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.
Vintage Gotham Watch Box, 1930s to 1940s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Gotham watch presentation box, circa 1930s to 1940s, with the original Gotham branding. Long fitted form designed to hold a wristwatch. An evocative period American watch ...
Antique Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co. Presentation Box, by The Gorham Shop
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique presentation box marked Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co. and retailed by The Gorham Shop, Detroit, Michigan. Green leather exterior with a beige velvet lined interior. Like...
Silver
Morano Style Brown Art Glass Perfume Bottle with Stopper
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a hand blown art glass perfume bottle. It has a Morano style striated swirling pattern with fused white glass interior liner and a clear stopper. This heavy bottle would also...
Silver Hermes Paris 1960 Compact Powder Case
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Paris Silver Compact Powder Case – Circa 1960 A refined expression of mid-century elegance, this Hermès compact powder case from the 1960s is crafted in solid silver with a t...
Silver
CHANEL CC Chain Loop Medallion Belt 1985
By Chanel
Located in Honolulu, HI
Classic and chic, this vintage Chanel chain belt is crafted in gold-plated metal, accented with a 'CC' logo-engraved medallion pendant. Closure can be hooked on multiple links for a ...
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
Antique Pink-Purple Leather Ring Box, Circa 1920s to 1940s
Located in Braintree, GB
A traditional antique square ring box with a pink-purple leather exterior and a fitted velvet interior. Designed to hold a single ring securely. ...
Other
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
Antique W. Hetter St Austell Cufflink Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An early-20th-century cufflink presentation box retailed by W. Hetter, Jeweller, St Austell. The rectangular case is covered in deep burgundy leather with a gilt border and metal pu...
Other
Antique J. Schofield Watchmaker and Jeweller Brooch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A square antique jewellery presentation box retailed by J. Schofield, Watchmaker and Jeweller. The case has a warm reddish-brown leather exterior decorated with a gilt tooled border...
Other
BOGH-ART Boghossian Purple Leather Ring Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A luxury jewellery presentation box branded BOGH-ART, the former design identity associated with the Boghossian jewellery house. The architectural square case is finished in metalli...
Other
Vintage Fred Leighton New York Red Suede Dress-Set Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage jewellery presentation box by Fred Leighton, New York, designed to hold a gentleman’s dress set, cufflinks, shirt studs or a combination of small jewellery pieces. The rec...
Antique J. A. Johnston Ulverston Ring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique ring presentation box retailed by J. A. Johnston Ltd, jewellers and silversmiths of Ulverston and Grange. The square case has a mottled brown leather-covered exterior wit...
Silver
Large Antique Green Necklace Presentation Box, Circa 1900
Located in Braintree, GB
A large antique necklace presentation box dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. The rectangular case is covered in dark green textured material and opens to reveal a crea...
Antique Fauveau-Bidet Chartres French Octagonal Brooch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A decorative antique French jewellery presentation box retailed by Fauveau-Bidet of Chartres. The octagonal case has a gold-toned textured exterior embellished with delicate gilt fl...
Silver
Antique Neubauer Menton French Green Brooch or Pendant Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A compact antique French jewellery presentation box retailed by Neubauer of Menton, on the French Riviera. The shaped rectangular case is covered in green crackle-effect material wi...
Antique Pickford & Co London Ring Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An early-20th-century ring presentation box retailed by Pickford & Co, goldsmiths, jewellers and watchmakers of 243 Old Street, London E.C. The compact square case is covered in...
Other
Vintage Nicholas Harris London Grey Bracelet or Watch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A long vintage bracelet or wristwatch presentation box retailed by Nicholas Harris, formerly of 26 Conduit Street, London W1. The rectangular case is covered in pale grey suede-effe...
Silver
Vintage 26 Conduit Street London Brooch and Earring Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage grey suede-effect jewellery presentation box retailed from 26 Conduit Street, London W1. The unusually shaped case has clipped upper corners and a soft pale-grey exterior....
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
Harrods London Watch and Bracelet Box, 1930s to 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Harrods presentation box from approximately the 1930s to 1950s, with the original Harrods London mark. Long rectangular fitted form, suitable for a wristwatch or a bracelet...
Villarverde Madrid Antique Spanish Jewellery Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique Spanish jewellery box by M. Villarverde of Madrid, marked Joyeria, Plateria, Relojeria, M. Villarverde, Fundacion Madrid. Square f...
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
$3,161Sale Price / item|20% Off
3.19ct Natural Emerald Hair Clip Accessory 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
3.19ct Natural Emerald Hair Clip Accessory 18k Yellow Gold features mixed cut emeralds set over the hair clip making a fine hair accessory. Emerald is believed to enhance communicat...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$117 / item
Square buffalo horn comb
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Wabi takes its name from a state of mind that embraces simplicity without apology, a quiet elegance born from imperfection. It is the absence of pathos, the shedding of excess, and t...
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
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
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
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
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
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...
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
Antique A. Marx & Co London Pendant Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An early-20th-century pendant presentation box retailed by A. Marx & Co, London, with the retailer’s gilt name and royal-style crest applied inside the lid. The rectangular case...
Other
Antique Oval Necklace or Bracelet Box
Located in Braintree, GB
Large elongated antique jewellery presentation box in a warm grey-beige or taupe finish with gilt floral detailing. The interior features a cream satin lid and a shaped black velvet ...
Antique Blue Jewellery Presentation Box
Located in Braintree, GB
Early 20th-century rectangular jewellery presentation box, finished in dark blue with gilt detailing and a cream satin interior. The unfitted interior makes it suitable for a brooch,...
Vintage Editions Graphiques Galerie Pocket Watch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage rectangular pocket-watch presentation box retailed by Editions Graphiques Galerie, with the retailer’s details printed in gilt inside the lid. The exterior is covered in b...
Other
Antique J.W. Benson Ludgate Hill Watch or Bracelet Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A long antique jewellery presentation box by J.W. Benson Ltd, the celebrated London watchmaker, jeweller and silversmith formerly based at 62 and 64 Ludgate Hill. The rectangular ca...
Silver
Vintage Mappin & Webb Bracelet or Watch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
Long vintage Mappin & Webb presentation box suitable for a bracelet, wristwatch or narrow necklace. Finished in dark blue with gilt decoration and fitted with a royal-blue velvet...
Bulgari Tricolour 18KT Gold Fluted Money Clip, Vintage
Located in Braintree, GB
Bulgari money clip in tricolour 18KT gold, the face laid in alternating ribs of yellow, white and rose gold that run its full length and turn over the rounded end. Each rib is polis...
White Gold
Vintage Italian Bracelet and Watch Box, 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Italian bracelet or watch box, circa 1950s. Long fitted form, suitable for a bracelet or a wristwatch. A handsome Italian presentation box of mid-century character, ideal ...
Jay Scott Jewellers Brooch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Jay Scott Jewellers fitted brooch box, designed to hold a brooch or bar brooch securely, with the original retailer mark. A useful and presentable brooch box, ideal for di...
Kutchinsky Necklace Box, 1970s
Located in Braintree, GB
A large vintage Kutchinsky necklace presentation box, circa 1970s, with the original Kutchinsky retailer mark. Fitted form designed to hold a necklace flat. Kutchinsky is a celebrat...
Vintage Hancocks and Co Earring Box, Circa 1970s
By Hancocks
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Hancocks and Co fitted earring box of square form. Red leather exterior with a black velvet lined interior, designed for a pair of large drop earrings. Original maker boxe...
Other
Contemporary 18K Gold Turtle Tortoise Reptile Tourmaline Brooch Pendant
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This wonderfully chunky and excellently modelled 18K turtle has been mounted as a pendant / brooch by Munich master-goldsmith, Günther Hahn. The lovely animal is decorated with 40 di...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
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
Antique FM European Art - Deco Mirror solid Silver / 293 gr
Located in SE
Great Mirror of faceted glass set in Sterling Silver frame designed and made in Europe, ca 1900s - 1920s with Modern / Art Deco in mind. Hand - engraved with initials of the first ow...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Collingwood Conduit Street London Brooch Box, By Royal Appointment
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Collingwood jewellers presentation box from 46 Conduit Street, London W.1, bearing the Royal Warrant of Her Majesty The Queen. Compact square form, fitted for a brooch, pen...
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
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
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...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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
Skull Light Holder Case Turquoise Crystal Chain Pink Enamel Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Light Holder Turquoise Vintage Paris Ruthenium Memento Mori Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Light Holder is cast in ruthenium plated brass, a sculptural skull and bone design s...
Crystal
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
Antonio Pineda Taxco Sterling Silver Mixed-Metal Leather Belt
Located in New York, NY
This Antonio Pineda Taxco sterling silver and brass belt buckle reflects the clean lines and balanced design associated with the renowned Mexican silversmith. The combination of sterling silver and brass creates a distinctive contrast, while the buckle’s substantial construction pairs well with the included leather belt for a classic, versatile look. Whether worn with casual denim or tailored attire, this Antonio Pineda belt buckle...
Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
An Elizabeth Ii Silver Envelope Style Card Holder
Located in London, GB
An Elizabeth II sterling silver envelope style card holder, the case of a simple envelope design, bearing hallmarks for Sheffield 2017 and maker's mark Francis Howard. Measuring 9.5 ...
Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Key Holder or Key Chain w Round Tag
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 keys from the ring. With a silve...
Sterling Silver
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 i...
Sterling Silver
$320Sale Price|20% Off
Sterling Silver Mezuzah, .925 Marked, 4.25 Inch, Made in Israel
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Expression of Faith and Heritage Enhance your home or collection with this Sterling Silver Mezuzah, crafted in Israel and marked with “ST .925 Made in Israel.” While the ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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