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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
Hammerman Brothers Diamond Citrine Amethyst Gold Crossover Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
This Classy early 1980s- late mid Century earrings are made by famous American jewelry designer, Hammerman Brothers. They are Crafted of 18K ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Gold

Marina B. Pardy Vintage 18k Gold Steel Chestnut Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Collectable Marina B Two Tone Gold Highly Polished Clip On Earrings. From Pardy collection. These Stylish earrings are crafted in 18K Yellow Gold and Steel. From The Famous ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Henry Dunay Platinum and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earclips
Located in Princeton, NJ
Vintage Henry Dunay Platinum & 18 karat Yellow Gold earclips. The earrings are hallmarked with a serial number A44XX and the Dunay Hallmak. They ar...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Yellow Gold, Platinum

Kaso Silver Mirror Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso designed these elegant oversized dangling chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings. The dimensional geometric shape boasts dangling charms with a mirror-textured...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Richard Kerr Dangle Silver Crystal Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these gorgeous statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are composed of his emblematic pavé rhinestones and feature dangling geometric shapes, all covered ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Gold Statement Earrings With Emerald Glass Cabochons By Paolo Gucci, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.25" x 1.1" - Gold plated - Emerald green-colored glass cabochon accents - Clip on earr...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Bezel Set Sapphire Swarovski Crystal Earrings By Nolan Miller, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures .75" x .5" - Gold plated - Emerald cut Sapphire blue-colored Swarovski crystals - Clear ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Two Tone Ornate Ottoman Style 4" Drop Earrings With Glass Cabochons, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 4" long - Antique gold tone and silver tone - Amber, amethyst purple and chartreuse glass...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Hammered Gold and Diamond Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Finely made, hammered gold oval shape earrings surrounded by fine diamonds. The stones are VS-1 quality. The gold dome has a hammered texture; it measures half an inch deep. The earr...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Geometric Enameled Dome Earrings With Crystal Pavé By Ciner, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1" in diameter - Gold plated - Black and brown enamel - Crystal rhinestone pavé - Clip ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Francoise Montague Paris Blue Crystal and Pearls Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Francoise Montague Paris designed these exquisite dangling clip-on earrings. The iconic Lolita shape style has a handmade double hoop design ornate with cobalt blue and baby blue cry...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

Angela Cumming Vintage 18K and Ruby Earrings, c. 1989
Located in Aspen, CO
18K yellow gold vintage earrings each with 7 small cabochon circular natural rubies of Burma color, Angela Cummings. This is the larger model - rarely found. These are cushion shap...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 1980s Ciner Cabochon Faux-Onyx Brown & Black Striped Clip Earrings
Located in Easton, PA
1980s goldtone domed cabochon faux-onyx with brown and black enamel stripes clip back earrings. Marked "Ciner." Measure: 1 1/8 inches long by 7/8 inches wide. Excellent condition. C...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage 1980s Signed Ciner Cabochon Faux-Agate & Black Enamel Earrings
Located in Easton, PA
1980s goldtone cabochon faux-agate, black enamel and rhinestone clip back earrings. Marked "Ciner." Measure: 1 7/16 inches long by 1 1/16 inches wide. Excellent condition. Ciner is ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate

Kaso Dangle Lucite Clip Earrings Red, Orange, Yellow Donut
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight designed those stunning lucite clip-on earrings for her brand Kaso in the 1980s. The massive donut dangling shape with a geometric design features dimensional multi...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage 1980s Signed Ciner Cabochon Faux-Onyx & Brown Enamel Earrings
Located in Easton, PA
1980s goldtone cabochon faux-onyx and brown metallic enamel round clip back earrings. Marked "Ciner." Measure: 1 1/8 inches across. Excellent condition. Ciner is a company out of N...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Escada Iridescent Sugarloaf Cabochon Rhinestone Clip Earrings
Located in Easton, PA
Vintage late 1980s or early 1990s square goldtone and white iridescent sugarloaf cabochon clip back earrings. Marked "Escada." Come with their original card, box and jewelry bag. Mea...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate

Tiffany & Co. "Paloma Picasso" 18k Yellow Gold Hammered Post & Clip Earrings
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18k Hammered Post & Clip Earrings Condition: The overall condition of this earrings are excellent Year of Production: 1989 Gender: Woman Purity: 18k Ye...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1980s Signed Ciner Goldtone Faux-Onyx & Clear Rhinestone Earrings
Located in Easton, PA
1980s goldtone pave faux-onyx and clear rhinestone clip back earrings. Marked "Ciner." Measure: 15/16 inches long by 11/16 inches wide. Excellent condition. Ciner is a company out ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate

Ungaro Paris Braided Gilt Metal Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These elegant Emanuel Ungaro Paris couture clip-on earrings feature a gilt metal domed rounded shape with a braided carved pattern and satin finish texture. Each piece is signed with...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

1080s Diamond Fine Turquoise 18k Yellow Gold Blue Flower Clip on Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Inspired by the beauty of Blue hydrangea flowers, these romantic earrings have a subtle and elegant combination of color and sparkle. Crafted in solid 18K White Gold. Each flower i...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Gold Platinum Diamond Earrings by Verdura
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful and classic pair of Verdura 18k yellow gold and platinum set diamond clip earrings. The total diamond weight is 1.0 carats. The total earring weight is 24.1 grams. ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Estate Gold, Diamond, and Pearl Leaf Motif Clip Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of gold, diamond, and pearl clip earrings, each in the form of two juxtaposed pavé diamond curled leaves with gold rope twist borders and a pearl accent, in 18k and platinum. ...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Marina B. 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Citrine Onyx Clip-on Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Marked: 1985 750 Marina B. FRANCE 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Facet cut and Cabochon Citrine and Onyx Earrings with 60 diamonds approx over 2.00 cts E-F color VS Clarity Measurement: 32...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Chanel clip-on earring 2 snakes and faux pearl, gild metal sign, 1983's
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A very unusual Chanel ear clip. On the upper part there are 3 faux pearls entwined by 2 snakes, in the middle a rhinestone with 2 leaves, typical for this work from the 1983 years. A...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gilt Metal

Pink Sapphire, Diamond and Tourmaline White Gold Earrings
By RCM
Located in Darnestown, MD
Showy, but not too, too - earrings of pink sapphire; tourmaline and diamond. The body of the earrings alternate approximately 3 carats of diamonds with more than 6 carats of tourmali...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

Richard Kerr Dangle Clip Earrings Turquoise and Fuchsia Crystal Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these fabulous clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made up of his signature pave rhinestones. The set features a dangle geometric drop shape all covered wit...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Missoni Italy Gilt Metal Clip Earrings with Multicolor Iconic Smiling Face
Located in Atlanta, GA
These are rare iconic Missoni, Italy couture clip-on earrings. Italian designer Rosita Missoni designed this iconic pattern in the 1980s, and these earrings were part of a 2000s desi...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

Vintage 1980s Signed Monet Goldtone Domed Checked Earrings
Located in Easton, PA
1980s goldtone domed checked clip back earrings. Marked "Monet." Measure: 1 inch L x 0.75 inches W. Excellent condition. Early Monet jewelry was prod...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate

Angela Cummings Large Size Concave Lima Bean Shaped Gold Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Angela Cummings 18 karat gold earrings that are beautifully curved in both outer and inner shapes. A gold band frames the outer design. The earrings have a concave lima bean form giv...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Gynuki Torimaru Gold Tone Earrings Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gynuki Torimaru Gold Tone Earrings Circa 1980s. These are one of the most gorgeous pair of earrings I have in the collection. They have ear appeal, not curb appeal. They ...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Mixed Metal

Tiffany Schlumberger Enamel Earrings 18K Diamonds
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These Schlumberger earrings are special. They are set in 18K Yellow Gold with Blue and Green enamel and a Diamond starburst in the center. The Diamonds are set in Platinum as all S...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Enamel

Iconic Chanel heart clip-on earring, made of black ebony sign. 2CC8
Located in Stuttgart, DE
These are the most wanted vintage CHANEL wood heart clip-on earring! Very rare and iconic ear clips with a large faux pearl, hanging from it a larg...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate, Gilt Metal

Chanel ear clips by Maison Gripoix with large pearls attached, signed 2CC8
Located in Stuttgart, DE
An extraordinary ear clip designed by Victoire de Castellane for Chanel in 1984. The flower is handmade of pured liquid glass with 17 small leaves in four different colors: purple, m...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate

1987 Marina B. Yellow Gold Stell Heart Shaped Clip-on Earrings
Located in Rome, IT
Orecchini in oro giallo 18 kt. e acciaio firmati Marina B. Questi iconici orecchini disegnati a forma di cuore sono perfetti per ogni occasione. 1987 Peso: gr. 45.70 Orecchini clip-...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

1980S 17.30 Carats Diamond 18K Statement Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Superb quality diamond earring from the early 1980s with Natural Diamond set Dome Curved t Clip-On 18k yellow gold Earrings Secured with Clip-On Closure (Post can be added) Metal:...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Kaso Lucite Clip Earrings Dangle Green and Orange Donut
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknigt designed those stylish Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. The pieces boast a massive donut dangling shape with a geometric design. The mirrored textured ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Retro Massive Black White Resin Clip Long Dangle Drop 3-1/4 Earrings 80s
Located in Sausalito, CA
These extra large vintage earrings are a stunning addition to any jewelry collection. The black and white resin material gives them a retro feel, while the geometric shape and long d...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Kaso Extravagant Multicolor Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight created these stunning dangling chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. These extravagant pieces feature a dimensional shape with geometric dangling drop charms and multicolor mirror-textured patterns. The dangling earrings boast electric orange, lime green, yellow, fire orange, magenta red, and amethyst purple colors with glitter mirror...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Francoise Montague Clip Earrings Brown Resin with Brass Studs
Located in Atlanta, GA
French jewelry designer Francoise Montague Paris hand-crafted these lovely clip-on earrings in the 1980s. The round domed shape boasts a cocoa brown resin with a stylized flower orna...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Brass

Pop Art Extra-long Shoulder Duster Multicolor Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Do you think you have seen extra-long shoulder duster earrings? Well, check out these! Spectacular Italian designer studio Lucite or Resin dangling clip-on earrings. The extra-long s...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Kalinger Paris Gold and Purple Resin Jeweled Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Kalinger Paris ornate clip-on earrings feature a Baroque resin with a gilt metal coating fan shape, topped with a giant purple grape carved resin-shaped cabochon and com...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

Tiffany 18k Yellow Gold Black Jade Polka Dot Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
1980s oval dome shape earrings in 18k yellow gold inset with black jade to create a positive/negative design. French style hinged clip backs with pierced posts. Underside marked “Tiffany & Co. 750 Hong Kong”. This is an original design of Angela Cummings. Cummings joined Tiffany...
Category

1980s Hong Kong Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kaso White Frosted and Mirror Effect Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso designed these stunning lucite clip-on earrings. The giant donut dangling shape with a geometric design features dimensional multilayer Lucite with inclusi...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Dangle Lucite Clip Earrings Fuchsia, Orange and Yellow Glitter Sun
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Italian designer studio Lucite or Resin dangling clip-on earrings feature an oversized stylized sun design shape with an incredibly playful and glittering textured pat...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Kaso Orange and Green Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings Cactus and Sun
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight designed those stunning massive Lucite dangling clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. Do you feel the hot wind and the burning sun? It's the call of the arid des...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Ungaro Paris Ornate Gilt Metal Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stylish Emanuel Ungaro Paris couture clip-on earrings feature a gilt metal domed rounded shape with a geometric carved pattern and satin finish texture. Each piece is signed wi...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

Chantal Thomass Dangle Clip Earrings Gilt Metal Matelassé and Tassel
Located in Atlanta, GA
These elegant French designer Chantal Thomass Paris clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with gilt metal quilted diamond shape fittings that complement a tassel. The pieces are marked on the underside with the company logo...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal

Vintage Gold Tone and Diamante Sun Flower Earrings, Circa 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone and Diamante Sun Flower Earrings, Circa 1980's. These are well made and substantial earrings The earrings have a dome of the diamante in the center. All the petals ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Mixed Metal

Alexis Lahellec Pink Resin Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These exquisite Alexis Lahellec Paris resin clip-on earrings feature a flower-shaped gilt metal-coated resin framing topped with powder pink flower petals. Each piece is signed on th...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Vintage MAZ Turquoise Shell 14k Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Maz
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage retro Shell Motif gold rap design clip-on earrings for all sea lovers! The brand MAZ is characterized by its high-quality shell-style designs. Crafted in 14 K Yellow gold, ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Turquoise, 14k Gold

Richard Kerr Clip Earrings Black and Fuchsia Crystal Jeweled Paved
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these stunning statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones and feature a dimensional triskelion shape covered with ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Antigona Paris Gilt Metal and Pink Enamel Maltese Cross Clip Earrings
By Antigona
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antigona Paris designed those lovely clip-on earrings in the 1980s. The pieces boast a stylized Maltese cross design with gilt metal framing embellished with pink salmon enamel. Anti...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gilt Metal, Enamel

Angela Cummings Aventurine "X" 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Dallas, TX
Angela Cummings 18K Yellow Gold, Aventurine X Earrings. Stamped 18K, Angela Cummings and 1989. 19.62 Grams
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Aventurine, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Richard Kerr Hot Pink Fuchsia Jeweled Dangling Star Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these gorgeous chandelier clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. The pieces boast a cascading shape with two stars-shap...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Invisibly Set Ruby and Diamond Buckle Gold Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant and sparkly half hoop buckle earrings with invisibly set rubies and sapphires and outlined with diamonds. The earrings taper slightly at the bottom and are half an inch wide...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Estate Bulgari Square Pave Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Estate Bulgari Square Pave Diamond Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold. The earrings feature 4ctw of pave set brilliant round cut diamonds. Omega backs. 0.75" Wide 29 Grams
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Gold and Diamond Woven Lattice Pattern Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Bands of polished gold alternate with bands of diamonds in these interesting lattice pattern earrings. The woven aspect is especially visible from the side where one sees the gracefu...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

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