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...
14K Yellow Gold Tiny Marquise Ruby Bezel Set Stud Earrings for 2nd or 3rd Holes
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, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise & Diamond Square Stud Earrings 14K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise & Diamond Square Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold These refined stud earrings highlight rare Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise from the now-clos...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
David Spada Rainbow Anodized Aluminum Dangle Clip Earrings
By David Spada
Located in Atlanta, GA
These rare David Spada New York gorgeous clip-on earrings feature a trendy Space Age 1980s design with dangle articulated spirally coiled elements and assorted size rings. They are c...
14K Yellow Gold Door Knocker Earrings with 0.58ct Diamonds & Onyx
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"...
Onyx, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
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
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 Diamond & Natural Turquoise Door Knocker Earrings 0.58 CTW
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these bold yet refined door knocker earrings, crafted in luminous 14K yellow gold and accented with 0.58 carats of sparkling diamonds. At the hea...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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
$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
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
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
$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
$432Sale 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
$432Sale 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
$432Sale 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
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...
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...
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...
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine & Diamond Seven Leaves Earrings
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine & Diamond "Seven Leaves" Clip-on Earrings Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumberger Studios Creator/Maker: Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Platinum
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
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
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...
$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
$432Sale 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
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...
$1,168Sale 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
$534Sale 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
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...
$1,168Sale 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
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
$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 92...
Citrine, Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$2,939Sale Price / set|20% Off
0.94 Ct Natural Diamond Pear & Marquise Bow Stud Earrings 14k White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Delicate. Luminous. Unmistakably enchanting — these 0.94-carat natural diamond butterfly wing bow stud earrings are the fine jewelry embodiment of feminine grace. Crafted in 2.03 gra...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.24ct 18k gold 2.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with sapphires up to 1.26 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.24 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings measure 1.7 cm long and 4.8 mm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,168Sale 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
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
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
$504Sale 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
$1,125Sale 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
$480Sale 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
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
$541Sale 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
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
$1,125Sale 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
14K White Gold Turquoise Drop Earrings with 6.90 Carats of Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Turquoise 6.90 Total Carats Diamonds 0.15 Total Carats 1.20” Length x 0.42” Width Elevate your fine jewelry collection with these refined 14K white gold shepherd hoop earrings, sho...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
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...
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
$748Sale 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
$750Sale 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
Set in 18K Gold, carved Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire, Emeralds & Ruby Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 4.10 carats....
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Winged Angel Hoop Earrings 3/4" 14k Yellow Gold Fine Cupid Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pair of vintage winged angel hoop earrings crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1990s). The charming earrings highlight two winged angels, one sitting within the hoop ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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...
Nina Zhou 3.14ctw Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Moonstone Diamond Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Discover Nina Zhou 3.14ctw Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Moonstone Diamond Earrings in Yellow Gold. The exquisite combination of vibrant turquoise, ethereal moonstone, and shimmering dia...
Diamond, Moonstone, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Francoise Montague Dangle Resin Clip Earrings Apple Green Geometric Ribbon
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning resin clip-on earrings exclusively for French designer Francoise Montague. They feature a dangling geometric ribbon shape, all carved, raised, and...
Ruby Cabochons, carved Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald, Ruby & Blue Sapphires Stud Earrings set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ruby Cabochons is 3.19 carats. The Rub...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1960 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Fluted Ear-Clip J-Hoop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as fluted j-hoop forms Featuring high polish finish Completed by hinged omega backs Stamped for 14 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Tiffany & Co. Circa: 1960s Me...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
$3,849Sale Price / set|20% Off
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