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.
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso 18k Gold & Citrine Cabochon Olive Leaf Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Tiffany gold and citrine earrings. By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each earring with a bezel-set citrine cabochon and with a ol...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Kai One-of-a-Kind 3.61ctw Emerald, Aquamarine & Pink Sapphire Drop Earrings
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Inspired by the fresh colors of a blooming garden, these Kai Fine Jewelry's one-of-a-kind drop earrings showcase a harmonious composition of natural emeralds, emerald-cut aquamarines...
Aquamarine, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
Diamond Pear Ruby 3.40ct Halo Lariat Drop Earrings, 14k White Gold
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Diamond Pear Ruby 3.40 Carat Halo Lariat 14 karat White Gold 1.5 Inch Earrings – a breathtaking fusion of elegance and sophistication. Crafted with precisio...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
10.12 Carat Natural Pear Cut Diamond Double Drop Earrings 18K White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Two pear-cut diamonds, one considerably larger than the other, hang in a straight line in this earring, a deceptively simple format that puts all the emphasis on the quality and size...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gem White South Sea Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings, 11-12mm, 18K White Gold
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
12–13mm White South Sea Pearl, Emerald & Natural Diamond Drop Earrings 18K
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald Rope Hoop Drop Earrings – 2.75 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant simplicity meets contemporary design in these striking 14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald Rope Hoop Earrings. Rich oval cabochon emeralds weighing approximately 2.75 carats tot...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.47 Ct Natural Pear and Oval Diamond Three-Stone Drop Earrings 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A pear-cut diamond, an oval, and a second pear-cut diamond fall in a straight vertical line in this earring, each stone linked by a single small prong so the eye reads three distinct...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern 14 Karat Gold Chalcedony Diamond Amethyst French Back Drop Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning pair of modern design French back drop stud earrings. It is crafted in 14K gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 4 chalcedonies, oval cabochon cut, bluish gray...
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$530Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear Peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot silver, gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: peridot, green col...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold, Silver
$524Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with rose quartz briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with pink quartz briolettes. Lily flower earrings. Pink quartz earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Metal: silver 925 + 14k gold plating over W...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,145Sale Price / item|55% Off
Citrine 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 14k gold earrings. Yellow gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: citrine, yellow color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gem...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold
Gem White South Sea Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings, 11-12mm, 18K White Gold
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, White Gold
$1,145Sale Price / item|55% Off
Peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot 14k gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: peridot, green color, pear old rose or classic p...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold
Vintage Diamond Ruby Earrings 14k Gold Platinum Drops Old Mine Cuts Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish old mine cut diamond & ruby drop earrings crafted in platinum topped 14k yellow gold. Old mine cut diamonds total an estimated 0.74 carats (estimated at J-K color and SI1-I1...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
10–11mm Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,103Sale Price / item|35% Off
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones peridot, olive green, ova...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings in 18K Rose Gold 1.50 Carats
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and highly desirable pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Almyre earrings, crafted in 18K rose gold and set with brilliant white diamonds. Pieces from the Almyre line are seldom ava...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$495Sale Price / item|50% Off
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3 gr Gemst...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$471Sale Price / item|60% Off
Garnet and amethyst silver earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet and amethyst 14k gold earrings. Red and purple gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: silver + 14k gold plate Weight: 4 gr Gemstones amethyst, pu...
Amethyst, Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,145Sale Price / item|40% Off
Amethyst 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 14k gold earrings. Purple gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones amethyst, purple, pear cut,8x6mm side gemstone...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,032Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Black Onyx & Turquoise Circle Drop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these striking 14K Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Turquoise Circle Drop Earrings. Featuring a sophisticated arrangement of polished black onyx and vi...
Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$353Sale Price / item|50% Off
Painted Ocean Sunset Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with amethyst briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Painted Ocean Sunset Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with amethyst briolettes 925 Silver Gold Plated with Amethyst Briolettes Miniature Ocean Art Jewelry Gift for Her Capture the b...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$353Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ocean-Themed Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with Topaz Briolette
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ocean-Themed Mother of Pearl Earrings with Topaz Briolette Painted Sea Wave Earrings Mother of Pearl & Topaz Drop Earrings Embrace coastal elegance with these dainty earrings. T...
Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$353Sale Price / item|50% Off
Painted Lilac Flower Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with amethyst briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Painted Lilac Flower Mother of Pearl Earrings 925 Silver Gold Plated with Amethyst Briolettes Miniature Floral Art Jewelry Gift for Her Unique painted mother of pearl earrings. T...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
GIA Certified 3.00 Cts F VVS1 Pear Diamonds Bezel Drop Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
These elegant drop earrings feature GIA Certified Pear Shape diamonds totaling 3.00 carats, graded F color and VVS1 clarity, selected for their exceptional brilliance and graceful si...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$353Sale Price / item|50% Off
Greek Goddess Mother of Pearl Earrings with quartz briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Greek Goddess Mother of Pearl Earrings Painted Mythological Jewelry Mother of Pearl Art Earrings Colorless quartz drop briolette earrings Channel the divine elegance and power o...
Pearl, Quartz, Gold Plate, Silver
Goossens Paris Renaissance Heart Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Since 1950, Goossens has been designing and creating jewelry and furniture imbued with a unique wealth of expression and aesthetic vitality. Fertile and infinite, the sources of ins...
Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal
$420Sale Price|40% Off
14K Italian Yellow Gold Twist Dangle Earrings 2 Inch by Milor
Located in New York, NY
Marked “14KT Italy Milor” Weight: 2.1g Measurements: Approx. 2.00" L x 0.64" W Pre-owned These 14K Italian Yellow Gold Twist Dangle Earrings offer the elegance and fluidity that It...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Blue Sapphires, Turquoise Enamel & Diamonds Drop Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires & Turquoise Enamel Drop Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 2.82 carats...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Enamel
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Diamond Circle Drop Earrings with Rare Ruby Briolettes
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A masterful display of elegance and rarity, these 14K white gold drop earrings feature two exceptional genuine ruby briolettes weighing a total of 4.47 carats. Expertly faceted to ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Jewellians Pearlized Resin Dangle Clip Earrings with Gilded Metal Studs
Located in Atlanta, GA
American designer Jewellians created these impressive 1980s chandelier clip-on earrings. They feature a spectacular shoulder-duster dangle-drop shape with white pearlized resin embel...
Gilt Metal
Bulgari French 1970's 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage J-Hoop Ear-Clip Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as j-hoop form earrings with fluted segments Alternating with yellow and white gold With high polish finish Completed by hinged omega backs Stamped with French hallmarks for...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Coral Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and refined, these vintage 18 karat white gold drop earrings showcase a striking combination of luminous angel skin coral drops and sparkling diamonds. The design begins with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Knot Drop Earrings 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds
Located in Plantation, FL
A beautiful and iconic pair of Tiffany & Co. drop earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring the signature crossed-bar knot motif that defines the celebrated Tiffany Knot co...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$353Sale Price / item|50% Off
Purple Iris Flower Painted Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with Amethyst Briolette
Located in Istanbul, TR
Purple Flower Mother of Pearl Earrings Amethyst Briolette Drop Earrings Purple Iris Flower Painted Mother of Pearl Earrings with Amethyst Briolette Miniature Art Gift for Gardene...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
Bulgari 1980's Multi-Gem 18K Gold Vintage Passo Doppio J-Hoop Ear-Clip Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed a j-hoop style earrings grooved with link-style "Passo Doppio" motif Centering bezel set round shaped tourmaline cabochons Measuring 5.0 mm - transparent medium pink in colo...
Citrine, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian White South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings, 11-12mm, 18K Gold Lab-Grown D
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gem White South Sea Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings, 11-12mm, 18K White Gold
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$294Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Gucci Sterling Silver Jet Drop Earrings, Italian Craftsmanship
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
A Refined Touch of Italian Luxury and Understated Elegance Discover a piece of fashion heritage with these Vintage Gucci Sterling Silver Jet Earrings, reflecting the brand’s iconic b...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Cushion Cut 6.6 ct London Blue Topaz Drop Earrings in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: The cushion London blue topaz held in a classic prong setting. Sparkling diamond accents studded on the hoop beautifully complement the blue gemstones. These ...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold
$200Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver 1.5CT Four Heart Cut Aquamarine Stone Linear Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These delicate drop earrings feature 1.50 carats of heart shaped aquamarine, set in 925 sterling silver. The design showcases four aquamarine gemstones in linear design, each measuri...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pair of Mexican Mid-Century William Spratling Sterling Silver Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed Mexican silver earrings. In sterling silver. By William Spratling of Taxco, Mexico. Each with a silver beveled diamond...
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century South Sea Pearl Diamond Convertible Day Night Drop Earrings 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century South Sea Pearl and Diamond Convertible Day-and-Night Drop Earrings, Platinum, Portugal, 1960s. An exceptional pair of Mid-Century convertible day-and-night earrings cra...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Tiffany & Company Paloma Picasso 'X' 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings Large Size
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Tiffany & Co. Large Paloma Picasso “X” Earrings, circa 1984. Designed by the legendary Paloma Picasso, these iconic earrings feature her bold and instantl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,414Sale 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
Mid-Century Colombian Emerald Diamonds Ring Earrings Set Demi-Parure 1950s-1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Colombian Emerald and Diamond Demi-Parure Ring and Earrings, Platinum, Portugal, 1950s–1960s. An elegant and exceptionally well-preserved Mid-Century demi-parure compris...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Nina Zhou 5.80ctw Sapphire, Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Pearl Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Discover Nina Zhou 5.80ctw Sapphire, Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Pearl Convertible Drop Earrings in 14k yellow gold, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance. Meticulously set ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$11,963Sale Price / set|25% Off
9.05 Carat Zambian Emerald 2.27 Carat Diamond 18K White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted in luminous 18K White Gold, these exceptional drop earrings showcase the timeless beauty of natural Zambian emeralds framed by a dazzling halo of natural diamonds. The rich 6...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Zig-Zag Scribble Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
These iconic, bold lyrical Tiffany & Co. earrings were designed by Paloma Picasso in 1983 as part of her scribble collection, inspired by the street art of NYC. The zig-zag shape...
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$102Sale Price / set|50% Off
Art Deco Style Teardrop Leaf Cubic Zirconia Wedding Earrings for Her in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Teardrop Leaf Cubic Zirconia Wedding Rose Gold Plated Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these statement drop earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece feature...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Nina Zhou 5.30 ctw Morganite, Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Nina Zhou 5.30ctw Morganite, Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings explore contrast through tone and texture, pairing softly faceted gemstones with a smooth, luminous fin...
Diamond, Morganite, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yello...
Tanzanite Blue Zircon Diamond Heart Drop Earrings 14K 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, mileston...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Zircon, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou 9.60ctw Pink Morganite, Sapphrie, Tourmaline & Diamond Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Inspired by tropical blooms and sunlit island landscapes, these statement earrings bring together natural morganite, pink sapphire, and pink tourmaline in a vibrant floral compositio...
Diamond, Morganite, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,145Sale Price / item|55% Off
Garnet 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet 14k gold earrings. Red gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: garnet, red color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gemstones:...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold
Asprey 1990's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Flower Ear-Clip Earrings
By Asprey
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional daisy flowers with furling gold petals Centering clusters of wire stamen With linear engraving throughout Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for Asprey ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Pink Topaz and Diamond Long Drop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
These refined long drop earrings are crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold and feature four natural pear-shaped pink topaz gemstones, each measuring approximately 10 x 7 mm. The pink to...
Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Unheated GIA Graded Ruby & Diamond Platinum Earrings, Pierre/Famille
Located in Aspen, CO
Unheated Natural Rubies set in platinum chandelier earrings, these vivid red rubies possessing GIA certificates which state that the fine matched rubies are unheated and untreated. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$530Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pear topaz silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine silver, gold earrings. Yellow gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: citrine, yellow c...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver