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
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
$1,000 / item
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
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
Kimberly Collins 18K Yellow Gold Square Pink Tourmaline Stud Earrings Designer
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Add a vibrant touch of modern luxury with the 18K Yellow Gold Square Pink Tourmaline Stud Earrings by Kimberly Collins. Crafted in radiant 18K yellow gold, these sophisticated design...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$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 coral and brillaint cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold 9.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold stud earrings with coral and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.20ct – F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The dimensions of the stud earring are 1.8 cm wide and 3.1 cm hi...
Diamond, Coral, 14k Gold
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
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
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...
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
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
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
Kenzo Paris Orange and Red Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
By Kenzo
Located in Atlanta, GA
Kenzo Paris designed these stunning dangling clip-on earrings. The rare pieces feature a long, dangle-drop cascading shape with a worked, gilt metal chain, complemented by resin geom...
Gilt Metal
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
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
HRD report Earrings studs with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.91ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold solitaire stud earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to. 0.91ct – D/E – VVS2 – according to HRD report detailed description: The front of the ear stud is 5.4 m...
Diamond, 14k Gold
PASQUALE BRUNI earrings with different gemstones and diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
PASQUALI BRUNI 18k white gold stud earrings set with sapphire, topaz, tourmaline, amethyst, citrine, peridot and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.24ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed descripti...
Blue Topaz, Tourmaline, Blue Sapphire, Peridot, Diamond, Citrine, Amethy...
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
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
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
Earrings with carnelian, sapphire and rock crystal 18k gold 22.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clip-on earrings set with carnelian, sapphire, and rock crystal – 22.8 grams Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 4.4 cm in length and 1.7 cm in ...
Carnelian, Crystal, Rock Crystal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Kimberly Collins 18K Yellow Gold Green Tourmaline Stud Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Elevate your fine jewelry collection with the 18K Yellow Gold Bezel-Set Green Tourmaline Stud Earrings by Kimberly Collins. These sophisticated designer earrings feature vibrant roun...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow 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...
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 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
Earrings with coral and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.70ct 18k gold 28.0 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ear clips set with coral and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.70ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The ear clip has a diameter of 2.5 cm wide and is 1.6 cm thick....
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold
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 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
14KT Yellow Gold Small Diamond Huggie Hoop Earring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The term "huggee" refers to their petite, close-fitting style, which minimizes the gap between the earring and the earlobe, making them comfortable for all-day wear. Material : 14K...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT White 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, White Gold, 14k Gold
$524Sale 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
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
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Yellow Floral Carved Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso designed those exquisite yellow frosted acrylic Lucite clip-on earrings. They boast a dimensional shape, all carved and textured, featuring a daisy flower ...
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
$543Sale 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
Kimberly Collins 18K Yellow Gold Bezel-Set Round Amethyst Stud Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Elevate your fine jewelry collection with the 18K Yellow Gold Bezel-Set Round Amethyst Stud Earrings by Kimberly Collins. Crafted in radiant 18K yellow gold, these elegant designer e...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
18KT Yellow Gold Modern Bezel-Set 0.5ct Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed for both style and functionality, the low-profile bezel setting offers a snag-free finish that is ideal for an active lifestyle. To ensure maximum comfort and security, thes...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kaso Green and Orange Acrylic Lucite Dangling Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknigt designed those stunning Acrylic Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. The pieces boast a massive donut-shaped design with a geometric design. The mirrored t...
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
$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
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
$530Sale 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
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings, 0.35ct Baguette & Round Cuts
Located in New York, NY
Delicate in size yet radiant in sparkle, these 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings are the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication. Crafted in luminous 14K yell...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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...
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
$524Sale 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
Earrings with ruby up to 3.10ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.58ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with ruby up to 3.10ct and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.58ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.0 cm long by 1.0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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
Earrings with pearl, baguette and brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with baroque pearl, baguette shape and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.75ct – K/L, F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 6....
Diamond, Pearl, 18k 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
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
$571Sale 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
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
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
26848 Tiffany Co Platinum 2.08ct J VS1 Round Diamond Three Prong Stud Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
Platinum weighs 3.2 grams Round diamond weighs 1.04ct Diamond J color VS1 clarity Diamond laser inscription: ''T&Co.X09191075'' Round diamond weighs 1.04ct Diamond J color VS...
Diamond, Platinum