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.
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
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
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...
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...
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
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
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
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
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
Peridot 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot 12 MM Huggie Earrings, green gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Earri...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Guy Laroche Paris Gilt Metal and Jeweled Clip Earrings
By Guy Laroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Guy Laroche Paris clip-on earrings feature a rounded shape with carved and textured gilt-metal framing and a stylized faux-fabric knitted patchwork. The pieces are emb...
Gilt Metal
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
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
Set in 18K Gold, natural Mozambique Rubies & Yellow Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby Dangle Earrings set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 11.87 carats. The Rubies are completely natural,...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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
Tiffany & Co Frank Gehry Sterling Silver Oval Morph Stud Earrings #24659
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Frank Gehry Sterling Silver Oval Morph Stud Earrings #24659 Authentic Tiffany earrings in Frank Gehry's iconic modern concave design featuring an open middle disc s...
Sterling Silver
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
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...
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
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
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
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...
Kenzo Paris Orange and Red Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
By Kenzo
Located in Atlanta, GA
Kenzo Paris designed these stunning dangling clip-on earrings. The rare pieces feature a long, dangle-drop cascading shape with a worked, gilt metal chain, complemented by resin geom...
Gilt Metal
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
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
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
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
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...
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
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...
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
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
Diamond Earrings "Cascade I" by Willow Diamonds
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
These 18K yellow gold handmade diamond dangle earrings by Willow Diamonds embody refined craftsmanship and effortless elegance. Designed with fluid movement, each natural diamond shi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Roberto Coin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Twist Drop Dangle Earrings
By Roberto Coin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elegant and unmistakably refined, these 18K yellow gold twist drop dangle earrings by Roberto Coin showcase the designer’s signature blend of movement and sophistication. Measuring a...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with ruby up to 1.70ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.42ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with ruby up to 1.70 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.42 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.6 cm high and 9.1 mm wide. Wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Fuchsia and Gold Dust 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 fuchsia hot pink, gold dus...
Natural Diamond 3.03Ct Butterfly Pear Drop Dangle Earrings 18k White Gold SI-H
Located in Diera, AE
Details Item Code :-SEE-110942 Gross Wt. :- 5.09gm 18k WHite Gold Wt. :-4.48gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 3.03Ct. ( SI Clarity & Hi Color ) Follow JEWEL PALATE STOREFRONT for new arriv...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
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
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
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
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
Marquetry Earrings by Silvia Furmanovich
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Elevate your elegance with these 18K Yellow Gold Marquetry Earrings, featuring a delicate blue butterfly pattern that exudes charm and artistry. Each earring is meticulously crafted ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kaso Green and Orange Acrylic Lucite Dangling Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknigt designed those stunning Acrylic Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. The pieces boast a massive donut-shaped design with a geometric design. The mirrored t...
Vintage style topaz earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz earrings silver, gold. Dangle topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with topazes. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: topaz, ...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Natural Diamond 0.96Ct Marquise Leaf Ear Cuff Cartilage Earring 18k White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Details Item Code :-SEE-111061 Gross Wt. :- 5.42 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :-5.23 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 0.96 Ct. ( SI Clarity & Hi Color ) Follow JEWEL PALATE STOREFRONT for ne...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Silvorra Modern 4.25 Ct Amethyst Long Linear 925 Silver Earrings Christmas Gift
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver earrings feature 16 natural amethyst gemstones, expertly cut in octagon and round shapes. The gems range in size from 5.3 x 4.3 mm, 4.5 mm and 1.8 mm, with ...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Marquetry Earrings by Silvia Furmanovich
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Discover the perfect blend of artistry and elegance with these 18K Yellow Gold Earrings with Marquetry and Diamonds. Expertly crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, each earring showcases ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond 1.54Ct Baguette & Round Cut Drop Earrings 18k Solid White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Details Item Code :-SEE-110940 Gross Wt. :- 5.84gm 18k WHite Gold Wt. :-5.53gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 1.54Ct. ( SI Clarity & Hi Color ) Follow JEWEL PALATE STOREFRONT for new a...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Halo Earrings Asscher-Inspired 0.47 Inch
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these captivating 14K Yellow Gold Halo Earrings, featuring two matched round emeralds totaling 1.15 carats. Each vibrant emerald is framed in an ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with girl with a pearl earring painting
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with girl with a pearl earring painting. Handmade Paint Shell Earrings with topazs. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrings. Shell paint earrings. Wear...
Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Emerald-Cut Colombian Emerald Halo Stud Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Halo Stud Earrings feature a vibrant pair of Colombian emerald-cut emeralds totaling 0.75 carat, celebrated for their vivid green color and exceptiona...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal, Crescent Moon Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal, Crescent Moon Stud Earrings in 14k gold. Opal moon earrings. Moonface earrings. Rainbow opal earirngs. 14k gold earrings. Vintage/Old Style opal earrings. Ethiopian opal earrin...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Painted Ocean Sunset Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with amethyst briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Painted Ocean Sunset Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with amethyst briolettes 925 Silver Gold Plated with Amethyst Briolettes Miniature Ocean Art Jewelry Gift for Her Capture the b...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Mini Screw Back Diamond and Emerald Earrings For 2nd or 3rd Hole
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Graceful, vibrant, and thoughtfully designed, this petite pair of 14K yellow gold earrings elevates everyday jewelry with a touch of refined color and sparkle. Each earring is set wi...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold. Dangle peridot earrings. Cocktail earrings with peridots. Weight: 5 gr Central gemstone: peridots, oval cut, 1.5 ct, transparent, gr...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Ocean-Themed Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with Topaz Briolette
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ocean-Themed Mother of Pearl Earrings with Topaz Briolette Painted Sea Wave Earrings Mother of Pearl & Topaz Drop Earrings Embrace coastal elegance with these dainty earrings. T...
Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Marquetry Earrings by Silvia Furmanovich
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Crafted in luminous 18K yellow gold, these marquetry mini earrings exemplify fine craftsmanship and timeless elegance. The intricate marquetry design is accented by a richly hued gar...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Drop Dangle Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold color meets refined elegance in these striking 14K yellow gold long dangle earrings, designed to showcase the enduring appeal of hard-stone jewelry. Each earring features a rich...
Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold