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Modern Collectible Jewelry

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Bold and Iconic Gianni Versace Brooch – 1980s Statement Jewelry
Located in Hamburg, DE
This striking vintage brooch by Gianni Versace is a true collector’s item and a bold example of 1980s costume jewelry. Designed in a large, extro...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Metal

Artist Copper Wire Bracelet, circa 1990.
Located in Brussels, BE
Original and elegant cooper wire bracelet, circa 1990. All purchases are covered by our Buyer Protection Guarantee. This item can be returned within 7 days of delivery. We ship world...
Category

1990s European Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Copper

Handmade Vintage 14k Gold Textured Star of David Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This is a handmade vintage pendant crafted from 14k gold, weighing 4 grams. The pendant features a textured, interwoven Star of David design, giving it a distinctive and artistic app...
Category

1970s Israeli Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Concert, Silver Brooch by Mirko Basaldella, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
The concert is a silver brooch realized by the artist Mirko Basaldella in the 1950s. Measures: 2 x 5 cm. Excellent conditions. Mirko Basaldella, Brother of Afro and Dino ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Silver

KeyRing - Conceptual Wearable Modern Key Chain Jewelry
Located in Philadelphia, PA
KeyRing, a gold-plated silver keyring with a kitschy play on words, combines precious quality with practical functionality as a fashionable accessory. Available in two sizes, small a...
Category

2010s American Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Diamond and 18K Gold Band
Located in Bronx, NY
A beautiful bold band invisibly set with sparkling & shimmering square cut princess diamonds. All gems display a heavenly brilliant color. The ring size is...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Stone, Gold

French Bronze Art Buckle Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Belonged to the series "Rulked by Angels" created by Parisian art Jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1945-1950, this lovely and uncommon cast bronze belt buckle is called "Le Choeur de Anges...
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Bronze

Vintage 1970's 14K Gold Bamboo-Style Star of David Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1970s 14K Gold Bamboo-Style Star of David Pendant weighs 4 grams and features a distinctive bamboo-inspired design. Crafted from solid 14...
Category

1970s Israeli Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Vintage Jack Vandell 14 Karat Gold & Emerald Polo Mallet Brooch or Pendant
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage brooch or pendant was made by the well known Jack Vandell studio of the United States and dates to approximately 1970 and done in a Modern style. The piece is composed o...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Modern Sculptural Sterling Silver Necklace Graziella Laffi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A highly sculptural sterling silver necklace by Peruvian silversmith and designer Grazielle Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, circa 1970. Marks to ne...
Category

1970s Peruvian Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Silver and Green Hardstone Necklace and Earring Jewelry Suite Graziella Laffi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bespoken jewelry set including a necklace and a pair of clip-on earrings crafted by Graziella Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, Peru, circa 1970. The suite features linked square of green hardstone (Azure Malachite) set in the sterling frames with hanging long tubes of tassels. The design of the work was bold and confidently modern while also clearly inspired by Peruvian indigenous culture which imprinted famously in the artist's work. Marks to each: G. Laffi, PERU, 925. Graziella Laffi was born in 1923 in Florence, Italy to Gino Laffi, a silversmith and artist. Following her family tradition, Graziella enrolled in master classes after elementary school, focusing on design and painting. She next attended Escuela de Bellas Artes de Puerta Romana for three years, where Gino taught, and then to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, where she concentrated in architecture until the start of World War II. In 1947, Graziella, then twenty-four, immigrated with her parents to Peru. Gino later created a silversmith studio and showroom called Fabrica Laffi on Avenue Mexico, where Graziella initially learned her Craft. The Pre-Columbian culture in her adopted country inspired Graziella to travel and collect, which ultimately influence her design in the silver pieces. Graziella learned the metalworking techniques of the ancient Peruvian civilizations and rejected the current technology. She mostly used hammering, rolling and creating joints as the ancients do. As an ambassador of Peruvian culture, her work promoted the indigenous Peruvian art and rekindled the interest in its ancient heritage throughout South America, the United States and Europe. She exhibited her growing collection of Peruvian artifacts...
Category

1970s Peruvian Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Stone, Sterling Silver

Two Beautiful "Matl-Salas" Sterling Pendants Depicting Horses Midcentury Mexico
By Ricardo Salas, Matilde Poulat
Located in Mexico, DF
Two beautiful pendants handcrafted in 925 sterling at Matilde Poulat and Ricardo Salas´s silversmith workshop probably during the 1950s, hallmarked "Matl-Salas Mexico 925". They depict each a detailed sculptured head of a horse surrounded by hand made silver spirals. Each displayed with a leather cord with a silver broach...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Modern White and Gold Seashell Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
White and gold tone seashell bracelet with fold-over clasp closure.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Metal

Chloé Noir, Black Cotton Silk Velvet Large Women Belt
By Chloé
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Chloé Noir, black cotton silk velvet large women belt. Categories : Women Category: Accessories Sub-category: Belts Designer: Chloé Condition: Very goo...
Category

20th Century French Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Cotton

Modern White and Golden Pearl Resin Necklace with Tusk Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
Modern white and gold-tone faux-pearl necklace with large tusk pendant. Faux-pearls made of glass-filled resin.  
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Metal, Brass

Modern Pewter Pendant Necklace Signed R. Landerholm St. George Slaying A Dragon
Located in Toledo, OH
Modern pewter necklace by R. Landerholm. Depicts St. George slaying a dragon. Signed on the back with a crown hallmark. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 1.5" W x 2" H.
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Pewter

Handmade 14k Gold Menorah Brooch with Natural Diamonds & Aquamarine- 7.4g Israel
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning handmade Israeli brooch crafted from 14k gold, weighing 7.5 grams. The brooch features a unique menorah-inspired design, adorned with ...
Category

Late 20th Century Israeli Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

French Bronze Brooch Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cast bronze brooch by French Parisian Art Jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s. The small lovely bronze pieces features a medallion insignia design with olive branch wreath...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Leather Belt with Large Sterling Buckles Graziella Laffi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A wide leather belt with large sterling silver buckle crafted by Graziella Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, Peru, circa 1960-70s. The bespoken sculptural silver buckle features a biomorphic motif rooted in pre-Columbian culture. Marked: PERU, 950. The buck measures 5.75 x 5 x 2 inches and weighs about 126 grams (4.0511 troy ounces). The detachable belt consists of two parts is adjustable from approximately 33 inches to 36 inches. Graziella Laffi was born in 1923 in Florence, Italy to Gino Laffi, a silversmith and artist. Following her family tradition, Graziella enrolled in master classes after elementary school, focusing on design and painting. She next attended Escuela de Bellas Artes de Puerta Romana for three years, where Gino taught, and then to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, where she concentrated in architecture until the start of World War II. In 1947, Graziella, then twenty-four, immigrated with her parents to Peru. Gino later created a silversmith studio and showroom called Fabrica Laffi on Avenue Mexico, where Graziella initially learned her Craft. The Pre-Columbian culture in her adopted country inspired Graziella to travel and collect, which ultimately influence her design in the silver pieces. Graziella learned the metalworking techniques of the ancient Peruvian civilizations and rejected the current technology. She mostly used hammering, rolling and creating joints as the ancients do. As an ambassador of Peruvian culture, her work promoted the indigenous Peruvian art and rekindled the interest in its ancient heritage throughout South America, the United States and Europe. She exhibited her growing collection of Peruvian artifacts...
Category

1960s Peruvian Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Custom Diamond 1.6cts Total & 14k Gold Ladies Screw Back Earrings
Located in Toledo, OH
American, 2nd half-20th century. Each earring custom designed as a diamond set gold furled ribbon drop, hinged at top with screw back clips. Forty roun...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

GOLD NECKLACE AND PAIR OF EARRINGS 20Th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
GOLD NECKLACE AND PAIR OF EARRINGS 20Th Century Portuguese, from the 20th century in 19.2 kt gold on a necklace and pair of earrings, composed of textured plates. With ‘deer’ contr...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Vintage Kali Pebble Sterling Silver Bracelet by John Hardy
Located in Toledo, OH
Vintage sterling silver bracelet Kali Pebble by John Hardy. Very great condition. Measuring 7" diameter.
Category

20th Century North American Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Modernist Pin 18k Gold Diamonds and Polished Stone by Susan Helmich
Located in Toledo, OH
Modernist pin by Susan Helmich, stamped 1097 18K, yellow gold with diamonds and a polished stone. Very good condition. Dimensions: 2 1/2" W x 1 1/2" H. Weight: 29 grams.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Modernist Faceted Aqua and Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous designer ring in 18 kt gold with a interesting faceted aqua in a modernist setting. This is a classical look but exceptional design.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Modern collectible jewelry for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern collectible jewelry for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectible jewelry created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, gold and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern collectible jewelry made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectible jewelry, popular names associated with this style include dlsc, Graziella Laffi, Anne Fischer, and Gucci. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for collectible jewelry differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $21,150 while the average work can sell for $1,900.

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