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.
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
Francoise Montague Paris Red Resin Floral Clip-on Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning French Jewelry Designer Francoise Montague Paris resin clip-on earrings feature a dimensional anemone-shaped motif in raspberry red and black. There is no visible make...
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
Earrings with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 13.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ear clips set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.2.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.7 cm long by 1.2 cm thick ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
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
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
$218Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Dior logo script clip on earrings, silver tone metal
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous pair of vintage Christian Dior logo script design clip on earrings. Large oversized silver tone metal dome or disc shaped earrings with the Dior logo written all over th...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
$955 / item
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
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings, Modern Design, 2.16ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold entourage stud earrings set with a central ruby up to 2.16 ct and an entourage of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.46 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The front...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
24-Carat Gilded Bronze and Rock Crystal Clip Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Rectangular rock stones set on 24-carat gilded bronze clip earrings. This designer was Robert Goossens personal assistant in all of his creations. She worked by his side for 20 years...
Rock Crystal
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Massive Multicolor Acrylic Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight created these rare, stunning chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. These extravagant dangling acrylic pieces feature a dimensional shape with ge...
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
$2,136Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Drop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, these 14K yellow gold drop earrings showcase a sophisticated arrangement of richly saturated cabochon emeralds accented by sparkling diamonds. Designed with bez...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$623Sale 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
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
$573Sale 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
Statement Citrine and Blue Topaz Stud Earrings Set in Sterling Silver Settings
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 13.06 carat pear shaped citrine and blue topaz stud earrings are crafted in 925 solid silver. The oval cut citrine gemstones at center measures approximately 9 × 11 mm ...
Citrine, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 17.97 carats, Ceylon Pink Sapphires modern Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphire Stud Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 17.97 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$525Sale 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
$525Sale 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
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
Earrings with coral and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.03ct 18k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold stud earrings set with coral and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.03ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the stud/pendant are 8.6 mm long by 7.7 m...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.24ct 18k gold 2.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with sapphires up to 1.26 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.24 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings measure 1.7 cm long and 4.8 mm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$525Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style topaz, colorless topazes dangle earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz,colorless topazes dangle earrings silver, gold. Topaz, colorless topazes earrings. Cocktail earrings with topaz. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold pla...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$525Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style citrine, topazes earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine, topazes earrings silver, gold. Citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: c...
Citrine, Topaz
$525Sale 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
Marco Bicego Jaipur 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Dangle Drop Earrings
By Marco Bicego
Located in Baltimore, MD
Marco Bicego Jaipur 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Dangle Drop Earrings Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 4.34 grams Length: 1.7 inch Width: 6 - 11mm Signed: Marco Bicego Made in Italy ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with marquise shaped diamond up to 1.00ct 18k gold 2.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire stud earrings set with marquise-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earring is 9.6 mm by 4.0 mm wide Weight 2....
Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold & Blue/ Pink Rhodium, Pink Sapphires & Tanzanite Hoop Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Pink Sapphire Hoop Earrings set in 18K Gold & coloured Rhodium. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 10.53 carats. The weight of the Tanzanites is 9.91 carats. The Tanzanites are responsibly sourced from Tanzania. Net 18K Gold weight is 10.30 grams. The dimensions of the Earrings are 2.00cm x 0.50cm x 0.30cm (L x W z...
Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Francoise Montague Green Floral Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling resin clip-on earrings for French Jewelry designer Francoise Montague. The floral-inspired, handmade, artisanal shape featu...
$525Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring st...
Amethyst, Topaz
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
18k White Gold Dangle Earrings with Smoky Quartz & Diamonds, 0.20ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with smoky quartz and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.20 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.1 cm long and 9.8 mm wide. Total weig...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Washed Blue Dangle Resin Geometric Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These very chic Angela Caputi resin clip-on earrings, made in Italy, feature an extra-long dangling shape with geometric elements, faceted beads, and flat disks in a rare washed navy...
$525Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style amethyst, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold. Amethyst, topazes earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethyst. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Onyx Diamond Clip-On Door Knocker Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably chic, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings showcase a striking interplay of color and form. Suspended from diamond-accented hoops totaling 0...
Diamond, Turquoise, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Natural Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Natural Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings GIA report numbers: 5231334520, 2231897767 Diamonds: 1.12 H SI2 round brilliant natural diamond, 1.10 H I1 natural ...
Diamond, White Gold
Angela Caputi Pink and Gold Resin Dangle Flamenco Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature an important dangling design with wavy-shaped floral elements. The pieces boast antique rose, gold, turquo...
Green Jade & Ruby & Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An extraordinary creation from the Ikhor Collection, the Byzantine Violin Flame Earrings by Austy Lee embody the artistry of high jewellery, where musical elegance meets sculptural b...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
$525Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings silver, gold. Topaz, garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemston...
Garnet, Topaz
$525Sale 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
$525Sale 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
$354Sale Price / item|50% Off
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings, Fields with flowers painting.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with topazs, fields of flowers drawing. Blue and yellow flowers. Handmade flower themed Shell Earrings with opal. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrin...
Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$519Sale 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
Angela Caputi Black and Gray Floral Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these sophisticated made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces boast a black contrast with a warm gray color. The dimensional, dangling, carved resin bl...
$424Sale Price / item|55% Off
Freshwater 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Freshwater pearl 12 MM Huggie Earrings, white Freshwater pearl Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner d...
Freshwater Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Hoop Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These delicate hoop earrings feature rare Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise from Arizona’s now-closed Sleeping Beauty mine, celebrated for its pure, vibrant robin's egg blue color wi...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
$424Sale Price / item|55% Off
Amethyst 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 12 MM Huggie Earrings, purple gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Ear...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage style Citrine briolette earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Citrine earrings. Citrine flower earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November birthstone earrings. Ar...
Citrine, Topaz, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver
$445Sale 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
$955 / item
Art Nouveau Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Topaz Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Topaz Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings. Weight: 5 g...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$445Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
Earrings with sapphire 4.00ct and brilliant cut diamond sup 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
$424Sale Price / item|55% Off
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, blue gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Earrin...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
$531Sale 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
Monique Vedie, Line Vautrin Student Resin Clip Earrings Pistachio Flower
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Monique Vedie resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a daisy-shaped design with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a textured pattern in glittering pistach...
Cartier Trinity Vintage Hoop Earrings — 18K Tri-Color Gold, Yellow, White &
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
18k Multi-Tone Gold hoop earrings with interlocking design. Cartier Trinity. Diameter: .82" Weight: 9.4 grams Hallmarks: Cartier, 750, Serial Accessories: Our Gift Box Cond...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,147Sale 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 cut, 8x6mm Side gemst...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold
$525Sale 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
Monique Vedie Line Vautrin Student Green Talosel and Mirror Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Monique Vedie (1924-2021) Resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a stylized geometric flower shape with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a beautiful li...