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.
Skull Lighter Case Holder Chain Blue Glitter Enamel Ruthenium Memento Mori
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Lighter Case Holder Chain Blue Glitter Enamel Ruthenium Memento Mori Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Lighter Case is handcrafted in Paris in brass with a gunmetal finish, a cy...
Enamel, Brass
Skull Lighter Case Holder Light Pink Enamel Palladium Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Lighter Case Holder Light Pink Enamel Palladium Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Lighter Case is a rare archive object, handcrafted in Paris in 2008 and finished in pal...
Enamel, Brass, Palladium
Skull Lighter Case Holder Palladium Light Blue Enamel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Lighter Case Holder Palladium Blue Enamel Vintage Paris Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Lighter Case is a rare archive object, handcrafted in Paris in 2008 and finished in pall...
Crystal, Palladium, Brass, Enamel
Harry Potter Monnaie de Paris 24 karat Yellow Gold
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Harry Potter Monnaie de Paris 24 Karat Yellow Gold Coin from 2021 is a remarkable collector's item, celebrating the magical world of **Harry Potter** with the exceptional craftsm...
24k Gold, Yellow Gold
The Olympic Flame Centenary Coin 22 karat Yellow Gold 1992
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Olympic Flame Centenary Coin is a commemorative piece minted to celebrate the centenary of the Olympic Games. Head of Queen Elizabeth II, as at 64 years of age, wearing the royal diadem, necklace, and earrings, facing right. The coin is crafted from 22 karat yellow gold, ensuring both durability and a rich, lustrous appearance. The use of high-purity gold signifies its value and collectible status. The coin has a face value of 175 dollars, issued by Canada, marking its authenticity and legal tender status. The coin commemorates the centenary of the Olympic Flame, a symbol of the enduring spirit and tradition of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Flame represents the ideals of peace, unity, and friendship among nations. The obverse side of the coin features an image of Queen Elizabeth II, a common element on Canadian currency, along with inscriptions denoting the coin’s country of origin and face value. Inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "D.G. REGINA" (by the Grace of God, Queen), "175 DOLLARS," and the year of minting, 1992. Engraver: Dora de Pédery-Hunt The reverse side features a detailed and symbolic depiction of the Olympic Flame, shown as a burning torch or flame, accompanied by several different faces reaching toward the Olympic torch. Engraver: Ago Aarand, Designer: Stewart Sherwood. On the edge there is a script in latin : citius, altius, fortius. Mint : Royal Canadian Mint of Ottawa, Canada. This coin was minted along with several countries for the International Olympic Comittee (I.O.C.) in commemoration of the centennial of the Olympics. The coin is struck with high relief, showcasing intricate details and fine craftsmanship typical of commemorative coins. The design elements are rendered with precision, highlighting both the flame's symbolic significance and the historical importance of the centenary celebration. As a limited-edition commemorative coin, the Olympic Flame Centenary Coin holds significant value for collectors, particularly those with an interest in Olympic memorabilia...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$440Sale Price|44% Off
Mini Light Holder Skull Chrystal Chain Bue Copper Crystals Vintage 2008
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mini Light Holder Skull Chrystal Chain Bue Copper Crystals Vintage 2008 Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Skull and Bone Light Holder is a rare, one-of-a-kind sculptu...
Crystal, Palladium, Brass, Enamel, Copper
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Skull & Bones - Light Holder Gunmetal Turquoise Crystals Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull and Bone Candle Holder with Turquoise Rhinestone Crystals – Ruthenium-Plated Brass – Vintage 2008 Paris Design by J Dauphin This rare Skull and Bone Candle Holder by J Dauphin...
Crystal
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Tiger Eye Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Tiger Eye Brooch 10 Diamonds - 0.05 CT 17 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.07 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 7 Tiger Eyes - ...
Diamond, Ruby, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diminutive Kay Ivankovic Sterling Silver & Opal Gemstone Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful 1980's handmade sterling silver vase. By Kay Ivankovic. Kay Ivankovic, the high-level contemporary British silversmith, is known for her flowing, organic forms. This hand-chased vase...
Opal, Sterling Silver
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Colored Diamond and Pink Sapphire Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Pink Sapphire Brooch 10 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.08 CT 2 Green Garnets - 0.01 CT 23 Pink Sapphires - 0.20 CT 21 Rubies - 0.16 CT 18K Rose Go...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$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
Royal Australian Olympic 24 Karat Gold Coin Sydney 2000
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The **Royal Australian Olympic 24 Karat Gold Coin** commemorates the **Sydney 2000 Olympic Games**, one of the most iconic moments in Australia's sporting ...
Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermes Birkin Rouge Pivoine Togo 35 with Dustbag Box and Raincover
By Hermès
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Hermes Birkin Rouge Pivoine Togo 35 with Dustbag Box and Raincover This Hermes Birkin 35 is in excellent condition and ready to ship! Bra...
Gold
Gucci Women's Ophidia GG Flora Canvas Shoulder Bag with Original Box
By Gucci
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gucci Women's Ophidia GG Flora Canvas Shoulder Bag with Original Box, Dustbag, Gucci Pamphlets This Gucci Ophidia Flora Shoulder Bag is in excellent condition and ready to ship! Br...
Gold
18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Mixed Colored Diamond Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Mixed Colored Diamond Brooch 4 Diamonds - 0.05 CT 41 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.50 CT 2 Rubies - 0.04 CT 18K Rose Gold...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K White Gold Turtle Blue Sapphire and Diamond Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Turtle Blue Sapphire and Diamond Brooch 44 Blue Sapphires - 0.36 CT 10 Diamonds - 0.08 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 18K White Gold - 3.90 GM...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Honey Bee Mixed Colored Diamond and Rubelite Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Honey Bee Mixed Colored Diamond and Rubelite Brooch 42 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.32 CT 1 Rubellite - 5.43 CT 2 Rubies - 0.03 CT 18K Rose Gold - 3.59 GM Look at the beautiful honey bee. Often found in stunning places, surely same as the wearer! Mixed colored diamonds and rubelite make the honey bee brooch...
Diamond, Rubelite, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K White Gold Firefly Emerald and Diamond Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Firefly Emerald and Diamond Brooch 2 Blue Sapphires - 0.95 CT 24 Diamonds - 0.18 CT 1 Emerald - 2.45 CT 1 Ruby - 0.44 CT 18K White Gold - 2.63 GM
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Rubelite and Green Garnet Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Rubelite and Green Garnet Brooch 7 Mixed Diamonds - 0.07 CT 48 Green Garnets - 0.73 CT 1 Rubelite - 1.44 CT 2 Rubies - 0.02 CT 12 Yellow Sapphires - 0.13 CT...
Diamond, Garnet, Rubelite, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Light holder Gun Metal Plating with Chains - Trapped Rat - J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Light Holder with a rat in chains. It's called "Trapped Rat" and is the last one of the 5 ever produced- It has a Gun Metal Colored Ruthenium Plating. Measurement: Height...
Rhodium, Brass
Hermes Birkin 35 H041702 Rouge Tomate with Original Box, Dustbag, and Receipt
By Hermès
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Hermès Birkin 35 Rouge Tomate Leather Handbag with Gold Hardware This Hermes Birkin 35 is in excellent condition and ready to ship! Brand: Hermes Model: Birkin Rouge Tomate 35 Styl...
Gold
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Colored Diamond Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond Brooch 54 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.37 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 18K Rose Gold - 3.95 GM Turtle represents intuitive development, protection, wisdom...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Rose Gold Fly Shaped Orange Sapphire and Yellow Sapphire Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Bug FLY Shaped Orange Sapphire and Yellow Sapphire Brooch 8 Mixed Diamonds - 0.06 CT 8 Diamonds - 0.05 CT 23 Green Garnets/Pink S...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Turtle Mixed Colored Diamond and Green Garnet Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Turtle Mixed Diamond and Green Garnet Brooch 10 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.08 CT 42 Green Garnets - 0.35 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 2 Yellow Sapphires - 0.0...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Gold Green Garnet Turtle Brooch with Shell Layer
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Gold Green Garnet Turtle Brooch with Shell Layer 38 Green Garnets - 0.33 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 7 Shell Layer - 0.43 CT 2 Yellow Sapphires - 0.02 CT 18K Gold - 3.36 GM Turtle r...
Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire
Bullet Tiger's Eye and Diamonds Cufflinks in 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Bullet Tiger's Eye and Diamonds Cufflinks in 18K Gold 53 Round Diamonds - 0.23 2 Tiger's Eye - 10.30 ct 18K Rose Gold - 13.40 gm
Diamond, Tiger's Eye
18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Rubelite and Green Garnet Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Rubelite and Green Garnet Brooch 7 Mixed Diamonds - 0.07 CT 48 Green Garnets - 0.73 CT 1 Rubelite - 1.44 CT 2 Rubies - 0.02 CT 12 Yellow Sapphires - 0.13 CT...
Diamond, Garnet, Rubelite, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,250
H 1.19 in W 0.99 in L 2.52 in
Old Signed Carved Nephrite Jade German / Russian Hippopotamus Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine carved Nephrite Jade hippopotamus figurine. Likely the work of the German lapidary carvers in Idar Oberstein (or possibly Russian in origin). The feet of the hippo have numbered inscription or signature. Simply a great carving! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition. There are a few round concussion marks here and there, loss to one ear, a small fracture in one nostril (likely from the carving), some edge wear, and some very fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age Maker: Possibly from Idar Oberstein (or one of the Russian houses...
Jade
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Colored Diamond and Pink Sapphire Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Pink Sapphire Brooch 10 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.08 CT 2 Green Garnets - 0.01 CT 23 Pink Sapphires - 0.20 CT 21 Rubies - 0.16 CT 18K Rose Go...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 9K Yellow Gold Articulated Fish Charm, London 1975, 25.21g
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 9 karat yellow gold charm modelled in the form of a fish; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage fish charm...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Poodle Brooch with Ruby Eyes, Circa 1960, UK
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine vintage 18 karat yellow gold brooch in the form of a poodle; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine 18k yellow gold brooch has been realistically modelled in the form of a poodle. The poodle is further embellished with inset ruby eyes and a broad collar with link chain. The poodle is secured to the reverse with a bar pin and safety catch. The hallmarks struck to the underside of the poodle's body include the 18k fineness mark (18) (.750) and the London Import Hallmarks. Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This vintage poodle brooch...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,750
H 3.19 in Dm 2.72 in
Antique Chinese Porcelain Blue & White Crackle Glaze 100 Boys Snuff Bottle Vase
Located in Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese porcelain snuff bottle in ovoid form, painted in underglaze blue and white in "100 boys" theme, depicting figures in various forms of martial ...
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Colored Diamond Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond Brooch 54 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.37 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 18K Rose Gold - 3.95 GM Turtle represents intuitive development, protection, wisdom...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Line Vautrin Gilt Bronze "Station de Métro", c. 1945
By Line Vautrin
Located in New York, NY
This marvelous and whimsical gilded bronze “Stations du Métro” belt was designed and made by Line Vautrin in France in 1945. True to Vautrin’s signature style, the belt is imbued wit...
Bronze
$39,975Sale Price|46% Off
Madleine Kay 18 Yellow Gold "Leopard in Tree" with Diamonds Emeralds & Ruby Eyes
By Madleine Kay
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Madleine Kay 18k yellow gold "Leopard in Tree" with diamonds and emeralds Specifications: main stone: diamonds carat total weight: .36 carats color: G clarity: VS ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wendy Brandes 18K Yellow Gold Snake Tiara with South Sea Pearl, Diamonds, Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Two twisting 18K yellow gold and diamond snakes kiss in the center of this darkly romantic serpentine tiara, forming a heart that embraces a large, baroque South Sea pearl. In creating this piece, Wendy paid as much attention to function as to form: the tiara is engineered with space for hair pins that will secure it for a full day of celebration. This wearable art was created in New York City by our top-notch goldsmiths. The design is the latest addition to Wendy's snake-themed Queen of Scots Collection. That motif was inspired by Mary Queen of Scots, cousin to Elizabeth I. Elizabeth's advisors referred to Mary as "the bosom serpent" -- close to the queen of England, and dangerous. More details below: 18K yellow gold totaling 2.3 oz, satin finish. 18K blackened rose gold. 12.8 x 14.3 mm South Sea Pearl. 76 white diamonds, totaling 1/2 carat. 9 points of rubies. Made in New York City. One-of-a-kind. Worn by Victoria's Secret Angel and supermodel Elsa Hosk...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
20 Lire Umberto I – 1882 Kingdom of Italy Gold Coin
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An elegant and historically significant Italian gold coin issued under King Umberto I, dated 1882. Struck in gold (900/1000), this 20 Lire coin fea...
Gold
Bitcoin Themed 999.9 Fine Gold Commemorative Coin
Located in Macau, MO
Where digital innovation meets timeless gold. Made with 999.9 pure gold, this Bitcoin-themed coin is the ultimate tribute to the crypto era. Featuring the iconic Bitcoin symbol and f...
24k Gold, Gold
$2,750
W 1.58 in D 0.75 in L 1.86 in
Carved French Maiden Cameo Agate Rubies Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Berkeley, CA
Four dazzling light pink rubies, eight fresh water pearls, hand carved agate with black enamel. Excellent craftsmanship as this is entirely carved of one piece of agate. Intricate de...
Agate, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.77 in W 1.01 in D 0.38 in
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Snowflake' Miniature Perfume Bottle or Flask
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed miniature silver perfume bottle. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With engraved snowflake designs to the body and a dauber to the cap. Marked to the neck of th...
Sterling Silver
Skull Bone Light Holder Palladium Enamel Crystals
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Skull and Bone Light Holder by J Dauphin is a rare and collectible vintage object from 2008, expertly crafted in Paris. Plated in palladium, it features a sculptural skull-and-b...
Crystal, Brass, Palladium, Enamel
Gold and Diamond Ferrari Pendant, 3.82 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
This delightful treasure—a miniature Ferrari pendant takes the form of a miniature convertible, rendered in 18K rose gold and adorned with 3.82 carats of round cut pavé-set diamonds—...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Sold
H 0.91 in W 0.99 in D 0.52 in
Mid-Century 14K Gold & Turquoise Mechanical Musical Piano Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine musical charm for a bracelet. In 14k gold with turquoise cabochons. In the form of a piano (or player piano). With an articulating key cover an...
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Gilded Mini "Chatelaine" Clutch Pill Case With Swarovski Pavé By Judith Leiber
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 2" x 1.75" - Gold plated - Swarovski crystal rhinestone pavé - Kiss lock closure - Opens on a hinge - By Jud...
Sold
H 3 in D 2 in L 4.5 in
Cartier Sterling Silver Martini or Cocktail 'Watering Can' Vermouth Dropper
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver vermouth dropper. By Cartier. In the form of a watering can. Simply a wonderful martini / cocktail accessory for the smartly designed bar! Date: Mid to Lat...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. English Sterling Silver Owl Formed Salt & Pepper Shakers, 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of English owl form salt & pepper shakers. In sterling silver with glass eyes. By Tiffany & Co. Simply terrific shakers by Tiffany! Date: 1960 Overall Condition: Th...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Cartier Sterling Silver Miniature Shopping or Gift Bag
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage miniature shopping or gift bag. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With slightly crumpled sides and braided handles Perfect for the bar as a cocktail pick holder...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 2.5 in Dm 2.25 in
Mid-Century Cartier Sterling Silver Trash Can Shaped Cocktail Toothpick Holder
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver toothpick or cocktail spear holder in the form of a trash can. Marked for Cartier. Model no. 667. Simply a wonderf...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 8 in W 4 in L 10.5 in
Large Irish Filled Sterling Silver Equestrian/Horse Sculpture by Camelot Silver
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, large Irish horse sculpture. Modeled as a three-dimensional standing work horse on a wooden plinth. Comprised of cement-filled sterling silver. Marked for the Camelot Silverware...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 3.55 in W 2.96 in D 4.14 in
2001 Solid Sterling Silver Asprey & Garrard Griffon on Marble Base Leather Case
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely 2001 Asprey & Garrards Sterling Silver Griffon in blue leather presentation case A very decorat...
Sterling Silver
21st Century Paintings Porcelain Enamel Silver Gold Plated Necklace Framework
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
21st Century Paintings Porcelain Enamel Silver Gold Plated Necklace Framework MADE TO ORDER This is a design that collects masterpieces of painting from the "Art Walk Collection", which includes J. M. W. W. Turner, Wassily Kandinsky, Caspar David Friedrich...
Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel