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.
Tiffany & Co. 1992 18K Gold Woven Fluted Bombe Clip Earrings
Located in Orlando, FL
A confident study in gold engineering from Tiffany & Co.'s early 1990s workshop. Fluted, marquise-shaped links are woven into a basket-like lattice, building up into a substantia...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Richard Kerr Fuchsia Jeweled Dangling Star Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these gorgeous chandelier clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. The pieces boast a cascading shape with two star-shape...
Vintage 18K gold cornicello cornetto earrings - Estate horn charm earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
New in is this vintage pair of solid 18 karat gold earrings. These are lever back earrings with two textured cornicello cornets dangling below them. These "Cornicello cornetto" are b...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 950 Platinum & Diamond Screwback Stud Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of fine signed vintage platinum and diamond stud earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In .950 platinum. Each with a prong-set round cut diamond. With screwback closures. Marked to ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cilea Paris Dangle Resin Pierced Earrings Powder Pink Rose Flower
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling pierced earrings. These floral-inspired artisanal resin earrings feature delicate rose flowers with textured hearts built t...
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
$2,505Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé Circle & Turquoise Briolette Earrings 2.45 CTS 1.8"
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic 14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Turquoise Briolette Earrings Make an elegant statement with these sophisticated 14K yellow gold diamond and turquoise dangle earrings, combini...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 14.18 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Modernist Carnelian and Black Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi clip-on earrings, made in Italy, feature a modernist design with a geometric double-donut resin piece. Each element is carved and see-through. The color ...
David Yurman Sterling Silver Diamond Cable Earrings 0.28 CTW, 925, 14KY Posts
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
These elegant David Yurman sterling silver earrings showcase the designer's unmistakable sculptural approach to jewelry. The dimensional, flowing design combines polished silver with...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,987Sale Price|25% Off
18K Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Earrings-OGI Ltd Estate Collection
Located in New York, NY
Make an unforgettable impression with these elegant 18K yellow gold Black Pearl & Diamond Earrings, showcasing the captivating beauty of dark pearls with an alluring peacock-green ir...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$516Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with citrine briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with citrine briolettes. Lily flower earrings. Citrine earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Delicate flower threader earrings crafted in silver ...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Francoise Montague Paris Clip Earrings Dangle Black and Pale Gold Petals Resin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning clip-on earrings for French designer Francoise Montague Paris. They feature a massive dangle shape in black and pale gold resin with a waved-petal...
Natural Burmese Jadeite & Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee transforms the nostalgic ring‑toss game into jewel‑born mythology with the Treasured Ringtoss Earrings, elevating playful motion into ceremonial elegance and divine symboli...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Enamel
Moonstone & Diamond Earrings, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Rainbow Reflection Earrings shimmer with the luminous mystique of rainbow moonstone, a gem long revered across civilizations and adored by artists for centuries. Romans b...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Vintage Pair of Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Twist Knot Stud Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed silver earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Each in the form of a twist knot or love knot. Each secured with a pushback closure. Marked to t...
Sterling Silver
2.27 Carat Color Diamond & Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Inspired by the sacred epitrachelion vestment of the Orthodox tradition, Austy Lee's Blue Flora of Epitrachelion Earrings reinterpret centuries of symbolism through the language of c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$522Sale 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
Cartier Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum, 1.00ctw GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Introducing the Cartier Platinum Diamond Stud Earrings – a definitive expression of elegance and precision, perfect for the discerning jewelry aficionado. These exquisite earrings em...
Diamond, Platinum
Silvorra Contemprory 1.78CT Oval Cut Blue Topaz Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
A refined pair of 1.78 carat oval cut blue topaz stud earrings crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Each earring features a vibrant oval blue topaz measuring 5 x 7 mm, with 2 gemstone pie...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$523Sale 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
Zoe Coste France Gilt Metal Jeweled Dangle Clip Earrings with Blue Cabochon
Located in Atlanta, GA
These are stunning Zoe Coste for Reminiscence gilt metal dangling clip-on earrings. They feature a stylized Maltese cross shape with dangling gilded metal striped teardrops. The Malt...
Gilt Metal
$535Sale 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
Tiffany & Co. Victoria Mixed Cluster Drop Earrings in Platinum, 4.25 ct tw
Located in Feasterville, PA
Discover the exquisite allure of Tiffany & Co's diamond earrings, a testament to sophisticated design. Crafted in platinum, these earrings feature a stunning arrangement of marquise...
Diamond, Platinum
$510Sale 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
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
Vintage 18K Gold Tiffany & Co. Feather Drop Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
This is a retired Tiffany & Co. earring made from the 1990’s until 2003, called the Feather Drop. It features an elongated torpedo-shaped dangle that is representative of a feath...
Gold, 18k 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
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
$1,387Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings with 1.75ct Oval Sapphires & Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Sleek, sophisticated, and timelessly elegant—these 14K yellow gold drop earrings showcase two richly hued oval sapphires measuring 7x5mm and totaling 1.75 carats. Framed by a cascade...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Vintage Sterling Abalone Shell Mermaid Earrings
Located in Webster, SD
These beautiful, vintage mermaid earrings are sterling silver with abalone shell cabochons. Measurements: 3/4 by 1 5/8 inches Weight: 10.4 grams Marks: Sterling, 69, Shube's hallmark...
Sterling 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 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
Vintage Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Open Heart Sterling Silver Stud Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of silver openwork heart stud earrings. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Each in the form of a heart with push-back closures. Marked to the r...
Sterling Silver
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
Set in 18K Gold, 1.79 carat, Multi Sapphire & Diamond "Paperclip" Dangle Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires "Paperclip" Dangle Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 1.79 carats. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k 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
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
Earrings with South Sea pearls and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ear clips set with South Sea pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.6 cm long by 1....
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 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...
$980Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Leverback Drop Earrings Oval Lapis Lazuli & Emerald Cabochon
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
14K Yellow Gold Leverback Drop Earrings with Oval Lapis Lazuli Cabochon & Round Emerald Accents Elegant leverback drop earrings crafted in solid 14K yellow gold. Each earring fea...
Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Francoise Montague Resin Clip Earrings Dangle Fuchsia Pink Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
These clip-on earrings by Cilea Paris for designer Francoise Montague are stunning. The pieces feature a dimensional hand-made dangle-drop shape in fuchsia pink-colored resin shaped ...
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
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
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Louis Vuitton Empreinte 18K Rose Gold Stud Earrings OGI Ltd Estate Collection
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday elegance with these authentic Louis Vuitton Empreinte 18K Rose Gold Stud Earrings. from the OGI Ltd Estate Collection, Crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold (Au750...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings Baguette/Round-OGI Ltd Estate Collection
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
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 emerald up to 5.00ct and diamonds up to 5.00ct 18k gold 16.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ear clips set with emerald up to 5.00ct and brilliant and marquise cut diamonds up to 5.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip ar...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$1,192Sale Price|20% Off
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
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, 18.55 carats, natural Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The combined weight of the Rubies is 18.55 carats. The Rubies are completely n...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Tourmaline & Emerald Cabochon & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Tourmaline Stud Earring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmaline Cabochon is 14.11 carats. The we...
Diamond, Emerald, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White 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
14KT Yellow Gold Round Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bezel Set Bubbled Drop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Alternating round-cut blue sapphires and sparkling white diamonds create a sophisticated color palette that pops against the warm gold. Each stone is securely encased in a smooth gol...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$510Sale 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
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
Sonia Rykiel Black and Pink Resin Geometric 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 resin disk complemented by a dimensional triangle resin...
Vintage Round Diamond Stud Earrings 10k Yellow Gold Cluster Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond cluster stud earrings crafted in 10k yellow & white gold (circa 1980s). Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.38 carats (estimated at L-M col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Christian Dior Gold Tone Blue Crystal Dome Clip On Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of dome clip on earrings designed by Christian Dior in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated, features dark blue, icy blue and clear crystals. Signed: “Chr. Dior” (shown ...