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.
11.70 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Heart Shape Ametrine Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 11.70 carat Dimensions 15.7x16.8x9.4mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Heart This exquisite 11.70 carat natural ametrine showcases the encha...
Other
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
36.15 Carat Natural Loose Baby Pink Kunzite Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 36.15 carat Dimensions 20x16.4x13.4 mm Treatment Heater Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This exquisite 36.15 carat natural baby pink kunzite disp...
Kunzite
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
5.00 Carat Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.00 carat Dimensions 12.9x7.9x6.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This beautiful 5.00 carat natural tourmaline displays a refresh...
Tourmaline
9.00 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.00 carat Dimensions 13.5x11.2x9 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This captivating 9.00 carat natural amethyst showcases a ric...
Amethyst
$680Sale Price|20% Off
4.15 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.15 carat Dimensions 13.2x6.5x5.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 4.15 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline is a c...
Tourmaline
49.20 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Kunzite Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 49.20 carat Dimensions 22.0x18.3x14.5 mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 49.20 carat Natural Hot Pink Kunzite is a truly ex...
Kunzite
7.00 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 7.00 carat Dimensions 12.0x9.0x7.1mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 7.00 carat Natural London Blue Topaz showcases a rich, deep b...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
3.80 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.80 carat Dimensions 8.9x7.2x6.7mm Treatment None for Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 3.80 carat Natural Pink Kunzite is a beautifully crafted gemston...
Kunzite
$7,760Sale Price|20% Off
269.35 Carat Natural Loose Top Quality Purple Spodumene Kunzite Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 269.35 carat Dimensions 38.7 x 29.1 x 26.8 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This extraordinary 269.35 carat natural Purple Spodumene (Ku...
Kunzite
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Green Sphene Stone Pear Shaped Madagascar's Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 8.6x7.8x4.2mm Treatment None Origin Madagascar Clarity SI Shape Cut Pear This 1.65 carat green sphene from Madagascar is a remarkable gemstone c...
Other
130.20 Carat Natural Loose Top Quality Pink Spodumene Kunzite Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 130.20 carat Dimensions 30.1x23.4x21.2 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This magnificent 130.20 carat Pink Spodumene (Kunzite) is a ...
Kunzite
5.55 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Blue Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.55 carat Dimensions 12.7x8.3x6.6mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 5.55-carat natural lagoon blue tourmaline showcases a stun...
Tourmaline
2.70 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Ametrine Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.70 carat Dimensions 8.1x7.9x6.2mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This elegant 2.70 carat Natural Bi-Color Ametrine beautifully sh...
Other
1.85 Carat Natural Loose Blue Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.85 carat Dimensions 8.8x5.6x4.2mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 1.85 carat natural blue tourmaline is a striking gemstone that be...
Tourmaline
4.45 Carat Natural Loose Light Color Aquamarine Pear Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.45 carat Dimensions 11.0x10.5x7.7mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity VVS Shape Cut Pear This 4.45 carat natural aquamarine presents a beautifully light, soothin...
Aquamarine
5.85 Carat Natural Deep Blue Aquamarine Stone Asscher Cut Pakistan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.85 carat Dimensions 11.0x10.7x8mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Asscher This 5.85 carat natural deep blue aquamarine is a striking gemstone sh...
Aquamarine
$680Sale Price|20% Off
14.95 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Ametrine Stone Emerald Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 14.95 carat Dimensions 17.8x12.6x9.3mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 14.95 Carat Natural Loose Bi-Color Ametrine is a rema...
Other
6.80 Carat Natural Loose AAA Quality Rubellite Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.80 carat Dimensions 10.9x10.7x8.4 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion This 6.80 carat natural AAA-quality rubellite tourmaline displays an ...
Tourmaline
1.95 Carat Natural Loose Blue Tanzanite Stone Oval Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.95 carat Dimensions 9.2x7.2x4.5mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Oval This 1.95 Carat Natural Loose Blue Tanzanite from Tanzania showca...
Tanzanite
$760Sale Price|20% Off
14.30 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 14.30 carat Dimensions 14.9x11.5x9.6mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 14.30 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz from Africa...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
4.80 Carat Natural Loose Sapphire Stones 6 Pieces Gemstones Lot From Madagascar
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.80 carat Piece 6 Treatment None Origin African Clarity VVS Shape Cut Mix This 4.80 Carat Natural Loose Sapphire Lot from Madagascar features a beautiful collection ...
Sapphire
0.60 Carat Natural Loose Light Color Aquamarine Pair Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 0.60 carat Dimensions 4.0x4.0x2.6mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Baguette This 0.60 carat aquamarine pair offers a delicate, light blue hue t...
Aquamarine
$640Sale Price|20% Off
21.80 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz Stone Cushion Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 21.80 carat Dimensions 15.3x13.3x12 mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 21.80-carat natural London blue topaz showcases a dee...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
$108,000Sale Price|20% Off
23.07 Carat Natural Loose Certified Paraiba Tourmaline Pear Cut Mozambique Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 23.071 carat Dimensions 26.14x17.13x8.34mm Treatment None Origin Mozambique Clarity SI Shape Cut Pear This exceptional 23.07 Carat Natural Paraiba Tourmaline from Moz...
Tourmaline, Paraiba
$6,640Sale Price|20% Off
6.40 Carat Natural Loose Certified Blue Sapphire Oval Cut Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.40 carats Dimensions 11.71 x 8.45 x 7.45 mm Treatment None Origin Sri Lanka Clarity VVS Shape Cut Oval This stunning 6.40 carat Natural Blue Sapphire features a rich blu...
Blue Sapphire
0.56 Carat Oval Faceted Pink Spinel Loose Gemstone (Sri Lanka)
Located in Beaverton, OR
This spinel gemstone weighs 0.56 carats and is cut in an oval shape, measuring 5.72 x 4.47 x 3.05 mm. The faceted cut allows for lively light return, enhancing the stone’s natural br...
Spinel
5.00 Carat Natural Loose Light Color Aquamarine Cushion Cut Pakistan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.00 carat Dimensions 10.6x9.2x7.6mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 5.00 carat natural light-colored aquamarine offers a beautiful...
Aquamarine
$336Sale Price|20% Off
8.50 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Asscher Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.50 carat Dimensions 11.9x11.9x9.6mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Asscher This exquisite 8.50 carat Amethyst showcases a rich, royal pur...
Amethyst
$25,000
4.01 Carats Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 4.01 carat Mozambique ruby — an ideal size for a refined ring or pendant. Rubies are known as the king of gems. This stone comes from the Montepuez mines and was purchased through...
Ruby
$576Sale Price|20% Off
10.85 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.85 carat Dimensions 12.1x10.7x10.1 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion Introducing a stunning 10.85 Carat Natural Pink Kunzite, bea...
Kunzite
$600Sale Price|20% Off
1.98 Carat Natural Loose Certified Orange Sapphire Oval Cut Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.98 carats Dimensions 7.92x6.62x4.50mm Treatment None Origin Sri Lanka Clarity VVS Shape Cut Oval This 1.98 carat Natural Soft Orange Sapphire is a refined and elegant...
Sapphire
3.45 Carat Natural Loose Parti Sapphire 5 Piece Gemstones Lot From Madagascar
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.45 carat Piece 5 Treatment None Origin African Clarity VVS Shape Cut Mix Cut This 3.45 carat natural parti sapphire lot features five beautifully crafted gemstones...
Sapphire
5.70 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.70 carat Dimensions 12.0x10.2x7.5mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This beautiful 5.70 carat Natural Greenish Amethyst is an eleg...
Amethyst
Brazilian Aquamarine 120.50 Carat Oval Shape Loose Gem
Located in Valenza , IT
Collaborate with us to turn this beautiful gemstone into an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind work of art. An important aquamarine weighing 120.50 carats, oval cut, from Brazil Padre Pa...
Aquamarine
1.10 Carat Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.10 carat Dimensions 6.1x5.2x4.5mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This charming 1.10 carat mint green tourmaline offers a refreshing pas...
Tourmaline
GIA Certified 5 Ct D Color Flawless Clarity Heart Shape Solitaire Diamond XX-N
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This extraordinary GIA Certified 5.00 carat Heart Shape diamond is graded D color and Flawless clarity, representing the pinnacle of diamond rarity and purity. Classified as Type IIa...
Diamond
3.50 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Color Aquamarine Cushion Cut Pakistani Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.50 carat Dimensions 10.6x8x6.3mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion This 3.50 Carat Natural Greenish Aquamarine from Pakistan is a beautiful...
Aquamarine
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
3.35 Carat Natural Loose Gray Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.35 carat Dimensions 9.1x8.1x5.8mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 3.35 Carat Natural Loose Gray Spinel displays a sophistica...
Spinel
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
15.30 Carat Natural Loose Light Blue Aquamarine Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 15.30 carat Dimensions 18.0x12.7x9.7mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This impressive 15.30 Carat Natural Light Blue Aquamarine showcase...
Aquamarine
$424Sale Price|20% Off
4.10 Carat Natural Loose Red Garnet Stone Cushion Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.10 carat Dimensions 9.6x8.6x5.5mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This striking 4.10 Carat Natural Red Garnet displays a rich, de...
Garnet
$680Sale Price|20% Off
2.00 Carat Natural Loose Green Emerald Stone Emerald Cut Gemstone From Zambia
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.00 carat Dimensions 9.5x7.2x3.8mm Treatment None Origin Zambia Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 2.00 Carat Natural Loose Green Emerald originates from the renowned...
Emerald
1.75 Carat Natural Loose Light Color Aquamarine Fancy Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.75 carat Dimensions 7.8x6.6x4.9mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion Fancy This 1.75 carat natural aquamarine presents a soft, light blue hu...
Aquamarine
$224Sale Price|20% Off
8.40 Carat Natural Loose Luxury Swiss Blue Topaz Asscher Cut Africa Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.40 carat Dimensions 11.2x11.0x8.6mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity Loup clean Shape Cut Asscher This stunning 8.40 carat natural Swiss Blue Topaz showcases a ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
6.35 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.35 carat Dimensions 17.5x7.8x6.4mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 6.35 carat Natural Greenish Amethyst is a beautifully rare...
Amethyst
$816Sale Price|66% Off
4.75 Carat Loose AAA Quality Rubellite Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.75 carat Dimensions 9.6x8.0x7.8mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 4.75 Carat Loose AAA Quality Rubellite Tourmaline is a truly stri...
Tourmaline
$360Sale Price|20% Off
9.45 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.45 carat Dimensions 15.4x9.0x6.5mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 9.45 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz features a stri...
Blue Topaz
5.60 Carat Natural Loose Green Peridot Stone Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.60 carat Dimensions 10.3x10.2x8 mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion Precision This 5.60 carat Natural Green Peridot is a vibrant and capti...
Peridot
$744Sale Price|35% Off
1.40 Carat Natural Loose Paraiba Tourmaline Stone Oval Cut From Mozambique
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.40 carat Dimensions 7.6x6x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Mozambique Clarity Included Shape Cut Oval NA This dazzling 1.40 carat Natural Paraiba Tourmaline showcases a vivid...
Tourmaline, Paraiba
3.09 Carat Mozambique Ruby - Cushion Cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 3.09 carat Mozambique ruby — an ideal size for a refined ring or pendant. Rubies are known as the king of gems. This stone comes from the Montepuez mines and was purchased through...
Ruby
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Color Tourmaline Baguette Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 6.7x6.3x4.6mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Baguette This 1.65 carat natural blue tourmaline is a sleek and elegant gemston...
Tourmaline
4.60 Carat Natural Loose Teal Sapphire Lot 6 Piece Madagascar's Gemstones
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.60 carat Piece 6 Treatment None Origin Madagascar Clarity VVS Shape Cut Mix This beautiful 4.60 carat teal sapphire lot from Madagascar features six well-matched g...
Sapphire
10.40 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Ametrine Stone Pixel Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.40 carat Dimensions 14x11.3x8.9mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Pixel This 10.40 carat Natural Bi-Color Ametrine from Brazil showcases a...
Other
$416Sale Price|20% Off
4.15 Carat Natural Loose Red Color Garnet Stone Cushion Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.15 carat Dimensions 9.0x8.1x6.0mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 4.15-carat natural red garnet displays a rich, velvety hue tha...
Garnet
$280Sale Price|20% Off
9.40 Carat Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Natural Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.40 carat Dimensions 13.5x11.5x9.6mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loupe Clean Shape Cut Cushion NA This 9.40-carat natural Amethyst gemstone is a captivating exam...
Amethyst
1.15 Carat Natural Loose Parti Sapphire Stone Oval Cut Madagascar's Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.15 carat Dimensions 6.1x5.6x3.3mmm Treatment None Origin African Clarity VVS Shape Cut Oval This 1.15 Carat Natural Loose Parti Sapphire features a captivating blen...
Sapphire
5.00 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.00 carat Dimensions 15.4x8.0x5.8mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This beautiful 5.00 carat greenish amethyst from Africa feature...
Amethyst
1.60 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Ametrine Stone Ring Size Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.60 carat Dimensions 8x6.4x4.4mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This charming 1.60 carat natural ametrine showcases a beautifully...
Other
$256Sale Price|20% Off
3.30 Carat Natural Loose Light Blue Aquamarine Stone Emerald Cut From Pakistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.30 carat Dimensions 10.3x7.7x6.3mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 3.30 Carat Natural Loose Light Blue Aquamarine features a striki...
Aquamarine
$424Sale Price|20% Off
8.45 Carat Natural Loose Royal Purple Amethyst Asscher Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.45 carat Dimensions 11.9x11.9x9.3mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Asscher Experience the elegance of this 8.45 Carat Natural Loose Royal...
Amethyst
$720Sale Price|20% Off
21.20 Carat Natural Loose Top Quality Kunzite Pair Cushion Cut Gemstones
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 21.20 carat Dimensions 12.6x10.9x9.2mm Clarity VVS Origin Afghanistan Cut Shape Cushion This exceptional 21.20 carat kunzite pair showcases top-quality craftsmanship and...
Kunzite