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 Pale Yellow Roses Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning clip-on earrings for French jewelry designer Françoise Montague. The dimensional resin shape features rose flowers in an elegant, pale yellow colo...
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
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 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
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Stud Earrings
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 Opals is 19.88 carats. The wei...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,871Sale Price|25% Off
14KYl Gold Door Knocker Clip-On Earrings with Turquoise & Diamond 66.46ct
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
$519Sale 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 Gold, 68.26 carat Kunzite, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and special, modern style, Kunzite & Multi Sapphires Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzites is 68.26 carats. ...
Diamond, Kunzite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose 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
Tiffany & Co. Turquoise Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Earclip Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Cabochon Turquoise & Diamond Earclip Earrings, dated 1981. These elegant vintage earrings feature vibrant oval cabochon turquoise gemstones beau...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.24 Carat Natural Round Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings 18K White Gold Handmade
Located in Deira, AE
Designed to make a statement while remaining timeless, these handcrafted hoop earrings showcase an elegant row of brilliant round natural diamonds that deliver exceptional fire and b...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 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...
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
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
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
Modern 14 Karat Gold Chalcedony Diamond Amethyst French Back Drop Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning pair of modern design French back drop stud earrings. It is crafted in 14K gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 4 chalcedonies, oval cabochon cut, bluish gray...
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 9.90 carats, Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 9.90 carats. The Blue Sapph...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Pair of Antique 14K White Gold & Double Pearl Screwback Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique white gold & pearl earrings. In 14 karat white gold. Each earrings with a pair of matched pearls and screw back closures. Marked to the post. Simply a wond...
Pearl, White Gold
Earrings with turquoise and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold clip-on earrings set with turquoise and brilliant-cut diamonds 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description the top of the ear stud is 2.1 cm long by 1.1 cm wide wei...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$526Sale 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
$526Sale 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
$538Sale 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
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, 4.14 carats Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Hoop Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphire Hoop Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 4.14 carats. The Diamonds we...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Van Cleef & Arples Vintage Alhambra Mother-Of-Pearl 18K Yellow GoldStud Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Earrings. These iconic earrings feature the maison’s signature Alhambra clover motif, beautifully crafted in r...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$519Sale 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
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
Earrings with lemon chrysophrase and single cut diamonds up to 0.36ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with lemon chrysoprase 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...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,818Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Earrings with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with pearl and single cut diamonds. 0.32ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: the size of the earring is 3.0 cm high by 8.0 mm wide Total weight 4.5 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Turquoise Pink Opal Diamond Halo Stud Earrings Handmade 18K Rose Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Bold, artistic, and exceptionally handcrafted, these statement stud earrings showcase a striking composition of vibrant gemstones arranged in a geometric mosaic design. Rich Zambian ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald Rope Hoop Drop Earrings – 2.75 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant simplicity meets contemporary design in these striking 14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald Rope Hoop Earrings. Rich oval cabochon emeralds weighing approximately 2.75 carats tot...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$615Sale 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
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...
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
Emerald Snake Earrings Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Small Studs Serpent Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pair of vintage emerald snake earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1990s). Pear cut emeralds measure approx. 4mm x 3.5mm. With a textured gold design the snak...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$200Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
$567Sale 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
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
9.05 Carat Zambian Emerald 2.27 Carat Diamond 18K White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted in luminous 18K White Gold, these exceptional drop earrings showcase the timeless beauty of natural Zambian emeralds framed by a dazzling halo of natural diamonds. The rich 6...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage silver tone modernist designer runway clip on earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • silver tone • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1 3/8" by 3/4" CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ❤️❤️ ...
Silver
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
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...
$519Sale 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
Floating Pearl 14k Gold Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Floating Pearl Earrings are made of solid 14k gold with 7mm freshwater pearls. The original model was inspired by objects found in nature and was created based on several seashells ...
Pearl, 14k Gold
$519Sale 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
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Hoop Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These charming 18K yellow gold hoop earrings feature vibrant natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each hoop is delicately handcrafted with alternating bright blue turquoise beads...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Citrine and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine earrings silver, gold. Dangle citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Citrine and Topaz A striking pair of citr...
Citrine, 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
$185Sale Price|20% Off
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
11.98 Carat Emerald & Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Natsilane Black Fish Earrings, from The Garden of Myth collection, emerge as a spellbinding union of cultural legend and couture artistry. Rooted in the Tlingit and Haida...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
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
$519Sale 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
Tiffany & Company Paloma Picasso 'X' 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings Large Size
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Tiffany & Co. Large Paloma Picasso “X” Earrings, circa 1984. Designed by the legendary Paloma Picasso, these iconic earrings feature her bold and instantl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
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...
Floral Cluster Marquise & Pear Diamond Stud Earrings 4.60ct in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted to capture the beauty of a blooming flower, these elegant diamond stud earrings showcase a graceful floral silhouette created with brilliant marquise and round natural diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold