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.
Crystal Zirconia 2-tiered Tiara Crown Leaves Design Unique Statement Headband
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Luxurious 2-tier Semicircular Radiant Shimmering Crystal Tiara Crown Head Ornament. Intricately Hand-crafted and Hand set with an array of Sparkling Crystal Zirconi...
Crystal
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Manicure Set in Cylindrical Travel Case
Located in University Place, WA
A rare vintage manicure set by Tiffany & Co., comprising four nail care implements housed within a sleek cylindrical travel case crafted in sterling silver with gold-tone banding at ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Stratton Mother-of-Pearl Compact, Brass, Scalloped Edge, 1960s
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...
Brass
Crystal Zirconia Tiara Crown Marquise Design Statement Headband
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Luxurious Semicircular Radiant Shimmering Crystal Tiara Crown Head Ornament. Intricately Hand-crafted and Hand set with an array of Sparkling Crystal Zirconia. Wow!...
Crystal
$399Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Pressed Glass Vanity Set with Green Stoppers, 1940s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a 1940s Modern pressed glass vanity set. The set includes two bottles and one powder box. These three clear optical pressed glass dresser decorative pieces come with Kelly Gr...
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...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1908 Military Life Guard's Shooting Trophy Goblet Wild Boar's Tusk solid Silver
Located in SE
Handsome Swedish hand - made Military Trophy Cup or Goblet with thick and sturdy walls decorated with a task of a wild boar attached as a handle, one of two that we have. Hand - En...
Silver
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Vintage Cylindrical Fluted Sterling Silver Accessory Stand #SV925
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elevate a vanity, desk, dressing room, or luxury jewelry display with this authentic vintage Cartier Cylindrical Fluted Sterling Silver Accessory Stand, crafted in solid SV925 sterli...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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...
Gold, Silver
Antique German Dresser Jar H. Behrnd 800 Silver Cut Crystal Glass / 617gr
Located in SE
Fine German faceted crystal glass and Silver vanity powder or dresser jar made in Germany in ca. early 1900s with hallmarks of Jeweler Hermann Behrnd, Dresden, active since 1870 as C...
Crystal, Silver
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...
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...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 22K Gold Iron Hair Comb by Angela Cummings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
A vintage Tiffany & Co. 22 karat yellow gold damascene* lacquered striped iron hair comb created by Angela Cummings, circa 1980. The comb is signed "© T&CO." The dimensions a...
Metal, 22k Gold
Haute Joaillerie Natural Diamond Tiara in 18K White Gold, 13.59 Carats
Located in Deira, AE
Conceived as a unique work of high jewelry, this exceptional diamond tiara was created as a singular expression of craftsmanship and design. Executed entirely by hand in 18-karat whi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold
3.12ct Natural Multi Sapphire Hair Clip Accessory 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
3.12ct Natural Multi Sapphire Hair Clip Accessory 18k Yellow Gold features round cut multi sapphires set over the hair clip making fine hair accessory. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Tiffany & Co. Antique Pearl Beads Comb, Gold Frame, 1900, USA
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Tiffany & Co Pearl Beads Comb Original Box, 1900 Very delicate item of its era. 1900. Originally obtained at the WA Bolin auction in Stockholm. Gold frame for pearls beads. No s...
Pearl, Gold
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...
Vintage Bulgari 18K Yellow Gold and Lapis Lazuli Money Clip
By Bulgari
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage money clip, imagined and crafted by venerated Italian jeweler, Bulgari, is certainly in a league of it's own in the realm of accessories for the discerning gentleman. It...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Platinum Sapphire Diamond Tie Clip Signed Boxed, 1970
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Platinum Sapphire Diamond Tie Clip Tiffany & Co in its original box, also signed Tiffany & Co. Immaculate finish and stylish design - just wh...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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
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 ...
Sterling Silver
$2,529Sale Price / item|20% Off
3.19ct Natural Emerald Hair Clip Accessory 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
3.19ct Natural Emerald Hair Clip Accessory 14k 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, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
3.12ct Natural Multi Sapphire Hair Clip Accessory 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
3.12ct Natural Multi Sapphire Hair Clip Accessory 14k Yellow Gold features round cut multi sapphires set over the hair clip making fine hair accessory. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k 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 ...
Citrine, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Rhodium, Silver
$105 / item
Buffalo horn hairpin
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Shiori is named for a state of spiritual concentration, a quiet narrowing of the mind’s lens until the world comes into precise, resonant focus. It is the stillness that allows one t...
$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
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...
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Monogrammed Key Ring or Key Chain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine signed silver 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. W...
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 ...
$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...
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
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
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...
Sterling Silver
$152Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mother of Pearl Ponytail Slide, c. 1950s
Located in Honolulu, HI
Mid-century hair accessory, crafted from natural mother of pearl. Features a functional double-loop back mechanism designed to secure over a hair tie for a polished finish. A minimal...
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 ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Leonore Doskow Sterling Silver Ruler/Letter Opener
By Leonore Doskow
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...
Sterling Silver
$122 / item
Rectangular buffalo horn comb
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Fueki-ryuko is named for a state of mind that holds the eternal within the ever-changing, a harmony between constancy and transformation. It speaks to the quiet recognition that whil...