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.
36
3
to
3
34
4
4
20
15
1
8
6
4
2
2
29
7
3
17
14
9
5
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
138
54
47
41
39
28
20
20
11
10
8
5
3
Style: Modern
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
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
Hand Blown Murano Glass Perfume Bottle With Stopper
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a unique hand blown Murano glass perfume bottle with lemon yellow color melon body and blue decorated stopper with dropper. Add a touch of modern art to your dresser top ense...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vanity Items
Studio Art Glass Perfume Bottle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This eye catching studio art glass perfume bottle comes with an aqua blue body and a spiral cobalt appliqué. A cobalt blue stopper dropper completes the ensemble. It recalls the vibr...
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Vanity Items
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
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
Montblanc Limited Edition Nicolaus Copernicus 4810 M 18K Gold Nib Fountain Pen.
By Montblanc
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Montblanc Limited Edition Nicolaus Copernicus Fountain Pen
is a true collector's item!
Numbered 1759 (out of 4810)
This pen is all abo...
Category
Early 2000s German Modern Vanity Items
Materials
18k Gold, Silver
Old or Antique Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Smiling Moon Baby Teething Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver baby teething ring.
By Tiffany & Co.
In the form of a crescent moon with a face.
The ring rattles when shaken.
Simply a ...
Category
20th Century 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
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
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Toothpaste Tube Squeezer Turn Key
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver toothpaste tube squeezer or key.
By Tiffany & Co.
To be fixed to the end of a of toothpaste tube and turned like a key to squeeze out toothpaste.
Marked to the reve...
Category
20th Century Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold and Frosted Rock Crystal Heart Shape Gucci Key Chain
By Gucci
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This imaginative Mid-20th Century Gucci key chain consists of a large gold key ring from which is suspended a length of round Cobra Link chain holding ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Double Star Key Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. double star key holder.
In sterling silver with a star-shaped pendant charm attached to a star-shaped key holder.
Simply a great pie...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
CHANEL Vintage Medallion Coin Chain Belt
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
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
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
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
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
Vintage Cartier Lighter Short “Trinity” Rare Gold and Gunmetal “Godron” Model
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier Lighter Short “Trinity” Rare Gunmetal and Gold
“Godron” Model
Trinity collection
18K gold ring
Gunmetal
Lighter comes fully loaded :)
Original Cartier certificate...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate
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
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
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
9k Gold, Gold
Asprey & Co. London Perfume Atomizer & Sterling Silver Case
By Asprey
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Asprey & Co. perfume atomizer.
With a terrific refillable spray bottle and a sterling silver travel case.
Simply a terrific perfume for the purse or vanity from Asprey!
Da...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
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
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
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
TACH Limited Edition Diamond Steel and 18ct Gold at the Table Bag Holder Clip
Located in London, GB
This limited edition accessory is designed to keep your handbag safe, clean and close to you! Made by TACH, this incredible handbag holder is beautifull...
Category
Early 2000s English Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stai...
Mid-Century Cartier Sterling Silver Letter Opener or Page Turner
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine letter opener.
By Cartier.
In sterling silver.
Model no. 75-10IN
Simply a wonderful piece of Cartier silver!
Date:
Mid-20th Century
Overall Condition:
It is in ove...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
1990s Piaget 18 Karat White Gold Textured Money Clip
By Piaget
Located in Vilnius, LT
This is a money clip designed by Piaget in 1990’s. The piece is crafted in 18K white gold and is textured.
It is a stylish accessory. Would be a remarkable gift for anyone.
Signed ...
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Vanity Items
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold
Dazzling Gold and Diamond Gentleman's Money Clip with a Hidden Surprise
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This imaginative vintage 14k gold money clip put's one immediately in mind of " Diamond Jim Brady"! it is large, measuring over 2 inches by 1 1/2 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Vanity Items
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Van Cleef Lipstick
Vintage K D Tools
Boucheron Lipstick
Tiffany Powder Compact
Tiffany Puff
Sealed Bottle
Vintage Van Cleef Lighter
Dunhill Gold Cigarette Lighter
Dunhill Unique
Old Fashioned Antique Vanity
Retro Dunhill Cigarette Case
Metal Money Clips
Flapper Compact
Tiffany Sterling Silver Compact Mirror
Buccellati Compact
Tiffany Silver Compact Mirror
Rolex Lighter Vintage
Lauren Bacall Estate