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.
Antique Hamilton and Inches Ring Box, Circa 1910
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Hamilton and Inches ring box, circa 1910, with the original retailer mark from the celebrated Edinburgh silversmiths and jewellers, holders of the Royal Warrant. Tradition...
Silver
Vintage Hancocks and Co Brooch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co brooch box, circa 1990s to 2000s, with the original retailer mark. The box has an unusual fitted recess, suited to a brooch of distinctive shape. A charact...
Jay Scott Jewellers Brooch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Jay Scott Jewellers fitted brooch box, designed to hold a brooch or bar brooch securely, with the original retailer mark. A useful and presentable brooch box, ideal for di...
Jacques Schouls French Jewellery Suite Box, 19th Century
Located in Braintree, GB
A rare early French fitted jewellery case by Jacques Schouls, likely 19th century and possibly dating to the late 18th century. Designed for a complete jewellery suite including earr...
Other
Kutchinsky Necklace Box, 1970s
Located in Braintree, GB
A large vintage Kutchinsky necklace presentation box, circa 1970s, with the original Kutchinsky retailer mark. Fitted form designed to hold a necklace flat. Kutchinsky is a celebrat...
Omega Watch Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Omega watch presentation box, with the original Omega branding. Fitted form designed to hold a wristwatch, ideal for the display or storage of a vintage Omega. Omega is on...
Antique Cartier Ring and Pendant Box, 1920s
Located in Braintree, GB
A small square Cartier presentation box, circa 1920s, with the original Cartier mark. Suitable for a ring or a small pendant. An original 1920s Cartier ring box is a genuine collect...
Hancocks and Co Pendant and Brooch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co fitted jewellery box, suitable for a pendant, brooch or small object, with the original retailer mark from this respected London jewellery house. Hancocks ...
Harrods London Watch and Bracelet Box, 1930s to 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Harrods presentation box from approximately the 1930s to 1950s, with the original Harrods London mark. Long rectangular fitted form, suitable for a wristwatch or a bracelet...
Collingwood Pink Leather Jewellery Box, Royal Warrant, 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Collingwood jewellery box from Conduit Street, London, By Appointment Jewellers to Her Majesty The Queen. Square form, circa 1950s, wit...
Other
Vintage Hancocks and Co Earring Box, Circa 1970s
By Hancocks
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co fitted earring box of square form. Red leather exterior with a black velvet lined interior, designed for a pair of large drop earrings. Original maker boxe...
Other
Vintage Hancocks and Co Red Leather Bracelet Box, Beige Velvet Interior
By Hancocks
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co bracelet presentation box in rectangular form. Red leather exterior with a beige velvet lined interior, sized for a fitted bracelet. A handsome period box ...
Other
Vintage Hancocks and Co Stick Pin and Brooch Box
By Hancocks
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co box of rectangular form, intended for a stick pin, brooch or small pendant. With original retailer marks from this respected London house. A useful display...
Vintage Graff London Black Leather Jewellery Box, Circa 1970s to 1990s
By Graff
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Graff London jewellery box of square form, with a black leather exterior and a black velvet lined interior. The interior has no fitted recess, making it suitable for a broo...
Other
Silver Hermes Paris 1960 Compact Powder Case
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Paris Silver Compact Powder Case – Circa 1960 A refined expression of mid-century elegance, this Hermès compact powder case from the 1960s is crafted in solid silver with a t...
Silver
Antique Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co. Presentation Box, by The Gorham Shop
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique presentation box marked Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co. and retailed by The Gorham Shop, Detroit, Michigan. Green leather exterior with a beige velvet lined interior. Like...
Silver
Vintage Ilias Lalaounis Greek Jewellery Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage jewellery presentation box by the celebrated Greek house of Ilias Lalaounis. Compact rectangular form in a pale cream finish with a fitted velvet interior. Ilias Lalaounis is one of the most respected Greek jewellery...
Vintage Philips Jewellers Leeds Ring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage ring presentation box by Philips Jewellers of 4 The Headrow, Leeds. Compact square form with a fitted velvet ring slot and the original retailer mark printed to the satin l...
Vintage Garrard London Watch and Bracelet Box, Circa 1950s
By James Garrard
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Garrard London presentation box from the 1950s, retaining the Royal Warrant crown mark to the satin lined lid. Garrard are Crown Jewellers, and original Garrard presentatio...
Antique F.W. Hartley Ltd, 41 Albemarle Street, London Blue Leather Ring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique ring box from F.W. Hartley Ltd of 41 Albemarle Street, London. Blue leather exterior with a beige velvet lined interior. Square fitted ring box. A handsome Mayfair retail...
Other
Antique Johnson Walker and Tolhurst, 12 Conduit Street London Ring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique ring presentation box by Johnson, Walker and Tolhurst Ltd of 12 Conduit Street, London W. Traditional fitted square form with the original jewellers retailer mark printed ...
Antique H. Drows, 20 Copthall Avenue, London EC Red Leather Ring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A traditional antique ring box from H. Drows of 20 Copthall Avenue, London EC. Red leather exterior with a black velvet lined interior. Square fitted ring box, designed to hold a sin...
Other
Jocelyn Burton Seashell and Moonstone Encrusted Sterling Silver Box
By Jocelyn Burton 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine cylindrical sterling silver box by Jocelyn Burton. The box's lid is richly encrusted with miniature silver sea shells and bezel set with 2 ...
Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Wartski Leather and Velvet Jewellery Box, Green, Circa 1930s to 1960s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Wartski jewellery box in green leather with a velvet lined interior, designed for a single round object such as a coin, medal, pendant or brooch. The fitted circular recess...
Other
Boodles and Dunthorne Vintage Leather Jewellery Box, Circa 1970s to 1990s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Boodles and Dunthorne jewellery box with a leather exterior and a black velvet lined interior. Compact square form, ideal for a ...
Other
Rare Antique Geeves Ltd, 21 Old Bond Street, London W1 Folding Travel Ring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A rare antique folding travel ring box from Geeves Ltd, 21 Old Bond Street, London W1, marked Royal Appointment. Compact square form when closed, with a push-button clasp and folding...
Liberty of London Vintage Red Leather Bracelet Box, Circa 1940s to 1960s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Liberty of London bracelet box in rectangular form, with a red leather exterior, gilt edging and a black velvet lined interior. Designed for a bracelet or a narrow wristwat...
Other
Vintage W.D. Webb, Greenwich Watch Box, Suede Covered, Circa 1930s to 1950s
By BB
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage W.D. Webb watch box from Greenwich, Stamford, Connecticut, likely associated with the celebrated American jeweller David Webb. The box has a suede covered exterior with a v...
Vintage Kutchinsky London Watch and Bracelet Presentation Box
By Kutchinsky
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage presentation box by Kutchinsky, the celebrated London jewellery house. Long rectangular form, suitable for a wristwatch or bracelet, retaining its original printed retailer...
Antique Liberty and Co, Regent Street, London Dress Set Box, Circa 1920s
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Liberty and Co dress set box from their Regent Street, London premises. Brown leather exterior with a beige velvet lined interior, fitted for a complete dress set includin...
Other
Vintage Liberty of London Grey Earring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Liberty of London earring presentation box of square form, with a grey exterior and a fitted velvet interior bearing the Liberty of...
Vintage Fred, 6 Rue Royale, Paris Jewellery Box, Circa 1930s to 1960s
By Fred
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Fred Paris jewellery box, bearing the celebrated address 6 Rue Royale, Paris. Rectangular fitted presentation box from one of the leading French jewellery houses. Fred Joa...
M.S. Bourla, Salonique Vintage Blue Bracelet Box, Circa 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage M.S. Bourla jewellers box from Salonique (Thessaloniki), with a blue exterior and a blue velvet lined interior. Long rectangular form, designed for a bracelet. A rare and ...
Vintage Peter Edwards Jewellery Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage jewellery presentation box by Peter Edwards. Square form with a grey exterior and a fitted satin lined interior bearing the printed retailer mark. A handsome maker present...
Vintage Golay Lerèsche and Fils Geneva Watch Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Swiss watch presentation box marked Golay Lerèsche and Fils, also stamped Golay Fils and Stahl, Genève. Slender rectangular form in red ...
Other
Antique Asprey, Bond Street, London Green Leather Box, Circa 1920s
By Asprey
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Asprey, Bond Street, London box with a green leather exterior and a black and beige lined interior. Large rectangular form, suitable for a bracelet or a wristwatch. Aspre...
Other
Vintage Hancocks and Co Red Leather Necklace Box, Circa 1950s to 1980s
By Hancocks
Located in Braintree, GB
A large vintage Hancocks and Co necklace box. Red leather exterior with a black velvet lined interior. Long fitted presentation box, designed to hold a necklace flat. A handsome mak...
Other
Vintage S. J. Phillips Ltd London Pendant Presentation Box, Circa 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage jewellery presentation box retailed by S. J. Phillips Ltd of 139 New Bond Street, London W.1. Substantial fitted rectangular form in red leather with a finely ribbed grain ...
Other
Vintage Collingwood Conduit Street London Brooch Box, By Royal Appointment
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Collingwood jewellers presentation box from 46 Conduit Street, London W.1, bearing the Royal Warrant of Her Majesty The Queen. Compact square form, fitted for a brooch, pen...
Vintage S. J. Phillips Ltd London Watch and Bracelet Box, Circa 1980s to 1990s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage S. J. Phillips Ltd jewellery presentation box from the 1980s to 1990s. Long slender rectangular form in red leather with gilt tooled border and a push-button clasp, satin l...
Other
Antique Asprey and Co London Earring Presentation Box, Circa 1930s to 1940s
By Asprey
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Asprey and Co earring presentation box from the 1930s to 1940s. Red leather form with gilt tooled border and a push-button clasp, satin lined lid with the original Asprey ...
Other
Vintage Harvey and Gore London Cufflink Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Harvey and Gore cufflink presentation box. Rectangular form in red leather with fine gilt tooled border, satin lined lid with the original Harvey and Gore retailer mark, fi...
Silver
Graff Bracelet or Watch Presentation Box, c.1970–1990
Located in Braintree, GB
An original Graff bracelet or watch presentation box dating to circa 1970–1990. The box features a pale pink leather exterior of elongated octagonal form, finished with a hinged li...
Omega Vintage ladies wristwatch display box, 1960's
Located in Braintree, GB
Omega Vintage ladies wristwatch display boxMade in 1960s Dimensions:Width x depth: 9.5 x 3.5 cm Weight: 63 grams Condition: Box is pre - owned, wi...