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 Washed Blue Dangle Resin Geometric Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These very chic Angela Caputi resin clip-on earrings, made in Italy, feature an extra-long dangling shape with geometric elements, faceted beads, and flat disks in a rare washed navy...
14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Natural Turquoise Door Knocker Earrings 0.58 CTW
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these bold yet refined door knocker earrings, crafted in luminous 14K yellow gold and accented with 0.58 carats of sparkling diamonds. At the hea...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Black and Gray Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these sophisticated made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces boast a black contrast with a warm gray color. The dimensional, dangling, carved resin bl...
Francoise Montague Pearl, Crystal and Gold Lolita Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The iconic earring style from Francoise Montague in gold, pearls, and Swarovski crystals. These clip earrings dance as you move and are universally flattering. A must-have addition t...
Crystal, Pearl, Gold
Vintage Chanel logo faux pearl clip on earrings, gold tone
By Chanel
Located in NEWARK, GB
A fantastic pair of vintage Chanel clip on earrings. A medium sized and easy to wear pair of earrings in gold tone metal with Chanel Paris written on the gold tone metal in enamel w...
Base Metal
Angela Caputi Gilded and Red Cinnabar Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature an oversized, dangling, donut-like design in red cinnabar color, gilded metal embellishment, and cr...
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine & Diamond Seven Leaves Earrings
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine & Diamond "Seven Leaves" Clip-on Earrings Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumberger Studios Creator/Maker: Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Platinum
Angela Caputi Pink and Gold Resin Dangle Flamenco Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature an important dangling design with wavy-shaped floral elements. The pieces boast antique rose, gold, turquo...
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Massive Multicolor Acrylic Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight created these rare, stunning chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. These extravagant dangling acrylic pieces feature a dimensional shape with ge...
Monique Vedie, Line Vautrin Student Resin Clip Earrings Pistachio Flower
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Monique Vedie resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a daisy-shaped design with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a textured pattern in glittering pistach...
Angela Caputi Dangle Clip Earrings with Turquoise Resin Buddha
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature a dangling Asian motif in turquoise-imitation color, black contrast, and crystal rhinestone spacers...
Mercedes Robirosa Style Gilded Metal Clip Earrings with Glass Cabochons
Located in Atlanta, GA
These Ultra-chic dangling clip-on earrings have a design reminiscent of Mercedes Robirosa's work. The earrings are a stunning example of baroque style, with a massive construction th...
Gilt Metal
Earrings with amethist and rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clip-on earrings set with amethyst and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.30 ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The clip-on earrings are 2.5 cm long and 1.9 cm wide. Total...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sonia Rykiel Black and Pink Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
By Sonia Rykiel
Located in Atlanta, GA
These chic French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel Paris dangling clip-on earrings feature a geometric shape with a black acrylic or resin disk complemented by a dimensional triangle re...
Angela Caputi Fuchsia and Gold Dust Resin Dangle Flamenco Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature an important dangling design with wavy-shaped floral elements. The pieces boast fuchsia hot pink, gold dus...
Vintage Chanel CC logo clip on earrings, Yellow and gold tone
By Chanel
Located in NEWARK, GB
A fantastic pair of vintage Chanel clip on earrings. This is a fairly large pair of earrings in a vibrant yellow translucent resin with gold tone CC logo underneath. They are a dom...
Base Metal, Brass
Francoise Montague Dangle Resin Clip Earrings Apple Green Geometric Ribbon
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning resin clip-on earrings exclusively for French designer Francoise Montague. They feature a dangling geometric ribbon shape, all carved, raised, and...
Waterfall Black and Gold Glass Beaded Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning dangling glass clip-on earrings, shaped like a lionfish, feature an oversized shoulder-duster design and a cascading waterfall made with tiny black-and-gold glass stic...
Robert Leed Morris Wabi Sabi Collection, Giant Verdigris Pebble Earring, 1986
Located in New York, NY
The Wabi Sabi theme of soft pebbles, gives way to many Verdigris earrings which were a ground breaking color for jewelry that Robert Lee Morris launched in 1981 with Calvin Klein. Th...
Brass, Other
Orange and Champagne Jeweled Resin Dangle Chandelier Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These fabulous Italian designer Studio Lucite or resin dangling clip-on earrings feature a chandelier shape with a geometric, elongated donut design in beige, champagne, and neon ora...
Cilea Paris Dangle Resin Clip Earrings Yellow Poppy Flower
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling clip-on earrings. These oversized floral-inspired artisanal resin earrings feature poppy flowers with textured hearts built...
GIA Certified Cushion Cut Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum E/F
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional pair of diamond stud earrings featuring two perfectly matched GIA-certified Cushion Modified Brilliant diamonds, each weighing 2 carats, for an impressive total weight...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Burberry clip on earrings, Gold tone, Diamante
By Burberry
Located in NEWARK, GB
A fantastic pair of vintage Burberry clip on earrings. A smaller pair of clip on earrings they have an oval shape with a twist design in rich gold tone metal. To the top there is a...
Gold Plate
1980s Costume Jewelry Clip-on Earrings by Christian Dior
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These exquisite and rare 1980s Christian Dior clip-on earrings, crafted in Germany are a true testament to the sophisticated costume jewelry designs of the era. Each earring features...
Angela Caputi Dangle Resin Clip Earrings Faux Coral and Jade
Located in Atlanta, GA
These amazing Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with a stylized dimensional flower in faux coral color, complemented by a green faux-jade ...
Cilea Paris Dijon Mustard Resin Dangle Floral Clip Earrings
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these exquisite clip-on earrings. These dimensionally dangling artisanal resin earrings feature a textured pattern and a glossy finish in a floral theme. The lov...
Cilea Paris Taupe and Cocoa Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these elegant clip-on earrings. These dimensionally dangling artisanal resin earrings feature a textured pattern and a glossy finish. The lovely fall season pale...
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Braided X Motif Clip On Earrings
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
From the house of Verdura, these wonderful X motif, braided earrings were designed and created. Four double strands of deftly pulled 18K yellow gold rope intertwine to create this lovely and very wearable pair of everyday earrings. They measure 3/4 inch in diameter and rise 3/8 inch above the ear, when worn. Equipped with secure, fold down, Omega style, clip backs. A raised gold plate...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany and Co 14K Yellow Gold Ribbon Clip-On Earrings 1 Inch
Located in New York, NY
A Bold Yet Timeless Statement of Iconic Brand Heritage Step into a world of enduring glamour with these Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ribbon Earrings, meticulously fashioned in 14K yellow go...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Enameled Sunflower Earrings With Black Crystal Pavé By Weiss, 1960s
By Albert Weiss
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Each earring measures 1" in diameter - Gold plated - Yellow enameling - Black crystal pavé - Clip on e...
3.08 Carat Pink Diamond & Sapphire & Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite pair of earrings by Austy Lee blend timeless glamour with floral finesse. Inspired by the delicate hydrangea, the Pink Lady earrings bloom in a soft, romantic pink hue...
Pink Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
Earrings with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.40ct 14k gold 15.6 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold clip earrings set with amethyst and brilliant cut diamond up to 1.40ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description the top of the clip earrings is 2.2 cm long by 1.8 cm wide...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold
Puffy Quilted Two Tone Rectangular Earrings By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
Iconic and effortlessly chic, these 1980s Kenneth Jay Lane earrings are the epitome of statement sophistication. Featuring quilted silver resin wrapped in crisscrossing gold rope det...
24-Carat Gilded Bronze and Rock Crystal Clip Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Rectangular rock stones set on 24-carat gilded bronze clip earrings. This designer was Robert Goossens personal assistant in all of his creations. She worked by his side for 20 years...
Rock Crystal
Earrings with coral and single cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ear clips set with coral and single cut diamonds up to 0.80ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 3.2 cm long by 2.4 cm wide an...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Mixed Metal Oversized Hammered Teardrop Drop Earrings With Swirl Detail, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 3" tall - Silver and gold tone - Clip on earring backs - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Good vintage condition with light wear commensur...
Mixed Metal
90s Vintage Cartier Double C Earrings 18k Gold 3/4" Clip On Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish Cartier 'Double C' logo earrings crafted in 18k yellow, rose & white gold (circa 1990s). The classic 'Double C' earrings are great for everyday wear, crafted in 18k yellow...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gilded Cheshire Cat Figural Earrings With Charm Dangles By Kirks Folly, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.9" long - Gold plated - Crystal rhinestone accents - Charms include butterflies, rose...
Enamel Marionette "Wild Cats" Lion Statement Earrings By Lunch At The Ritz
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - Each earring measures approximately 3.5" tall - Gold plated - Enameled - Crystal rhinestone accents - Bead da...
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sculpted Knot Earrings Clip On 18k Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pair of vintage Tiffany & Co sculpted knot earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1980s). The stylish earrings feature a sculpted knot design. Measuring 0.68 x ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Leaf Climber Earrings By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.1" tall - Gold plated - Clip on earring backs - By Crown Trifari (signed on clips) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good vintage cond...
Mid-Century 18K Yellow Gold, Turquoise Cabochon, and Diamond Clip Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage gold, turquoise, and diamond clip earrings. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each with central prong-set turquoise oval cabochons surrounded by pave set round single...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Red Cinnabar Pepper Dangle Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Add a little spice to your wardrobe !! Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature an oversized dangling design with red cinnabar and black col...
Tiffany & Company Elsa Peretti 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ear-Clip Vintage Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
These elegant 18k yellow gold Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti ear clip earrings feature Peretti’s iconic sculptural design, gracefully curving along the ear in a sleek, ear-climber si...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Gerard Yosca Gold Tone Faux Turquoise Clip-On Earrings, 1980s
By Gerard Yosca
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yosca Gold Tone With Faux Turquoise Earrings Circa 1980s. These are well-made and substantial earrings. The earrings feature a dome of faux turq...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Gilt & Red Enamel Oversized Door Knocker Earrings by Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner NY
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 2" tall - Gold plated - Red enamel - Crystal rhinestone accents - Clip on earring backs - By Ciner (signed on clips & verso) - Circa 198...
Angela Caputi Black and Cocoa Brown Floral Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these stunning made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces feature a black and cocoa brown contrast with tawny colors. The dimensional, graduated, resin ...
Monique Vedie Floral Green and Purple Resin Clip Earrings, Line Vautrin School
Located in Atlanta, GA
These rare Monique Vedié Talosel or resin clip-on earrings feature a stylized dimensional flower shape in pearlized purple and green. Like all vintage Vedié pieces, there is no visib...
18K Gold New Made Natural Old Mine Cut Diamond And Ruby Decorated Bird Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8.2 grams. Totally is diamond 3.70 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.08 ct. Box is not included. Pleas...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
David Yurman Cabochon Chalcedony Albion Earrings – Sterling Silver & 14K Gold
By David Yurman
Located in North Miami, FL
David Yurman Cabochon Chalcedony Albion Earrings – Sterling Silver & 14K Gold, Clip-Back These authentic David Yurman Albion earrings feature lu...
Chalcedony, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Richard Kerr Multicolor Jeweled Dangle Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr created these stunning, eye-catching clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are composed of his trademark pave crystals and have a geometric dangle shape. They are framed i...
Angela Caputi Dangle Resin Clip Earrings Green and Purple Leaves Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature a long, cascading, and dangling shape with dimensionally carved and textured leaves in a washed green colo...
Juliana Style Milk Glass and Turquoise Spray Earrings, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Each earring measures 1.25" tall - Prong set faux milk glass and turquoise cabochons - Silver tone - Cl...
Francoise Montague Red and Black Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning French designer Francoise Montague clip-on earrings boast a long dimensional shape with hand-made and hand-painted resin elements (big eye and nautilus shell), complem...
Christian Dior Paris Gilded Metal Jeweled Clip-on Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Christian Dior Paris clip-on earrings feature a geometric double-crescent design in a half-and-half pattern. One crescent is gilded metal with texture, and its contras...
Gilt Metal
Tiffany & Co Diamond Flower 18K Gold Earrings 1990s Estate Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and refined pair of Tiffany & Co. Trillium flower earrings, masterfully crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and accented with brilliant diamonds. Inspired by the delicate ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Anne and Frank Vigneri Black Lucite and Sterling Silver Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Anne and Frank Vigneri designed these stunning Lucite clip-on earrings in the 1980s. The freeform design features a black Lucite base, topped with a sterling silver embossed element....
Sterling Silver
Monique Vedie Line Vautrin Student Green Talosel and Mirror Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Monique Vedie (1924-2021) Resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a stylized geometric flower shape with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a beautiful li...
Kenzo Paris Orange and Red Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
By Kenzo
Located in Atlanta, GA
Kenzo Paris designed these stunning dangling clip-on earrings. The rare pieces feature a long, dangle-drop cascading shape with a worked, gilt metal chain, complemented by resin geom...
Gilt Metal
1980s Gilded Urn Statement Drop Earrings With Red Lucite Accents By Leslie Block
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 3" length - Matte gold plated - Ruby red-colored acrylic floral/scalloped cabochons - Cl...