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 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
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
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...
$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
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
$518Sale 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
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 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
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
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...
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
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
$525Sale 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
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
$525Sale 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
$967Sale Price|25% Off
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
$518Sale 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
$518Sale 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
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
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
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
$614Sale 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
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
$566Sale 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
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...
$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
$1,815Sale 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
Set in 18K Gold & Pink Rhodium, Pink Sapphires & Rose Cut Diamonds Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold, Pink Rhodium & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 4.68 carats....
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rhodium
$518Sale 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
$518Sale 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
$518Sale 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
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
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
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
$518Sale 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
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
Cartier Vintage 18K Yellow and White Gold Oval Door Knocker Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Bold, architectural, and unmistakably Cartier — these vintage oval door knocker earrings in 18-carat yellow and white gold exemplify the house’s mastery of form and proportion. With their sculptural curves and smooth polished finish, they strike a perfect balance between statement and sophistication. Totaling 6.6 grams, they offer luxurious weight and presence while remaining comfortable for all-day wear. The dual-tone gold design reflects Cartier’s refined aesthetic — effortlessly blending warm yellow gold with cool white gold for a timeless contrast that flatters every skin tone. First seen in the Maison’s 1970s and 1980s collections, this bold yet minimalist silhouette has returned to prominence on runways and in fashion editorials, where vintage Cartier pieces are celebrated for their enduring chic. Perfect for day-to-evening elegance, these earrings elevate a tailored blazer, a silk blouse, or a sleek evening dress. They pair beautifully with Cartier’s Trinity or LOVE jewelry, completing a sophisticated ensemble that transitions seamlessly from city days to gala nights. An ideal gift or collectible investment, these earrings embody the craftsmanship and timeless style that have made Cartier a cornerstone of fine jewelry for over a century. Details: Designer: Cartier Style: Oval Door Knocker Earrings Material: 18K yellow and white gold Total Weight: 6.6 grams Design Era: Vintage Estate Condition: Excellent, with Cartier hallmarks Why We Love It: Cartier’s vintage gold earrings...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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...
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
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...
Set in 18K white Gold, Paraiba Tourmalines & Diamonds "Butterfly" Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba Tourmaline "Butterfly" Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba Tourmaline is 1.35 carat...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
$518Sale 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 garnet, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Garnet and Topaz A striking pair of garnet a...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 13.34 carats, Tanzanite & Rose Cut Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Chandelier Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites is 13.34 carats. The Tanzanit...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
$4,800 / set
Tiffany Bicolor Gold Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Tiffany made earrings in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Alternating diagonally set rows of curved gold rounded bands create something of an abstract leaf design. Clip backs can be c...
18k Gold
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnet. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-shap...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$518Sale 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
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 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
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
$512Sale 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
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Earrings Vintage Signed
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
A sophisticated and highly collectable pair of vintage earrings by legendary designer Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., showcasing the designer's unmistakable sculptural aesth...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$760Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 6 CT Canary Kunzite Gemstone & Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These dazzling 6 carat Kunzite and diamond stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and feature a pair of emerald cut kunzites measuring approximately 10 x 8 mm. The soft yel...
Diamond, Kunzite, Silver, Sterling 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
$419Sale 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
$518Sale 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
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings silver, gold. Topaz, garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemston...
Garnet, Topaz
$419Sale 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