Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
Style: Modern
Color: Gold
Pair of Modern 18k Yellow Gold Huggie Earrings with 44 Diamonds
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF CONTEMPORARY 18 KARAT YELLOW GOLD HUGGIE EARRINGS WITH 44 DIAMONDS
Item # 307CKH29A
A very attractive pair of huggie earrings executed in solid 18 karat yellow gold, they a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Vintage Pal Kepenyes Bronze/Brass Necklace, 20th Century
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Pal Kepenyes bronze/brass necklace, 20th century.
This Hungarian born artist worked in Mexico for decades, known for free-form sculptural jewelry...
Category
20th Century Mexican Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Swarovski Pave' Crystal Gold Leopard Brooch or Pin, Signed and Retired
By Swarovski
Located in Plainview, NY
An authentic rare retired Swarovski pave' crystal leopard brooch or pin. The beautiful brooch is engraved with the Swarovski logo in the back and is gold plated featuring clear pave ...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
Modern "Door Knocker" 14k Yellow Gold Earrings with Ruby, Sapphire and Emeralds
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF 14K YELLOW GOLD "DOOR-KNOCKER" EARRINGS
Each set with a ruby, sapphire and emerald cabochon; marked respectively "VIA" & "14K"
Item # C104245
A playful pair of modernist ea...
Category
20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
"Gilt Double Diamond" Gold Leaf Box with Feather Interior
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
The "Gilt Double Diamond"
This box is a beauty. It is made with sections that are attached by hand. The inner lip is molded to the shape. Then filler is used to cover all of that wo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Leaf
Asymmetrical Metal Bowl Exterior Paved Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
Asymmetrical Metal Bowl Paved Crystals:
The two in this photo are only for color.This is sold as a single piece (Silver).
My aim as an Artist is to do things that have never been se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf
23K Gold Leaf and Ostrich Feather Trim Metal Bowl
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
23K Gold Leaf Metal Bowl Peacock Feathers:
This is a stunner! The asymmetrical shaped bowl offers a beautiful swoop of lines.This bowl feels substantial in t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Gold Leaf
Asymmetrical Small Metal Dish Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
Asymmetrical Metal Tray Crystal Edge:
Photo 2 shows two different items. This is for only the asymmetrical dish featured in the main photo.
This smart dish is the perfect accessory f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf
20K Caplain Leaf Metal Bowl Natural Guinea Feather Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
20K leaf metal bowl with guinea feathers and jet crystals
This tripoint bowl offers a beautiful balance of lines. This bowl has a nice weight to it, it feels substantial in the ha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Gold Leaf
Asymmetrical Metal Bowl Interior Paved Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
Asymmetrical Leafed Metal Bowl Paved Crystals:
My aim as an Artist is to do things that have never been seen because they were never done. From my research I have never seen these tw...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf
23K Leaf “Glass Boudoir” Bowl Aurum Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This piece is up-cycled. When I found this bowl I knew it would be perfect for the idea I had. My vision was to create a flower inside the bowl that would live forever. So, I cut off...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Gold Leaf
Leaf Shape Metal Jet Crystals and Burnt Peacock
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This tray is so chic, a one of a kind! There has never been anything created like this.
My aim as an Artist is to do things that have never been seen because they were never done. F...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf
20K Leaf "Glass Genie"
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
Paved Glass Genie 20K:
This piece too was up-cycled and was in dire need of being rescued. Which was a pleasure to do as the results were better than I could have ever imagined. Onc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Gold Leaf
23K Gold Leaf Metal Tray Embossed Leaves with Crystal Trim
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
23K Tray: 20K Embossed leaves with crystals.
This tray is an artisanal special piece. A primmer is applied to smooth out the surface then it is sanded, this process is repeated 2-3 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf
23K Gold Leaf Metal Tray Embossed Leaves with Crystal Trim
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
23K: Embossed leaves with crystals.
This tray is an artisanal special piece. A primmer is applied to smooth out the surface then it is sanded, this process is repeated 2-3 times. On...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf
“Glass Twist” 23K Leaf 3 Color Combo AB Crystals
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
What makes this piece unique is well.... everything!
First, this piece is up-cycled, which means I liked the shape but it needed to be rescued.
The rescue plan included 22K leaf which is from Manetti of Florence. This color is Rosenoble. It is made of 92%Gold8%Copper all noble metals.
Next I used Artist's canvas fabric and made the Cally-Lily petals which were embossed by my flower Artisan. Both the bowl and the petals were given to the next Artisan. This is a French gilder with 25 years of experience of working on outdoor sculptures to interior restorations of the most important buildings in NYC as well as along the East Coast. After the bowl and petals were leafed, it was then transported covered in a wool/cotton batting for protection. At this stage a top coat is applied 2-3 times as needed for surface protection.
Once this had dried it was ready to commence with the crystal application called pave. This is setting the crystals as close together as possible. My next Artisan has 28 years experience working in the technique of Pave. This was done with 3 colors, of the best crystals made in the world. These are Light Rose, Light Siam and Hyacinth all with the Aurora Borealis treatment. These 3 colors blended together have a magical quality sparkling in a majestic and mystical way.
After the pave work was finished Ostrich feathers were sporadically placed inside.The flutter of the feathers by the slightest movement causes them to dance. This is easily transported in your home for your own rotating Art show. The main photo the bowl was shot on it's side which is the position I like best. All positions work as well. Imagine this on your make up dresser...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Gold Leaf
20K Leafed Metal Tray Crystals Paved Underside
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
This tray is a wonder. There has never been anything created like this.It is OPULENT!
My aim as an Artist is to do things that have never been done. From my research I have never se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf
Silver-Gilt and Enamel Austro-Hungarian Horse Drawn Carriage Model
Located in London, GB
A silver-gilt and enamel Austro-Hungarian horse drawn carriage model
Austro-Hungarian, Early 20th Century
Case: 28cm high x 89cm wide x 44...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Silver, Enamel
Vintage Pair of 14 Karat Gold Tiger-Face Earrings with 87 Diamonds
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF GOLD AND DIAMOND "TIGER" EARRINGS WITH EMERALD EYES
Item # C104268
An exquisite pair of tiger-form earrings, the craftsmanship is exquisite with inordinately fine rendering...
Category
20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Gold
Vintage Italian Swirling and Woven 18k Gold Earrings
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VINTAGE PAIR OF WOVEN AND SWIRLING 18-KARAT GOLD EARRINGS
Item # C104260
An incredibly eye-catching pair of woven, reeded and swirling earrings executed entirely in 18 karat yellow...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Bypass Ring W/ 6 Diamonds Approx 1.23 Ctw
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VINTAGE 14K WHITE GOLD AND DIAMOND BYPASS RING
Size 6.5 with 6 diamonds circa 20th century
Item # 204GOZ14P
A gorgeous bypass ring executed entirely in 14 karat white gold, it f...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Gold
Pair of 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Earrings by Albert Lipton
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A PAIR OF 18K YELLOW GOLD LOBED DIAMOND EARRINGS
Designed by Albert Lipton, sealed with his cachet to the reverse of the clip 26 round brilliant-cut dia...
Category
20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Vintage Gucci Aviator Sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy
By Gucci
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Gucci Aviator sunglasses 1990's Made in Italy
Gucci's in gilded gold hardware sunglasses with logo GG on temple.
This item could show minor si...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
Vintage Italian 18k Gold Teardrop Pendant Choker Necklace with 7 Diamonds
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ITALIAN 18K YELLOW GOLD TEARDROP CHOKER WITH 7 DIAMONDS
Marked "18K" & "ITALY" 12 3/4" inner circumference 58.7 grams
Item # C104241
An incredibly fine teardrop choker necklace c...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
White Gold Brutalist Bark Design Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
9ct 375 white gold 0.15 carat diamond ring
Consisting of 5 x 2mm Diamond solitaires - very lively !
Amongst a very popular Mid-Centry Modern design
By Jewellers AMC Dated 1979
Era 1970s Brutalist Bark...
Category
Late 20th Century British Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Elongated Chain Link Necklace with Amethyst Cabochon Ends, 18k Gold
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ELONGATED LINK NECKLACE WITH AMETHYST CABOCHON ENDS
76 gram total weight bezel set amethyst ends Italy, circa 21st century
Item # 109RQH24C
An exquisite everyday wear necklace ex...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Amethyst, Gold
Vintage Italian 14k Gold Bracelet with Stylized Heart Links
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VINTAGE ITALIAN 14K YELLOW GOLD BRACELET WITH STYLIZED-HEART LINKS
Stamped "14k ITALY" & "AFR" 30.1 grams total weight
Item # 111LOB03P
A very fun vintage bracelet with repeating ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Kenneth Jay Lane Ram's Head Necklace and Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Kenneth Jay Lane gold tone ram's head necklace and clip back earrings adorned with rhinestones.
Maker's mark on all pieces, "KJL."
Earrings, 1.5" x 0.75" x 0.63" H.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Leaf, Metal
Estate 18K Gold Bangle Bracelet by Cynthia Bach
Located in Shippensburg, PA
CYNTHIA BACH 18K YELLOW GOLD BANGLE BRACELET
With maker's seal inside; 6" wearable circumference
Item # C104234
A very fine bracelet designed by jeweler Cynthia Bach and sealed wit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
French Bronze Brooch Line Vautrin
By 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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Bright-Cut Bangle Bracelet
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A FINE ESTATE 18 KARAT YELLOW GOLD BRIGHT-CUT BANGLE BRACELET
Marked "750" with an intricate pierced floral design
Item # C104228
This gorgeous every day bangle features a very fi...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Estate 14k White and Yellow Gold Bracelet w/ 470 Diamonds
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ESTATE 14K YELLOW AND WHITE GOLD DIAMOND BRACELET
With 9 links set with 470 diamonds
Item # C104230
A very fine bracelet composed of nine links executed in cast 14 karat white and ...
Category
20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Double-Circle Modernist Brooch
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Double-Circle Modernist Brooch
Item # 011DLC14L
A fun vintage design executed by the Italian jeweler Domenico Ganazzin of Bassano del Grappa and marked with ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
French Bronze Art Buckle Line Vautrin
By 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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Richard Lawless Bronze Brutalist Necklace
By Richard Lawless
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This is a bold solid bronze choker style necklace by the renowned modernist Richard Lawless. It is signed 'Lawless' on the rear of the pendant. Truly a piece of wearable artisan art.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
French Sculptured Gilt Bronze Box by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A gilt bronze box or podier by French Jeweler Line Vautrin, in the pattern of "Moise ou la traversee du desert" coric 1940s-1950s.
A rare mode in the box, the top surface of the cover illustrates the biblical story of Moses crossing the desert out of Egypt...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Necklace Pendant Saint Laurent Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cast bronze pendant titled Saint Laurent by French art jewelry designer Line Vautrin (1913-1997). Gilt bronze, circa late 1940s. It depicts the ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Pearl Earrings on Gold: what's Better for a Gift ?
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
G/152, Maiorca pearls and river beads modern earrings on gold, unique piece. Wonderful for Your summer evenings !
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Substantial Italian 18k Yellow Gold Flexible Mesh Necklace by Unoaerre
By UnoAErre
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A SUBSTANTIAL 18K YELLOW GOLD MESH NECKLACE BY UNOAERRE
Italy, circa late 20th century 17" wearable length Italian assay marks to clasp
Item # C104239
A true classic, this substa...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
"Cantos" Hell-V Ring in 18-Karat Gold by Anne Fischer, 2008
By Anne Fischer
Located in New York, NY
Fragment from Hell-V, in 18k gold. From the "Cantos" series. Designed and made by Anne Fischer, 2008. (with chain, add $900).
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Estate 14k Gold and Diamond Choker Necklace
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ESTATE 14K GOLD AND DIAMOND TEXTURED LINK CHOKER NECKLACE
7 brilliant diamonds 15 1/2" wearable length 42.65 grams
Item # C104222
Elegant and refined, this striking choker neckla...
Category
20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
"Cantos" Hell-III Ring, in Sterling Silver with 18-Karat Gold by Anne Fischer
By Anne Fischer
Located in New York, NY
Hell-III Ring, in sterling silver with 18-karat gold insert. From the "Cantos" series. Designed and made by Anne Fischer, 2011. (Size 6.5, also available for custom order).
Category
2010s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Gold
Ring in Sterling Silver, Gold, Rubies, and Sapphires by Anne Fischer, 2017
By Anne Fischer
Located in New York, NY
Untitled ring in sterling silver, 18-karat gold, rubies, and sapphires. Includes the following text carved on the verso of the ring band: "Whither goest thou, America, in thy shiny car in the night - Jack Kerouac." Designed and made by Anne Fischer...
Category
2010s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver
Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Gufram Furniture, A$AP Rocky, dlsc, and Lladro. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $7 and tops out at $96,443 while the average work can sell for $986.
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