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.
Cilea Paris Avocado Green and Flowers Resin Dangle Pierced Earrings
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these elegant clip-on earrings. These dimensionally dangling artisanal resin earrings feature a textured pattern and a glossy finish. The lovely spring palette f...
Angela Caputi Dangle Clip Earrings with Turquoise Resin Buddha
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature a dangling Asian motif in turquoise-imitation color, black contrast, and crystal rhinestone spacers...
Guy Laroche Paris Gilt Metal and Jeweled Clip Earrings
By Guy Laroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Guy Laroche Paris clip-on earrings feature a rounded shape with carved and textured gilt-metal framing and a stylized faux-fabric knitted patchwork. The pieces are emb...
Gilt Metal
Moissanite 2Ct Stud Earrings Unisex 925 Sterling Silver.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite 2Ct Stud Earrings Unisex 925 Sterling Silver. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Clarity: D Color & VVS1 Clarity. Hall...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Moissanite Unisex Stud Earrings 925 Sterling Silver Valentines Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite Unisex Stud Earrings 925 Sterling Silver Valentines Gift. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Clarity: D Color & VVS1 Clarity. ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Angela Caputi Gilded and Red Cinnabar Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature an oversized, dangling, donut-like design in red cinnabar color, gilded metal embellishment, and cr...
Set in 18K yellow Gold, Pink Sapphires, Tsavorites & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Pink Sapphires & Tsavories Dangle Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 8.02 carats. The Pink Sapphir...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$353Sale 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
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...
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...
Sonia Rykiel Black and Pink Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
By Sonia Rykiel
Located in Atlanta, GA
These chic French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel Paris dangling clip-on earrings feature a geometric shape with a black acrylic or resin disk complemented by a dimensional triangle re...
$518Sale 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
$423Sale 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
$423Sale 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
$423Sale 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
$423Sale Price / item|55% Off
Opal cabochon 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal cabochon 12 MM Huggie Earrings, colorless gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diamete...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Mercedes Robirosa Style Gilded Metal Clip Earrings with Glass Cabochons
Located in Atlanta, GA
These Ultra-chic dangling clip-on earrings have a design reminiscent of Mercedes Robirosa's work. The earrings are a stunning example of baroque style, with a massive construction th...
Gilt Metal
Cilea Paris Taupe and Cocoa Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these elegant clip-on earrings. These dimensionally dangling artisanal resin earrings feature a textured pattern and a glossy finish. The lovely fall season pale...
Orange and Champagne Jeweled Resin Dangle Chandelier Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These fabulous Italian designer Studio Lucite or resin dangling clip-on earrings feature a chandelier shape with a geometric, elongated donut design in beige, champagne, and neon ora...
Vintage Chanel logo faux pearl clip on earrings, gold tone
By Chanel
Located in NEWARK, GB
A fantastic pair of vintage Chanel clip on earrings. A medium sized and easy to wear pair of earrings in gold tone metal with Chanel Paris written on the gold tone metal in enamel w...
Base Metal
$529Sale 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
$1,144Sale 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
925 Sterling Siver Stud Earrings Simple Birthday Gift Pear Shaped Stone Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
925 Sterling Siver Stud Earrings Simple Birthday Gift Pear Shaped Stone Earrings Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Clarity: D Color & VV...
Silver, Sterling 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...
$1,144Sale 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
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...
$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...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Silver
$523Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silver, gold carved flower earrings studs with citrines and topazs
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold carved flower earrings studs with citrines and topazs. 3 petal flower earrings. Blue topazs earrings. Flower earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Metal: silver 92...
Citrine, Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
925 Sterling Silver Earrings Moissanite Drop Earrings Minimalist Gift For Women.
Located in Chicago, IL
925 Sterling Silver Earrings Moissanite Drop Earrings Minimalist Gift For Women. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Clarity: D Color & VV...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Frank Gehry Sterling Silver Oval Morph Stud Earrings #24659
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Frank Gehry Sterling Silver Oval Morph Stud Earrings #24659 Authentic Tiffany earrings in Frank Gehry's iconic modern concave design featuring an open middle disc s...
Sterling Silver
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
$1,144Sale 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
$1,299
18K Gold Cobra Earrings
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Earring Diameter: 1.00" x 0.38" Total Weight: 3.7 Grams Stamped: "K18" Condition: Preowned, excellent
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,288Sale Price|33% Off
14K Yellow Gold Inside-Out Hoop Earrings with Sapphires & Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate a classic silhouette with a modern, high-luxury update. These 14K yellow gold inside-out hoop earrings feature a sophisticated twist-lock prong setting, showcasing baguette-c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oxidized Sterling Silver, 24K Yellow Gold, Staurolite & Smokey Topaz Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
These unusual earrings by Bora Jewelry feature natural staurolite and smoky topaz drops set in rich 24K yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver. The striking contrast of darkened si...
Topaz, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Diamond Earrings "Cascade I" by Willow Diamonds
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
These 18K yellow gold handmade diamond dangle earrings by Willow Diamonds embody refined craftsmanship and effortless elegance. Designed with fluid movement, each natural diamond shi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Waterfall Black and Gold Glass Beaded Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning dangling glass clip-on earrings, shaped like a lionfish, feature an oversized shoulder-duster design and a cascading waterfall made with tiny black-and-gold glass stic...
$494Sale 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
$529Sale 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
Moissanite Feather Shape Stud Earrings 925 Sterling Silver Birthday Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite Feather Shape Stud Earrings 925 Sterling Silver Birthday Gift. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Clarity: D Color & VVS1 Clar...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, natural Mozambique Rubies & Yellow Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby Dangle Earrings set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 11.87 carats. The Rubies are completely natural,...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$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
925 Sterling Silver Stud Earing For Women Moissanite Minimalist Earring For Her.
Located in Chicago, IL
925 Sterling Silver Stud Earing For Women Moissanite Minimalist Earring For Her. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Clarity: D Color ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,102Sale 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
$1,102Sale Price / item|35% Off
Topaz and amethyst 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Topaz and amethyst 14k gold earrings. Red and purple gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones amethyst, purple, oval cut, ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold
Earrings with amethist and rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clip-on earrings set with amethyst and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.30 ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The clip-on earrings are 2.5 cm long and 1.9 cm wide. Total...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Christian Lacroix Amethyst and Yellow Jeweled Heart Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These gorgeous Christian Lacroix Paris clip-on earrings feature an important resin dangling shape with an abstract flower and heart adorned with clear crystal rhinestones. The pieces...
Silver Plate
Earrings with ruby up to 2.40ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold stud earrings set with ruby 2.40ct and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description The stud earrings are 1.0 cm long by 8.3 mm wide wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$11,025Sale Price / set|20% Off
3.33 Carat SI/H Diamond Drop Earrings 18k White Gold Jewelry
Located in Diera, AE
Details:- Item Code :- SEE-110448 Gross Wt. :- 4.77 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 4.10 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 3.33 Ct. ( SI Clarity & Hi Color ) Your Diamond, Your Trust Guarantee...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Pear Cut 1.02 Ct SI/H Diamond Inside-Out Hoop Earrings 18k White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Angela Caputi Red Cinnabar Pepper Dangle Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Add a little spice to your wardrobe !! Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature an oversized dangling design with red cinnabar and black col...
Angela Caputi Fuchsia and Gold Dust 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 fuchsia hot pink, gold dus...
Vintage Chanel CC logo clip on earrings, Yellow and gold tone
By Chanel
Located in NEWARK, GB
A fantastic pair of vintage Chanel clip on earrings. This is a fairly large pair of earrings in a vibrant yellow translucent resin with gold tone CC logo underneath. They are a dom...
Base Metal, Brass
Richard Kerr Multicolor Jeweled Dangle Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr created these stunning, eye-catching clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are composed of his trademark pave crystals and have a geometric dangle shape. They are framed i...
$734Sale Price / item|40% Off
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold. Flower gold earrings. Pear ruby earrings. Red flower earrings. 14k solid gold Size: 10 x 7 mm. Total weight:...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Black and Cocoa Brown Floral Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these stunning made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces feature a black and cocoa brown contrast with tawny colors. The dimensional, graduated, resin ...
$734Sale Price / item|40% Off
Starburst Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Starburst Stud Earrings. Rainbow opal earirngs. 14k gold earrings. Vintage/Old Style opal earrings. Ethiopian opal earrings. October Birthstone jewelry. 14k solid gold Size: 12 x 8 ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Bezel-Set Round Cabochon 1.16ct Citrine Stud Earring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold
38.83 Carat Morganite, 1.42 Carat Diamond, 18 Carat Rose Gold Earrings
Located in Berlin, DE
Discover a pair of earrings that radiate elegance, femininity, and timeless sophistication. Crafted from luxurious 18 carat rose gold, these exquisite earrings feature two breathtaki...
Diamond, Morganite, Rose Gold
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