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.
Pink Ruby Snake Ring Silver Serpent Adjustable J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pink Ruby Snake Ring Silver Serpent Size US 6.5 Designer: J DAUPHIN The Pink Ruby Snake Ring by J DAUPHIN, titled Gypsy Wisdom, is a sterling silver serpent ring featuring a marqui...
Ruby, Silver
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
2.85 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Engagement Ring with Diamonds
Located in McKinney, TX
Brilliant 14 karat yellow gold sapphire & diamond engagement ring. Featuring one oval-cut sapphire weighing 2.85 cts., accented by twelve full-cut diamonds weighing a total of 0.35 ...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
$4,306Sale Price|20% Off
21.52 Carat Cabochon Pink Coral White Diamond Yellow Gold Dragons Cocktail Ring
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stephen Webster 18K White Gold Diamond Murder She Wrote Crystal Haze Ring
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Stephen Webster Crystal Haze 18K white gold diamond ring. Intense sapphire blue lapis and natural clear quartz gemstone in the Crystal Haze technique pioneered by Stephen Webster in the mid 1990's. The innovative process bonds the two gemstones, producing a striking magnifying effect which enhances the color of the underlying precious gemstone. Madonna wore a Crystal Haze ring to the party of the premiere of her film, The Next Best Thing and the press picked up the edgy, glamorous style making it a must-have accessory. Jennifer Lopez, Pink and Christina Aguilera...
Crystal, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari, 18K White Gold and Diamond "Astrea' Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Paris, FR
An elegant Bvlgari “Astrea” ring, crafted in polished white gold and set with a refined oval-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.50 carat. Size Fr 52.5 (6.25 US) The ring is signed ...
Tourmaline, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large Estate Diamond 18K White Gold and Blackened Gold Panther Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elegant estate panther ring, diamond set 18K white and blackened gold. Marks: 18K, 750, jeweler's mark, numbered Size 7.5 US 23mm by 14mm Excellent condition The panther epitomizes p...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Large Modernist 14 Karat Gold and Smoky Quartz Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine large modernist 14k gold and smoky quartz cocktail ring. With a large faceted pear shaped smoky quartz prong set in a 14 karat ...
Quartz, Gold
Michael Zobel 10.19ct Spessartite Garnet & Cognac Diamond 18K Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
Spessartite garnet, also called a Mandarin Garnet, ring by the jewelry master Michael Zobel. The shank is a gold sleeve that fits nearly 1.1/2 inches of the finger. The center be...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
$280Sale Price|20% Off
14k White Gold Diamond "Cross" Ring .08 Carats
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k White Gold Diamond "Cross" ring .10carats Specifications: main stone: BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND diamonds: 11 PIECES carat total weight: .08 color: G clarity: VS1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Chic Every Day Precious Ruby Pink Sapphire Diamond Rose Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Rose Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 21-RND 57-0,06-6/7A Pink Sapphire 46-RND-0,42 1/2C Ruby 1-0,25 Т(5)/4A Ruby 49-0,6 Т(4)/2C Weight 4,51 grams Size USA 7 W...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Aqua and Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sitting proud at the centre of this wonderful ring is a sparkling aqua stone. The aqua stone measures approx 11ct and is so sparkly. The shoulders hold 10pts of diamond each. The dia...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Ming's Hawaii Dragon Dome Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 10.1 mm tall Condition: Preowned...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Princess-Cut Diamond Split Shank Promise Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Gold
Michael Zobel Spessartite Garnet, 10.19 Cts. & Colored Diamond 18K Ring, 2002
Located in Aspen, CO
Spessartite garnet, also called a Mandarin Garnet, ring by the jewelry master Michael Zobel. The shank is a gold sleeve that fits nearly 1.1/2 inches of the finger. The center beze...
Garnet, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set within the gold there are three bright blue and gorgeous sapphires totalling approx 40pts. Sat between the sapphires are two bright diamonds. These total approx 16pts. The ring i...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Vintage Aqua and Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sitting proud at the centre of this wonderful cluster ring is a sparkling aqua stone. Around the 5 1/2ct aqua stone sit a halo of smaller diamonds each measuring approximately 4pts e...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glistening opals in this ring are gorgeous deep red garnets. The garnets measure a total of 90pts. The opals measure 25pts each and are pale but with lovely fleck...
Garnet, Opal, Gold
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Lavender Jade Ring Circa 1970s Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
This lavender jade ring from the 1970s features an oval cabochon of translucent pale violet jade measuring 25mm x 118.8mm x 9.04mm. The impressive stone is...
Jade, 14k Gold
14 Karat Gold and Rich Salmon Coral Button Cabochon Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine vintage gold and coral ring. With a rich salmon or almost red coral button cabochon set in 14k yellow gold setting. Marked to the shank 14k for gold fineness. Ring Si...
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Moss Agate and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This wonderful moss agate stone has marbling of deep green and amber colour running through. Surrounding the stone there is a rope twist frame and si...
Agate, Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The design of this ring is fabulous! In the top corner of the main panel is a 7pt diamond set within a star setting. Fully hallmarked 1997 Birmingham, England. Ring Size: V 1/2 or ...
Diamond, Gold
Hand-Carved 18K Yellow Gold Horse Head Ring with Diamond, USA, 1990
By Incogem
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This striking 18K yellow gold horse head ring is a masterfully crafted statement piece that celebrates strength, elegance, and fine artistry. The hand-carved horse head displays exce...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Garnet and 9 Carat Gold Serpent Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning ring featured two snakes that are wrapped around each other to create this ring. The serpents have a round cut garnets on top of each of their heads. Modelled in 9ct go...
Garnet, Gold
Vintage Diamond Three-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This vintage 18 Carat Gold and platinum beauty holds three bright diamonds with a total weight of 50pts and features twisted gold shoulders. Made in London, England. Ring Size: M o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
0.46Ct Marquise Diamond Band Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our Timeless 0.46Ct Marquise Diamond Band Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold, a captivating symbol of enduring love and exquisite beauty. This elegant ring combines the allure of...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The boat shape setting in this ring holds a total of 5 diamonds totalling 20pts. The smooth band in which they sit is modelled in 18carat gold. Hallmarked Birmingham, 1971. Ring Siz...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond Platinum and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
On top of this simple 9 Carat Gold band sit seven bright diamonds with a total weight of 40pts. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 3.5mm Weight: 3.9g
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
$1,794 / item
Blossom ring with multicolored gemstones
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold Blossom ring with pink gemstones. Flower bouquet gold ring. Pink tourmaline ring. Tourmaline, sapphires, amethyst ring. Weight: 2.5 g...
Amethyst, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Green Tourmaline Ring
Located in Derby, NY
Vintage Green Tourmaline Ring The centerpiece of this ring is a gorgeous emerald cut, 5.3 carat green tourmaline stone. The metal is 17....
Tourmaline, Gold
$1,917Sale Price|35% Off
Tiffany and Co. Etoile Platinum Round Diamond Engagement Ring .30ct FVVS1
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany and Co. engagement ring from the Etoile collection finely crafted in platinum featuring a round brilliant cut diamond center weighing 0.30 cts. F color , VVS1 clarity set in ...
Diamond, Platinum
$6,412Sale Price|20% Off
Engagement Ring White Gold with Shuttle Cut & Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
Engagement Ring White Gold with Shuttle Cut & Brilliant Cut Diamonds Cette bague de fiançailles en or blanc 18 carats est une pièce exceptionnel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Cluster rings are so wearable and timeless. This particular cluster holds a deep gorgeous emerald at the centre and is encircled within a fabulous halo of diamonds. The emerald measu...
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Opal 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glistening opals int his ring are gorgeous deep red rubies. The central ruby measures 30pts and the two smaller stones measure 10pts. The opals measure 2opts each ...
Opal, Ruby, Gold
Modern 0.20 Carat Diamond Tri-Color Open Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Modernist Tri Color Open Ring The ring is 18K White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold There is 0.20 Carats in diamonds G/H SI The Modern open design gives the ring a size range. The ring is a size 7-9, this ring cannot be sized. It means anyone who wares size 7 to size 9...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Kite-Shaped 12.33ct London Blue Topaz Ring 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold
7.61tcw 18K Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut & Diamond Accent Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
An iconic emerald and diamond engagement ring. The center stone features a large 6.68-carat emerald cut Colombian emerald with stunning qualities; a vivacious medium green color, ver...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Oval Cabochon Lapis Lazuli Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 9.4 Grams Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli Lapis Lazuli Measurements: ~23.6 mm x 17.6 mm x 9.6 mm Ring Size...
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Oval Cabochon Green Jade Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 9.75 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 4.7 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: Jadeite Jade Shap...
Jade, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
33.57 Carat Imperial Topaz Gold Ring by Wagner Preziosen
Located in Berlin, DE
This lovely and exquisite handmade ring designed by Wagner Preziosen features an expertly cut radiant 33,57 carat, faceted champagne colored imperial topaz set in 18 carat gold. Th...
Imperial Topaz, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, Size 6, Vintage Design
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning opals clustered with diamonds in 18 karat yellow gold. Oval center opal with diamond halo is surrounded by pear opals and more diamonds! Opals have beautiful fire. This r...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Seven-Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set within platinum are four bright blue and gorgeous sapphires totalling approx 60pts. Also sat beside the sapphires are three bright diamonds. These total approx 30pts. The rest of...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Ruby diamond second hand ring, its shuttle-shaped setting is adorned in the center with a probably treated marquise-cut ruby, held ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,338Sale Price / item|30% Off
Vivid Emerald Cut 9.81 ct Emerald Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Settings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald eternity band ring in 14K gold symbolises the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partner. The circular shape represents love whic...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,435Sale Price / item|30% Off
14K Yellow Gold Mounted 5.11 ct Blue Sapphire Eternity Band Ring Stacking Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue sapphire eternity band ring in 14K gold symbolises the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This yellow gold ring forms a knot with an oval sapphire set in a bezel setting at its center. Each end of the knot is decorated wi...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, ...
$679Sale Price / item|30% Off
Octagon Cut 2.65 ct Aquamarine Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold is a perfect statement jewelry to match with every outfit of your wardrobe on any occasion, wedding or Christmas. It's just a simple...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Aquamarine Stackable Half Eternity Band in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine half eternity band ring in 18K gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partner. The half circular shape represe...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$1,498Sale Price / item|30% Off
14K White Gold 8.9 Ct Stackable Aquamarine Eternity Band Ring Aquamarine Band
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine eternity band ring in 14K gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partn...
Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$864Sale Price / item|30% Off
14K Yellow Gold 2.24 Ct Natural Blue Sapphire Half Eternity Band Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue sapphire half eternity band ring in 14K gold symbolises the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$269Sale Price / item|30% Off
Multi Sapphire Half Eternity Band in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi sapphire half eternity band in 18K gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for you...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$301Sale Price / item|30% Off
14K Yellow Gold Hollow Circle Diamond Karma Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Hollow Circle Diamond Karma Ring in 14K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 0.11 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. April birthstone diamond brings love, fam...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Modern Black Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Geometric Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. A contemporary yellow gold ring set with an oval cabochon black opal. On either side, at the start of the ring, 2 x 3 modern brilliant-cut diamonds are ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$367Sale Price / item|30% Off
VR Jewels 18k Solid Yellow Gold Multi-Sapphire Eternity Band Ring Gift For Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Sapphire Eternity Band Ring in 18K gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your pa...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Oval Cabochon Green Jade Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 8.75 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 13.2 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemst...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.75 Total Weight: 6.4 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: Ruby, emerald, sapphire, diamond Emerald Carat Weight: 1...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
James Avery Love Script Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Designer: James Avery Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.2 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 Condition: Preowned, excellent Stamped: "585" "AVERY"
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18 Karat White Gold 1.16 Carat Round-Cut Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 1.16 Carat Round-Cut Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Band Ring This profound eternity diamond and vibrant blue sapphire band is magnificent. The refined setting of...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Emerald and Diamond Art-Deco Style Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Emerald and Diamond Art-Deco Style Ring Drawing inspiration from royal heirlooms, this handcrafted ring is iconic. Featuring an emerald-cut, natural eme...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$371Sale Price / item|30% Off
18K White Gold Minimalist Oval Cut Emerald Gemstone Stackable Solitaire Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist emerald gemstone ring in 18K gold is a perfect minimalist jewelry to match with every outfit of your wardrobe. It's just a simple ring and simplicity is the ultimate form ...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Horseshoe 9 Diamond Satin Finish Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 9 (resizing available for a fee) Ring Height: 17.16 mm Total Weight: 10.3 Grams Gemstone Specific...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold