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.
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
$623Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Opal and Turquoise Earrings in 14K Solid Yellow Gold with Diamond Acc.
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious and unique style from Renate Exclusive! This gorgeous pair of earrings is made of natural Ethiopian opal and natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise beads. Truly amazing pair o...
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, 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
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
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
Set in 18K Gold, 68.26 carat Kunzite, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and special, modern style, Kunzite & Multi Sapphires Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzites is 68.26 carats. ...
Diamond, Kunzite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$530Sale 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
14K Gold Sky Blue Swiss Topaz Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate every moment with these exquisite 14K Gold Dangle Earrings, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. Featuring the serene brilliance of sky blue topaz and the sub...
Diamond, Topaz, 14k 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
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
$523Sale 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
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 13.12 carats. The Mul...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$621Sale 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
$544Sale 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
$572Sale 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
$531Sale 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
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
$524Sale 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
Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Vintage 18K Gold Link Drop Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
An exceptional pair of vintage Van Cleef & Arpels earrings, masterfully crafted in richly textured 18 K yellow gold. Designed as interlocking sculptutal links, each earring featu...
18k Gold
Angela Caputi Coral and Lapis Resin Chandelier Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, acrylic resin clip-on earrings feature an oversized chandelier dangling shape with dimensional stylized pine cones and faceted beads, com...
Gilt Metal
$523Sale 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
$524Sale 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
Earrings with ruby and billiant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k pink gold 5.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with a ruby totaling 2.80 ct and a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.0 cm long and 1.0 cm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Statement Pear Amethyst Earrings Studs with Colorless Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethysts and Topaz. Luxury Amethyst D...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Cilea Dangle Pierced Earrings Deep Purple Resin Poppy Flowers
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling pierced earrings. The floral-inspired, artisanal resin earrings feature poppy flowers, leaves, and textured patterns intric...
$524Sale 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
$518Sale 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
$524Sale 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
Earrings with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with pearl and single cut diamonds. 0.32ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: the size of the earring is 3.0 cm high by 8.0 mm wide Total weight 4.5 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Tanzanites, Chalcedony & Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Calcedony Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites is 2.82 carats. The Tanzanit...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Oscar De La Renta Gold-Tone Faux Turquoise Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Oscar De La Renta Gold-Tone Faux Turquoise Dangle Earrings, circa 2000s. These earrings are so bold and smart-looking. They look like branches, with faux turquoise placed he...
Mixed Metal
Christian Lacroix Amethyst and Yellow Jeweled Heart Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These gorgeous Christian Lacroix Paris clip-on earrings feature an important resin dangling shape with an abstract flower and heart adorned with clear crystal rhinestones. The pieces...
Silver Plate
Set in 18K white Gold, 9.90 carats, Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 9.90 carats. The Blue Sapph...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$572Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired 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. Elegant vintage-inspir...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 18k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.40ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the dimensions of the earring are 8.0 mm wide by 2.0 cm high weig...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphires up to 4.00 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 3.2 cm long and 1.2 cm wide. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$623Sale Price|30% Off
Green Glitter Enamel Skull Crossbones Fringe Dangle Earrings Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Green Glitter Enamel Skull Crossbones Fringe Dangle Earrings Gold Plated Statement Jewelry Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, these rare ar...
Gold, Enamel, Gold Plate
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
$523Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Amethyst Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Amethyst Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Amethyst Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Amethyst Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings. We...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Diamond Birthstone Heart Earrings White Enamel 14 Karat Gold by Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
From the "Home Is Where Your Heart Is" Collection Inspired by the feeling of love, comfort, and belonging, the "Home Is Where Your Heart Is" Collection celebrates the memories, mile...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
58.78 Carat Pink Opal Drops and Aquamarine, Tourmaline Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Softly feminine and effortlessly elegant, these one-of-a-kind drop earrings celebrate the delicate beauty of pastel gemstones. Handcrafted in 18-karat white gold, each earring featur...
Aquamarine, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
Spectacular David Webb Diamond & Platinum Day/Night Dangle Earrings 2 3/4 Inch
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This dynamic pair of vintage David Webb day/night diamond earrings offers large scale, fine quality, and the Wow factor he is know for. For upscale evening wear, the pair can be worn...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
Dangle Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.40ct 4.2 grams 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.40 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 4.5 cm long and 5.7 mm wide. Weight: 4.2 grams Set wi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$6,750Sale Price|25% Off
1.30cttw. Ruby & White Diamond Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specification: Stone: Ruby Stone Cut: Oval Ruby Weight: 1.3 ctw Ruby Color: Red Secondary Stone: White Diamond Secondary Stone Cut: Mixed Diamond Color: White Metal: 18k White Gold T...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$352Sale Price / item|50% Off
Amethyst and tanzanite earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and tanzanite in 925 silver earrings. Metal type: 925 silver Weight: 4.3 g. Size 33x8.5 mm. Set with amethyst, color - violet Emerald cut, apx 4 ct. in total. Clarity: Tra...
Amethyst, Diamond, Tanzanite, Silver
White South Sea Boroque Pearl, Natural Opal Bezel Earrings in 18K Solid Gold
Located in Naples, NY
Classic white South Sea Baroque Pearl earrings, in which I added bezel drops with natural Opal. The earrings are full of luxury because the ear wire with diamond accents gives elega...
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Earrings with lemon chrysophrase and single cut diamonds up to 0.36ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with lemon chrysoprase 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...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, 14k Gold
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold. Elegant Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. Floral design pearl earrings. A refined pair of drop earrings crafted in...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$571Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style Garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle Garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with Garnet, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Garnet and Topaz. Elegant vintage-inspired d...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Classy 6.33 Carats Round Brilliant Diamonds Chandelier Earrings in 14K Rose Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
These stunning chandelier earrings feature Round Brilliant Cut diamonds totaling 6.33 carats, selected for their exceptional sparkle and lively brilliance. The intricate chandelier d...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$510Sale Price|40% Off
Dangle Earrings Bird Feet Blue Enamel Gold Plated Chains Vintage 2000s
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dangle Earrings Bird Feet Blue Enamel Gold Plated Chains Vintage 2000s Designer J DAUPHIN These earrings are constructed from 10k gold-plated brass and were manufactured in Paris,...
Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
$353Sale Price / item|50% Off
Geometric and Floral Painting on Mother of Pearl Earrings with amethysts
Located in Istanbul, TR
Geometric Floral Mother of Pearl Earrings 925 Silver Gold Plated Drop earrings with Amethyst Briolettes Painted Miniature Art Jewelry Boho Gift Discover the perfect fusion of mo...
Amethyst, 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
CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Flower Crystal Silver Dangle Earrings
Located in Milford, DE
Add a touch of dazzling elegance to your jewelry collection with the Kenneth Jay Lane pave clear cubic zirconia crystal dangle floral earrings...
Crystal
Pearl and Moissanite Drop Hoop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pearl and Moissanite Drop Hoop Earrings silver, gold. Elegant Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. White Pearl and Pavé Stone Earrings. Elegant pearl hoop earrings with a luminous w...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,410Sale 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 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
Earrings with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.18ct 18k gold 3.6 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with amethyst and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.18ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 1.0 cm wide by 2.5 cm high ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k 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