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 Black and Pearlized Multicolor Resin Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed this gorgeous, made-in-Italy acrylic resin or lucite choker necklace. The around-the-neck shape features a thick black resin chain, contrasted with extra-thick...
Louis Vuitton Square Cocoa Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Set with Stitched Leather
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning set of three square bracelets by Louis Vuitton Paris, crafted in a rich cocoa‑brown acrylic and designed with the house's unmistakable modern aesthetic. Each bangle featur...
Gilt Metal
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
Dramatic Crystal Encrusted Articulated Alligator Choker Necklace 21st c
Located in University City, MO
Dramatic bold crystal encrusted articulated alligator choker necklace 21st c The unique statement necklace is embellished with rows glittering pink & green brilliant crystals ...
Gilt Metal
$1,061Sale Price|25% Off
14k Yellow Gold 5.35CT Oval Shape Natural Opal Necklace with Diamond Accents
Located in Naples, NY
Gorgeous 14k Yellow Gold 5.35CT Oval Shape Natural Opal Necklace. Super shiny and flashy! Diamond accents. Watch the video to see how opal changes colors. Full on flash! Chain: 1...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$900Sale Price|25% Off
18K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Sleeping Beauty Earrings
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious 18K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Sleeping Beauty Earrings. Light, slyly jumping, elegant, and a small diamond shining towards t...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$1,016Sale Price|25% Off
14k Solid Yellow Gold Carved Green, Pink, Yellow Tourmaline Leaf Charm Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
FYI: Explanation of the visual composition! The pendants on the necklace do not stay in place as they appear in the pictures when spread out on a white background. The idea behind t...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Missoni Multi-Strand Multicolor Metal, Lucite and Leather Cuff Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Missoni bangle bracelet, designed by the renowned fashion house. A rare and striking piece, it showcases a cuff shape with a multi-layer design that seamlessly...
Claire Deve Geometric Gilded and Iridescent Blue Jeweled Bangle Bracelet
By Claire Deve
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Claire Deve Paris link bracelet features a geometric shape with triangle-shaped gilt-metal elements set with faceted crystal beads in assorted purple and green iridesce...
Gilt Metal
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.15ct 14k gold 6.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold entourage ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.15ct - G/H, F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: top of the ring is 1.6 cm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Citrine briolette earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November birthstone earrings. Vintage style citrine earrings. Art deco silver earrings with...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver
14k Bicolor Gold Cocktail Ring with 2.40ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.40 ct - H/I - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide by 1.0 ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
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
Vintage Stratton Mother-of-Pearl Compact, Brass, Scalloped Edge, 1960s
By Stratton
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage Stratton mother-of-pearl compact. We are so excited to find this great condition English compact with 60 years of life! It is small with a scalloped edge and the to...
Brass
Ring with baguette and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.40ct 14k gold 6.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with baguette and brilliant-cut diamond total 2.40ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 – EU. 16.5(52) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide an...
Diamond, 14k 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
Angela Caputi Black and Yellow Multi-Strand Resin Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin choker necklace features a multi-strand design with a dominant black color contrasted with lemon-yellow carved beads. Geometric motif...
Flower brooch with rock crystal, ruby and diamonds up to 0.56ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold brooch in the shape of a flower set with rock crystal, ruby, brilliant-cut, and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.56ct – F/G – VS/SI detailed description: the dimension...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 14k Gold
$959 / item
Art Nouveau Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Topaz Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Topaz Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings. Weight: 5 g...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$959 / item
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazs. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Me...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Necklace Suite, Diamond Pendant & Earrings, 18K Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A complete Mikimoto suite with versatility and recognisable design. A refined Mikimoto cultured Akoya pearl necklace suite, comprising a graduated strand of high-quality pearls, a d...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow 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, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Akoya Cultured Pearl Opera Necklace 8.5–8.9mm Diamond and Gold Clasp Enhancer
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial and versatile Akoya cultured pearl opera necklace, composed of 82 well-matched pearls measuring approximately 8.5–8.9mm, offering a refined balance of scale, symmetry, ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings, Modern Design, 2.16ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold entourage stud earrings set with a central ruby up to 2.16 ct and an entourage of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.46 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The front...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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
Angela Caputi Resin Choker Necklace Turquoise and Black Multi-Strand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin choker necklace features a multi-strand seed-bead design with a dominant turquoise-blue color contrasted with black tones. The neckl...
Ring with single cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring with single cut diamond total 0.50ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 5.3 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Handcrafted Modern Artisan Silk Beaded Necklace by Variously in Indigo & Gold
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Inspired by the Sanskrit word Mihika, meaning morning dew, this necklace reflects freshness, purity, and the gentle beauty found in nature. Each piece is carefully handcrafted using ...
Dragon Gold Tone Statement Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Enter the dragon! You will turn heads and garner compliments with this striking dragon necklace in an antiqued gold tone metal. The intricate dragon has an Asian influence with detai...
Gilt Metal
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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 3.4 mm high...
Diamond, 18k Gold
John Iversen Patinated Bronze Maple Leaf Brooch
By John Iversen
Located in New Hope, PA
John Iversen created this stunning Maple Leaf brooch from a real fallen maple leaf which gives the piece such a realistic appearance. You can see all of the veins of the leaf in the...
Bronze
Ring with sapphire, taper and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and taper and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.6 cm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 3.6 grams 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.40ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.75 - EU. 16.25 (51) detailed description: The top of the ring is 6.9 mm wide by ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Leto Lama Marquise Pastel Abstract Cocktail Ring Sapphires, Paraibas 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
Cluster of Joy — Marquise Cocktail Ring A celebration of colour, spontaneity, and the beauty of the hand, this one-of-a-kind marquise cocktail ring is sculpted directly in 18ct y...
Sapphire, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold
Large Double-Sided Carved Lapis Lazuli Pendant, Figural Bird Motif, Gold Bail
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial carved lapis lazuli pendant of notable scale, worked in relief on both sides with a continuous composition of birds among stylised foliage. Probably China, late 20th c...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold
Gold Cuff Sculptural Statement Bracelet Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Paris Mesh and Studded Gold Plated Sculptural Cuff Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Mesh and Studded Statement Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind architectura...
Brass, Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate
Earrings with marquise shaped diamond up to 1.00ct 18k gold 2.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire stud earrings set with marquise-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earring is 9.6 mm by 4.0 mm wide Weight 2....
Diamond, 18k Gold
Brutalist Sculptural Cuff Bracelet Vintage 2008 Paris Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist Sculptural Gold Plated Cuff Bracelet World on Fire Archival Statement Jewelry Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this rare archival cuff bracelet is a collec...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
Soltaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 3.40ct M/N SI1 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond total 3.40ct – M/N – SI1 - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 9.1 ...
Diamond, 18k 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
Silvorra Pear Cut Natural Emerald Toi et Moi Ring Fine Jewelry in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 0.86 carat emerald ring are crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Featuring two pear cut emeralds measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm, the ring showcase a graceful silhouette wit...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 13.34 carats, Tanzanite & Rose Cut Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Chandelier Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites is 13.34 carats. The Tanzanit...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Vintage David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold, Amethyst, & Diamond Albion Cocktail Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed gold, amethyst, and diamond Albion cocktail ring. By David Yurman. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a central bezel-set square cushion cut amethyst surrounded by a halo...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.19ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.19ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-shape...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with brillint cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 14 gold 1.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.26ct - G/H - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by 0.7 mm ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$625Sale Price / item|40% Off
Art Deco Style Pearl and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle pearl earrings. Cocktail earrings with pearls, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Pearl and Topaz A striking pair of pearls and ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Marina J. Large Baroque Black Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat Gold Beads and Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This necklace features large Black Baroque Pearls meeting at a 14k Yellow Gold toggle clasp. Each pearl was carefully selected by Marina J., to create balanced aesthetic for this pie...
Black Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$575Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired green onyx and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style green onyx earrings silver, gold. Dangle green onyx earrings. Cocktail earrings with green onyx, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with green onyx and Topaz. Elegant vi...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 17.97 carats, Ceylon Pink Sapphires modern Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphire Stud Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 17.97 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$937Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Bicolor Pendant Necklace with Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a bicolor gold pendant set with ruby, sapphire and old mine cut diamond. 0.50ct - H/I - SI - 45 cm long detailed description necklace is 45 cm long an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with princess cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 14.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring with princess cut diamond total 2.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 5.0 mm hig...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k bicolor gold clasp with pink opal beads necklace - 62.9 grams 65 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold clasp with pink opal beads necklace - 65 cm Detailed description The necklace is 65 cm long, with opal coral beads ranging from 5.4 mm to 1.4 cm. The clasp measur...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with chrysoberyl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.27ct 18k gold 8.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a central chrysoberyl total 2.45ct and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.27ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) detailed description: The to...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 3.93 carats Tanzanite & Rose Cut Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites is 3.93 carats. The Tanzanites are respo...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold 3-Stone Ring Diamond Natural Cabochon Emerald Ring 3.96 CT
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement of refined elegance and bold color with this stunning three-stone ring in rich 14K yellow gold. At its heart sits a mesmerizing 3.96-carat natural emerald cut in a s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rossella Ugolini Anchor Chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini anchor-inspired chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy. Bold Chaine d'Ancre Marine Silver Sterling Necklace, cm 45 in length. 18 inches, grams 41,50. ava...
Silver, Sterling Silver
18k White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.50ct, 1990s
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 4.75 - EU 15.75 (49) Detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.5 cm w...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Black Onyx Door Knocker Diamond Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably on-trend, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings make a striking statement. Designed with large oval turquoise and black onyx links, the inter...
Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Serpent Boheme Toi et Moi Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Sz 7
By Boucheron
Located in Feasterville, PA
A stunning Boucheron ring from the Serpent Bohème collection, capturing elegance and symbolism since 1968. This ring is crafted from rich 18k yellow gold, featuring Boucheron’s sign...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.