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.
14K Yellow Gold Natural Turquoise Stud Earrings 6.90 Carat Diamond 0.15 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Add a pop of vibrant, earthy elegance to any look with these stunning 14K yellow gold turquoise stud earrings. Each earring features a beautifully polished oval natural turquoise gem...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k 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
$539Sale 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
$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
$526Sale 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
Set in 18K white Gold, Mozambique Ruby, Zambian Emerald & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby & Emerald Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 4.64 carats. The Rubies are completely...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$552Sale Price / item|44% Off
Drop Earrings with Natural Sky Blue Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Contemporary Silver Sky Blue Topaz Earrings. Asymmetrical Sky Blue Topaz Drop Earrings. Zigzag Sky Blue Topaz Drop Earrings. Weight: 5 gr Size: aprox - 55-58 mm long. Metal: silve...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$552Sale 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
14K Yellow Gold Pear-Shaped Emerald and Diamond Lever Back Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Everyday Luxury Infuse your daily look with vibrant elegance with these 14K Yellow Gold Lever Back Earrings, showcasing a graceful pairing of pear-shaped emeralds and sparkl...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 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...
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
Earrings with sapphire 1.75ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.54ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with sapphires up to 1.75 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.54 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.7 cm long and 5.2 mm wide....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
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
Set in 18K Gold, 19.98 carat Pink Sapphire Rose Cut & Diamond Chandelier Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphire Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphire is 19.98 carats. The Pink...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Medium Hoop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage pair of signed medium hoop earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Secured with pushback closures. Marked to the reverse of the pushbacks. Simply wonderful...
Sterling Silver
Set in 18K White Gold, Pink Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and gorgeous, modern style, Pink Sapphire Stud Earring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamond. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 2.34 carats. The combined Diam...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$275Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Louis Vuitton Empreinte 18K Rose Gold Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday elegance with these authentic Louis Vuitton Empreinte 18K Rose Gold Stud Earrings. Crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold (Au750), these delicate studs feature the ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arples Vintage Alhambra Mother-Of-Pearl 18K White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K White Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Earrings. These iconic earrings feature the maison’s signature Alhambra clover motif, beautifully crafted in 18...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$220Sale 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
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.90 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of vintage stud earrings. It is crafted in 18K gold. The piece features 2 pear cut diamonds: TW 0.90ct, W-STW, SI1. Circa 1980. Weight: 1.59g Length: 0.7cm IMPORTA...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
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
14KT Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Six-Prong Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
A timeless solitaire look that provides maximum brilliance and a clean, refined aesthetic. The six-prong architecture offers enhanced protection for the diamonds while creating a cla...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Twist Half Hoop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed vintage gold earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each in the form of a twisted half hoop. Secured with pushback closures. Marked to the pos...
18k Gold
Mismatched Opal Moon Face Stud Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mismatched Celestial Moon and Star Opal Earrings. Vintage/Old Style opal earrings. Ethiopian opal earrings. October Birthstone jewelry. Sculpted Moon Face Celestial Stud Earrings. M...
Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire Briolette & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphires stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 7.16 carats. The weigh...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire Briolette & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphires Stud Earring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 6.96 carats. Th...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earrings with coral and single cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 23.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ear clips set with coral and single-cut diamonds total approx. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clips are 3.1 cm long by 2.4 c...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
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...
Earrings with sapphire and briulliant cut diamonds up to 5.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ear clips set with sapphire up to 6.00ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 5.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clips are 3.0 cm by 2....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 6.00 carats Faceted Ruby & Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 6.00 carats. The faceted Rubies are completely ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 66.46ct Total
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a vibrant statement with these spectacular 14K yellow gold turquoise and diamond clip-on earrings, expertly designed to showcase the timeless beauty of natural turquoise in a bo...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with jade 14k yellow gold 8.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold stud earrings set with jade – 8.7 grams Detailed description: The stud earring has a diameter of 1.4 cm wide and 1.0 cm thick Total weight 8.7 grams set with - 2...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$526Sale Price / item|44% Off
Flower design Amethyst Earrings Studs with Colorless Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Floral Amethyst Earrings in Gold with Enamel Flowers and Sparkling Stones. Floral Amethyst Cocktail Earrings Silver, gold. Elegant Floral Amethyst Earrings. These earrings feature a...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Elsa Peretti Open Heart Stud Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed earrings. In 18 karat yellow gold. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. From the Open Heart series. Fully marked to the reverse. (With replacement 14k ea...
18k Gold
Donald Stannard Enamel & Crystal Rhinestone Earrings, 1980's
Located in Atlanta, GA
Donald Stannard served as an assistant to Kenneth Jay Lane in the 1960's until 1972 when he started his own line of stylish costume jewelry. His creations feature bold designs with ...
Crystal, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
$545Sale 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
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
$532Sale 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
$532Sale 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
$760Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 6 CT Canary Kunzite Gemstone & Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These dazzling 6 carat Kunzite and diamond stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and feature a pair of emerald cut kunzites measuring approximately 10 x 8 mm. The soft yel...
Diamond, Kunzite, Silver, Sterling Silver
18kt Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 0.10ct Total
Located in The Hague, ZH
18 kt yellow gold earrings set with onyx and single cut cut diamond 0.10 ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description The earrings are 3.0 cm high and 1.5 cm wide weight: 15.4 grams occ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,200Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold Tear Drop South Sea Pearls & 0.20ct Diamond Floral Motif Earrings
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Elegant 18k white gold earrings featuring six tear‑drop South Sea pearls (approx. 9.3mm each) arranged in a soft, sculptural cluster. A 0.20ct diamond floral motif adds sparkle and s...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$526Sale 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
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...
$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
Long Hanging Circle Earrings 14K Yellow Gold with Natural Turquoise & Black Onyx
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Style: Long hanging / dangle with circular geometric design Closure: Secure lever-back (also called lever or shepherd’s hook style) for reliable everyday wear Measurements: Approxima...
Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$539Sale 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
Vintage Pair of David Webb Baroque Pearl Diamond Pendant Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of 18k gold and diamond baroque pearl pendant earrings by David Webb circa 1975. These earrings feature lustrous white baroque South Sea Pearls surrounded by white round ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Earrings with lapis lazuli and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.09ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold drop earrings set with lapis lazuli and brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 0.09 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: Earring dimensions: 1.4 cm long by 6.3 mm wi...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 3.05 Carat Total Weight Natural Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 3.05 Carat Total Weight Natural Diamond Stud Earrings GIA report numbers: 2366843734, 5232971636 Diamonds: 1.55 H SI1 & 1.50 I SI2 round natural diamonds Metal: 14k wh...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$574Sale 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
Angela Caputi Saffron and Turquoise Flower Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin clip-on earrings, boast an oversized dangling-drop design with floral elements. The earrings feature three large, intricately carved...
18K yellow gold pair of abstract, organic-shaped gold earrings with central pear
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 karat solid yellow gold pair of pearl earrings. This beautiful pair is set with two natural pearls. They are set in a basket of wires forming the petals of a flow...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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...
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...
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Chrysanthemum Flower Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a gorgeous pair of vintage 18k yellow gold chrysanthemum flower earrings by Tiffany & Co. The classic earrings are vintage Tiffany jewels in 18 Karat Yellow Gold and made in Italy. The earrings have extraordinary details within the exuberant flower petals. The vivid 18 Karat Yellow Gold gives the flowers an almost living effect. These 18K gold Tiffany flower earrings...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
18k yellow gold stud earrings with cabochon cut fire opal 9.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold stud earrings set with cabochon cut fire opal detailed description: The size of the stud is 1.4 cm high and 1.3 cm wide weight: 9.2 grams set with: - 2 x 1.1 cm...
Fire Opal, Yellow Gold