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.
Line Vautrin Geometric Talosel and Blue Glass Mirrors Brooch
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Line Vautrin Talosel geometric brooch is encrusted with clear and blue mirrored glass, featuring iridescence in a tridimensional, modernist shape. The rare piece was cr...
Slack Signed 14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Cat Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate whimsical luxury with this charming Slack signed 14K yellow gold Emerald and Diamond Cat Brooch, a beautifully crafted designer piece that blends playful artistry with time...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
SARAH COVENTRY - Large Iridescent Rhinestone & Gold Tone Brooch - Circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, CA
SARAH COVENTRY - Large vintage statement iridescent rhinestone and gold tone flower brooch - hinged pin to the back - signed on the back - © SARAH COV - United States (Rhode Island) ...
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
Edouard Rambaud Paris Mat Finish Gilded Metal Sun Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning sun brooch created by French designer Edouard Rambaud, Paris. The piece features a carved and textured design with a gilt metal in mat finishing. The brooch has a security...
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1990s Tiffany & Co. Dogwood Flower Brooch in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. Dogwood flower brooch set in 18k yellow gold, circa 1990s.
A Tiffany creation depicting a flower in an all-gold design on a scale that...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fabrice Paris Silvered Metal Geometric Brooch with Agate Stone Cabochons
By Fabrice
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fabrice, Paris designed this stunning geometric brooch. The rare piece features a massive open donut design with a high-gloss silvered metal frame composition embellished with carved...
Agate
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Leaf Brooch or Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Italian silver brooch or pin. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a leaf or fern frond. Secured with a pin and safety catch to the reverse. Ful...
Sterling Silver
$1,584Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with 3.9mm Pearl, Late 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Charming and expressive, this playful cat brooch is crafted in solid 14K yellow gold and finished with a refined satin texture that enhances its sculptural form. The design is accent...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Grosse Gold Tone Textured Bow Brooch, Germany, 1964
By Grosse
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage statement brooch. This brooch is such a versatile piece and ideal for adding a finishing touch to any your outfits to elevate them to the next level, made by Gros...
Gold Plate
$217Sale Price / item|50% Off
Handmade Natural Purple Sapphire Poppy Flower Brooch in 925 Solid Silver
Located in New York, NY
Natural Purple Sapphire Poppy Flower Brooch Pin in sterling silver which is a fusion of surrealism and pop-art, designed to make a bold statement. Crafted with love and attention to ...
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Cartier Trinity 18K Tri-Color Gold Money Clip or Tie Pin Signed 728222
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Experience the timeless elegance and storied heritage of Cartier with this exceptional 18K Tri-Color Gold Trinity Tie Pin. Drawing inspiration from one of the Maison’s most iconic de...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Enamel on Metal Daisy Brooch - Large Size - Unsigned - Circa 1960's
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage enamel on metal Daisy brooch - large size - unsigned - United States (likely) - circa 1960's. Good vintage condition - minor paint/enamel loss - no damage - no repairs - stu...
Enamel
David Andersen Mid-Century Sterling Gilt Silver & Enamel Apple Blossom Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage Norwegian silver & enamel brooch. Designed by Karl Otteren for David Andersen. In sterling silver. In the form of an apple blossom flower. With a pin and sa...
Silver, Enamel
Philippe Ferrandis Aqua Baléares Brooch in Aqua and Clear Crystals
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Philippe Ferrandis – The French elegance of high fantasy jewelry Philippe Ferrandis embodies the excellence of the jewel of French designer, combining audacity, refinement and excep...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Christian Lacroix Colorful Crystal and Silk Jeweled Floral Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris floral jeweled brooch features a dimensional flower shape with gilt metal framing all textured and ornate with multicolor crystal rhinestones. S...
Gilt Metal
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Graffiti 'X' Brooch in Palladium
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed brooch. In palladium. Designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In the form of an asymmetrical letter X. Secured with a hinged pin and clasp set to the rever...
Palladium
14K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Cultured Pearl and Rubies L. 1.20" × W. 0.60"
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate playful elegance with this charming cat-shaped brooch, crafted in 14K yellow gold and accented with a luminous pear-shaped cultured pearl. Sparkling ruby details add a touc...
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Signed Hroar Prydz Norwegian Gilt Sterling Silver & Enamel Butterfly Brooch
By Hroar Prydz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, signed Norwegian butterfly brooch. In gilt sterling silver. By Hroar Prydz, whose workshop eventually became part of David Andersen. In the form of a butterfly with orange...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt & White Enamel Starfish Brooch With Coral Cabochons By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 2.5" x 2.5" - Gold plated - Coral-colored cabochons - White enameling - By Trifari (signed on verso) ...
Gübelin 18k Bicolor Gold Brooch with Ruby and Diamond, Circa 1990
By Gubelin
Located in The Hague, ZH
Gübelin - 18k bicolor gold brooch with ruby and single-cut diamond, 0.05 ct, F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The brooch is approximately 4.4 cm by 3.4 cm Weight: 8.9 grams Set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$183Sale Price|20% Off
Heavy Gilt Enamel Swirling Horse Brooch By Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 2.5" x 2.25" - Gold plated with heavy black enameling - Crystal rhinestone details with green crystal eyes - A...
$127Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gilt & Crystal Rhinestone Panther Figural Brooch, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 2" x 2" - Gold plated - Clear crystal rhinestone accents - Black enamel detail - Green crystal rhinestone eyes - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - This item ...
Antigona Paris Gilt Metal and Blue Resin Bird Brooch
By Antigona
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antigona Paris designed this stunning giant bird brooch. The dimensional shape boasts a giant bird. The bird's wings are in satin-finished gilded metal, complemented by a translucent...
Gilt Metal
1980s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Bluish Green Wheat Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning vintage wheat pin brooch designed by YSL in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated. It features bluish green resin cobochons. Signed: “Y...
Vintage Tahitian South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bumble Bee Gold Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Fabulous Vintage Bumble Bee Brooch, 1.00tcw Hand set Diamonds, enhancing the Wings and Body and featuring a Tahitian South ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Coro Signed Rhinestone, Gold Metal Cowboy Boot Brooch or Pendant, 1970's
By Coro
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage signed cowboy boot pin or pendant is by Coro and from the 50;s. It is adorned with rhinestones throughout. You will need your own chair as a pendant. The flower designs ...
Gold-filled, Gold Plate
Cartier American Flag Diamond Ruby Sapphire 18K Gold Pin Brooch Circa 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Austin, TX
An iconic and highly collectable Cartier jewel, exquisitely crafted as a waving American flag in rich 18K yellow gold and the rope on the pole is in 18K white gold. The dimensional f...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Guy Laroche Paris Gilt Metal Starfish Brooch with Pearl Cabochon
By Guy Laroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Guy Laroche Paris pin brooch features an oversized starfish shape in gilt metal, ornately carved and textured, with a pearl-like cabochon. There is the engraved brand si...
Gilt Metal
$127Sale Price|20% Off
Gilded Modernist Brutalist Abstract Circle Brooch By Napier, 1980s
By Napier
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 1.25" diameter - Gold plated - By Napier (signed on verso) - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage condition
Patricia Locke Gold Plated Sculptural Brooch, 1990's
Located in North Miami, FL
This sculptural abstract gold plated brooch/ pin by Patricia Locke is from the late 90's. It has a greart design on it of forms of circles and lines. It can be worn either vertically...
Gold Plate
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Brooch Diamond Pendant 18 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite brooch is handset with 3.73 carats Zambian emerald and 3.20 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the late...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 18K Gold Blackamoor Enamel Ruby Sapphire Turquoise Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Rare, exceptional and sculptural vintage French Blackamoor brooch, exquisitely crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and set with 4 rubies, 5 sapphires and 9 turquoise, creating a dazzling...
Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage brooch E. Wolfe and Co Signed and Numbered 18k Gold
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
The Details Era / Style: Mid-Century Modern / Figurative (Circa 1960s) Design: Hummingbird Brooch / Lapel Pin Maker: E. Wolfe & Co (Signed and individually numbered) Origin: Lond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Line Vautrin Talosel Asymmetric Brooch with Multicolor Mirrors
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Line Vautrin designed this stunning geometric Talosel brooch in the 1960s. The rare piece is encrusted with colorful multicolor mirrored glass in a modernist dimensional shape. Shard...
Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Serpent Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This large and dramatic silver brooch is commanding in its appearance. What a statement it makes on a winded coat or jacket. the sensuous and iconic style of...
Sterling Silver
$236Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Kramer Floral Brooch with Ruby Rhinestones, Signed, circa 1940s
Located in McKinney, TX
This beautiful vintage floral figural brooch is by iconic costume jewelry brand Kramer Jewelry, circa 1950s. Five silver tone flowers adorn this piece, ...
$1,372Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with Spinach Jade and Ruby Eyes
Located in New York, NY
A charming vintage cat-form brooch crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, featuring a beautifully polished oval cabochon jade in a rich spinach-green hue forming the body. The design is a...
Jade, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$78Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Hammered Texture Interlocking Links Brooch, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 2" x 1.25" - Gold plated - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage condition
Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Squiggle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The iconic organic styling of Robert Lee Morris is so evident in this dramatic large brooch created in the late 1980's. Due to his long collaboration with designer Donna Karan, Rober...
Sterling Silver
Leo Pizzo 18k White Gold Brooch with 3.00ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
By Leo Pizzo
Located in The Hague, ZH
White gold brooch signed by Leo Pizzo, set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.00 ct F/G - VS/SI - dimensions 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.5 cm long ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1960s Mid Century Ruby Yellow Gold Dog Brooch
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A charming, vintage Mid Century Tiffany & Co. brooch of a poodle or terrier. Regardless, this 18k yellow gold estate heirloom is just darling, with her ruby nose and eyes just beggin...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$50,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 3 Carat Diamond Floral Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional vintage diamond brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in 18K yellow gold and dating circa 1950–1970. This elegant floral composition is set with round brilliant-c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k duck Brooch - solid yellow gold animal pin - diamond ruby sapphire emerald
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this very cute Belgian duck brooch. This 18k yellow gold animal is set with a single cut diamond eye and decorated with a sapphire, ruby and sapphire. It bears a Belgian ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$119Sale Price|20% Off
Aurora Borealis Crystal Encrusted Ornate Gunmetal Brooch By Joan Rivers, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 2" x 2" - Gunmetal silver tone - Blue and yellow Aurora Borealis crystals - By Joan Rivers (signed on verso) - Circa 1990s - Estate acquired - Excellent vinta...
18K White Gold Shooting Star Brooch with 1.50ct Rubies and Sapphires
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Some jewelry tells a story the moment you see it. This 18K White Gold Shooting Star Pin Brooch is one of those pieces — a breathtaking streak of color and brilliance that captures th...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Robert Lee Morris Gilded Snake Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This is a large, formidable, dramatic brooch to adorn a jacket or winder coat. Or a sash, or scarf or head wrap. So Glamorous and bold, this is iconic Robert...
Gold Plate, Brass
GIA Certified 3.53 Carat Burma No Heat Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in Kowloon, Hong Kong
This brooch centers on a 3.53 carat GIA‑certified Burma no‑heat vivid red ruby, poised in platinum with a regal, commanding presence. The principal ruby, with its saturated, electric...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Chanel Haute Couture Fluorite Crest Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Haute Couture hexagonal cut natural fluorite crystal with faux pearls and crystals. Crest brooch of hammered, darkened silver metal, bezel set cry...
Silver Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Dramatic Mid-20th Century Gold Turquoise & Diamond Brooch/Pendant 2 3/4 Inches
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The 1960's and 1970's were a time of big cars, big fashion statements, big hopes, and big jewelry too. This well crafted, large, and dramatic, American made 18K yellow gold, diamond ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,968Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Dolphin Brooch, 2.4 Inch, Pre-Owned
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. 14K yellow gold pin features two swimming dolphins crafted with elegant, fluid lines. The pin measures approximately 2.40 x 0.65 inches and weighs 7.0 grams. Marked...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950's Diamond Sapphire Platinum Pansy Flower Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional pansy flower centering a prong set round brilliant cut diamond Weighing approximately 0.20 carat - fancy greenish yellow in color with VS2 clarity Featuring...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1970s Gilbert Albert 18 Karat Gold Diamond Pearl Scarab Insect Brooch Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an insect shape brooch designed by Swiss jeweller Gilbert Albert in 1970s. The piece is crafted in 18K gold, features diamond and pearl. Can be worn also as a pendant. Sig...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Hummingbird Brooch, 20th Century, 3.3g, USA
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 14K yellow gold hummingbird brooch is a refined celebration of artistry and symbolism. Weighing 3.3 grams and measuring 1" wide by 0.90" long, it is crafted with elega...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage huge gold glass modernist designer runway brooch
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with glass • vintage designer runway brooch MEASUREMENTS • 2 3/4" by 2 1/4" CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wea...
Gold
Vintage Jomaz Gold Diamante Faux Turquoise Brooch Pendant, Circa 1960s
By Jomaz
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Jomaz Gold Diamante and Faux Turquoise Brooch Circa 1960s. Now, this is a brooch. It has two layers that seem to elevate slightly upwards. The ...
Mixed Metal
Brooch in shape of a frog with green hardened glass and diamonds platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum brooch in the shape of a frog with a green hardened glass stone and a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.25 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.3 cm lo...
Diamond, Platinum
Three decorations of the Order of Saint Hermenegild, brass and Ottoman ribbon
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Three decorations of the Order of Saint Hermenegild, brass and Ottoman ribbon, 1980s - Spain Type: Badge, cross, and Commendation of the Order of Saint Hermenegild for Military Cons...
Silver Plate, Brass, Enamel
$1,512Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Roadrunner Brooch with Ruby Accent
Located in New York, NY
Whimsical yet refined, this roadrunner brooch is crafted in solid 14K yellow gold and accented with a vivid 2.00mm round ruby, adding a subtle pop of color and personality. Marked “1...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sevillana Brooch in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A charming vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sevillana brooch set in 18k yellow gold.
The brooch depicts a circular 'O' motif. The brooch is secured to reverse w...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold