its form culminating in three vivacious emeralds that glimmer green hues wi...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Modern 18 Karat Gold 6.00 Carat Amethyst Diamond Chain Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a modern pendant with a chain crafted in 18K white gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 1 amethyst, cushion cut, 6.00ct, P 5/4, VVS - 1 diamond, round brilliant cut, 0.01...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Signed David Webb 1960s 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Horseshoe Cufflinks
By David Webb
Located in Lexington, KY
Sophisticated and bold, these David Webb horseshoe cufflinks are made in rich 18k yellow gold with bright white diamonds. These cufflinks exemplify David Webb's signature blend of st...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold 7.23CT Natural Opal 0.4CT Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Oh my! This necklace is gorgeous! Spectacular 14k solid yellow gold pendant featuring a 7.23 carat gem-quality opal in a classy pear shape. The pendant also has a 0.4-carat fine d...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k rose gold pendant set with colossal amethyst up to 32ct 10.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold pendant set with colossal amethyst - dimensions 3.8 cm x 1.7 cm (H x W) Detailed description: The pendant measures 3.8 cm x 1.7 cm (H x W) Weight: 10.0 grams Set wi...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Christian Lacroix Gilded and Jeweled Brutalist Heart Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris brooch features a Baroque heart shape with a dangling charm. The gilded metal brutalist framing is carved and textured, adorned with metallic br...
Gilt Metal
ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 8.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.00 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 8 – EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.1 cm wide and 8.7 mm hig...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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
Necklace and pendant with Coral and brilliant cut diamonds 14k gold 15.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14 kt yellow gold necklace with pendant set with Corallium Rubrum and brilliant cut diamond, total approx. 0.25 ct F/G VS/SI - 60 cm detailed description the pendant is 4.3 cm hig...
Diamond, Coral, 14k Gold
Bold Silver Oval Link Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
The bracelet has a vivid appeal with its large 1 1/2 inch high oval links. It has what is called "the look", a stylish fashionable accessory for every day wear, be it office or dinne...
Jewelry buyers are gathered in Sin City to pick out the glittering treasures you'll be coveting in the months ahead.
Some designers carry on traditions while others riff on the past.