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.
18K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Sleeping Beauty Earrings
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious 18K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Sleeping Beauty Earrings. Light, slyly jumping, elegant, and a small diamond shining towards t...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Earrings with marquise shaped diamond up to 1.00ct 18k gold 2.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire stud earrings set with marquise-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earring is 9.6 mm by 4.0 mm wide Weight 2....
Diamond, 18k Gold
$635Sale 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
Philippe Ferrandis Baléares Aqua Clip Earrings, Crystal & Gold, France
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Baléares:Like an aquatic wave, simple and translucent. Crystal stones in marine and floral hues evoke Formentera and the cliffs of Mont Vedra… Composition Crystal stones set on champ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
$535Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style amethyst, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold. Amethyst, topazes earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethyst. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over ...
Amethyst, 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
$535Sale 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 amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethysts and Topaz A striking pair ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Black Onyx Door Knocker Diamond Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably on-trend, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings make a striking statement. Designed with large oval turquoise and black onyx links, the inter...
Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$535Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with Amethystes cabochon. Contemporary Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Earrin...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$535Sale 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 amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethysts and Topaz A striking pair ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Pink Sapphires Rose Cuts & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphire Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphire Rose Cuts is 6.07 carats. The Diam...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$974 / item
Art Nouveau Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Topaz Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Topaz Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings. Weight: 5 g...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,788Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Onyx Diamond Clip-On Door Knocker Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably chic, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings showcase a striking interplay of color and form. Suspended from diamond-accented hoops totaling 0...
Diamond, Turquoise, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$974 / item
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
Set in 18K Gold, 8.54 carat Emeralds & 9.76 carat Tanzanites modern Hoop Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Tanzanite Hoop Earrings set in 18K Gold & Blue/Green Rhodium. The weight of the Emeralds is 7.54 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Emerald, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Tinyy 0.13' Width Marquise Ruby Bezel Set Stud Earrings 2nd Hole
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Delicate yet striking, these 14K Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby Stud Earrings feature a perfectly matched pair of vivid red rubies totaling 0.40 carats, elegantly bezel set to enhance bot...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
14K Yellow Gold Diamonds & Onyx Door Knocker Earrings 0.58ct
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A bold statement of modern elegance, these 14K yellow gold earrings feature sleek carved onyx circles accented with sparkling diamonds weighing a total of 0.58 carats. Measuring 1.5"...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$445Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage Style Pearl and Moissanites Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle shell pearl earrings. Bow Pearl Drop Earrings with Moissanites in Gold Plated Silver. Floral Bow Pearl Earrings...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with amethyst and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.05ct 18k gold 2.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold stud earrings set with a flower-shaped amethyst and a brilliant-cut diamond of up to 0.05 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 1.4 cm long Total ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
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...
Earrings with pink opal and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with pink opal and brilliant cut diamonds. 0.30 ct - G/H - VS/SI detailed description the size of the earring is 2.8 cm long by 8.0 mm wide weight: 3....
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
$360Sale 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
$535Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style citrine, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold. Citrine, topazes earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Cen...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$584Sale 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
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...
Green Jade & Ruby & Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An extraordinary creation from the Ikhor Collection, the Byzantine Violin Flame Earrings by Austy Lee embody the artistry of high jewellery, where musical elegance meets sculptural b...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
18K White Gold and Diamond Large Vine Earrings by Rina Limor
By Rina Limor
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Elegant and sculptural, these 18K White Gold Large Vine Earrings by Rina Limor showcase a graceful, nature-inspired design with a luminous modern edge. Crafted in polished 18K white ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Hoop Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These delicate hoop earrings feature rare Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise from Arizona’s now-closed Sleeping Beauty mine, celebrated for its pure, vibrant robin's egg blue color wi...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Francoise Montague Pearl, Crystal and Gold Lolita Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The iconic earring style from Francoise Montague in gold, pearls, and Swarovski crystals. These clip earrings dance as you move and are universally flattering. A must-have addition t...
Crystal, Pearl, 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...
Monique Vedie Line Vautrin Student Green Talosel and Mirror Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Monique Vedie (1924-2021) Resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a stylized geometric flower shape with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a beautiful li...
$535Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Garnets and Topaz A striking pair of garnet...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$445Sale Price / item|44% Off
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold. Elegant Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. Floral design pearl earrings. A refined pair of drop earrings crafted in...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$433Sale 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
$529Sale 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
$433Sale 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
$433Sale 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
Earrings with jade and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.22ct 18k pink gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with jade and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.22 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.3 cm long and 1.0 cm wide. Total weight: 4.2 g...
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold
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...
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 Gold, 3.00 carats, natural Tapered Baguette Diamonds Huggie Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Huggie Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold. The weight of the natural Diamonds is 3.00 carats. The Tapered Baguette Diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$433Sale 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
90s Vintage Cartier Trinity Earrings 18k Gold 3/4" Fine Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish Cartier Trinity earrings crafted in 18k yellow, rose & white gold (circa 1990s). The classic Trinity earrings are great for everyday wear, crafted in 18k yellow, rose ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Shape Dangle Earrings Modern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A striking and elegant pair of 14 karat yellow gold dangle earrings, designed in a graceful elongated oval silhouette. Set with 72 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Black and Gray Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these sophisticated made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces boast a black contrast with a warm gray color. The dimensional, dangling, carved resin bl...
Dangle earrings with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.22ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with amethyst and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.22ct – G/H - VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earrings are 2.0 cm high by 8.1 mm wid...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
70s Vintage Diamond Drop Earrings Braided 14k Yellow Gold 1.25" Length Pendant
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish braided diamond drop earrings crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1970s). Diamonds total an estimated 0.30 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). The elegant...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$541Sale 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
Earrings with sapphire 4.00ct and brilliant cut diamond sup 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
$6,750Sale Price|25% Off
1.30cttw. Ruby & White Diamond Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specification: Stone: Ruby Stone Cut: Oval Ruby Weight: 1.3 ctw Ruby Color: Red Secondary Stone: White Diamond Secondary Stone Cut: Mixed Diamond Color: White Metal: 18k White Gold T...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,169Sale 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
$535Sale 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
$1,169Sale 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
Silvorra Modern Pear Cut Aquamarine Solitaire Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These minimalist aquamarine stud earrings feature two pear cut aquamarine gemstones prong set in 925 sterling silver. Each light blue gemstone measures approximately 3 x 5 mm, with a...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
$535Sale 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 925 ...
Citrine, Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Silvorra Minimalist March Birthstone Aquamarine Stud Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and feature two pear shaped aquamarine gemstones. Each stone measures approximately 3 × 5 mm, showcasing a soft, light blue ton...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
14 Karat White Gold 1.35 Carat Natural Diamond Hoop Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat White Gold Natural Diamond Hoop Earrings Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 7.67 grams Diamonds: Approx. 1.35 CTW H-I SI natural round diamonds Diameter: 27mm Width: 3mm TDD F350...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,169Sale 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
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