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.
39.85 Carat Natural Loose Swiss Blue Topaz Stone Cushion Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 39.85 carat Dimensions 21.0x15.4x12.7 mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 39.85 Carat Natural Loose Swiss Blue Topaz is an ex...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
MARKDOWN GIA Certified, 6.44 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Oval Shape
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
GIA Certified 6.44-Carat Natural Sapphire – Blue – Oval Shape This stunning 6.44-carat natural sapphire is a true statement piece, perfect for high-end jewelry enthusiasts or collec...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
5.00 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
1.80 Carat Natural Loose Pink Color Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.80 carat Dimensions 7.6x6.8x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 1.80 carat natural pink spinel showcases a beautifully vibrant y...
Spinel
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
CERTIFIED RUBY No Heat Oval Shape Intense Vivid Red Ruby 1.026 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
Certified oval shaped No-Heat red ruby. This is a very rare and exceptional natural ruby of 1.026 carats, with remarkable quality, fashioned in an elegant oval shape with beautifull...
Ruby
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
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
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
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
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
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
20 Carat Natural Loose Apple Green Peridot Stone Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 20.00 carat Dimensions 14.8x14.6x11.7mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This stunning 20 carat Apple Green Peridot from Pakistan showcase...
Peridot
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
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
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
20.85 Carat Natural Loose Blue Aquamarine Pair Emerald Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 20.85 carat Dimensions 14.2x11.5x9.6mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This exquisite 20.85-carat natural aquamarine pair showcases...
Aquamarine
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut From Afghanistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 8.6x5.7x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 1.65 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Color Tourmaline showcases a rich...
Emerald, Tourmaline
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
5.70 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.70 carat Dimensions 12.5x8.8x7.5mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 5.70 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst showcases a r...
Amethyst
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
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
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
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
5.05 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.05 carat Dimensions 12.9x7.9x6.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald Introducing a stunning 5.05 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Green Tour...
Tourmaline
Mozambique Ruby Cushion Cut – 2.09 Carats
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A striking 2.09 carat heated ruby from Mozambique, showcasing a rich, vivid red hue with impressive depth and natural character. Expertly cut to enhance its brilliance, this gemston...
Ruby
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
4.30 Carats Zambian Emerald Octagon
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This 4.30 carat octagon cut emerald displays a well-proportioned shape with a strong green appearance and natural internal characteristics. The step-cut style highlights the stone’s ...
Emerald
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
9.75 Carat Natural Loose Blue Aquamarine Stone Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.75 carat Dimensions 13.1x12.8x9.1mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cushion NA This gorgeous 9.75 carat natural Aquamarine gemstone showcases a serene...
Aquamarine
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
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
3.05 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.05 carat Dimensions 11.4x7.0x5.5mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 3.05 carat Natural Greenish Amethyst is a unique and eleg...
Amethyst
6.02 carats Tiffany Blue Zircon Stone Oval Cut Cambodian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.02 carats Dimensions 9.9x8.5x6.9 mm Treatment heated Origin Cambodia Clarity VVS Shape oval Cut faceted This exquisite 6.02 carat Tiffany Blue Zircon gemstone is a ...
Zircon, Blue Zircon
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
1.20 Carat Natural Loose Bright Red Spinel Stone Trillion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.20 carat Dimensions 6.5x6.1x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Trillion This 1.20 Carat Natural Loose Bright Red Spinel Stone is a captivatin...
Spinel
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
3.05 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.05 carat Dimensions 8.9x7.8x6.8mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 3.05-carat natural hot pink tourmaline is an exceptional gemstone...
Tourmaline
21.30 Carat Natural Loose Purplish No Heat Kunzite Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 21.30 carat Dimensions 15.3x14x12.8mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 21.30 carat natural purplish kunzite showcases a beauti...
Kunzite
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
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
1.10 Carat Natural Loose Green Rutile Inclusion Spinel Stone Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.10 carat Dimensions 5.5x5.5x4.6mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity SI Shape Cut Hexagonal This 1.10 carat Natural Green Spinel is a rare and intriguing gemstone ...
Spinel
5.15 carats Blue Zircon Stone Round Cut Natural Cambodian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.15 carats Dimensions 8.5x8.4x6.8 mm Treatment heated Origin Cambodia Clarity VVS Shape round Cut faceted The 5.15 carat blue zircon stone is a stunning example of n...
Zircon, Blue Zircon
8.00 Carat Natural Loose Faceted Lemon Quartz Emerald Cut Africa Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.00 carat Dimensions 17.3x9.3x7.2mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald Introducing a vibrant 8.00 Carat Natural Faceted Lemon Quartz,...
Quartz
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
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
13.90 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 13.90 carat Dimensions 17.3x11x7.8mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 13.90 carat Natural Bluish Green Tourmaline from Afghanistan showca...
Tourmaline
7.70 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Asscher Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 7.70 carat Dimensions 11.8x11.8x8.8 Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loupe Clean Shape Cut Asscher NA This exquisite 7.70 carat natural purple Amethyst features a rich...
Amethyst
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
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