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.
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...
Opal
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...
Gold, Berlin Iron
Diamond Spear Stick Pin Hat Pin in 18K White Gold, 0.50 Carat, Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sleek and distinctive diamond spear stick pin hat pin by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, crafted in 18K white gold. Designed with a refined, modern silhouette, this piece adds sharp...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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...
22k Gold
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 ...
Sterling Silver
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 ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jocelyn Burton Seashell and Moonstone Encrusted Sterling Silver Box
By Jocelyn Burton 1
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 ...
Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Paperclip Style Money Clip Set in British Sterling Silver
Located in London, England
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.
Sterling Silver
Beatrice Cenci Handmade Micro Mosaic Canvas Gold Silver White Diamond Jet Topaz
By Sicis Jewels
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...
White Diamond, Topaz, Gold, Silver
Artemisia Gentileschi Handmade Micro Mosaic Canvas Gold Silver White Diamond Jet
By Sicis Jewels
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...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Raffaello Handmade Micro Mosaic Canvas Adorned Gold Silver White Diamond Jet
By Sicis Jewels
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...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k 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,...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
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...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald...
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...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald...
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...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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 Money Clip
By Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona, hand crafted in Italy, sterling silver money clip. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design, but also for the careful attention given to details duri...
Silver, Sterling Silver
"Ostrich Feather Tickler Attachment" Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "Ostrich Feather Tickler Attachment" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1996 and continues to seduce BV collectors today. Fabricated using multiple l...
Sterling Silver
Diamonds, Rubies, 18karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful modern ring in 18 karat white gold structure mounted with five rubies and white diamonds. Diamonds 0.04 ct Rubies 0.86 ct - 3mm Total Weight 1.90 gr RF G GGHH RK.A...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French, Cigar Shaped Onyx Desk Seal with Diamond Collar & Morocco Leather Case
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This exquisite desk object was crafted in France during the early 20th Century and would have been an impressive object to own. The desk seal is crafted from a cigar shaped piece of black onyx which features a diamond set collar to one end and a monogram intaglio 'seal' to the other, all circa 1915. The monogram is 'AMF' which has been beautifully engraved into the underside of the seal. The piece retains its original Morocco leather fitted box signed 'Appay', a French manufacturer, and embossed 'AMF' to the top of the lid. The firm Appay were retailing at 24 Rue De La Paix in Paris which is close-by the Place Vendome and also the Opera, however little information is known about the business. The hinge on the Morocco leather box...
Diamond, Onyx
$2,980Sale Price|20% Off
Henry Dunay Seashell Brooch/Pin Hammered Finish 18K Yellow Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Perry, FL
Hammered Finish Signed Henry Dunay Seashell Brooch/ Pin in 18K Yellow Gold.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k 750 Yellow Gold and Diamond Compact
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage 18K yellow gold Cartier compact powder box with a woven texture and diamond encrusted thumb-piece. Circa 1950's. The compact is stamped with th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mario Buccellati Silver Squirrel
Located in New York, NY
Mario Buccellati Silver Squirrel, silver texted fur with glass eyes, enamel nose and gilt acorns. Signed on one leaf Mario Buccellati, 925, and 15-MI M...
Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Business Card Holder Case
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Business Card Holder Case Metal: Stelring silver 925 Weight: 1.82 ozt Dimensions: 93 x 58mm Signed: Tiffany & Co. Sterling 925 AD F35001495
Sterling Silver
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Money Clip
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona hand crafted in Italy, sterling silver money clip. Alex Jona gifts stand out, not only for their special design and for the excel...
Sterling Silver
Sold
D 1.75 in Dm 2 in
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...
Peridot, Blue Sapphire, Crystal, Gold, Gilt Metal
Pair of Handmade, 'Woven', Sterling Silver Baskets by Cartier
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...
Silver, Sterling Silver
18K Gold Citrine Bear Cufflinks with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Gold Citrine Bear cufflinks with Diamonds and Rubies. Once piece only! 2 CITRIN - 6.24 CT 194 DIAMONDS - 1.82 CT 4 Rubies - 0.07 CT 18K Rose Go...
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 2.75 in D 1 in L 45 in
Tiffany & Co. Leather Belt & Sterling Silver Horse Buckle by Elsa Peretti
By Elsa Peretti for Halston
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 ...
Sterling Silver
Paperclip Style Money Clip Set in British Sterling Silver
Located in London, England
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.
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...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald...
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...
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.
Sterling Silver
Sold
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...
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.
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Atlas Compass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Tiffany sterling silver compass. In the iconic Atlas pattern. The 'Atlas' collection was designed by John Loring in the 1980's. It has over time proven to be one of Tiffany's most popular and successful lines. Simply a great compass! Marked to the reverse: Atlas, copyright 2004, Tiffany & Co. 925 for sterling fineness, and Spain. Accompanied by its original Tiffany bag...
Sterling Silver
1970's Elsa Peretti for Halston Tiffany & Co 18k Gold Bag & Silk Tassel Necklace
By Elsa Peretti
Located in New Hope, PA
It is hard enough to find the Elsa Peretti mesh handbag, but this smaller version in 18 karat gold is the rarest of the rare. It was designed by Elsa Peretti in the 1970's to be worn as a necklace in the heyday of disco. The bag is just large enough to hold a key, lipstick and some money. The black cord has a decorative Japanese knot, the mesh bag is gold and bears the Tiffany tag...
18k Gold