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.
18k yellow gold cabochon citrin Pomellato statement ring, Italy
By Pomellato
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A unique and handmade 18k yellow gold ring, set with a large cabochon cut citrin. There are Italian hallmarks present, and signed 'Pomellato' on the outside of the mount. The ring ...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Evil Eye Ring with Diamonds 18 Ct Gold Handmade
Located in London, GB
A modern talisman handcrafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, centred by a vivid natural Colombian emerald and framed within Leto Lama’s sculptural eye motif. Hand-engraved sunburst lines...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Tanzanite Cabochon, Rock Crystal & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Rock Crystal Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 17.62 carats. The Tanzani...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Eagle Talon Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed gold form resembling an eagle talon Cuff-style featuring grooved and tapered terminals Completed by high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra White Enamel Boho 925 Silver Ring with Blue & Aqua Cubic Zirconia
Located in New York, NY
This Silvorra statement ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver and finished with smooth white enamel for a bold, contemporary look. At the center, a vivid oval blue stone is framed b...
Zircon, Blue Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Tanzanite & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Tanzanite Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 6.28 carats. The wei...
Tanzanite, Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Bvlgari, Platinum 5.75ct Colombia no-oil Emerald Diamond Ring, AGL
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Bvlgari Trombino ring showcasing a rare 5.75ct Colombian emerald with no oil enhancement—an ultimate collector’s treasure. The vivid green cushion-cut gem is framed by...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,328Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.19ct Bold Pear-Cut Emerald & Diamond Toi et Moi Dome Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This dome ring showcases a 1.19 carat pear-shaped emerald set in 14k yellow gold. The emerald measuring approximately 7 x 5 mm, paired beautifully with a 0.25 carat oval diamond meas...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980's No Heat Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Bombé Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.48 carats total - transparent medium blue in color Natural Cambodian in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatme...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels French 1980's Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Buckle Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed buckle motif ring centering rows of prong set round cut rubies Weighing approximately 3.18 carats total - transparent medium purplish red in color Surrounded by b...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
12 mm White South Sea Pearl & 1.80 CTW Pavé Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Elevate your collection with this magnificent 12 mm South Sea pearl and diamond statement ring, an epitome of mid-century-inspired glamour and high-end craftsmanship. Centered with a...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold and Ruby Dome Ring Vintage
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 10K Yellow Gold and Ruby Dome Ring. Ring features a softly textured domed design with fourteen round cut rubies. The red stones are scattered across the face in an organic ar...
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Lavender Jade Amethyst & Natural Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat Yellow Gold Lavender Jade Amethyst & Natural Diamond Dome Ring Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 6.58 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.15 CTW F-G VS natural round diamonds Height...
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Signed Susan Cummings Sterling Silver Sculptural Ball Ring
Located in North Miami, FL
This very special sterling silver vintage hallmarked Susan Cummings ball ring is like a piece of sculpture on the finger. The ball moves. It is signed...
Sterling Silver
2.20 Carat Emeralds Pavé Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
FERRUCCI green emerald eternity ring, an approximate total carat weight of 2.20 carat, hand made in New York City with the best Italian cr...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Rubellite Cabochon, White Enamel & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite & Enamel Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubellite Cabochon is 4.32 carats. The ...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, 13.57 carats, natural Emerald Cabochon Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold. The combined weight of the Emeralds is 13.93 carats. The Emeralds are completely natura...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Rubellite Cabochon, Blue Enamel & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Rubellite & Blue Enamel Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubellite cabochon is 5.66 carat...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Enamel
David Yurman Quaterfoil Sterling Silver & 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Dome Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Quaterfoil Sterling Silver & 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Dome Ring Metal: Sterling silver 925 & 18k yellow gold 750 Weight: 4.88 grams Top: 14mm Size: 4.25 (US) Height: ...
Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Colombian Emerald, Multi Sapphires & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Multi Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald cabochon is 2.07 carats. The ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Elizabeth Locke 1980's 19 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hammered Dome Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a tall domed yellow gold form Featuring a hammered texture throughout Stamped for 19 karat gold With maker's mark for Elizabeth Locke Circa: 1980s Ring Size: 6 1/4 and si...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Handmade vintage 18k Yellow Gold Mystery Style Ring with Citrines
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A unique and handmade 18k yellow gold ring, set with three slightly orange yellow citrines in mystery style. Super cool and unique ring that truly stands for powerful craftsmanship. ...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Modern Solitaire Diamond Ring, 0.50ct, Size 7
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant 14 karat gold solitaire ring features a flush-set round diamond at its center, combining subtle sophistication with enduring style. The band tapers gracefully from 7.5mm...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring - ESSENCE Collection *
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Espressione pura di eleganza contemporanea, questo anello della Collezione Essence è realizzato in oro giallo 18kt e si distingue per il suo design pieno, morbido e avvolgente. Le li...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Yellow Gold Ring set with Mystical Black Jade
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This classic 18K yellow gold and jade ring, designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., possesses the very organic, sculptural and sensual feel that characterizes her bold designs. T...
Jade, Black Jade, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1980's Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Double C Cartier Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed yellow gold band centering a raised white gold double C motif Bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.15 carat total Eye clean and bri...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Emerald & Tourmaline Cabochon & Diamond Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Tourmaline Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmaline Cabochon is 10.46 carats. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
Solid 18k gold curved, organic ring, round profile for maximum comfort fit, bold and modern design Size 8, complimentary sizing upon order before shipping.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1980's Diamond 18 Karat Yellow White Gold Vintage Bow Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized bow motif centering a domed knot form pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.35 carats total - G/H color with VS2 clarity Flanked ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Vintage Malachite Brutalist Ring High Dome Sz 6.5 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct and elaborate vintage malachite ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Malachite measures 23.5mm x 6.5mm. The malachite ...
Malachite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Smaller Scale 18K Yellow Gold Bombe' Ring with Pave' Set Diamond Dome
Located in Palm Beach, FL
An 18K yellow gold smaller scale ring, pave' set with approximately 2.33ct of round brilliant cut diamonds. There is plenty of sparkle to this diminutive beauty. Ideal for the lady w...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Monumental Scale Vintage Persian Turquoise & Gold Statement Ring For Him or Her
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This truly colossal 18K yellow gold vintage Persian turquoise statement ring is both simple in design and formidable to behold. The center oval, natural Persian Turquoise cabochon w...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Persian Turquoise Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning turquoise dome ring expertly crafted in 18K yellow gold with a cluster of cabochon Persian turquoises set in a bold bombe design, the ring showcases sculptural gold acc...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$18,494Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Dome Ring with 54 Brilliant-Cut Diamonds, France
Located in Vannes, FR
Let yourself be charmed by the radiance and glamour of this magnificent 18-carat gold Dome Ring, adorned with 54 brilliant-cut diamonds. Carefully crafted in compliance with 1st Dibs...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1990's Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Puffy Heart Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cluster of round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.55 carat total - G color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a domed heart shape accented by rounded shoulders C...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,720Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, 19.56 carat Emerald Sugarloaf & Rose Cut Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and special, modern style, Emerald Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 19.56 carats. The Emerald Sugarloaf are ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
19.51ct Rose Quartz Cocktail Ring by Designer Carat in 14K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite cocktail ring, featuring a striking 19.51 carat rose quartz gemstone set in a stunning 14 karat rose gold mounting. The rose quart...
Diamond, Malachite, Quartz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Huge 14K Yellow Gold High Polish Finish Twisted Rope Style Dome Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This visually powerful and substantial Mid-20th Century three section knot ring is a true statement ring. It will be well loved by all those who believe that "if you've got it, flaun...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Smoky Quartz Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring w/Box Size US 6 EU 53
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: Smoky Quartz Diamond Cocktail Ring Material: 18k white gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 53 AX3538 Gemstones: Natural smoky quartz cabochon approximate...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Paris 18K Gold and Diamond "Maillon Panthère" Bombé Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Created in France by Cartier, Paris, this "Maillon Panthère" bombé ring is composed of 18K gold and diamonds. The broad, bombé form is design as three rows of oblong sections flanked...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
King Baby Huge Sterling Silver Turquoise Ring
By King Baby
Located in New York, NY
This huge King Baby studio 925 Sterling Silver Turquoise Ring, is a beautifully crafted piece of fine jewelry, with a large oval-shaped turquoise stone set in a bezel setting. Ring ...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Estate Bulgari Pyramid Onyx and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Houston, TX
Bulgari Pyramid ring in 18K white gold featuring onyx accented by round diamonds. There are 46 round diamonds that total 1.35 carats, F-G color a...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pomellato 18k Rose Gold Amethyst Harem Cocktail Ring Size 6.5
By Pomellato
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic Pomellato Harem Cocktail Ring is a bold statement of Italian luxury, finely crafted in 18k rose gold and set with a cluster of rich, deep purple amethysts. The dome-st...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18kt Yellow gold Stephen Webster Obsidian Ring Crystal Haze
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Catch everyone’s eye with the Silver Obsidian Crystal Haze Shard Stack Ring, crafted from 18ct Yellow Gold. For dramatic effect, pair this piece with our White Opalescent Crystal Haz...
Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Domed Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant domed cocktail ring with diamonds and a design of intertwined twisted 18 karat gold banding. The ring has a total diamond weight of approximately 1.2 carats; stones are SI 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Luxury 18K White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Belt Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Bold and glamorous, this 18K white gold cocktail ring is designed in an elegant belt-inspired silhouette adorned with vivid blue sapphires and brilliant pavé diamonds. Featuring over...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
16.9 Carat Chrysoberyl Diamond Gold Gun Metal Finish Ring, 1990
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
16.9 Carat Chrysoberyl and Diamond Ring in Engraved Gold, 1990 A bold and sophisticated ring featuring a 16.94-carat Chrysoberyl as the centerpiece, set in a wide gold band intricat...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Gold
Tiffany & Co. Picasso Sugar Stacks Milky Quartz Sterling Silver Ring Size 6
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Designer: Paloma Picasso Collection: Sugar Stacks Style: Milky Quartz Ring Material: Sterling silver (Ag925) Hallmarks: Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Emerald, Tanzanite & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal, Emeralds & Tanzanite Dome Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 5.69 carats. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Modern Gold 7.25 Carat Natural Blue Moonstone & Colorless Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare 6 carat (appx) blue moonstone feldspar, horizontally set in a cocktail ring. 18k Yellow Gold. The center moonstone measures 13x10.7x7mm. Included are approximately 1.25 carats...
Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Green Enamel & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Enamel Dome Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 5.55 carats. The weight of...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
3.69 Carat Diamond Multi Sapphire 18 Karat White Gold Statement Ring
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 18-karat gold. It is set with 9.91 carats multi sapphire & 3.69 carats of glittering diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gol...
Bulgari, Vintage 18K Yellow Gold and Rubelite Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This classic ring by Bulgari features a gorgeous oval cabochon rubelite measuring approximately 10.20 x 7.80 x 4.85 mm and weighing 4.15 carats. Mounted in 18 karat yellow gold in a ...
Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Pavé Diamond Dome Ring, 1.50 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
Sleek and contemporary dome ring crafted in solid 18K white gold, designed with a wide pavé-set diamond surface that offers exceptional brilliance and presence on the hand. The ring ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century Diamond Gold Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Over the top Dome Ring - Pave set with full cut Very white Diamonds & detailed with Diamond Baguettes. High style French Mounting -over 12cts of super white & clean full cut Diamon...
Amber, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
15.11 Carats Ceylon blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Uccle, BE
New ring made of white gold 18K. Diamond and sapphire Ring set with a natural heated emerald cut Ceylon sapphire of 15.11 Carats and 6 baguettes shape diamonds of 1.08 Carats total...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Henry Dunay 18K Yellow Gold Hand-Hammered Dome Ring 1980's USA
By Henry Dunay
Located in North Miami, FL
This gorgeous and bold hallmarked Henry Dunay 18K gold ring is all hand hammered yellow gold. There is a plaque on the inside of the ring that states Dunay 18K. He is a well know and respected NYC...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Paraiba Cabochon, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba & Multi Sapphires Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba Cabochon is 9.19...
Diamond, Sapphire, Paraiba, 18k Gold
$3,062Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Emerald Gemstone Ring Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Handmade Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite ring is handset with 2.88 carats Zambian emerald and 1.41 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 US and may be resized to larger...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Chaumet Bezel Set Cabochon Blue Sapphire Dome Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant Chaumet dome ring showcases a beautifully smooth cabochon sapphire set at the center of a bold gold band. The sapphire’s rich blue tone creates a striking contrast again...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold