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.
Sterling Silver Gold Vermeil Peridot & Black Spinel Ring, Size 7
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful, unique ring is sterling silver with gold vermeil accenting. It features a pear cut, 4x6mm peridot, a round cut 2mm black spinel and a wavy line of tiny round spinels....
Peridot, Black Spinel, Spinel, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Accented Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Make a bold, symbolic statement with this captivating Snake Bypass Ring. Expertly cast in warm 14K yellow gold, this piece features a fluid, serpentine design that gracefully coils a...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval London Blue Topaz and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sophisticated and striking, this London Blue Topaz Halo Ring is a masterclass in elegant contrast. At its center lies a captivating, deep-sea-toned oval-cut London Blue Topaz, secure...
Blue Topaz, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Beaded Open Heart Double Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiating charm and delicate craftsmanship, this beaded open heart ring is a beautiful expression of modern romance. Cast in polished 14k yellow gold (hallmarked 585), the ring featu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pomellato Nudo Maxi ring diamond and London blue Topaz
By Pomellato
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A Pomellato classic this Nudo Maxi in the perfect chique combination of London blue Topaz set in yellow gold to a white gold mount set with 58 brilliant-cut diamonds. signed Pomell...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Geometric Round Diamond Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this modern ring features a openwork geometric design composed of interlocking oval loops bisected by a sparkling line of pavé-set diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage inspired rose Quartz and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Rose Quartz Ring with Topazes. Rose Quartz and Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural rose quartz cabochon set within ...
Quartz, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
18k Yellow gold garnet Pomellato statement ring, Italy
By Pomellato
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A unique and handmade 18k yellow gold ring, set with a large faceted cut garnet, model Victoria. There are Italian hallmarks present, and signed 'Pomellato' on the outside of the mou...
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage inspired Blue Topaz and Colorless Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Blue Topaz Ring with Colorless Topazes. Blue Topaz and Colorless Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural topaz cabochon...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage 90's Diamond Pavé Cable Buckle Ring ~0.76ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
A twisted rope motif in polished yellow gold sweeps into a crossover loop of pavé-set white gold diamonds, the two halves overlapping at the shoulder in a buckle-like knot. The inter...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lotus gold ring with peridot silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus gold ring with peridot silver, gold. Lotus flower ring. Floral ring. Pear peridot ring. Weight: 3.5 g. depends from size Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Central sto...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Cartier 18K White Gold Size Diamond Walking Panthere Vintage Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Very Rare Cartier Anniversary Panthere ring crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring a sculpted walking panther set throughout with approximately 1.50 carats of round brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage inspired Garnet and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet Ring with Topazes. Garnet and Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural garnet cabochon set within an ornate conc...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Elegant Initial "M" Diamond Open Wrap Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a personalized touch to your jewelry collection with this stunning initial open wrap ring. Expertly crafted in 14k yellow gold, this piece features a bold, serif-style letter "M"...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Panthère de Cartier Paved Diamond Ring SM in White Gold, Size 56
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Panthère de Cartier pavé diamond ring small model set in 18k white gold.
The ring is designed as Cartier's iconic panther, wrapping elegantly aro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Elastic Ring – 4mm Beads
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate 18K yellow gold elastic ring features lustrous 4mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. The design alternates vibrant sky-blue turquoise beads with finely textured ...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Radiant Initial "A" Open Wrap Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant initial open wrap ring blends modern minimalism with a personalized touch. Crafted in polished 14k yellow gold, the design features a shimmering letter "A" meticulously ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Ring with Cabochon Ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k gold ring with cabochon riby. July birthstone ruby ring. Ruby cocktail ring. Red ruby ring/ Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size Set with ruby, color -red Ov...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
Art-deco style moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style moissanite 14k gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring. Delicate ring. Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Metal: 14k gold Central stone: moissanite Cut: round Weight:...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Jorge Adeler 18K Yellow Gold Raw Kunzite & Diamond Ring Organic Gemstone
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Discover sophisticated color and artistic craftsmanship with the 18K Yellow Gold Kunzite and Diamond Ring by renowned designer Jorge Adeler. Crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, thi...
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Skull Ring Open Vintage Distressed Memento Mori Platinum Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Ring Open Vintage Distressed Memento Mori Platinum Plated J Dauphin Vintage 2010 Double Skull Ring Platinum Plated Brass New York Archive Design...
Platinum, Brass
ring with pearls and single cut diamonds up to 0.03ct 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with pearl and single cut diamond up to 0.03ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25(54) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 7...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Serpent Gold Open Adjustable J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serpent Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Open Adjustable Gold Plated Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring, named Gypsy Wisdom, is a coiled serpent in gold plated silver with a marqui...
Ruby, Silver, Gold Plate
Lily calla 14k gold ring with sapphire and diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lily calla gold ring. 14 kt gold ring with sapphire and diamonds. Pear sapphire gold ring. Flower gold ring.Genuine sapphire ring. Blue sapphire ring. Sapphire vintage ring. Delicate sapphire ring. Sapphire ring for woman.Natural sapphire ring.Floral gold ring. Minimalist sapphire ring. Sapphire engagement ring. Sapphire promise ring. Gift for her. Sapphire Birthstone Ring...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby, sapphire ring in 14k gold.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby ring in 14k gold. Sapphire 14k gold ring. Blue, red gemstones ring. July and september birthstone ring. Total weight: 2.2 g. depends from size Material: 14 k gold. Central st...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Pave Cluster Heart Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A charming 14K yellow gold heart-shaped fashion ring featuring a pave-set cluster of sparkling white diamonds. Its delicate design makes it an elegant choice for everyday wea...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art-deco style two moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style two moissanite 14k gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring. Weight: 3 g. depends from size Metal: 14k gold Central stone: moissanites Cut: round Weight: 1 ct. (0....
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant Cartier Ring Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold with Sapphires and Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Elegant Cartier ring crafted in 18K yellow gold (750‰), weighing 6.8 grams, featuring the Maison's iconic interpretation of the classic link motif. The open rectangular link is pavé-...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Blue sapphire 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Blue sapphire 14k gold ring. Sapphire engagement ring. September Birthstone ring. Oval cabochon sapphire ring. Blue gemstone ring. Metal type: 14k gold weight: 3 gr depends from s...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Pink Tourmaline Ring in 14k Gold, Tourmaline Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pink tourmaline ring in 14k gold. Pear tourmaline gold ring. Flower gold ting. Open ended ring. Colorfull ring. October birthstone ring. Tourmaline gold ring...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
14k Gold Semi-Eternity Ring with Emeralds and Amethysts
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold semi-eternity ring with natural emeralds and amethysts. May birthstone. February birthstone. Weight: 1.8 g. (depends from size) Gemstones: 1. Natural emeralds: Bag...
Amethyst, Emerald, 14k Gold
14K Gold Mens Ring with Emerald
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold mens ring with natural emerald. May birthstone. Unisex ring with emerald. 14k solid gold Total weight: 2.2 g. Depends from ring size. ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold Oval Peachy Pink Tourmaline & Natural Color Diamond
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold Oval Peachy Pink Tourmaline and Natural Color Diamond Ring is a captivating expression of artistry, color, and exceptional craftsmanship. Featuring an...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Alexandrite Ring with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, 6x4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural color-change alexandrite glows at the centre of this solid 14K rose gold ring, framed by six earth-mined diamonds. Alexandrite is one of the rarest of all gemstones, shifti...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14k Funny Crab Gold Ring with Opal, Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold Funny crab ring with natural opal, sapphires and diamonds. Opal open ended ring. Summer ring. Sea ring. Crab ring. Metal: 14k solid gold We...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Roberto Coin Amethyst, Shell and Diamond Oval Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in London, England
A striking vintage Roberto Coin amethyst, shell and diamond ring set in 18k white gold.
The ring features a large oval cabochon amethy...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Gold Ring with Paraiba Color Apatite Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with paraiba color natural apatite, sapphires and diamonds. Cocktail ring. Colorful ring. Rainbow ring. Multi Color Gemstone Ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 ...
Apatite, Paraiba, Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold
Tiffany and Co. Elsa Peretti Open Side Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Tiffany & Co. Collection: Elsa Peretti Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Width: ~8.9 mm Size: 10 Total Weight: 11.4 Grams Condition: Pre-owned, Exce...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst and Citrine Cabochon ring silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold ring with natural amethyst and citrine cabochons. February birthstone ring. November birthstone ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating Total Weight: 4 g (+-depends ...
Citrine, Amethyst, Silver, 14k Gold, Gold
1.7Ct Padparadscha Sapphire Ring with Natural Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A 1.76-carat padparadscha sapphire glows in its signature pink-orange, set east-west at the centre of this solid 14K white gold ring and wrapped in a halo of twenty-four earth-mined ...
Diamond, Padparadscha Sapphire , Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage inspired Citrine and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine Ring with Topazes. Citrine and Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural citrine cabochon set within an ornate co...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Oval Black and White Diamond Yin Yang Statement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Achieve perfect harmony with this Black and White Diamond Yin Yang Statement Ring. Meticulously crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this piece features the ancient symbol of balance...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Snake Ring Gold Serpent Double Head Enamel Eyes Adjustable Wrap Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Gold Serpent Double Head Enamel Eyes Adjustable Wrap Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Gold snake ring in gold plated brass, a one of a kind vintage 2008 serpent ring by J Dau...
Enamel, Gold Plate, Brass
"Love" Ring with Ruby Heart and Diamond Set in 14k Yellow Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold "Love" ring with 1 heart shape cut ruby weighing .40ts. and 28 round full cut diamonds weighing .25pts. spelling out "love". This ring is a size 6.5 but we will size...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Sapphire, Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Derby, NY
Estate Ring, 2 Emerald Cut Pink Sapphire 2.50 ct 1 Baguette Cut Diamond 0.35 ct H-I VS2,18K Yellow Gold 8.60g. Size 7 Jewelry Type : Ring Metal Type : 18K Yellow Gold Metal Weight :...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alexandrite Ring with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents in Solid 14K Gold, Round 4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural color-change alexandrite sits at the centre of this solid two-tone 14K white and yellow gold ring, flanked by two earth-mined diamonds. Alexandrite is one of the rarest of ...
Diamond, Alexandrite, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Genuine Sapphire 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Genuine sapphire 14k gold ring. Sapphire engagement ring. Sapphire vintage ring. Sapphire gold ring. December birthstone ring. Blue sapphire ring. Natural sapphirel ring. Minimalist sapphire ring. Sapphire engagement ring. Sapphire promise...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
18k Yellow gold cocktail garnet Pomellato statement ring, Italy
By Pomellato
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A unique and large 18k yellow Pomellato gold ring, set with a large faceted cut garnet. There are Italian hallmarks present, and signed 'Pomellato' on the outside of the mount. The...
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 0.54ct 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 0.54ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.5 - EU 16 (50) detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.1 mm wide a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About A graceful 14K yellow gold ring accented by a row of natural round single-cut diamonds and a distinctive sculptural gold detail at the center. The combination of polished meta...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Thoscene Fractal Silver Ring
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Using the THOSCENE customization platform developed by John Brevard, this piece is designed based on astrological systems and sacred geometry to complement patterns found in our cosm...
Sterling Silver
.16 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Gold and Platinum Stylized Twisted Ring Band, 1970
Located in Milford, DE
A fancy ring featuring intertwined 14K gold and platinum on the front. Each of the 4 platinum rows is accented with 4 .01 carat diamonds, for a total of 16 diamonds totaling .16 cara...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum, Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Rhombus Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this delicate ring features a central diamond-paved cluster encased within a geometric diamond-shaped centerpiece. Set upon a slender, polished yellow gol...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Round Diamond Pave Cluster Heart Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A charming 14K white gold heart-shaped fashion ring featuring a pave-set cluster of sparkling white diamonds. Its delicate design makes it an elegant choice for everyday wear...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bird on Branch 14k gold Ring with Sapphires
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold bird on branch ring with natural sapphires. September birthstone ring. Blue sapphires ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 1.8 g. Depends fro...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. by Schlumberger 18K Gold Enamel Ring
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Venice, CA
One of Tiffany & Co.’s top designers, Jean Michel Schlumberger was a French designer renown for his use of colorful enamel and sculptural pieces. This 18k gold band is a rare Sch...
18k Gold, Enamel
Modern 14K White Gold Star Ring with 30 Single-Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A star-shaped diamond motif forms the focal point of this 14K White gold ring, detailed with 30 round single-cut natural diamonds. The crisp celestial outline gives the desig...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Black Opal, Sapphires, Peridots 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal, sapphires, peridots, topazs 14k gold ring. Genuine opal ring. Opal 14k gold cocktail ring. Multicolor gold ring. Metal: 14 karat gold. ...
Topaz, Black Opal, Sapphire, Peridot, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in University Place, WA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Arno Alhambra family, crafted in 18k white gold and set with a cluster of four round brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a quatrefoil patter...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Carved Amethyst Skull Ring. 18k matte gold
Located in Cohasset, MA
Hand carved skull in Amethyst crystal. 18k matte gold ring. A part of the raw crystal amethyst is exposed just above the forehead.
Gold, 18k Gold