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.
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
$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
Cartier 1970s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hammered Dome Modernist Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed form with concave honeycomb-like sections Featuring a hammered texture throughout With high polish accents and shank Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered fully sign...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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
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
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
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
French polka-dot emerald and diamond ring
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century polka-dot pavé diamond and emerald plaque ring, in 18k gold. France. #14040. * Free shipping * Includes letter of authenticity for insurance purposes * Please do not ...
Diamond, Emerald, 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
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
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
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
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
18K Yellow Gold Oval Swing Ring
Located in New York, NY
Intricacy with the vivid metal of 18k yellow gold creates a memorable motif. A multi-split band ascends on both sides and intertwines throughout. The finished result is a voluminous ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
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
18 Karat White Gold Natural Diamond & Demantoid Green Garnet Dome Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat White Gold Natural Diamond & Demantoid Green Garnet French Cut Dome Band Ring Metal: 18k white gold Diamonds: Approx. 1.40 CTW F-G VVS round natural diamonds Weight: 12.86 ...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
$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
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
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, 15.94 carats, Colombian Emerald Cabochon & Diamonds Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the odd shaped Emerald Cabochon is 10.12 carats. The weight of the carved Eme...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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
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
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
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
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
Cartier Nouvelle Vague Paris Ring Diamond 18k White Gold Sz 6 Vintage c2000
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Cariter 'Nouvelle Vague' diamond ring crafted in 18 karat white gold (circa 2000). Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.35 carats (estimated at F-G color and VVS2 clarity). The out of production Cartier highlights...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
$2,824Sale Price|20% Off
French Ring Cabochon Smoked Quartz Yellow Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Splendid French ring in smoky quartz cabochon and 18-carat yellow gold, which meets 1st Dibs listing criteria. This exceptional piece is a real gem that will seduce you with its time...
Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
12k Gold Leaves and Layered Opal Cluster Ring 1970s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible fine jewelry piece from the '70s - Ring size 6 (US) - .75" depth cluster - 12 karat gold (stamped 12k) - Prong set opal gemstone cabochons - Circa ...
Opal, Gold
4.70 Carat Wide White Diamond Pave Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
Wide diamond pave' ring, with a slightly dome feeling, a wrap of sparkling white diamonds, G color, SI1 clarity, for an approximate total carat weight of 4.70 carats, hand made in New York City with the best Italian craftsmanship, conceived in 18k yellow gold. Classic, sophisticated, gorgeous look, everlasting in time style...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Period Manufactured Blue Sapphire Cabochon Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified Period Manufactured Blue Sapphire Cabochon Dome Cocktail Ring GIA report number: 5231820267 Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 5.11 grams Sapphire: Period manufactured labo...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.2 Carat Ruby Pave Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
Ruby eternity ring, an approximate total carat weight of 3.2 carat, hand made in New York City with the best Italian craftsmanship, conceived in 18k yellow gold, each ruby is hand ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marco Bicego Jaipur 18 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst Dome Cocktail Stacking Ring
By Marco Bicego
Located in Baltimore, MD
Marco Bicego Jaipur 18 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst Dome Cocktail Stacking Ring Metal: 18K yellow gold Weight: 2.48 grams Amethyst: 6mm round faceted Size: 6.5 (US) Retail: $1,610 USD...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Stenzhorn 18 Karat Gold Dome Ring with 8.20 Carat Tsavorites and .90Ct. Diamonds
By Stenzhorn
Located in New York, NY
Crafted by the renowned Stenzhorn house of Jewellery, This classic 18kt yellow gold ring is pave' set with 8.20 carats of round green Tsavorite stones...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Sculptural Dome Ring
Located in North Miami, FL
This very chic and well made vintage 14 K gold dome ring has great weight. It has both presence a s a big dome ring and presence on the finger. It is signed MA on one side. We do not...
14k Gold
$3,954Sale Price|20% Off
Raspberry Red Spinel Pink Sapphire Diamond Dome Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
Description Impressive dome ring crafted in 18 karat white gold, centered with a vibrant raspberry-red spinel of remarkable presence. The central spinel displays a rich and luminou...
Spinel, 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
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Radiant Cut 12x10 mm Cubic Zirconia Color Block Enamel 925 Silver Ring
Located in New York, NY
This bold 925 sterling silver ring features a radiant-cut 12x10 mm cubic zirconia solitaire that delivers high-impact sparkle from every angle. The center stone is framed by a smooth...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$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
2.20 Carat Emeralds Pavé Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
Green emerald eternity ring, an approximate total carat weight of 2.20 carat, hand made in New York City with the best Italian craftsmansh...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior 18k Yellow Gold Citrine Leopard Spot Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Domed cocktail ring, centering a sugarloaf cabochon-cut citrine set with leopard paw motif prongs, in textured 18k yellow gold decorated with black enamel leopard spots. Citrine mea...
Citrine, 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 carats....
Diamond, Sapphire, Paraiba, 18k Gold
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Diamond Boule Ring, 3.95 Carats, Italy, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Boule or Dome ring is sparkly and has 3.95 cts of Diamonds on a high dome setting. This ring comes out of Italy and really is special. When you need a cocktail ring to sparkle...
Diamond, White 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
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
Mings Yin and Yang Cutout Band Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.1 Grams Ring Size: 5.25 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Width: 8.0 mm Condition: Preowned
14k Gold, Yellow 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
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...
4.70 Carat Deep Green Emerald Wide Eternity Band 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
FERRUCCI Wide green emerald pave' ring, with a slightly dome feeling, a wrap of deep green, top quality emeralds for an approximate total carat weight of 4.70 carats, hand made in Ne...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Ruby & Diamond Ring by Hammerman Brothers
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and set with rubies and diamonds, this ring was manufactured by the North American firm Hammerman Brothers. The bombe style ring features two panels...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Domed Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold GIA No Heat
Located in Wailea, HI
Introducing the stunning Domed Ruby and Diamond Ring, crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold and certified by GIA as having no heat treatment. At the center of this exquisite piece re...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Orange Enamel & Diamonds DomeCocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Enamel Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 4.26 carats. The weight of...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Enamel
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
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
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
Set in 18K Gold, Mandrin Garnet, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Mandarin Garnet & Multi Sapphires Dome Cocktail Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Mandarin Garnet is 14.6...
Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,488Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Heart-Cut Emerald Dome Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This dome ring showcases a 0.61 carat natural heart-cut emerald set in a 14K yellow gold. The emerald measuring 3.5 × 4.5 mm, securely set in a classic gypsy setting that creates a s...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold