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Modern Clip-on Earrings

MODERN STYLE

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.

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Period: 1980s
Style: Modern
Richard Kerr Jeweled Clip Earrings Multicolor Dangle Disk
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely statements clip-on earrings were designed by Richard Kerr in the 1980s. They are made up of his signature pave rhinestones and feature cascading graduated disk shapes, a...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Gilt & Black Enamel Crystal Statement Earrings by Trifari, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.1" x 1.1" - Gold plated - Black enamel - Faceted crystal with crystal rhinestone accents and crystal baguette detail - Clip on earring b...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

1980 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds South Sea Pearls Earrings
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karat yellow gold pair of clip-on earrings with 4.50 carat of round-cut diamonds ( H-I color / VVS1-VVS2 ) and South Sea pearls 14 mm. each. These classic pair of earrings are hand-made in Italy. Weight gr. 26.50 Diameter cm. 2.70 Pin and clip.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980 Tutti Frutti 18kt White Gold Diamonds Emeralds Rubies Sapphires Earrings
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of 1980 Tutti Frutti clip earrings realized in 18 kt. white gold with 5.19 carats of round cut diamonds, 1.83 carats of navette diamonds and 9....
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Alexis Lahellec Paris Clip Earrings Gilt Metal with Mirrored Glass Cabochons
Located in Atlanta, GA
Lovely French designer Alexis Lahellec Paris signed clip-on earrings. They feature a rounded dimensional shape with gilt metal rope all carved and see-thru, topped with silver poured...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bow Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pretty pair of vintage half bow earrings set with a diamond center by Tiffany & Co. Circa 1980. The center of the earring is pave set with 36 round brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 0.40 carats total. The earrings sit nicely on the ear, framing the face. The earring is stamped Tiffany 750...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oversized Green and Red Rock Lucite Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning oversized carved Lucite clip-on earrings are from an Italian design studio and feature a dimensional rounded shape with rock carving in luminous ruby red and fern gree...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Richard Kerr Nautilus Shaped Multicolor Crystal Paved Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These elegant clip-on earrings were designed by Richard Kerr in the 1980s. They are made up of his signature pave crystals and feature a nautilus shape, all covered with colorful cry...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Hot Pink Crystal Stripe Statement Earrings By Gianni De Liguoro, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1" x .75" - Gold plated - Hot pink and clear square cut channel set crystals - Clip on e...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Christian Dior Gold Tone Faux Pearl Earrings, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Christian Dior Gold Tone Faux Pearl Earrings Circa 1980s. These are always great to have in your arsenal. They can be dressed up or down. They are classic Faux pearls surro...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Mixed Metal

Fraleoni 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Rubies Emeralds Sapphires Earrings
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. white gold clip-on earrings with 6.20 carats of round-cut diamonds, 2.10 carats of brown round-cut diamonds, 3.90 carats of old mine cut diamonds and 20.10 carats of rubies, e...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Kaso Oversized Lucite Clip Earrings Red and Green Apple
Located in Atlanta, GA
Whimsical oversized Lucite clip-on earrings designed by Harriet Bauknight for Kaso in the 1980s. They feature a dimensional apple shape, all carved with ru...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Snake Scale Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Liquid Geometry, the essence of the work of Robert Lee Morris, is exemplified in these softly dangling earrings. Polish silver, the individual sections are linked with a rivet and create a flowing flexible moving earring that catches the light like diamonds. Clip on earrings, these are handmade and extremely lightweight, The design concept came from a body of work that Robert did for Donna Karan when she was working at Ann Klein, and the snake scale...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Sterling Silver

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gilt Metal Crocodile Pattern Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris designed these elegant clip-on earrings in the 1980s. The pieces feature a dimensional geometric shape with gilt metal, all textured with a crocodile emb...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

Oversized Pink and Red Rock Lucite Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Impressive oversized carved Lucite clip earrings from an Italian design studio. Dimensional rounded shape with rock carving in luminous ruby red and bubble gum pink colors in a frost...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage YVES ST. LAURENT Paris, dangling clip-on earring, Rive Gauch, 1980
Located in Stuttgart, DE
About Vintage dangling YSL Paris, Rive Gauche ear clip, in blue, brown and orange Acrylic. Measurement: Height: 3,5 inches/9 cm Wight: 1.18 inches/3 cm, the brown and orange colored sphere in diameter 1,18 inches. Features: -100 % Authentic YVES SANT LAURENT GIVE GAUCH EARRING -blue-white marbled and angular first part, with a brown and orange colored ball...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Other

1980s Pastel Rhinestone Bullseye Statement Earrings By Roxanne Assoulin
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.5" in diameter - Pastel pink, blue and green rhinestone - Aurora Borealis crystal rhine...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Valentino Gold Tone with Sapphire and Rhinestone Earrings, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Valentino Gold Tone with Sapphire Blue And Rhinestone Earrings. Pave Style Crystal Stones on 3D Heart Earrings with Classic V Shape at Top of Earrings. Clip On.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Mixed Metal

Modernist Gold Abstract Coil Statement Earrings, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.5" x 1.5" - Gold plated - Clip on earring ba...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Double Loop Dangle Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Double Loop Dangle Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold. Clip-on earrings. 2" length 16mm wide 40 grams
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Palm Springs Fashionista Curated Vintage Earring Collection 1950s-2000 #9/100
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have collected vintage costume jewelry earrings since the 80’s. One by one we have curated a lovely collection of unbranded and designer earrings. Made from the 1950s to 2000. Eac...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Dangle Jeweled Lucite Clip Earrings Black and Custard
Located in Atlanta, GA
These charming Italian designer studio Lucite dangling clip-on earrings feature an oversized teardrop shape in custard beige color with black stripes design. The earrings are also or...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Hot Pink & Orange Pave Crystal Clip On Earrings, 1980's
Located in Atlanta, GA
1980's hot pink and orange pave crystal clip on dangle earrings with a fun and frivolous look perfect for a pop of sparkle and color. No maker’s m...
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1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx Mabe Pearls Demi Parure
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. yellow gold necklace and clip-on earrings signed by David Webb. This iconic demi parure is realized with onyx links and mabe pearls. The necklace is semi flexible setted with ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Disco Balls Dangle Clip Earrings with Yellow Sequin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Funky disco chandelier clip-on earrings with a vintage look. They feature a dangling design covered with bright yellow glitter sequins in a large tear...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage D'orlan Gold Starburst with Blue Diamante Earrings Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage D'orlan Gold Starburst with Blue Diamante Earrings Circa 1980s. These earrings look so chic due to its juxtaposition with the gold and then the blue set in silver tone metal ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Mixed Metal

Richard Kerr Dangle Black Crystal Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning statement clip-on earrings, designed by Richard Kerr in the 1980s, are made-up of his signature pave rhinestones. The clips feature an oversized geometric design with...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Gold Tone Citrine and Diamante Earrings, Circa 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone Citrine and Diamante Earrings Circa 1980's. These are well made and substantial earrings They have a layered effect as the diamante is surrounded by the gold as wel...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Mixed Metal

Gilt & Black Enamel Mughal Statement Earrings By Ciner, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.3" x 1.25" - Gold plated - Heavy black enameling - Gripoix-style glass cabochons in emerald gr...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Christian Dior Boutique Gold Diamante Butterfly Earrings Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Christian Dior Boutique Gold Tone Butterfly Earrings With Diamante. These can also be clipped at the side of the ear for a very different look. The Butterflies look like they are Creepers. Clip On. One of the most well made and gorgeous earrings in the collection. Beautiful just to even look. If you remind me I will send velcro dots which will allow you to do cartwheels and wear them for hours. Trick of the trade from the models in Paris. Velcro dots from amazon that allow all clip...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Mixed Metal

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...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Richard Kerr Green Crystal Jeweled Triangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr created these lovely statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made up of his signature pave rhinestones. The earrings feature an oversized triangle shape, all c...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Leopard Print Crystal Encrusted Dome Earrings By Richard Kerr, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.25" in diameter - Leopard print crystal pavé design - Clip on earring backs - Attribut...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Francoise Montague Paris Dangle Clip Earrings Pearlized Purple Resin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Francoise Montague Paris resin clip-on earrings. The dangle shape features a resin teardrop bead with a papier-mache-textured pattern in intense pearlized purple color. There...
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1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Anne and Frank Vigneri Sterling Silver and White Lucite Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These elegant oversized Lucite clip-on earrings were designed by Anne and Frank Vigneri in the 1980s. The geometric, futuristic shape features a white Lucite element wrapped in a ste...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Sterling Silver

1980s Diamond Sapphire 18K White Gold Spring Flower Clip on Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
These Stylish 18K White Gold, Pave Diamond & Sapphire Earrings were inspired by a five-petal Spring Flower motif. The center is brightened by (58) Genuine Diamonds, weighing collec...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Richard Kerr Multicolor Crystal Flower Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed this so lovely statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. These pieces feature a dimensional floral gilt metal f...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Tiffany & Co. by Carlo Weingrill Three Dimensional Tubular Earrings 18Kt Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Tubular earrings designed by Carlo Weingrill For Tiffany & Co. Beautiful three dimensional pieces, created at the jewelry atelier of Carlo Weingrill for the Tiffany Studios. These y...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Gold & Cream Enamel Chunky Huggie Hoop Earrings By Napier, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures .9" x .75" - Cream acrylic - Gold plated - Clip on earring backs - By Napier (signed on clips) - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Excel...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Gilt & Crystal Halo Earrings With Faux Pearls By Sphinx, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.25" in diameter - Gold plated - Crystal rhinestone bezel - Faux pearl cabochons - Cli...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Gold & Turquoise Teardrop Sunburst Earrings With Crystal Accents By Nolan Miller
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures .8" tall - Gold plated - Teardrop shaped faux Turquoise cabochons - Crystal rhinestone accents - Clip on earring backs - By Nolan Miller ...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Oversized Frosted Purple and Red Rock Lucite Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These spectacular carved Lucite clip-on earrings feature a dimensional rounded shape with rock carving in luminous ruby red and deep purple colors in a frosted textured pattern. Ther...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Francoise Montague Paris Dangle Clip Earrings Oversized Gilded Resin Donut
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning oversized Francoise Montague Paris resin clip-on earrings designed in the 1980s. A dangle shape features a massive gilt metal coating resin donut...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Italian Dangle Lucite Clip Earrings Orange and Champagne
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fabulous Italian designer studio Lucite dangling clip-on earrings. Chandelier shape with geometric elongated donut design in yellow champagne and neon orange colors with mirror textu...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Matte Gold Pearl Button Earrings, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures .9" in diameter - Gold plated - Faux pearl - Clip on earring backs - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - This item has been cleaned & polis...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Richard Kerr Silver Crystal Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Impressive statement clip-on earrings designed by Richard Kerr in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. These pieces feature a large rounded silvered metal fram...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Francoise Montague Paris Resin Clip Earrings Red Anemone Flower
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning French Jewelry Designer Francoise Montague Paris clip-on earrings. Dimensional anemone flower shape with raspberry red and black resin. There i...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Richard Kerr Clip Earrings Purple and Topaz Jeweled Paved
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed those lovely statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. The brand signature rhinestone paved design features a dimensional triskelion shape, all covered in color...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Heavy Gilt Etruscan "Duchess of Windsor" Medallion Drop Earrings By Alexis Kirk
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible jewelry piece from the '80s - Extremely rare, hard to find piece - Oversized runway statement piece - This piece is a replica by Alexis Kirk of a des...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Artisan Gold Leaf Statement Earrings With Oil Slick Cabochons, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 2" x 1.75" - Gold leafing - Iridescent oil slick cabochon with c...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Hammerman Brothers Oval Diamond Gold Earclips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Multi-tiered petals create a lovely domed effect in these Hammerman Brothers earrings. Each petal is extremely finely made of several smaller petals following the same form. A cluste...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

80s Two Tone Interlocking Circles Earrings With Crystal Pavé By Les Bernard
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.75" x 1.25" - Gold plated with silver tone accents - Each earring consists of a crystal...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Stephen Dweck Sterling Silver Carved Turquoise Jade Amethyst Dangle Earrings
Located in Lexington, KY
These gorgeous vintage Stephen Dweck runway earrings feature a brilliant combination of sterling silver, carved turquoise, jade, and amethyst in a dramatic dangle style. These clip-on earrings have a dramatic, long large to small graduated center dangle suspended from the sterling silver top. The bold sterling silver top has a shell and scroll look to it and holds a soft pink coral bead that is capped on the top and bottom by a sterling silver pierced accent that echoes the design of the earring’s top. Beneath it hangs a Chinoiserie influenced carved blue-green turquoise bead...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Jade, Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Richard Kerr Oversized Red and White Jeweled Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed those sophisticated statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. The brand signature rhinestones paved design features a dangle extra-long drop shape, all covered w...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Elizabeth Locke Yellow Gold Carnelian Intagiio Earrings
Located in Dallas, TX
19 K Yellow Gold Elizabeth Locke Carnelian Intaglio Earrings. Clip Post. Stamped 19K E. Locke 1 inch by .75 inches
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Carnelian, Yellow Gold

Henry Dunay Sabi Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Yellow Gold Sabi Shiny Ribbed Finish Henry Dunay Clip On Earrings. Stamped Dunay and 18K.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gilt Etruscan Sapphire & Topaz Crystal Statement Earrings By Gem Craft, 1980s
By Gem-Craft
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Each earring measures 1.25" x 1.25" - Gold plated - Sapphire blue and orange topaz colored crystals - Clip on earring backs - By Gem Craft...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

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