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.
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...
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...
Antique James Ness Edinburgh Brooch Box, Successor to Wm Ballantyne
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique James Ness brooch box, the satin lid printed James Ness, Successor to Wm Ballantyne, Jeweller & Silversmith, 37 Queensferry St., Edinburgh. The case is brown leather wit...
Villarverde Madrid Antique Spanish Jewellery Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Spanish jewellery box by M. Villarverde of Madrid, marked Joyeria, Plateria, Relojeria, M. Villarverde, Fundacion Madrid. Square f...
Antique W. Hetter St Austell Cufflink Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An early-20th-century cufflink presentation box retailed by W. Hetter, Jeweller, St Austell. The rectangular case is covered in deep burgundy leather with a gilt border and metal pu...
Other
Cartier Vintage Gold Tone Textured Metal Lighter
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Vintage Cartier lighter featuring a rectangular gold-tone metal body with a finely textured linear finish. The geometric form and detailed surface pattern create a classic example o...
Gold, Base Metal
Hamilton and Inches Jewellery Box, 1920s to 1930s
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Hamilton and Inches rectangular jewellery box, circa 1920s to 1930s. Fitted presentation box from the celebrated Edinburgh silversmiths and jewellers, holders of the Royal...
Silver
Vintage Harold Cox Ring Box, Windsor, Royal Warrant
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage ring box from Harold Cox, Jeweller, Windsor, the silk lid printed in gilt with the royal arms and By appointment to Her Majesty the Queen. The case is a small cube in dark g...
Other
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
Antique Stewart Dawson Regent Street Round Jewellery Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A circular antique jewellery presentation box retailed by Stewart Dawson & Company Limited, Regent Street, London. The case has a gold-toned textured exterior with decorative ed...
Antique Silvio Vincente Italian Jewellery Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Italian jewellery box by Silvio Vincente, suitable for brooches, pendants and small jewellery. Fitted form with the original ret...
Antique Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company Oval Jewellery Box, By Appointment
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company Ltd oval presentation box in purple velvet, the satin lid blocked in gilt By Appointment to the King, 112 Regent St, London. The Goldsm...
Vintage Gotham Watch Box, 1930s to 1940s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Gotham watch presentation box, circa 1930s to 1940s, with the original Gotham branding. Long fitted form designed to hold a wristwatch. An evocative period American watch ...
Vintage Fred Leighton New York Red Suede Dress-Set Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage jewellery presentation box by Fred Leighton, New York, designed to hold a gentleman’s dress set, cufflinks, shirt studs or a combination of small jewellery pieces. The rec...
Antique Pink-Purple Leather Ring Box, Circa 1920s to 1940s
Located in Braintree, GB
A traditional antique square ring box with a pink-purple leather exterior and a fitted velvet interior. Designed to hold a single ring securely. ...
Other
Cartier Vintage Silver Tone Textured Metal Lighter
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Vintage Cartier lighter featuring a rectangular silver-tone metal body with a finely textured finish. The clean geometric form and detailed surface pattern create a classic example o...
Silver
Vintage Hancocks and Co Earring Box, 1970s to 1990s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co earring presentation box, circa 1970s to 1990s, with the original retailer mark from this respected London jewellery house. Fitted form designed for a pair ...
Antique Falk & May Bros Manchester Ring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An early-20th-century ring presentation box retailed by Falk & May Bros, jewellers of 22 Market Street, Royal Exchange, Manchester. The square case retains a decorative leather-covered exterior with gilt tooling and a small metal push-button fastening. It opens to reveal a cream satin-lined lid printed with a crown and the retailer’s Manchester address. The fitted lower section is lined in pale cream velvet and features a raised central cushion with a curved ring slot. Its compact proportions suit an antique engagement ring, wedding band, signet ring or small cluster ring...
Other
BOGH-ART Boghossian Purple Leather Ring Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A luxury jewellery presentation box branded BOGH-ART, the former design identity associated with the Boghossian jewellery house. The architectural square case is finished in metalli...
Other
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...
Vintage Hancocks and Co Dress Set Presentation Box
By Hancocks
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co dress set presentation box, fitted for cufflinks and studs. With original retailer marks from this respected London jewellery house. A handsome maker box, ...
Vintage Hancocks and Co Red Leather Watch and Bracelet Box, Circa 1950s to 1970s
By Hancocks
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co box in long rectangular form, with a red leather exterior, gold trim and a black velvet lined interior. Suitable for a wristwatch or a slender bracelet. Ha...
Other
Vintage Hancocks and Co Earring Presentation Box, Circa 1980s to 1990s
By Hancocks
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co earring presentation box from the 1980s to 1990s. Compact red leather cushion-form square with gilt tooled border, satin lined lid with the original Hancock...
Other
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
Antique J. P. Davis Boston Leather Ring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A compact early-20th-century ring presentation box retailed by J. P. Davis, 25 Bargate, Boston. The blue leather exterior has a rectangular form with rounded corners and a small bra...
Other
Cartier Vintage Gold Tone Heraldic Motif Lighter
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Vintage Cartier lighter featuring an ornate gold-tone exterior decorated with intricate engraved detailing and red and white enamel accents. A prominent heraldic-inspired motif and e...
Gold, Enamel
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...
Vintage Hancocks & Co Red Leather Objet d’Art Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A substantial oval presentation box by Hancocks & Co, finished in deep burgundy-red leather with gilt edging and a brass push-button fastening. The cream satin-lined lid bears a...
Silver
Antique Neubauer Menton French Green Brooch or Pendant Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A compact antique French jewellery presentation box retailed by Neubauer of Menton, on the French Riviera. The shaped rectangular case is covered in green crackle-effect material wi...
Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co Brooch Box, 1920s to 1930s
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique brooch presentation box by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, London, circa 1920s to 1930s. Traditional fitted form designed to hold a brooch securely. The Goldsmit...
Silver
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
Cartier Vintage Dark Green and Gold Tone Lighter
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Vintage Cartier lighter featuring a slim rectangular form with a deep dark green finish accented by polished gold-tone trim. The contrasting colors and Cartier double C emblem create...
Gold, Base Metal
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
Antique Joseph Bell Black Leather Ring Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Braintree, GB
A compact antique ring presentation box retailed by Joseph Bell, dating from the early 20th century. The square case is covered in black textured leather and decorated with a fine g...
Other
Antique Johann Tresnak Vienna Green Brooch Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Austro-Hungarian jewellery presentation box retailed by Johann Tresnak, with addresses in Vienna and Karlsbad. The rectangular case has a dark green exterior, a contrasti...
Other
Harold J. Henry New York Leather Dress Set Travel Case, 1920s
Located in Braintree, GB
A rare antique leather travel pouch by Harold J. Henry, New York, with a button fastening, designed to hold a dress set of cufflinks and studs. Circa 1920s, in brown leather, with si...
Other
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 ...
Vintage Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co Cufflink Box, 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage cufflink presentation box by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, London, circa 1950s. Slim fitted form designed to hold a pair of cufflinks. The Goldsmiths and Silver...
Silver
Antique David Lyall Ring Box, Jeweller Nairobi
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique ring presentation box by David Lyall, Jeweller, Nairobi, the cream silk lid signed in script, in a blue green covering with a domed lid. Boxes from the colonial jewellery tr...
Antique Jays Ring Box, Oxford Street London, Established 1706
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique ring presentation box by Jays of 142 & 144 Oxford Street, the silk lid printed with a crown, Diamond Merchants, and the founding date 1706. The imprint is set out under ...
Other
Antique J. Schofield Watchmaker and Jeweller Brooch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A square antique jewellery presentation box retailed by J. Schofield, Watchmaker and Jeweller. The case has a warm reddish-brown leather exterior decorated with a gilt tooled border...
Other
Antique J. A. Johnston Ulverston Ring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique ring presentation box retailed by J. A. Johnston Ltd, jewellers and silversmiths of Ulverston and Grange. The square case has a mottled brown leather-covered exterior wit...
Silver
Antique Fauveau-Bidet Chartres French Octagonal Brooch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A decorative antique French jewellery presentation box retailed by Fauveau-Bidet of Chartres. The octagonal case has a gold-toned textured exterior embellished with delicate gilt fl...
Silver
Antique Pickford & Co London Ring Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An early-20th-century ring presentation box retailed by Pickford & Co, goldsmiths, jewellers and watchmakers of 243 Old Street, London E.C. The compact square case is covered in...
Other
Vintage Nicholas Harris London Grey Bracelet or Watch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A long vintage bracelet or wristwatch presentation box retailed by Nicholas Harris, formerly of 26 Conduit Street, London W1. The rectangular case is covered in pale grey suede-effe...
Silver
Vintage 26 Conduit Street London Brooch and Earring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage grey suede-effect jewellery presentation box retailed from 26 Conduit Street, London W1. The unusually shaped case has clipped upper corners and a soft pale-grey exterior....
Vintage Italian Bracelet and Watch Box, 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Italian bracelet or watch box, circa 1950s. Long fitted form, suitable for a bracelet or a wristwatch. A handsome Italian presentation box of mid-century character, ideal ...
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...
Cartier Paris Vintage Silver Tone Metal Lighter with Box
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Vintage Cartier Paris lighter featuring a classic rectangular form with a silver-tone metal finish. The clean and understated design reflects th...
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...
Cartier Vintage Red and Gold Tone Metal Lighter
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Vintage Cartier lighter featuring a slim rectangular body with a rich red finish and contrasting gold-tone detailing. The Cartier double C emblem and polished borders create a bold y...
Gold Plate
Cartier Vintage White and Gold Tone Metal Lighter
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Vintage Cartier lighter featuring a slim rectangular body with white panels framed by contrasting gold-tone metal. The clean geometric design is accented with Cartier's double C embl...
Base Metal, Gold
Antique Blue Jewellery Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
Early 20th-century rectangular jewellery presentation box, finished in dark blue with gilt detailing and a cream satin interior. The unfitted interior makes it suitable for a brooch,...
Antique Oval Necklace or Bracelet Box
Located in Braintree, GB
Large elongated antique jewellery presentation box in a warm grey-beige or taupe finish with gilt floral detailing. The interior features a cream satin lid and a shaped black velvet ...
Antique J.W. Benson Ludgate Hill Watch or Bracelet Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A long antique jewellery presentation box by J.W. Benson Ltd, the celebrated London watchmaker, jeweller and silversmith formerly based at 62 and 64 Ludgate Hill. The rectangular ca...
Silver
Vintage Mappin & Webb Bracelet or Watch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
Long vintage Mappin & Webb presentation box suitable for a bracelet, wristwatch or narrow necklace. Finished in dark blue with gilt decoration and fitted with a royal-blue velvet...
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
Cartier Vintage Gold Tone Ribbed Metal Lighter
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Vintage Cartier lighter featuring a rectangular gold-tone metal body with a distinctive vertical ribbed finish. The clean geometric form and textured surface create a classic and re...
Gold
Vintage Omega Brown Leather Watch Travel Case
By Omega
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage Omega watch case in brown pigskin grained leather, of unusual wedge form, stamped in gilt with the Omega symbol and name. Most Omega boxes ar...
Other
Cartier Vintage Gold Tone Patterned Metal Lighter
By Cartier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Vintage Cartier lighter featuring an elongated rectangular form with rounded edges and an intricate repeating pattern across the gold-tone metal exterior. The textured decorative fin...
Gold Plate