Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

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.

Style: Modern

Christian Dior, Key/Bag Chain with Enamel Charms, Made in Italy, circa 1990s

$556Sale Price|30% Off

Christian Dior, Key/Bag Chain with Enamel Charms, Made in Italy, circa 1990s

By Christian Dior

Located in Chatham, CA

CHRISTIAN DIOR - Elegant designer white metal key chain with multi-color enamel bag charms - fine quality - each charm with the 'CD' logo - three charms pierced metal - four individual charms in red, lavender, white and pink enamel - signed 'Dior' on the key ring and the purse strap ring - purse strap ring with secure lock - 'Made in Italy' to both rings...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Enamel

12 Mid-Century Modern Gilt Sterling Silver & White Guilloche Enamel Salt Spoons

$595 / set

12 Mid-Century Modern Gilt Sterling Silver & White Guilloche Enamel Salt Spoons

By N.M. Thune

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine set of Norwegian Mid-Century Modern salt dips. By N. M. Thune of Oslo, Norway. In gilt sterling silver. With white guilloché decorated handles. Fully marked to the reverse...

Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal

Vintage Guilloché Green Enamel and 14 Carat Yellow Gold Egg Charm

$1,509

Vintage Guilloché Green Enamel and 14 Carat Yellow Gold Egg Charm

Located in London, GB

Radiating vintage charm, this 14 carat yellow gold enamel egg charm/pendant is a true conversation piece. This piece is mostly covered in emerald green Guilloché enamel, with the f...

Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

American Sterling Silver Cigarette Case with Enamel Nautical Flags

$1,685

American Sterling Silver Cigarette Case with Enamel Nautical Flags

Located in New York, NY

Nautical sterling silver and enamel cigarette case. Made by Thomae in Attleboro, Mass., ca 1960. Rectangular and hinged. Signal flags enameled on front. Gi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

La Nouvelle Bague silver and enamel desk frame

$892

La Nouvelle Bague silver and enamel desk frame

By Nouvelle Bague

Located in Perugia, IT

La Nouvelle Bague desk frame in 925/ooo sterling silver and blue fire enamel. Measurements 6 x 6 x 1.5 cm, total weight g 60. Photo aperture cm 3.5 x 3.5 Made in Italy - Florence 199...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

14K Yellow Gold Retro Ridged Tie Bar, Unisex, 1990s, 2.3g

$750

W 0.13 in D 0.12 in L 2.03 in

14K Yellow Gold Retro Ridged Tie Bar, Unisex, 1990s, 2.3g

Located in Palm Desert, CA

14 Karat Ridged Tie Bar. Simple design yet sophisticated piece that will add a nice detail to any tie. The top of the tie bar has a zig-zag design and the enti...

Category

1990s Unknown Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Silver Hand Chased Dragon Cigarette Case

$575

W 3.13 in L 6.75 in

Vintage Silver Hand Chased Dragon Cigarette Case

Located in Webster, SD

This gorgeous silver cigarette case features a hand chased/engraved dragon and an area for a monogram. The inside is gilt with gold. Measurements: 3 1/8 by 6 3/4 inches Weight: 196....

Category

1940s Asian Vintage Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Silver

Money Bag Charm 14 Karat Yellow Gold

$275

W 0.46 in L 0.79 in

Money Bag Charm 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Designer: custom design Material: 14k yellow gold Dimensions: charm is 20mm long and 11.5mm wide Weight: .50 grams

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Southeast Asian Silver Dresser Box or Cigarette Case

$695

H 0.71 in W 3.47 in D 2.69 in

Southeast Asian Silver Dresser Box or Cigarette Case

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique silver dresser box. In .900 silver. We believe it's likely Chinese or Thai in origin. With repousse animal decoration and geometric patterns to both sides. One side...

Category

20th Century Chinese Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Silver

Neon Technosphere Collection "Bermudas" Wristwatch By Swatch, 1990s

$119Sale Price|20% Off

Neon Technosphere Collection "Bermudas" Wristwatch By Swatch, 1990s

By Swatch

Located in McKinney, TX

- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - 9" total length - Summer/beach/surfer themed - Quartz movement - By Swatch Watch - From the 1991 Spring/Summer "Technosphere" collection - Style number GK133 - Comes in original Swatch...

Category

1990s Unknown Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Michel Perchin Silver Gilt Fountain Pen, Russian Imperial Blue Enamel, Germany.

Unavailable|~~$2,000~~

L 5.52 in

Michel Perchin Silver Gilt Fountain Pen, Russian Imperial Blue Enamel, Germany.

Located in Miami, FL

Offered here is a Michel Perchin Pen. Sterling silver gilt and enamel fountain pen, made in Germany. 0728/4321. in great condition, intriguing de...

Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Stunning Solid Sterling Silver 1927 Gold Gilt Inside Cigarette Case Ng & Co

$384Sale Price|20% Off

H 3.15 in W 2.66 in D 0.4 in

Stunning Solid Sterling Silver 1927 Gold Gilt Inside Cigarette Case Ng & Co

Located in GB

Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Solid Sterling Silver The Northern Goldsmiths Newcastle upon tyne 1927 engine turned cigarette cas...

Category

1920s British Vintage Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Austrian Guilloche Enamel Silver & Glass Table or Dresser Box

$1,500

H 1.75 in W 4.13 in D 3.25 in

Austrian Guilloche Enamel Silver & Glass Table or Dresser Box

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique Austrian glass, silver, & enamel table or dresser box. By Georg Adam Scheid. With a cornucopia or vase form decoration enamel flowers in a guilloche cartouche. The r...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Early 20th Century Antique Silver Enamel Figures in Garden Scene Compact

$607

H 3 in W 2.87 in D 0.37 in

Early 20th Century Antique Silver Enamel Figures in Garden Scene Compact

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Antique enamel and 800 silver compact. The rectangular top is enclosed by a rocaille scrollwork border with faux-lapis lazuli and faux-turquoise enamel inlay, centering a scene of a ...

Category

Early 20th Century Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Silver, Enamel

1959 Christian Dior Faux Pearl Green Crystal Costume Brooch

$1,276Sale Price|20% Off

1959 Christian Dior Faux Pearl Green Crystal Costume Brooch

By Christian Dior

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a stunning faux crystal and pearl Christian Dior brooch. From 1959, this large and wealthy brooch features a diamond shape with faux pearls and green, clear, and black cry...

Category

1950s European Vintage Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Art Deco Diamond Enamel Sapphire Platinum Drummer Boy Charm

$2,850

Art Deco Diamond Enamel Sapphire Platinum Drummer Boy Charm

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed as a little drummer boy with a highly detailed enamel face Set throughout by rose cut diamonds and blue sapphire accents With millegrain detail ...

Category

1920s Vintage Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Enamel Box with Diamond and Rubies Handcrafted in 18 Karat Gold

$10,000

H 0.6 in W 1.11 in L 1.3 in

Enamel Box with Diamond and Rubies Handcrafted in 18 Karat Gold

By Jay Rawat

Located in Jaipur, IN

A beautiful box with fine enamel work studded with Diamonds and Rubies. Similar enamel work can be seen in Indian and Mughal jewellery from centuries ag...

Category

2010s Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Previously Available Items

Vintage Leopard Motif Gold Diamond Enamel & Ruby Butane Lighter by Frascorolo

Sold

W 0.75 in Dm 0.75 in L 3.2 in

Vintage Leopard Motif Gold Diamond Enamel & Ruby Butane Lighter by Frascorolo

By Frascarolo

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This artistic and extremely well crafted 18K yellow gold, vintage butane lighter was imagined and created by the venerated house of Frascarolo in Verona Italy, at some point around t...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage Guilloché Green Enamel and 14 Carat Yellow Gold Egg Charm

Sold

Vintage Guilloché Green Enamel and 14 Carat Yellow Gold Egg Charm

Located in London, GB

Radiating vintage charm, this 14 carat yellow gold enamel egg charm/pendant is a true conversation piece. This piece is mostly covered in emerald green Guilloché enamel, with the f...

Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Hand-Chased Rocking Horse Baby Cup

Sold

H 2.42 in Dm 2.64 in

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Hand-Chased Rocking Horse Baby Cup

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

This elegant Tiffany & Co. baby cup is finely crafted in solid sterling silver and features a beautifully hand-chased rocking horse motif, a timeless symbol traditionally associa...

Category

20th Century American Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Guilloché Red Enamel and 14 Carat Yellow Gold Egg Charm

Sold

Vintage Guilloché Red Enamel and 14 Carat Yellow Gold Egg Charm

Located in London, GB

This exquisite 14 carat yellow gold enamel egg charm/pendant is a little treasure full of vintage charm. Intricately designed, this charm features a rich, deep red Guilloché enamel...

Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

2 Scandanavian Modern Sterling Silver & Enamel Rooster Form Cocktail Picks

Sold

W 0.71 in D 0.08 in L 3.59 in

2 Scandanavian Modern Sterling Silver & Enamel Rooster Form Cocktail Picks

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine pair of Norwegian Mid-century Modern cocktail picks. By Bernard Meldahl. In sterling silver with enamel and traces of gilding. Simply a great pair of cocktail picks! Date...

Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Modern Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Guilloché Caged Locket with Certificate

Sold

Modern Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Guilloché Caged Locket with Certificate

By Fabergé

Located in New York, NY

This Modern Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Blue Caged Guilloché locket opens and can hold two photographs measuring approixmately 1" in length, and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Faberge 18 Karat Gold Guilloche Chartreuse Green Locket, Diamond and Ruby

Sold

L 1.5 in

Faberge 18 Karat Gold Guilloche Chartreuse Green Locket, Diamond and Ruby

By Fabergé

Located in New York, NY

This modern 18 karat yellow gold and enamel locket was created by Victor Mayer. Crafted in the tradition of the original Imperial eggs, this pendant locket was beautifully with Fabe...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Enamel Frames and Objects

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Modern Faberge 18 Karat Gold, Guilloché Enamel Oval Locket with Certificate

Sold

Modern Faberge 18 Karat Gold, Guilloché Enamel Oval Locket with Certificate

By Fabergé

Located in New York, NY

This Modern Faberge 18 Karat Yellow Gold oval locket is adorned with Purple and Green Guilloché Enamel stripes. The 18 Karat yellow gold bale opens allowing you to attach the locket ...

Category