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.
$621Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Garnet Flower and Leaf Drop Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Nature-Inspired Garnet Floral Cluster Earrings. Romantic Garnet Blossom and Leaf Dangle Earrings. Botanical Garnet Flower Earrings with French Hook Closures. Weight: 4.5 gr Overall ...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage 18K gold cornicello cornetto earrings - Estate horn charm earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
New in is this vintage pair of solid 18 karat gold earrings. These are lever back earrings with two textured cornicello cornets dangling below them. These "Cornicello cornetto" are b...
Gold, 18k Gold
$521Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Amethyst Flower and Leaf Drop Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Nature-Inspired Amethyst Floral Cluster Earrings. Romantic Amethyst Blossom and Leaf Dangle Earrings. Botanical Amethyst Flower Earrings with French Hook Closures Weight: 4.5 gr Ov...
Topaz, Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
Large Vintage Sterling Abalone Shell Mermaid Earrings
Located in Webster, SD
These beautiful, vintage mermaid earrings are sterling silver with abalone shell cabochons. Measurements: 3/4 by 1 5/8 inches Weight: 10.4 grams Marks: Sterling, 69, Shube's hallmark...
Sterling Silver
$521Sale Price / item|44% Off
Sky Blue Topaz & Pearl Drop Earrings Studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Modern Multi-Shape Sky Blue Topaz Earrings studs. Contemporary Pearl & Sky Blue Topaz Drop Earrings. Geometric Sky Blue Topaz and Pearl Earrings. Weight: 4 gr Overall length: appro...
Topaz, Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$534Sale Price / item|44% Off
Modern Geometric Citrine Drop Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Geometric Citrine Earrings. Asymmetrical Citrine Drop Earrings. Contemporary Citrine Linear Drop Earrings in silver. Weight: 5 gr Size: aprox - 42-44 mm long. Metal: silver 925 pl...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Moonstone & Diamond Earrings, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Rainbow Reflection Earrings shimmer with the luminous mystique of rainbow moonstone, a gem long revered across civilizations and adored by artists for centuries. Romans b...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Natural Burmese Jadeite & Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee transforms the nostalgic ring‑toss game into jewel‑born mythology with the Treasured Ringtoss Earrings, elevating playful motion into ceremonial elegance and divine symboli...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Enamel
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Floral Pear Amethyst Earrings Studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus Amethyst Drop Earrings. Natural Amethyst Lotus Flower Drop Earrings. Inspired by the graceful bloom of a lotus flower, these elegant earrings combine sculptural gold petals wi...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
H. Stern Diamond Snow Flake 18 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Dangle Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
H. Stern Snowflake Collection diamond drop earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with 98 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.75 carats. The sculptural sn...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings Baguette/Round-OGI Ltd Estate Collection
Located in New York, NY
Delicate in size yet radiant in sparkle, these 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings are the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication. Crafted in luminous 14K yell...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with aquamarine and single cut diamonds up to 0.36ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold earrings set with aquamarine and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.36ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by 1.0 cm wide ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
$515Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette floral design earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Gold leaf earrings. Citrine earrings. Citrine flower earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November bir...
Citrine, Topaz, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver
$527Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle oval amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Silver Drop Earrings. Elegant vintage-style earrings with oval amethys...
Topaz, Amethyst, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 1.79 carat, Multi Sapphire & Diamond "Paperclip" Dangle Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires "Paperclip" Dangle Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 1.79 carats. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$515Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Citrine briolette earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November birthstone earrings. Vintage style citrine earrings. Art deco silver earrings...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazs. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Me...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$603Sale Price / item|40% Off
Art Deco Style Pearl and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle pearl earrings. Cocktail earrings with pearls, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Pearl and Topaz A striking pair of pearls and ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$555Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired pink quartz and colorless topaz drop earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pink quartz earrings silver, gold. Dangle pink quartz earrings. Cocktail earrings with pink quartz, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with pink quartz and Topaz. Elegan...
Quartz, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$555Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired green onyx and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style green onyx earrings silver, gold. Dangle green onyx earrings. Cocktail earrings with green onyx, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with green onyx and Topaz. Elegant vi...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with Amethystes cabochon. Contemporary Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Earrin...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Gucci sterling silver dangle earrings, interlocking G
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish pair of vintage Gucci sterling silver dangle earrings with interlocking GG logo symbol. A classic and timeless design from the early 2000s, they feature a stylised GG styl...
Sterling Silver
$730Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Rose Gold Teardrop Dangle Earrings with Honeycomb Filigree Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
The primary feature is a pear or teardrop-shaped drop element with an intricate honeycomb or open-work filigree pattern. Small, round diamonds are set within the structure and at the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Peridot and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold. Dangle peridot earrings. Cocktail earrings with peridot, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Peridot and Topaz A striking pair of peri...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Citrine and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine earrings silver, gold. Dangle citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Citrine and Topaz A striking pair of citr...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with Garnets cabochon. Contemporary Garnet and Colorless Topaz Earrings in Sil...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Ethiopian Opal and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black Ethiopian Opal and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle opal earrings. Cocktail earrings with opals cabochon. Contemporary Black Opal and Colorless Topaz E...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$458Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Round Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bezel Set Bubbled Drop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Alternating round-cut blue sapphires and sparkling white diamonds create a sophisticated color palette that pops against the warm gold. Each stone is securely encased in a smooth gol...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz earrings silver, gold. Dangle topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with topaz. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-shaped ...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$456Sale Price / item|50% Off
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold. Dangle peridot earrings. Cocktail earrings with peridots. Weight: 5 gr Central gemstone: peridots, oval cut, 1.5 ct, transparent, gr...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$502Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold. Dangle opal earrings. Cocktail earrings with opals. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: opal, oval ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold 3.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earrings is 3.1 cm long and 2.1 mm wide. Weight: 3.1 gram...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with Topazes cabochon. Contemporary Topaz and Colorless Topaz Earrings in Silver...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$555Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired blue topaz and colorless topaz drop earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style blue topaz earrings silver, gold. Dangle blue topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with blue topaz, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with blue topaz and colorless topaz. ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with sapphire 4.00ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphire up to 4.00ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
11.98 Carat Emerald & Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Natsilane Black Fish Earrings, from The Garden of Myth collection, emerge as a spellbinding union of cultural legend and couture artistry. Rooted in the Tlingit and Haida...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
Earrings with sunstone and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.09ct 18k gold 2.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sunstone and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.09ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 1.5 cm long by 4.4 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Garnets and Topaz A striking pair of garnet...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Peridot and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style Peridot earrings silver, gold. Dangle Peridot earrings. Cocktail earrings with Peridot, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Peridot and Topaz. A striking pair of per...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$568Sale Price / item|40% Off
Peridot Floral Earrings, Silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Botanical Peridot Earrings in Gold Plated Silver, French Hook. Peridot Cabochon Drop Earrings with Green Onyx Leaves. Elegant botanical drop earrings featuring luminous oval peridot...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Tiffany & Co. HardWear Large Link Diamond Pave 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A striking pair of HardWear earrings by Tiffany & Co., expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. Featuring the collection's signature oversized gauge links accented...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. 3 Tier Pearl Dangle Earrings with Solid 14k Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simple, stunning and sophisticated. This pair of earrings is made entirely of Pearls and Solid 14k Yellow Gold wiring / Lever Back Hooks. Three multi sized Pearls dangle, each displa...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 6.11 carats, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Chandelier/ Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 6.11 carats. The ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Tiffany & Co. Feather Drop Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
This is a retired Tiffany & Co. earring made from the 1990’s until 2003, called the Feather Drop. It features an elongated torpedo-shaped dangle that is representative of a feath...
Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bead Fringe Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Tiffany & Co. fringe drop earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring elegant graduated gold fringe that creates beautiful movement and texture. Measuring approximately 1...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co 18K Gold Double Spiral or 'S' Scroll Earrings w Pearl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Tiffany & Co. gold & pearl earrings. In 18K gold. In the double spiral or "S" scroll shape with pearl drops. Marked to both the reverse and the ear ...
Pearl, 18k Gold
$1,370Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Earrings with Pear Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald and diamonds earrings studs. Pear emerald gold studs. Genuine emerald earrings. May birthstone jewelry. Emerald jewelry gift for her. Genuine 1.2 ct emeralds earrings studs. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Vintage Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Sculptural Dangle Pierced Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of signed vintage 1980's Robert Lee Morris gold plated dangle earrings are pierced. They are tiered and sculptural with an elegance and edge They pivot with slight movement...
Gold Plate
Natural Burmese Jadeite & Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee contemporising traditional jadeite into sculptural, avant‑garde wearable art, these Jadeite Earrings transform heritage craftsmanship into a bold, modern statement. At the...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Yellow Gold
Robert Goossens Gilded Metal Floral Clip Earrings with Pearls and Rock Crystal
Located in Atlanta, GA
The House of Goossens reinterprets the timeless concept of the flower. Consisting of four carved gilded metal petals, accentuated with a freshwater pearl heart, it reveals itself in ...
Rock Crystal, Freshwater Pearl, Gilt Metal
Stefan Hafner Black White Diamond Floral Dangle Earrings 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A striking creation by renowned Italian designer Stefan Hafner, these contemporary floral motif earrings are a statement in artistry and elegance. Crafted in solid 18k white gold wit...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Blue Sapphires, Black Onyx & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires & Black Onyx Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 0.67 carats. Th...
Diamond, Onyx, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.40ct 18k gold 16.0 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.40 ct – F/G – VS/SI – 16.0 grams Detailed description: The earrings are 3.2 cm long and 2.2 cm wide. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$456Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Round Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bezel Set Bubbled Drop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Alternating round-cut blue sapphires and sparkling white diamonds create a sophisticated color palette that pops against the warm gold. Each stone is securely encased in a smooth gol...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 13.34 carats, Tanzanite & Rose Cut Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Chandelier Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites is 13.34 carats. The Tanzanit...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Pearl and Baguette Moissanite Drop Earrings Studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Elegant Shell Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. Modern Pearl and Moissanite Earrings in Gold Plated Silver. Elegant pearl and baguette moissanite drop earrings with a refined mod...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
4.59 Carat Diamond Gothic Flamboyant Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Flamboyant (from French flamboyant 'flaming') is a lavishly-decorated style of Gothic architecture that appeared in France and Spain in the 15th century, and lasted until the mid-six...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.27 Carat Color Diamond & Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Inspired by the sacred epitrachelion vestment of the Orthodox tradition, Austy Lee's Blue Flora of Epitrachelion Earrings reinterpret centuries of symbolism through the language of c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Dangle Two Tone Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings featuring an elegant and timeless design accented with approximately 0.18 carats total weight of round brilliant-cut diamonds. The diamonds ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage Style Pearl and Moissanites Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle shell pearl earrings. Bow Pearl Drop Earrings with Moissanites in Gold Plated Silver. Floral Bow Pearl Earrings...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver