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Modern Lever-Back 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: 20th Century
Style: Modern
Tiffany & Co. Double Loop Open Oval 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A beautiful pair of earrings from the house of Tiffany & Co. They are well crafted from 18k yellow gold with a fine polished finish and is in the desi...
Category

1990s American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Round Brilliant Diamond Ruby 18 Karat White Gold Round Stud Leverback Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Spectacular diamond and ruby circle earrings crafted in 18 karat white gold. The earrings feature 24 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approxi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Octagonal Clip On Earrings 1 3/16 Inches Diameter
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This large pair of vintage, David Webb 18K yellow gold earrings has a combination of finishes. The two texture 9/16 inch diameter...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elegant, Classic Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This gracious pair of 14k white gold, Akoya cultured pearl and diamond earrings was created by a very talented maker some time during the middle of the last century. Set with a tota...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Seidengang Gold Earrings with Gemstones
Located in Darnestown, MD
Seidengang half hoop earrings embellished with both pink and green tourmaline and an amethyst as well as gold balls and braiding. The earrings have both post and clip backs. The bott...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Cartier Bamboo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings, Circa 1990
Located in London, GB
A vintage pair of Cartier Bamboo 18 karat yellow gold hoop earrings, circa 1990. This bold pair of earrings were first designed by Cartier in the 1970's, the 'Bamboo' collection rad...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Onyx and Diamond Floral Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage pair of 14K Yellow gold, diamond and white onyx earrings lend themselves beautifully for casual or more formal wear. Measures a full ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

French Mid-20th Century 18K White Gold, Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The earring tops are a delicate open wire work of 18K white gold petals, set with eight fine quality single cut diamonds, having a total approximate weight of .33ct. From this motif ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Lapis Lazuli Diamond and Peridot Star Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Bold and unusual earrings with the star made of carved lapis lazuli; a cabochon peridot in the center surrounded by a diamond star and tips. The backs are posts. Arms of the lapis star...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, 18k Gold

Heart Shaped Diamonds Earrings
Located in Sežana, SI
Refined button earrings, heart shaped, 18K yellow and white gold. They each bear natural diamonds, brilliant cut; estimated weight ct. 1.00 Total weight o...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14k Yellow Gold. Amethyst and Diamond Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely pair of Late-20th Century fashion earrings are crafted from 14k yellow gold and expertly bezel set with two large and luxurious amethysts, whose quality of color and clea...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Tiger Stripe Earrings with Black and Gold Enamel Stripes
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This 18K yellow gold pair of Mid-20th Century clip on earrings with posts are simple yet visceral. Shimmering transparent gold enamel and jet black opaque enamel stripes in visually...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold

Substantial Tanzanite and Diamond Earrings in 18k Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Substantial Tanzanite and Diamond Earrings in 18k Gold Stunning Design Two Oval Cut Tanzanites Weighing 7.80 Carats Approximately [bright with no imperfections visible to the naked...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold

Large 18K Platinum, Onyx & Diamond Earrings by Merrin
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This imaginative and finely crafted pair of 18k gold and onyx button earrings are created from French azured platinum dome centers set with brilliant cut diamonds having a total appr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum, 18k Gold

18k Gold Bombe Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Earrings Imported to France
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This classic pair of 18k gold, Akoya pearl and diamond earrings was crafted, presumably in Italy, and then imported and sold in France during the middle of the 20th century. Each ov...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vaid Roma 18 Karat White Gold Earrings with Iolite and Blue Topaz
Located in New York, NY
Italian Jewelers for more than three generations, VAID has produced merchandise exclusively for some of the most renowned jewelers across the world. T...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Iolite, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Malachite and Diamond Hoop Earrings, circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Modern Striped malachite and diamond hoop earrings circa 1970. Styled in 18 karat yellow gold these earrings are stamped CY. The estimated weight of the diamonds is 0.44 ca...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Luna Felix Gold and Conl Wood Opal Drope Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning and unusual drop earrings by American designer, Luna Felix. Felix is known, in part, for her fine Etruscan work. The outer rim of the circular disc has a graceful tiny beadwork design. The disc measures 5/8 " in diameter. Below it is a right angle rectangle with a bezel set conk wood...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

2 Carat Oval Peridot and Diamond Earrings in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
Circa: 1980s Metal Type: 14 Karat White Gold Weight: 3.4 grams Dimensions: 0.75in Length Peridot Details: Carat: 2.0 carat total weight Shape: Oval Color: Vibrant green
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Cultured Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Estate Earrings Lever Backs
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond pearl estate earrings fashioned in 18 karat white gold. The earrings feature round brilliant cut diamonds weighing .50 carat total weight and graded G-H color and VS clarity....
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl Earrings with Diamonds .72 Carat
Located in New York, NY
Cellini Jewelers NYC Classic earring design is set in 18Kt Gold, with Round brilliant diamonds in a 3 prong setting accent the pearls. The earrings have a collapsible post /clip bac...
Category

1990s American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

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

Yanes Sapphire Diamond 18 Carats White Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Marcianise, CE, IT
Vintage, original earrings created by Yanes (signed J. Yanes), one of the oldest, well known Spanish jewelry houses, founded in 1861 (among its customers...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Go...

Gilded Contour Statement Earrings By Napier, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1" tall - Gold plated - Screw clip earring backs - By Napier (signed on clips) - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Excellent vintage condi...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

18 Karat Yellow Gold, Green Enamel Earrings with 34.46 Carat Cabochon Amethyst
Located in New York, NY
A striking combination of colors. These 18 karat yellow gold earrings feature large oval cabochon Amethyst centers. The center stones are set in a gold bezel surrounded by a vibrant ...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

18 Karat White Gold Earrings with Diamonds, Blue Topaz & Onyx
Located in New York, NY
These earrings were designed by Oro Trend of Italy. The 18 karat white gold teardrop shaped earrings are set with Diamonds, Blue Topaz and Black Onyx...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Asch Grossbardt White Gold Black and White Checkerboard Onyx MOP Earrings
Located in Dallas, TX
Asch Grossbardt 14K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl and Onyx Clip Post Earrings.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Onyx, White Gold

Platinum & 18KT White Gold and Diamond Earrings with Green Tahitian Pearl Center
Located in New York, NY
Crescent shaped earrings designed with pave Diamonds and beautiful Green Tahitian Pearls.These earrings have an adjustable post suitable for pier...
Category

1990s Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Roger Mathon for Cellini NYC 18 Karat White Gold and 5.39 Carat Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Among insiders in the business of haute joaillerie, Mathon Paris is one of most storied places in the world. It’s not widely known to the public because m...
Category

1990s French Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18KT Yellow Gold & 2.56Ct. Diamond Panther Earrings with Sapphires and Emeralds
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold Panther head earrings . The earrings are set with pave Diamonds and Blue Sapphires. The Panthers eyes are marquis shaped Emeralds. The earrings measure 1" in len...
Category

1990s French Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamonds and Gold Ribbon Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant and playful 18 karat gold earrings with 13 diamonds in each. The gold loops look like part of ornamental gift wrapping. The diamonds weigh a total of 2.5 carats and are G col...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Cellini Princess Cut Diamond Hoop Earrings with Pink Diamonds in 18kt Gold
Located in New York, NY
18-karat white and rose gold tapered hoop earrings are each set with three princess-cut diamonds in rose gold bezels, surrounded with 1.01 ca...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Diamond and Emerald Tulip Earrings
Located in Dallas, TX
These stunning Diamond and pear shaped Emerald Tulip Earrings are set in 18k Yellow Gold
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

9ct 375 Gold Earrings
Located in London, GB
9ct 375 Gold XL Ribbon Design Earrings Trio Colour Golds - Yellow ,White & Rose For pierced ears Makers initial CS dated 1994
Category

1990s British Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Gold

Midcentury Diamond Encrusted Platinum Flower Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Glorious mid-century flower earrings crafted in platinum, featuring 182 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 10 carats total, G color, VS clarity. Finely crafted diamo...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Charles Krypell 18KT Yellow Gold 2.30 Carat Sapphire and 1.16ct Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Charles Krypell Jewelry is a New York Based fine jewelry brand that became internationally known for its exquisite use of color, novel designs, and outstanding craftsmanship. These ...
Category

1990s American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamonds 0.65 Carat Swirl Button Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These 18 karat gold button earrings are designed in a high polished yellow gold swirl accented with round brilliant diamonds. The earrings measure 3/4" diameter. They are clip on, po...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cellini Jewelers 18KT White Gold, 3.91CT. Diamond & South Sea Pearl Drop Earring
Located in New York, NY
Cellini Jewelers NYC 18KT White Gold earrings, are composed of 3.91 carats of diamonds and 14.5mm X 12mm South Sea Pearls. Approximately 300 round...
Category

1990s American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Boris LeBeau Gold Swirl Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Large, sporty 18 karat gold earrings by the late New York designer, Boris LeBeau. The swirled design looks like intertwined ribbons. The earrings measure 1 7/16" wide and 1 1/4" lon...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Cellini 18KT YG/WG Baguette 6.75 Carat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Paisley Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These beautifully crafted and designed double paisley earrings are set in 18 Karat yellow and white gold, with 4.46Cts. of Baguette cut blue sapphires...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

David Morris 18Kt Yellow/Blackened Gold Diamond & Pink Tourmaline Heart Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These 18 karat yellow gold teardrop shaped earrings were designed by David Morris.They feature Pink Tourmaline heart centers with a yellow gold bezel setting...
Category

1990s American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Couture 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Nino Verita Love Knot Earrings 21.1 Grams
Located in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL
Nino Verita couture jewelry is highly sought after and very elusive. Only single digit items can be found at any given time, and of course the majority are...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Asch Grossbardt Onyx and Mother of Pearl Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Chic black and white earrings by Asch Grossbardt with onyx and mother of pearl. Dividing the nine squares with curved gold banding makes them especial...
Category

1990s American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Onyx, 14k Gold

Ming's Hawaii 3D Rose Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
A gorgeous Ming's Hawaii earrings in 14k yellow gold. The beautifully designed Rose in 3D is just stunning and very rare. These earrings are handcrafte...
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

14k Gold

Cellini Jewelers Platinum Leaf Earrings 5.03 Carat Diamonds and South Sea Pearls
Located in New York, NY
Cellini exclusive earrings. These earrings are designed as a graceful leaf shape. They are set with Tapered Baguette Cut and Round Brilliant Diamonds. The earrings center 11.5 mm Sou...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Gold Vintage Pierced Lever Back Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of signed vintage and elegant Tiffany sculptural brush stroke earrings are 18K gold stamped and from the 70's. This is pre Elsa Peretti design from Tiffany. They lay beauti...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Charles Krypell 18Kt YG Invisibly Set Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Charles Krypell, jewelers since 1976. These earrings are the perfect example of fine craftsmanship. Featuring invisibly set baguette blue sapphires and square emeralds al...
Category

1990s American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Swirl Earrings with Amethyst
Located in Darnestown, MD
Very graceful 18 karat gold earrings in a swirl pattern highlighted with a faceted amethyst in a triangular shape. The backs are both clips and posts. The earrings are 1 inch long a...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold, 5.17 Carat of Diamonds and Black Onyx Swirl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Lovely and elegant would best describe these earrings. Crafted entirely in 18 karat white gold and set with round brilliant pave diamonds and black onyx. The beautiful curves of the ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Door Knocker Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Period: Vintage Year: c.1980 Material: 18K Yellow Gold, 2.0ct Diamond Weight: Each earring weighs 11.5 grams Length of each earing from post is 1.5 inches/3.81 cm Width: 1 inch/2.54 ...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Van Cleef and Arpels pear shaped diamond earrings that are the ultimate in elegant simplicity. The earrings are made of 154 diamonds with a total weight of approximately 7 carats. T...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Wiwen Nilsson a Pair of Screw Earrings, Sterling Silver, Lund, Sweden 1941-1956
Located in bronshoj, DK
Wiwen NILSSON, a pair of screw earrings, sterling silver, Lund, Sweden 1941-1956. Measures 2 cm. Stamped. In perfect condition.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

La Nouvelle Bague 18 Karat Gold Earrings with Diamond .32 Carat and Green Enamel
Located in New York, NY
These magnificent earrings were designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite enamel work, marrying the classic with the modern. These round earrings are high polished 18kt rose gold with fluting on one side. A row of round brilliant cut diamonds set in white gold ,criss cross with a white gold arrow tipped with emerald green enamel. The earrings measure 3/4" diameter and have a diamond weight of 0.32 carats. They have a post back with a french clip for pierced ears...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Domed Diamond Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant dome shaped diamond earrings nested in gold banding and gold criss crosses. The earrings have 128 diamonds with a total weight of approximately 5 carats. The stones are VS qu...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Gold and Diamond Interlocking Ovals Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Unusual earrings with two overlapping ovals - one of 18 karat yellow gold and the other of diamonds set in white gold. The earrings are 3/4" in width and length. Backs are clips and...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Hematite and Onyx Gold Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Chic earrings of alternating diagonal stripes of hematite and black onyx framed in gold. The backs are posts and clips. The earrings measure 7/8" to a side. Apologies for the reflect...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Onyx, Hematite, 14k Gold

Futuristic Space Age Tourmaline and Diamond Earrings
Located in Wailea, HI
Futuristic Space Age Tourmaline and Diamond Earrings Two Sugarloaf Cut Tourmalines Weighing 6.00 Carats Eight Round Tourmalines Weighi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Gold and Diamond Lattice Pattern Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant gold and diamond earrings woven in a lattice pattern. All four arms are rounded in form to give the graceful appearance of fabric. The earrings have 2.6 carats of diamonds t...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14 Karat Gold Pierced Lever Back Chandelier Sculptural Earrings Italian Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
These sculptural Italian pierced lever back 14K gold dangle chandelier earrings are 4 triangles that make up the form and sculptural shape. They are hallmarked !4KT...
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

14k Gold, Gold

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