Modern More Jewelry
MODERN STYLE
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.
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Style: Modern
18 Karat Yellow Gold Sailing Yacht Brooch
Located in London, GB
A beautifully detailed yellow gold sailing boat/yacht brooch made of solid 18k yellow gold. The brooch depicts a boat at full speed on the open ocean comp...
Category
2010s Unknown Modern More Jewelry
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Transformer Modern Brooch with Diamonds and Pink Quartz
Located in Berlin, DE
18 karat yellow gold Plum Blossom brooch with a removable rose quartz drop, encrusted with 3 round diamonds, is a contemporary jewellery piece that has been featured in Vogue UA revi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat White Gold Heart Pendant with Round Diamonds 1.25 Total Diamond Weight.
4.23 grams total weight.
Category
2010s Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Heart Pendant with Princess Cut Diamonds 0.25 TDW
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat White Gold Heart Pendant with Princess Cut Diamonds 0.25 TDW.
2.43 grams total weight.
Category
2010s Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Legacy Round Center Engagement Ring '1.36 Carat Center GVVS2'
Located in Chicago, IL
This Tiffany & Co. Legacy ring is made of platinum and weighs 3.00 DWT (approx. 4.67 grams). It contains one round G color and VVS2 clarity diamond weighin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond and Akoya Sea-Water Cultured Pearl Spiral Shell Pendant in 18 Carat Gold
Located in London, GB
An 18 carat Yellow Gold Pendant designed as a spiralling shell decorated with round brilliant-cut diamonds and Akoya cultured pearls graduating to a large...
Category
2010s British Modern More Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Ethiopian Mezezo Chocolate Opal Specimen
Located in New Orleans, LA
This extraordinary Mezezo opal specimen hails from the highlands of Africa and is, quite simply, one of the most amazing opals we have ever seen. Found i...
Category
20th Century Ethiopian Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Opal
Large Pear Shape Faceted Black Jade Vermeil Necklace Enhancer
Located in New York, NY
Large pear shape faceted black Jade vermeil necklace enhancer easy to hang off a necklace or chain measures 1.5 inches long by 1.25 inches wide set in sterling vermeil.
Category
2010s American Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Jade, Vermeil
Queen Baby Sterling Silver Baby Dog Tag Cross Pendant
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This pendant is made in sterling silver by designer Queen Baby. The dog tag is set with a cross in the front, and it is signed "925 Queen Baby" on the back....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Sterling Silver
Micheal Bondaza 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful two tone necklace from Micheal Bondaza. Featuring his iconic design. The necklace is 17 inches in length, made of platinum and 18K yellow gold, and weighs 121.7 DWT (approx...
Category
1990s American Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Yellow Gold, Platinum
5.75 carat Ruby & 1.35 carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Earring and Pendant Set
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Jewelry Set Includes Stunning Insivibly set Ruby Plaque earrings with Diamond accents and a matching "Diamond Shaped" Pendant
Total Ruby Carat Weight = 5.75 carats
Total Diamond Car...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Modern Garnet and Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Very fashionnable, modern looking pendant necklace. A nice chubby sugarloaf cabochon garnet in it center, while four princess cut garnets makes the branches of the cross.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Garnet, 18k Gold, Gold
Valentino Faux Pearl and Glass Rhinestone Starfish Runway Pin / Brooch Vintage
By Valentino
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage runway Valentino marked starfish pin is adorned with 5 faux pearls and multitudes of rhinestones and a crystal center. This is very well made and stellar on. It...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Base Metal
HRD Certified F.VS1 1.02 Carat Brillant Cut Diamond
Located in Poitiers, FR
Diamond.
Size Type: Modern Brilliant.
Weight: 1.02 carat.
Color: F.
Purity: VS1.
Sold under seal.
Certified by the HRD + Certified by our Certified Expert and our 2 Gemological Gradu...
Category
2010s French Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond
Citrine Mixed Stones and Pearl Gold Pendant
By Claris-A
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
One of a kind Pendant. A truly striking composition in which the the colors of the stones complement each other. To richly colored citrine (34,4 carats) respond the warm purple of th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Zircon, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sun Day 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Yellow Sapphire Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
Unique slightly twisted Sun Day Earrings with a omega backing. About 1 inch in length and weighing 16.64 grams.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Aldo Cipullo for Cartier 18 Karat Enamel Pearl Monkey Brooch
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This beautiful and very rare Cartier Monkey brooch is designed by Aldo Cipullo and is signed by both Cartier and Aldo Cipullo. Not only is it signed, bu...
Category
20th Century American Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Golf Club Style Key Ring
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Classic and essential golf stick turned to form an elegant keyring in 18 kt gold
The main part is in yellow god while the handle is in white gold
Total 18 k...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamond and Iolite Gold Bowtie Brooch
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Classy square Iolite and diamond bowtie brooch.
Diamond: ± 2 carat G VS or better
18kt Gold
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Iolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Lapis Lazuli Hand Constructed Gold Earring and Ring Architectural Dress Set
Located in Long Beach, CA
Solid, 14kt. yellow gold hand constructed 1960's earring and ring set.
18 Lapis Lazuli cabochon stones arranged in an exceptional hand constructed pair of earrings.
Additionally, one...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern More Jewelry
Cartier 2529 Lady's White Gold Pasha Diamond Grill Wristwatch in Stock
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Style: Pasha de Cartier 2529
Case Material: 18k White Gold
Case Diameter: 32mm
Case Back: Skeleton
Bezel: 18k White Gold
Dial: Silver Dial with Black Hands; Date at 5 o'clock; Diamon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern More Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
18kt Yellow Gold Pave Round Brilliant Diamond 2.00cttw Bow Design Pin Brooch
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Beautiful 18kt yellow gold bow design pin with pave set round brilliant diamond of approximately 2.00 cttw. The diamonds are f/g in color and si/vs in clarity.
The pin is 50mm wide a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gilt & Cream Enamel Collar Chain Brooch / Cardigan Clip by St. John, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Large coin brooch measures 1.25" in diameter, small coin brooch measures 1" in diameter
- Gold plated
- Cream enamel accents
- 1.4" and 2.5" chains
- By St. Joh...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Georg Jensen Sterling Bracelet #215, Denmark, a Design by Flemming Eskildsen
By Georg Jensen
Located in valatie, NY
Georg Jensen Sterling Bracelet #215, Made in Denmark, Mid-Century, a Design by Flemming Eskildsen. After training at the Georg Jensen Silversmithy, Flemming Eskildsen joined the firm...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Sterling Silver
White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant '0.48ctw'
Located in Dallas, TX
Diamond cross pendant in 18K white gold. The cross features 0.48ctw of diamonds.
Category
2010s Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bellarri 18 Karat Gold Amethyst and Multi-Gemstone Ring and Earring Set
By Bellarri
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Dress up your whole look with this colorful, bold earring and ring set! Stunning vibrant gemstones fill the near identical pieces, while glittering natural diamonds add a little extr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Amethyst, Multi-gemstone, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant, '0.27ctw'
Located in Dallas, TX
Diamond cross pendant in 18K white gold. The cross features 0.27ctw of diamonds.
Category
2010s Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant '0.38ctw'
Located in Dallas, TX
Diamond cross pendant in 18K white gold. The cross features 0.38ctw if diamonds.
Category
2010s Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Gilded Cherub Figural Brooch by Bob Mackie, 1980s
By Bob Mackie
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Measures 2.5" wide
- Gold plated
- Crystal rhinestone accents
- By Bob Mackie (signed on verso)
- Circa 1980s
- Estate acquired
- This item has been cleaned &...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern More Jewelry
White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant '0.23ctw'
Located in Dallas, TX
Diamond cross in 18K white gold. The cross features 0.23ctw of diamonds.
Category
2010s Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hermès Silver Tone Horsebit Scarf Ring
By Hermès
Located in Atlanta, GA
Circa: 1980
Origin: France
Metal Type: Silver tone gold
Size: 1 inch width
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Circa 1980s 18th Hole Golf Charm with Pearl in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
Circa: 1980
Metal Type: 14 karat gold
Weight: 1.3 grams
Length: 24mm including bail
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold
Masquerade Mask Charm in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
Circa: 1980
Metal Type: 14 karat gold
Weight: 2.2 grams
Dimensions: 1 inch length
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Gold
Miniature 6-Sided Die Charm in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
Circa: 1980
Metal Type: 14K gold
Weight: 0.4 grams
Length: 13.1 mm including bail
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold
Miniature Sea Turtle Charm in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
Circa: 1980s
Metal Type: 14K Gold
Weight: 0.6 grams
Length: 14.1mm
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold
Merry Christmas Bell Charm in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
Circa: 1980s
Metal Type: 14K Gold
Weight: 2.6 grams
Length: 1 inch
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas Watch Diamond & Mother of Pearl 18k
Located in MIAMI, FL
Bold and timeless, the Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas watch is as contemporary today as it was when first created in 1935. Its distinctive design features an...
Category
2010s French Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Silver Tone Hand Holding Flowers Figural Brooch, 1940s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Measures 3.75" width
- Silver tone
- Crystal rhinestone accents
- Enamel detail
- Circa 1940s
- Estate acquired
- This item has been cleaned & polished and is...
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Vintage Gilded Rose Duo Brooch with Crystal Rhinestones by Erwin Pearl, 1990s
By Erwin Pearl
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Measures 2" x 2"
- Gold plated
- Crystal rhinestones
- By Erwin Pearl (signed on verso)
- Circa 1990s
- Estate acquired
- Excellent vintage condition
Category
1990s American Modern More Jewelry
Vintage Aurora Borealis Crystal Dome Floral Brooch, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Measures 2.5" in diameter
- Aurora Borealis iridescent crystals
- Clear crystal accents
- Silver tone hardware
- Circa 1950s
- Estate acquired
- Excellent vin...
Category
1950s Unknown Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Vintage Aurora Borealis Large Crystal Swirl Brooch by B. David, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Measures 2.4" in diameter
- Prong set Aurora Borealis iridescent crystals
- Silver tone hardware
- By B. David (signed on verso)
- Circa 1950s
- Estate acquire...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Valentino Frog Shaped Brooch in Gold Metal
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous jewel brooch signed by the great designer Valentino of the 80's.
In the shape of a frog, on a metal base of gold color and enameled purple, on the back is embellished with a...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Carved Jade Brooch Pin 14 Karat Gold H.K. Antique Mid-Century Modernist
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning antique Carved Jade Brooch Pin in 14 Karat Yellow Gold marked H.K and dating to the Mid-Century Modern Period. The two jade medalli...
Category
20th Century Hong Kong Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wall Clock Gold-Plated Gold Pearls Sapphire Lapis Lazuli Erwin Sattler Movement
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold Plate
Amethyst, Malachite Inlaid in Onyx Sterling Large Earrings
Located in Aspen, CO
Amethyst, Malachite and onyx round disk large size earrings in Sterling Silver. These earrings are for a pierced ear and can be converted. Amethyst and malachite are inlaid into the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Amethyst, Malachite, Onyx, Sterling Silver
4 Carat Diamond Star of David Charm
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful diamond Star of David Charm from the 1980s with 4 carats of sparkling diamonds!
Charm Details:
Metal type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Weigh...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Ornate Bangle 10 Carat Diamond Double "C" Shape, Wide Cuff
Located in Atlanta, GA
Originally purchased at renowned retail shop, Neiman Marcus for $26,000. This is an ornate bangle featuring a whopping 10 carat of round brilliant diamonds, boasting G color and VS c...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern More Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
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