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.
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
Natural Opal and Turquoise Earrings in 14K Solid Yellow Gold with Diamond Acc.
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious and unique style from Renate Exclusive! This gorgeous pair of earrings is made of natural Ethiopian opal and natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise beads. Truly amazing pair o...
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
Fluted Sleeping Beauty Necklace in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious but perfect for everyday wear! Amazing Sleeping Beauty Turquoise always catches the eye! Necklace total length 18 inches. Simple and elegant, see the pictures and video f...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold Carved Green, Pink, Yellow Tourmaline Leaf Charm Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious 14K Solid Yellow Gold Carved green, pink, and yellow tourmaline necklace! This necklace can be worn in many ways. The pendants are removable so that you can wear a differ...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
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
LANVIN Paris Mod Resin & Gilt Metal Pendant Necklace c 1970
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek resin & gilt metal pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic necklace is designed with a large circular tortoise shell lucite pendant; juxtaposed with sleek gilt metal i...
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...
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
Ring with tourmaline up to 3.50ct and single cut diamonds up to 0.12ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with tourmaline and single cut diamond total 0.12ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75(56) detailed description: The top of the ring is rectangu...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 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
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
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18 Karat Gold Diamond Two Row Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a gorgeous “Serpenti Viper” two row cocktail ring designed by Italian jewellery house Bvlgari in 2010s. It features round brilliant cut diamonds. Signed. Weight: 14.73g Si...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring 8.73 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A striking statement of rarity and refined luxury, this 14K yellow gold ring showcases an exceptional 8.73-carat cabochon-cut Burma ruby, celebrated for its rich, saturated red hue a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Bicolour Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.40ct Sapphire & 2.20ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with sapphire 1.40 ct and taper, carre and brilliant cut diamond up to 2.20 ct -F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) detailed description: the top...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
LANVIN Paris Mod Sleek Interchangeable Resin Pendant Choker Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek mod 1970s interchangeable resin pendant choker necklace in Lanvin presentation box The three large rectangular resin pendants range from jade green, smoky carnelian & glossy jet black The resin pendants are mounted into a gilt metal frame suspended from a slinky gold plated snake chain The bold Lanvin interchangeable...
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
$632Sale 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
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
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
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 ...
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphire Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 2.93 carats. Th...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Philippe Ferrandis Baléares Aqua Clip Earrings, Crystal & Gold, France
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Baléares:Like an aquatic wave, simple and translucent. Crystal stones in marine and floral hues evoke Formentera and the cliffs of Mont Vedra… Composition Crystal stones set on champ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Ceylon Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very stunning and gorgeous, modern style, Emerald & Pink Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 10.82 carats. The Emerald is comp...
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k 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
$2,720Sale Price|26% Off
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 ruby and billiant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k pink gold 5.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with a ruby totaling 2.80 ct and a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.0 cm long and 1.0 cm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style amethyst, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold. Amethyst, topazes earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethyst. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
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
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 4mm Bead Bracelet in 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Delicate and vibrant, this exquisite bracelet showcases genuine Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads sourced from Arizona’s renowned Sleeping Beauty mine. Known for their vivid, u...
18k Gold
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Gold Plated Vintage 2008 Made in Paris
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 World on Fire Brutalist Sculptural Gold Plated Cuff Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The “World on Fire” Sculptural Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind architectural state...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethysts and Topaz A striking pair ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
11mm Natural Amazonite Bead Stretch Bracelet – 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This vibrant stretch bracelet features hand-selected 11mm natural Amazonite beads with rich turquoise-green tones and delicate white veining. Each bead is smoothly polished to highli...
Amazonite
Set in 18K Gold, Aquamarine, Ethiopian Opal and Blue Sapphires Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine, Opal & Blue Sapphires Two Finger Cocktail Ring set in 18K white Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 1.40...
Aquamarine, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 27.67 carat, Zambian Emerald & Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 26.67 carats. The Emerald is comp...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with Amethystes cabochon. Contemporary Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Earrin...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Snake Ring Sterling Silver Emerald & Ruby Eyes - Marquis- Designer J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin Solid Silver Snake Ring with Emerald, Ruby and Marquise Aquamarine or Diamond — Los Angeles 2011 Designer: J Dauphin Made in Los Angeles, 2011 Solid silver From the J Daup...
Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Black Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Black Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 1.43 carats. The Emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold. Green Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central st...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ring with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.50ct 18k gold 18.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with emerald and brilliant-cut diamond total 3.50ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75(56) detailed description: The top of the ring is in a mar...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold. Blue Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
18K White Gold and Diamond Large Vine Earrings by Rina Limor
By Rina Limor
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Elegant and sculptural, these 18K White Gold Large Vine Earrings by Rina Limor showcase a graceful, nature-inspired design with a luminous modern edge. Crafted in polished 18K white ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$532Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethysts and Topaz A striking pair ...
Amethyst, 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
Set in 18K Gold, 2.78 carat, 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 & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 2.78 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
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
Set in 18K Gold, 9.18 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very. gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 9.18 carats. The Emerald is completely natural,...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$539Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Amethyst Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Amethyst Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold pl...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$539Sale Price / item|77% Off
Octagon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold. Black Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central sto...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$539Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Cabochon Opal Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Opal Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Opal Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Opal Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over W...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$539Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Peridot Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Peridot Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Peridot Ring in Gold Over Silver. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plat...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,788Sale Price|20% 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
$527Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Emerald Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Emerald Ring. Baguette Cut Emerald Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating ...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold. Purple Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central ...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Silvorra Handmade Opal Gemstone Tennis Necklace in 16 inch 925 Silver Strand
Located in New York, NY
This necklace features opal totalling 14.34 carats, bezel set in 925 sterling silver. Each gemstone is bezel set and linked in a linear design, allowing fluid movement. Measuring 16 ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
GUCCI Italy Sterling Silver Sleek Bamboo Style Pendant Necklace 21st C
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
GUCCI Italy sterling silver bamboo design pendant necklace 21st c The sleek unisex necklace is designed with an elongated sterling silver bamboo shaped pendant; suspended from a lo...
Sterling Silver
14k gold ring with Chrysophrase, 9.5 gram, ring size U.S. 6 – EU. 16.5(52)
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with chrysoprase – 9.5 grams – ring size U.S. 6 – EU. 16.5(52) detailed description: The top of the ring is oval in shape, measuring 2.9 cm by 1.6 cm wide ...
Chrysophrase, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k yellow gold ring set with coral - 8.2 grams - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with coral - 8.2 grams - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.7 cm wide and 8.4 mm high weight 8.2 grams ri...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Solid Yellow Gold 7.37CT Natural Heart Shape Opal 0.24CT Diamond Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Lovely 18k Solid Yellow Gold 7.37CT Natural Love Heart Shape Opal 0.24CT Diamond Necklace! Breathtaking! Spectacular 18k Solid Yellow Gold pendant featuring 7.37 carats gem Opal in...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, 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.