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Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

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.

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Style: Modern
Antique Berlin Iron Hercules Relief Portrait Strength 18 Karat Gold Modern Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This rare and most unusual cast iron plaque with the portrait in profile of Hercules dates from the first or second decade of the 19th century. It is a typical example of the work of Prussian Iron...
Category

1810s German Antique Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, Berlin Iron

Jocelyn Burton Seashell and Moonstone Encrusted Sterling Silver Box
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 ...
Category

1970s British Vintage Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Moonstone, Sterling Silver

Cartier Thermos Flask/Bottle 14k Yellow and White Gold Very Rare Vintage Piece
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Made in New York in the 1970s Made of 14k Yellow and White Gold and Glass Hallmark on the bottom reads "Cartier 14 KT" Emblem on the flask Cork as a closure Rare example in gold Heig...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Solid 14k Yellow Gold and Glass Very Rare Vintage Lidded Ice Bucket
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Made in the USA in the 1970s Made of 14k Yellow Gold and Glass Hallmarked with '14 KT' and signed 'Cartier' Of cylindrical shape with small acanthus handles and a removable lid with floral finial Front with entwined monogram in relief Height: 23 cm Weight: c. 900 grams Good Condition Rare collectible in 14 carat gold by the House of Cartier This thermal container by the Maison Cartier is made of 14 carat gold. The slender, cylindrical body is raised on a round foot rim, adorned with a fine, revolving floral frieze. The latter is repeated along the upper rim. The cover is crowned with a floral finial and there are small acanthus handles on the sides. The front is decorated with an entwined monogram in relief. Due to the insulation, the container may be used as an exquisite ice bucket. Typically, pieces of this kind were made by Cartier as giveaways or Christmas presents. Usually made of silver, only rarely of gold, they were commonly merely signed and stamped with the fineness without further hallmarks. The piece is hallmarked on the base with the fineness '14 KT' and signed 'Cartier.' It is in good condition with hardly any signs of use. The height measures 23 cm and the weight is approx. 900 grams. Cartier The exclusive French jeweler and watch company Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 and gained international renown in 1904 with the 'Santos de Cartier', a wristwatch created for the famous Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. A further milestone in the history of modern watchmaking was the introduction of the Tank watch...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ethiopian Mezezo Chocolate Opal Specimen
Located in New Orleans, LA
This extraordinary Mezezo opal specimen hails from the highlands of Africa and is, quite simply, one of the most amazing opals we have ever seen. Found i...
Category

20th Century Ethiopian Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Opal

"Costis" SeaLife Net Necklace, 100% Hand Crafted, Exclusive Work of Wearable Art
Located in Athens, GR
"Costis" SeaLife Net Necklace, 100% Hand Crafted, Exclusive Work of Wearable Art A hand-woven golden net, featuring the “day’s catch”... Moving fish, m...
Category

2010s Italian Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Aquamarine, Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Tiffany & Co 22k Gold Coronet Head Quarter Eagle Coin Money Clip
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Tiffany & Co 22k Gold Coronet Head Quarter Eagle Coin Money Clip Exceptionally rare item from Tiffany, having a USA gold coin from 1885 that is a collectors item sat in star burst setting. Size - One Size Condition - Vintage - Very Good (Small mark and some scratches) Composition -  Coin - 22k Yellow Gold, Setting - 14k Yellow Gold Comes With - A Tiffany Dust Bag...
Category

1880s American Antique Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

22k Gold

Georg Jensen Mid-Century Sterling Silver Triangular Footed Bowl Model No. 259
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Georg Jensen sterling silver bowl. Model no. 259 Designed by Gundorph Albertus (1887 - 1970). With a hand-hammered triangular bowl that tapers to a fluted and graduated ped...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Key Holder or Key Chain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Tiffany and Co. key holder in sterling silver. With an unengraved pendant tag. A great Tiffany everyday piece! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

2.14 Carat Diamond Bespoke 18 Kt White Gold British Hallmark Cluster Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
Exceptional and individual set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, these bespoke Hasbani Diamonds cufflinks are elegant yet full of radiance. An eye-catcher glistening in every direction, with over 2 carat diamonds white colour G and VS clarity. Ideal gift for an A-lister or someone special in your life, a wonderful addition to the family heirloom. Dimension: Diameter: 14 mm Depth: 14 mm Diamond weight: 2.14 Carat Total weight: 9.5 grams approximately. We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in solid 18 karat white gold. The back of the cufflinks is finished with a rigid tail bar...
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Spinel, Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink...

18K Exquisite Cufflinks with Diamonds & Onyx
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Exquisite Diamonds with Onyx Cufflinks . Only One Pair. 18 Diamonds - 0.96 CT 2 ONYX - 8.23 CT 18KW 8.42 GM ONYX is super powerful stone. stone of all stones! Onyx offers up ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Beatrice Cenci Handmade Micro Mosaic Canvas Gold Silver White Diamond Jet Topaz
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

White Diamond, Topaz, Gold, Silver

18K Gold & Diamonds & Onyx Button Cufflinks
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Cufflink with Onyx and Diamonds. Only 1 Pair. 8 DIAMONDS - 0.16 CT 2 ONYX - 6.12 CT 18K Yellow Gold - 13.88 GM Onyx is a stone that offers up powerful vibrations of protection,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Paperclip Style Money Clip Set in British Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
A minimalistic paperclip style money clip made of solid British sterling silver. The clip measures 6.4 x 2 centimetres and there is a gross weight of 13.2 grams.
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

"Costis" Diamond Net Necklace, 100% Hand-Crafted, Exclusive Work of Wearable Art
Located in Athens, GR
"Costis" Diamond Net Necklace, 100% Hand-Crafted, Exclusive Work of Wearable Art The fishnet, after being thrown in the sea, has captured little stones, ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Raffaello Handmade Micro Mosaic Canvas Adorned Gold Silver White Diamond Jet
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Platinum Diamond Bespoke Rectangular Initials Engraved Modern Hasbani Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Spinel, Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink...

Artemisia Gentileschi Handmade Micro Mosaic Canvas Gold Silver White Diamond Jet
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Diamond Bespoke 18 Kt White Gold Rectangular Engraved Modern Hasbani Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Spinel, Tourmaline, Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Blue...

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Navajo Turquoise and Gold Bracelet, Ring, Bolo and Buckle Set
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Stunning four piece gold bracelet, ring, bolo and buckle set made by Robert and Burnice Leekya. Navajo four-piece set: bracelet, ring, bolo, and buckle. 14K gold overlay and turquoise nuggets. Signed "RBL". From the Sleeping Beauty Mine. Zuni husband and wife Robert and Bernice Leekya are known for their bold turquoise nugget jewelry. They have been making unique pieces since 1953. Robert was taught by his father, a master Zuni jeweler Leekya Deyuse...
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Vintage Cartier 14K Yellow Gold Money/Paper Clip
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Statement of Luxurious Utility Elevate your everyday routine with this Vintage Cartier Money Clip, meticulously crafted in 14K yel...
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Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Navajo Needlepoint Turquoise Concho Belt
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
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Category

1950s American Vintage Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Paperclip Style Money Clip Set in British Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
A minimalistic paperclip style money clip made of solid British sterling silver. The clip measures 6.4 x 2 centimetres and there is a gross weight of 13.2 grams.
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Money Clip 18kt Yellow Gold with Brown Diamonds and Rubies Unique Gift for Him
Located in Athens, GR
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2010s Greek Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

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Brown Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Paris Retro Ruby and Sapphire Gold Double Lipstick
Located in New York, NY
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20th Century French Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

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Previously Available Items
HattieCarnegie 1950s Floral Star Burst PeacockColors Crystal GoldGiltRods Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Hattie Carnegie commissioned for one of her mid-century clothing collections this modern starburst fireworks prong-set crystal convex brooch, whose gold-gilt metal rods cupping faux blue-sapphire and green-peridot round-cut glass are each bracketed by tiny stylized leaves to suggest a flower umbel or floral spray. Several design characteristics of Carnegie brooches from the early 1950s are apparent in this U.S.-made piece with top-quality European crystals, which was sold without a signature for a garment as part of a parure, in which at least the earrings were signed. Carnegie paired peacock...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal, Peridot, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Gilt Metal

Original 1970's White Diamond Ruby Sapphire American Flag
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1970 ruby, white diamond and sapphire American Flag 14K yellow Gold setting pin. A patriotic, timeless classic, perfect with any attire in perfect conditions, as new. This b...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pair of Handmade, 'Woven', Sterling Silver Baskets by Cartier
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This pair of beautiful sterling silver baskets were made by Cartier during the mid 20th Century. Handwoven, the rectangular baskets have a silver handle and are the perfect size to p...
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Mid-20th Century American Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

18K Gold Citrine Bear Cufflinks with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Hong Kong, HK
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Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Original 1990 Bulgari Movable Ferrari Gear Shift Yellow Gold Steel Key Ring
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1990's,Rare Bulgari Special Edition Key Ring with Movable Ferrari Gearshift. Bulgari Bulgari Ring and Gear Knob are in 18k Yellow Gold. T...
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Late 20th Century Italian Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

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Yellow Gold, Steel

Tiffany & Co. Leather Belt & Sterling Silver Horse Buckle by Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. leather belt. Consisting of a split strap brown leather belt and sterling silver horseshoe shaped buckle and buttons. The leather belt loops through the buckle ...
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Sterling Silver

Paperclip Style Money Clip Set in British Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
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2010s British Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

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Sterling Silver

Platinum Diamond Bespoke Rectangular Initials Engraved Modern Hasbani Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...
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2010s British Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Spinel, Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink...

Emerald Bespoke Sterling Silver Rectangular Engraved Modern Classic Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

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Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald...

Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen, Money Clip in Sterling Silver
By Sigvard Bernadotte
Located in bronshoj, DK
Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen. Money clip in sterling silver. Design number 289. Measures: 4.9 x 4.1 cm. Stamped. In excellent condition.
Category

20th Century Danish Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gold Money Clip
Located in London, GB
An 18ct yellow gold money clip, later hallmarked 18ct gold, London 2019, bearing Bentley & Skinner sponsormark, gross weight 9.3 grams. Should you ch...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Ring Sizer Finger Gauge, Ring Sizer Tool
Located in Austin, TX
This is a ring sizing tool used to help measure your ring size. The ring sizing gauge tool has ring sizes 1 through 13 with half sizes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern More Objets d'Art and Vertu

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