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.
Angela Caputi Saffron and Turquoise Flower Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin clip-on earrings, boast an oversized dangling-drop design with floral elements. The earrings feature three large, intricately carved...
$1,817Sale 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
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...
$519Sale 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
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
$566Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired pink quartz and colorless topaz drop earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pink quartz earrings silver, gold. Dangle pink quartz earrings. Cocktail earrings with pink quartz, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with pink quartz and Topaz. Elegan...
Quartz, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz earrings silver, gold. Dangle topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with topaz. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-shaped ...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$519Sale 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
Earrings with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 4.50ct 14k gold 12.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 4.60 ct Detailed description: The earrings are 4.5 cm long and 1.4 cm wide. Weight: 12.8 grams Set with: - 2 x 4.1 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$519Sale 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
Modern 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Handcuff Motif Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of modern design handcuff motif stud earrings. It is crafted in 18K white gold and features diamonds. Circa 2000. Signed with “750” Weight: 2.72g Size: 1.1x0.9cm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$519Sale 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
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl & Natural Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Stud Earring
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl & Natural Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Stud Earrings Metal: 2.86 grams Pearls: 7.5mm Akoya cultured white pearls with a creamy luster Diamonds: Approx. 0...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$651Sale Price|20% Off
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
$200Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 1.14CT Modern Minimalist Heart Cut Aqaumarine 925 Silver Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These elegant stud earrings feature 1.14 carats of heart shaped aquamarine, set in 925 sterling silver. Each gemstone, measuring approximately 6 × 6 mm, is cut into a soft heart shap...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
14KY Gold Door Knocker Clip-on Earring Lapis Lazuli & Diamond Circle 0.55 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold yet sophisticated statement with these stunning 14K yellow gold door knocker clip-on lapis lazuli and diamond drop earrings. Designed with rich royal-blue lapis lazuli op...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 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
$1,480Sale Price|20% 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
Tiffany & Co. Vintage Round Curved 18k Yellow Gold Post Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Round Curved Post Earrings Material: 18k Yellow Gold Measurements: Approximately 19.5 mm long × 22 mm wide × 6.5 mm high Weight: 14.9 grams Hallmarks: Sta...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 6.00 carats Faceted Ruby & Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 6.00 carats. The faceted Rubies are complet...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA 3.01 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Old mine cut diamonds are among the most sought-after stones in fine jewelry today, prized for a warmth and depth that modern cutting rarely replicates, and this pair — GIA certified...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.12 Carat Natural Pear Cut Diamond Double Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Four natural pear-cut diamonds create an exceptionally clean double-drop composition in these 18K white gold earrings. A smaller pear sits close to the ear before transitioning into ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with Topazes cabochon. Contemporary Topaz and Colorless Topaz Earrings in Silver...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
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
$524Sale 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 citrine and brilliant cut diamond sup to 0.26ct 18k gold 4.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with citrine and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.26ct – F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.0 cm high by 8.1 mm wide ...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Tanzanite & Diamonds modern Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ethiopian Opal & Tanzanite Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 9.67 carat...
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$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
$1,132Sale 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 old rose or classic p...
Peridot, Topaz, 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
$518Sale 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. Delicate flower threader earrings crafted i...
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...
$1,132Sale 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
$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
$489Sale 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
Vintage Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Sculptural Dangle Pierced Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of signed vintage 1980's Robert Lee Morris gold plated dangle earrings are pierced. They are tiered and sculptural with an elegance and edge They pivot with slight movement...
Gold Plate
$466Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
$466Sale 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
Angela Caputi Black and Gilded Resin Disk Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin and metal clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with black resin geometric elements contrasted with an important metallic coate...
Five Carat Lab-Grown Diamond and 14K White Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Derby, NY
Condition : Brand New *this listing is for white gold, yellow gold also available Luxury You Can Wear Every Day Experience exceptional brilliance with these 5.00 CTW lab-grown dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Kaso by Harriet Bauknight Purple Floral Jeweled Acrylic Lucite Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso designed these stunning floral frosted Lucite or acrylic resin clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They feature an oversized dimensional shape, all carved and t...
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Onyx Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 0.60ct
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
$727Sale 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
Richard Kerr Multicolor Crystal Flower Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these lovely statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. These pieces feature a dimensional floral gilt metal fra...
Antique Carved Ruby and Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Earrings, circa 1950
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Antique Carved Ruby and Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Earrings, circa 1950 A striking pair of antique pendant earrings, circa 1950, beautifully crafted in 18K white gold and centere...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
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
$124Sale Price / set|20% Off
Palm Springs Fashionista Curated Vintage Earring Collection 1950s-2000 #6/100
By Escada
Located in Palm Desert, CA
We have collected vintage costume jewelry earrings since the 80’s. One by one we have curated a lovely collection of unbranded and designer earrings. Made from the 1950s to 2000. Each one unique and worthy of a modern Fashionista’s collection. We are starting with 100 pairs of earrings. Fairly priced. Bracelets and necklaces forthcoming. #6/100 Designer: Escada 1990s...
Vintage 14K Gold Puffy Heart Florentine Finish Stud Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
These sweet little puffy heart earrings have a nice dimensionality to them. Both the front and back of the heart is puffy, so that they sit forward when worn. They have beautiful pro...
14k Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 8mm Stud Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These classic 18K yellow gold stud earrings feature bold 8mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each earring showcases a perfectly round, vibrant sky-blue turquoise sphere with...
18k Gold
Vintage Pear Shaped Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of vintage pear shaped aquamarine and diamond drop earrings set in 18k yellow and white gold.
Each earring is designed with a pear mixed-cut aquamarine s...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style citrine, topazes earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine, topazes earrings silver, gold. Citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: c...
Citrine, Topaz
$349Sale Price / item|50% Off
Painted Evil Eye Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother of Pearl Tear Drop Earrings Painted Evil Eye Mother of Pearl Earrings Evil eye Themed Gift 925 Silver Gold Plated Protection Jewelry Nazar Boncugu Miniature Art Infuse...
Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Cilea Paris Dangle Resin Clip Earrings Cobalt Blue Ribbons
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these gorgeous, dimensional, dangling clip-on earrings. These artisanal resin earrings feature dimensional ribbons with textured patterns, assembled to form a po...
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 13.12 carats. The...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Richard Kerr Dangle Red and Black Crystal Jeweled Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these fancy clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. They feature an oversized dangle shape with a bead and an asymmetric...
$1,090Sale 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
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
Australian White South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings, 11-12mm, 18K Gold Lab-Grown D
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$544Sale Price / item|44% Off
Peridot Huggie Drop Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Hinged Hoop Peridot Drop Earrings. Elegant Huggie Hoop Earrings with Natural Peridot. Elegant long drop earrings with peridots. Weight: 4 gr Size: aprox - 52-54 mm long. Metal: si...
Topaz, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver