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.
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Executive T Clip Ballpoint Pen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine T Clip Executive ballpoint pen. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Together with its original box. Simply a wonderful Tiffany item for everyday! Date: 20th Century Ove...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Floral Shoulder Purse
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage shoulder purse is crafted in solid sterling silver (S925) and showcases an elaborate all-over floral motif, with finely carved flowers adorning the body and bas...
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Card Case or Business Card Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage business card holder. In sterling silver. By Tiffany & Co. Engraved to the front and monogrammed 'G.B.S.'. Mark...
Sterling Silver
PARKER - Victory Model - Black Fountain Pen - 14K Gold Nib - U.K. - Circa 1950's
Located in Chatham, CA
PARKER - VICTORY Model - Vintage black plastic fountain pen with gold tone clip and double stripes to the cap - featuring a 14K yellow gold nib (Newhaven, England) - screw on cap and...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Shell with Silver Mount – Luiz Ferreira
Located in Lisboa, PT
Natural Shell with Silver Mount – Luiz Ferreira Portugal, 20th century Decorative natural shell mounted in sterling silver (925/1000) by Luiz Ferreira, combining organic form with r...
Silver
Vintage Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold & Hematite Letter Opener
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage letter opener. Designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. With a lustrous hematite blade and an applied 18 karat yellow gold wirework handle. Marked to handle....
Hematite, 18k Gold
Large Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Picture or Photo Frame with Engraved Cows
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique photo frame signed Cartier. In sterling silver. Engraved with 2 cows to the top. (Likely done a inscription of endearment!) With a robust easel back stand. Simply ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Gucci Silver Plate & Black Enamel Letter Opener
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Italian designer letter opener. In sterling plate. By Gucci. With a ring shaped handle surrounding a bean shaped device that reads 'GUCCI' on a black enamel band. ...
Silver Plate, Enamel
Sarah Jones Unique, Exhibited Sterling Silver Fly on the Wall Sculpture / Vessel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, unique hand made vase or vessel By Sarah Jones. In sterling silver. Exhibited in the Exhibition entitled: Sayings in Silver In the form of a brick wall with an applied ...
Sterling Silver
A Fabergé Nephrite And Crystal Stamp Dampener
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé nephrite and crystal stamp dampener, the base carved from a single piece of nephrite resting on four round-shaped feet, the nephrite decorated on each side with rose gold ribbons and green gold garlands embellished with rose-cut diamonds and small cabochon-cut rubies, the rim decorated with two-colour gold laurel decoration, with detachable frosted rock crystal dampener, bearing the shovel-shaped mark for 56 zolotniks, St Petersburg, workmaster Feodor Afanassiev, circa 1904-1908, measuring 6.3 x 4 x 4cm, gross weight 152 grams. Property Formerly in the collection of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza A Fabergé jewelled varicoloured gold-mounted nephrite and rock crystal stamp dampener, workmaster Feodor Afanassiev, St Petersburg, 1904-1908 This antique stamp...
Rose Gold
Hermès Paris Silver Pencil Holder
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Paris Silver Pencil Holder A sleek desk essential by Hermès, blending minimalist design with luxury craftsmanship. Crafted in France, this...
Silver Plate
Hermès Paris Horse Head Letter Opener, Designed by Ravinet Denfert
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
A gesture of elegance, cast in silver. This sculptural letter opener, designed for Hermès by Ravinet Denfert circa 1970, captures the quiet power of the horse in mid-stride. Rendere...
Silver Plate
$478Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Roma 1970 Modernist Shot Cup Tumbler in Solid .925 Sterling Silver
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
Shot cup designed by Bvlgari. Beautiful vintage shot cup created in Rome Italy by the luxury house of Bulgari, back in the 1970. This tumbler has been ca...
Silver, Sterling Silver
An Elizabeth II Silver Wasp
Located in London, GB
An Elizabeth II Silver Wasp, the larger-than-life wasp rendered in finely engraved detail, bearing hallmarks for London 2018, maker’s mark Bentley ...
Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Key Holder or Key Chain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage key holder. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. One of the ball shaped terminals is threaded and can be removed to add/remove key...
Sterling Silver
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Sterling Silver Cross Pencil Original Box, Refillable Lead, Pinstriped Design
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage silver Cross pencil with a classic pinstriped design. It features a refillable lead and is presented in the original cross box. The pencil weighs 7 grams, is stampe...
Sterling Silver
PENCRAFT - The Mayer Co. - Fountain Pen - 14K Gold Nib - Canada - Circa 1950's
Located in Chatham, CA
PENCRAFT - The Mayer Co. - Rare vintage black plastic fountain pen with gold plated cap and ring - featuring an engine turned continuous guilloché pattern to the cap and body of the ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
CONWAY STEWART - Dinkie 550 - Fountain Pen - 14K Gold Nib - U.K. - Circa 1955
Located in Chatham, CA
CONWAY STEWART - Model Dinkie 550 - Vintage 'marbled plum' plastic fountain pen with gold filled clip, cap and single stripe to the base of the cap - featuring the original Conway St...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Key Holder or Key Chain 2001
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine key holder. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Comprising a circular key bar with ball-shaped terminals and an attached round tag. One of the ball shaped terminals is threaded and can be opened to add or remove keys from the ring. Together with its original box and storage pouch. Simply a wonderful Tiffany key holder...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Atlas Lock-Shaped Key Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine vintage Tiffany & Co. Atlas lock-shaped key holder or keychain. In sterling silver. Simply a great Tiffany & Co. everyday piece! Date: Late 20th Century Condition: It...
Sterling Silver
Signed Southwestern Santa Fe Sterling Silver Tazza by Buddy Lee Mossman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare tazza or compote from the renowned Southwestern jewelry artist - Buddy Lee Mossman. In sterling silver. With a hand chased foot supporting a cross-...
Sterling Silver
Antique Leonore Doskow Sterling Silver Ruler/Letter Opener
By Leonore Doskow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique sterling silver ruler. By Leonore Doskow. With a pointed end for opening letters and 6 inches of measurement marks. Simply a gr...
Sterling Silver
Postmodern Silver Plated Picture Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful postmodern silver-plated easel back frame. Designed by TsAO & Mckown for Swid Powell. Model no. 3310. Comprising a one-piece, welded easel b...
Silver Plate
Gucci GG Skull Sterling Silver Keychain – “Life Is Gucci” Edition
By Gucci
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Gucci GG Skull Keychain, crafted in high-polish sterling silver. Features a stylized skull motif embossed with the iconic interlocking “GG” logo, blending bold branding with a punk...
Sterling Silver
La Nouvelle Bague inkwell in gilt silver and ebony with fountain pen
Located in Perugia, IT
La Nouvelle Bague Metropolitan inkwell in 925/ooo yellow gold-plated sterling silver and ebony base, fire enamel details. Included is 925/ooo sterling silver, 18k gold, fire enamel a...
14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
La Nouvelle Bague desk and bag lens in silver and enamel
Located in Perugia, IT
La Nouvelle Bague desk and purse lens in 925/ooo sterling silver and blue fire enamel. Measures 4 x 4 x 1.2 cm, total weight 70 g. Made in Italy - Florence 1997 The distinctive styl...
Sterling Silver
Hermès Paris Silver “Jeton J. Sallin” Coin Card Holder
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and rare Hermès Paris silver card holder, featuring a mounted “Jeton” (commemorative coin) inscribed with “J. Car. Hen. Sallin, Dean of Medicine”. This historically inspired ...
Silver
La Nouvelle Bague silver and enamel desk stamp
Located in Perugia, IT
La Nouvelle Bague desk stamp in 925/ooo sterling silver and blue fire enamel. Measures 7 x 3 cm, total weight g 125. The diameter for the rubber to be made for the stamp-seal is 20 m...
Sterling Silver
Personalize 18 K Yellow Gold Blue Agate and Letter Customizable Unisex Cufflinks
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection a nice cufflinks are made with a intense blue agate bar. The letter "G" is handmade and stylized in yellow gold 18 karats...
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co Estate Ballpoint Pen 5" Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tiffany & Co Estate Ballpoint Pen 5" Silver TIF423 This elegant Authentic Tiffany & Co sterling silver pen is 5 inches in size and has a weight of 25 Grams. These Tiffany pens...
Silver
Antique Silver Hand Letter Paper Clip
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Highly unusual paperclip in the form of a silver bejewelled Ladies hand with an elaborate lace cuff and a bracelet. The hand is mounted on a fabric covered base.
Silver
$159Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co Estate Keychain Sterling Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tiffany & Co Estate Keychain Sterling Silver TIF751 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING DETAILS Metal: St...
Sterling Silver
$398 / item
W 0.25 in D 0.25 in L 4.75 in
Tiffany & Co. 1981 Angela Cummings Aerodynamic Twisted Pen .925 Sterling Silver
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural twisted pen designed by Angela Cummings. Sculptural pen, created back in the 1981 in New York city at the Tiffany Studios. This fabulous sculpt...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Men's Money Clip
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated Sterling Silver money clip. Dimensions: 2.32 in. L x 0.85 in. W x 0.36 in. D - 59 mm. L x 22 mm. W x 10 mm. D Alex...
Sterling Silver
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Men's Money Clip
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated Sterling Silver money clip. Dimensions: 2.22 in. L x 0.90 in. W x 0.32 in. D - 56 mm. L x 22 mm. W x 8 mm. D. Alex Jona gifts stand o...
Sterling Silver
"Y" NYC Subway Token 925 Silver Keychain
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday essentials with the exquisite craftsmanship of Michael Bondanza Jewelry. Introducing our 925 sterling silver Keychain featuring the iconic NYC Large 'Y' Subway ...
Silver
$1,270Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Bic 50th Anniversary Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen, 2010
Located in Braintree, GB
A rare and elegant Bic 50th Anniversary Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen crafted in solid 925 sterling silver. This premium edition of the iconic BIC pen features a sleek, hexagonal des...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Golf Club Ballpoint Pen
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany & Co. Golf Club Ballpoint Pen - Sterling silver Tiffany & Co. ballpoint pen with golf club pocket clip and twist retractable closure. Includes dust bag.
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Atlas Lock-Shaped Key Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine vintage Tiffany & Co. Atlas lock-shaped key holder or keychain. In sterling silver. Simply a great Tiffany & Co. everyday piece! Date: Late 20th Century Condition: It...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Wax Seal with Hand Carved Jade Bird Handle
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This unique, Circa 1800, wax seal begins with an 18K yellow gold base monogrammed with MLO, upon which sits a beautifully carved jade bird. The Jade ...
Jade, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Montblanc Meisterstuck 146 Bicolor 14K Nib Gold Trim Fountain In Original Box
By Mont Blanc
Located in Toronto, CA
For your consideration Montblanc Meisterstuck 146 4810 14K Nib Gold Trim Fountain In Original Box Details: COMES WITH: - OUTER BOX. - PRESENTATION CASE. - SERVICE GUIDE. Type: Foun...
Bvlgari Bulgari “Duomo” Desk Clock
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A rare and substantial desk accessory crafted by Bvlgari, circa late 1980s–1990s. This striking “Duomo” design is sculpted in gilt brass with a polished steel base, conjuring the ele...
Diamond, Brass, Stainless Steel
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Travel Sewing Kit
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver portable sewing kit. In sterling silver. By Tiffany & Co. In the form of a cylindrical box. The interior has a central, tube compartment with a removable cap. The co...
Sterling Silver
Spectrum Jewels 24 Karat Yellow Gold Coin 0.5 grams
Located in Diera, Dubai
Gold Coin ✦ Sizing ..................... We can adjust most items to fit your sizing preferences. Most items can be made to any size and length. Please leave a note at checkout or c...
Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Oversized Paperclip Money Clip
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver paperclip money clip or holder. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of an oversized paperclip. Marked to the interior. Simply wonderful Tiffan...
Sterling Silver
Spectrum Jewels 24 Karat Yellow Gold Coin 0.5 grams
Located in Diera, Dubai
Gold Coin ✦ Sizing ..................... We can adjust most items to fit your sizing preferences. Most items can be made to any size and length. Please leave a note at checkout or c...
Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spectrum Jewels 24 Karat Yellow Gold Coin 0.5 grams
Located in Diera, Dubai
Gold Coin ✦ Sizing ..................... We can adjust most items to fit your sizing preferences. Most items can be made to any size and length. Please leave a note at checkout or c...
Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver Stegosaurus on Quartz Base
Located in New York, NY
A Captivating Blend of Nature, Art, and Imagination Enhance your décor or collectible display with this Sterling Silver Stegosaurus perched atop a rough quartz rock. Thoughtfully des...
Quartz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 6-Inch Ruler
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine 6-inch ruler. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Simply a wonderful Tiffany everyday object! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, u...
Sterling Silver
2002 MONTBLANC Qing Dynasty Precious Version 18K Jade Limited Ed Fountain Pen
By Montblanc
Located in New York, NY
Limited edition Montblanc fountain 18K pen with certificate of originality paper Qing Dynasty Precious Version. Limited Edition #70 of 88 spinach jade cap, 18K hardware/nip, resin ba...
Pearl, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Tiffany and Co. Swiss Brass Golden Half-Moon Modern Desk Timepiece
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite Late 20th-Century Masterpiece Enhance your space with this elegant Swiss brass half-moon desk timepiece, retailed by Tiffany & Co. during the late 20th century. This sop...
Brass
Spectrum Jewels 24 Karat Yellow Gold Coin 0.5 grams
Located in Diera, Dubai
Gold Coin ✦ Sizing ..................... We can adjust most items to fit your sizing preferences. Most items can be made to any size and length. Please leave a note at checkout or c...
Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wallace Sterling Book Mark Vintage Vine Grande Baroque 63mm x 24mm 4.4 Grams
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a beautiful decorative Wallace Sterling bookmark with the Grande Baroque design. This vintage bookmark is made of 4.4 grams of sterling silve...
Sterling Silver