Modern Vanity Items
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
Vintage Stratton Mother-of-Pearl Compact
By Stratton
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage Stratton mother-of-pearl compact. We are so excited to find this great condition English compact with 60 years of life! It is small with a scalloped edge and the to...
Category
1960s English Vintage Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Brass
Antique Russian Easter Egg A.Bragin 88 Silver & Champlevé Enamel / 104gr
Located in SE
A Russian Silver & champlevé Enamel Easter egg with gilt interior, workmaster’s marks of Андрей Брагин / Andrei Bragin ( active 1852 - 1908 ) , "88" Imperial standard, St. Petersb...
Category
1890s Russian Antique Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Perfume Flask & Funnel w Original Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver perfume flask and funnel.
By Tiffany & Co.
In sterling silver.
The perfume flask is in the shape of the heart and accompanied by...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s Hermes "Sac G8" Handbag in Black Box Leather
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare 1950s Hermes bag.
By Hermes.
In Black Box calf leather with gold plated hardware.
In the rare G8 form. An elegant and practical take on the...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Vanity Items
Antique Unengraved Web Sterling Silver Baby Rattle with Birth Record Section
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique baby rattle.
In sterling silver.
By Web.
With the rattle mounted on a pink "pearlized" teething ring.
Simply a wonderful antique...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
Elegant 18K White Gold, Turquoise and Diamond Encrusted Crown, Fit for a Queen
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very important 18k white gold vintage crown is set with a total of exactly 60.08ct of round brilliant cut and baguette diamonds, and with thirty four panels of vintage turquoise...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany Co 14K Yellow Gold Money Clip Engraved Diamond Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Money Clip – Engraved Diamond Pattern Circa 21st Century
Total Weight: 5.75 grams (3.7 dwt) Length: 1 7/8” Origin: USA
Elevate your accessory...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Never Give Up Citrine Tourmaline Enamel Unique Rossella Ugolini Design Cufflinks
Located in Rome, IT
Never Give Up Unique design men's cufflinks with citrine tourmaline and colored enamels on rhodium-plated sterling silver.
Funny handmade cufflinks depicting a pelican eating a frog ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Citrine, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Rhodium, Silver
Hermes Pochette Kelly Black Palladium Hardware
Located in Miami, FL
This Hermes Black Kelly Pochette is made from swift leather and features palladium hardware. It has a sleek 1-inch top handle, a strap, and a turn-lock closure. The front flap opens ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Vanity Items
Antique Tiffany & Co 18k Gold Travel Razor & Case with Original Gillette Blades
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful and very unusual antique Tiffany & Co. 18k yellow gold double edged travel razor comes to the buyer in it's original 18k case, signed Tiffa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
18k Gold
Gucci GG Supreme Canvas Small Shoulder Bag w/ Original Dust Bag
By Gucci
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Crafted in GG Supreme canvas with inlaid Web stripe detail, the chain strap shoulder bag boasts a vintage inspired design. The structured shape secures with a magnetic closure, trimm...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Vanity Items
14k Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Money Clip
Located in Van Nuys, CA
14K yellow gold square in the middle of the money clip.
Square measures 20 x 10 mm.
Weight: 13.9 grams.
Dimensions: 40 x 22 mm.
Hallmarked: D8 STERLING
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Vanity Items
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Keychain, No Rubber Band, Doubles as Pendant
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Beautiful heart pendant / lock for red silicone band keychain.
Features two vertical holes - one goes completely through and the other stops halfway.
32 mm x 24 mm
Total Mass: 52.6 g...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Gucci sterling silver and enamel keychain, charm, Stirrup and nail
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish vintage Gucci sterling silver and Royal blue enamel keyring or charm.
A classic and timeless piece from the late 90s, it features a heavy silver stirrup with the dark blue...
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bean Paperweight from the Mario Buatta Collection
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Tiffany & Co. sterling silver objet d'art.
In the form of a bean (or a Tiffany touchstone!).
Perfect for the desk or vanity!
Provenan...
Category
20th Century American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
Classic Vintage Tiffany & Company 14K Yellow Gold Ball Point Pen
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely Mid-20th Century 14k yellow gold ball point pen sold by Tiffany & Company exudes pure 1950's elegance. With polished tip and diamond embossed body this lady's writing ins...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Basketweave Compact Mirror, 3.25"
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous vintage compact mirror by Van Cleef & Arpels.
"Basketweave" pattern.
Featured in Bonhams "California Jewels Auction" on December 12, 20...
Category
20th Century French Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Karat Red Gold Cufflinks Snowman Black White Red Glass, Italy
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These charming cufflinks have been made out of 9 karat gold and feature two snow men made out of black, white and red glass. The cufflinks are marked 395 on t...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Gold, 9k Gold
18k Yellow Gold & Carved Multi-Gemstone Tie Clip with Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Features 16 Carved Emeralds, Sapphires, and Rubies and 4 Round Diamonds
Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Gross Weight: 8.60 grams
Dimensions: 1-1/2" x 9/16"
Reference Item #BL-1012 CM 04-03-25
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Belt Buckle Hand-Signed
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Belt Buckle Hand-Signed
Gorgeous Vintage Belt Buckle by Van Cleef & Arpels
Dimensions: 2.25" x 2.125"
S...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Vanity Items
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colorized 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Stainless Steel Money Clip
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Colorized 1880 Morgan silver dollar set in a stainless steel money clip.
Morgan dollar is set in a bezel with enamel crystal.
Weight: 39.2 grams.
Length: 45 mm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Silver, Stainless Steel
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Key Ring with "Picture People" Tag
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Gorgeous Tiffany & Co. sterling silver key ring.
Includes an oval tag engraved with the "Picture People" logo.
Weight: 23.1 grams.
Ring is 31 mm in diameter.
Great gift!
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
Old or Antique Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Baby Teething Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver baby teething ring.
By Tiffany & Co.
With an internal rattle.
Simply a great piece from Tiffany & Co!
Date:
Mid-20th Century
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pineider Reptile Skin Covered Travel Beauty Case and Companion Jewelry Case
Located in Palm Beach, FL
These two unique and exquisite vintage travel accessories, sold as a set, were conceived and created by venerated Italian fashion house, Pin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Brass
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Open Heart Belt Buckle
Located in Van Nuys, CA
0.925 sterling silver belt buckle.
Designed by Else Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Hallmark "Tiffany & CO".
Signed "Elsa Peretti".
Stamped "Italy".
Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.24 inches.
Weight: ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
9 Ct Gold And Steel Guillotine Cigar Cutter Dated 1975
Located in London, GB
9 Ct Gold And Steel Guillotine Cigar Cutter Dated 1975
Made by Ramsden & Roed who were manufacturing goldsmiths in Warwick Street, London W1
Category
1970s English Vintage Modern Vanity Items
Materials
9k Gold, Steel
Mid Century Modern Pressed Glass Vanity Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a Mid Century Modern pressed glass vanity set. The set includes two perfume bottles and one powder box. These three clear optical pressed glass dresser decorative pieces come with Kelly Green...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Vanity Items
Vintage Ruby with Sterling Silver and Yellow Gold Rose Single Cufflink
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Gorgeous vintage sterling silver and yellow gold rose cufflink.
Single ruby in the center of the flower.
Hallmark: STERLING
This listing is for a single cufflink.
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Sapphire Cabochon Cufflinks set in Silver-Colored Metal
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Men's cufflinks with sapphire cabochons.
Metal is unknown.
Dimensions: 9 x 7 mm.
Weight: 5.3 grams.
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sapphire
CHANEL Vintage 1980 Double Quilted CC Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Honolulu, HI
Brooch Specifications:
Designer: CHANEL
Fits Waist Size Up To: 32"
Chanel Logo Measurements: ~2.25" x 1.9"
Stamped: "CHANEL "Made in France"
Condition: Preowned
Gold Plated
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Modern Vanity Items
Signed Gucci Silver Plated Cuban Chain Link 70cm Belt
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed designer belt.
By Gucci.
In silver plate.
Comprised of interlocking Cuban chain links with a silver buckle, a wide tongue, and a hinged clasp for added secur...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Silver Plate
Rossella Ugolini Silver&Gold Blue Ceramic Tiger Pendant Unisex Spiritual Symbol
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the Rossella Ugolini Unisex Blue Tiger Pendant a sterling silver and blue Ceramic masterpiece, handcrafted in Italy. This captivating pendant showcases a powerful tiger w...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Gold, Silver
CHANEL Chain and Leather Loop CC Medallion Belt
By Chanel
Located in Honolulu, HI
Classic and chic, this vintage Chanel chain leather belt is crafted in gold-plated metal, accented with a 'CC' logo-engraved medallion pendant. Closure can be hooked on multiple link...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Modern Vanity Items
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Hugs & Kisses Photo/Picture Frame for Mickey Rudin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver photo or picture frame.
From the estate of Milton A. ‘Mickey’ Rudin, lawyer and confidant to Hollywood stars.
With a gold & red enamel heart to the top center and an engraved dedication "Mickey Rudin" flanking it.
Engraved to the left and right sides with "Hugs & Kisses to You" and a repeating "XOXOXO", and to the bottom "Love, Paula & Sam November 16, 1995".
With a black easel...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
Cartier glasses case in black leather
By Cartier
Located in Perugia, IT
Cartier glasses case in black leather . New.
Reference L3000441
Complete with box , papers, Cartier warranty.
New Old Stock
Measurements of leather eyeglass case cm 15 x 7 x 3
Glas...
Category
Early 2000s French Modern Vanity Items
Antique Leonore Doskow Sterling Silver Ruler/Letter Opener
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique sterling silver ruler.
By Leonore Doskow.
With a pointed end for opening letters and 6 inches of measurement marks.
Simply a gr...
Category
20th Century American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sarah Jones Unique, Exhibited Sterling Silver Fly on the Wall Sculpture / Vessel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, unique hand made vase or vessel
By Sarah Jones.
In sterling silver.
Exhibited in the Exhibition entitled: Sayings in Silver
In the form of a brick wall with an applied ...
Category
1990s English Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling 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 ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Modern Vanity Items
Cartier playing card holder in black leather
By Cartier
Located in Perugia, IT
Cartier playing card set with black leather case. New.
Reference RPSH0802
Presented in Geneva at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in 2008.
Complete with box , p...
Category
Early 2000s French Modern Vanity Items
Bottega Veneta Knot Minaudiere on Strap in Bone Gorgeous Condition!
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Bottega Veneta Knot Minaudiere on Strap in Bone Gorgeous Condition!
Gorgeous Bottega Veneta Knot Miniaudiere
Bottega Veneta shoulder bag in intrecciato ca...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Vanity Items
Coach Poppy Blue Sequin Spotlight Purse w/ Disco Ball Bag Charm XL
By Coach
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Coach Poppy Blue Sequin Spotlight Purse w/ Disco Ball Bag Charm XL
Gorgeous Sequin Poppy Purse by Coach
Features a Number of Silver Elements, a Tag Zipper, and a Disco Ball Bag Char...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Vanity Items
Lips Keychain
By Mordekai
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Put your money where your mouth is. Or, your keys.
Category
2010s American Modern Vanity Items
Eyebrow Comb Objet
By Mordekai
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The Mordekai OBJET collection is a first of its kind. Unique makeup tools designed of solid 24 k gold plated brass to adorn your powder room, or vanity with a surreal art twist.
Tam...
Category
2010s American Modern Vanity Items
Eye Pencil Objet
By Mordekai
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The Mordekai OBJET collection is a first of its kind. Unique makeup tools designed of solid 24 k gold plated brass to adorn your powder room, or vanity with a surreal art twist.
Eye...
Category
2010s American Modern Vanity Items
Tiffany & Co by Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Open Heart Belt Buckle
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Tiffany & Co sterling silver belt buckle
Hallmark "Tiffany & CO"
Signed "Elsa Peretti"
Stamped "Italy"
Dimensions of open heart: 3 1/2" x 3 1/4"
Total weight: 48.6 grams
Rare find!
A...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
James Reid Limited Sterling Silver Three-Piece Belt w/ Original Canvas Pouch
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
James Reid Limited Sterling Silver Three-Piece Belt w/ Original Canvas Pouch
Gorgeous Belt by JR (James Reid) Ltd.
Features Two Silver Encaps to which Center Element Attached
Width ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
