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.
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
$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
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
Mings Flower Dome Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 3.7 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 13.8 mm tall Condition: Pre...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Bird on a Plum Cutout Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 4.5
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Ring Size: 4.5 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Band Width: 6.9 mm Condition: Preowned, ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Metro Cable Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By David Yurman
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: David Yurman Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: Grams Diamond Carat weight: ~0.40 carats Diamond Count: 38 diamonds Ring Size: 6 (resizable) ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k 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
$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
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
$4,231Sale 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
Mens Diamond Gold Nugget Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Count: 25 brilliant cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~1.50 carats Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS Ring Size: 9.25 Ri...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 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
$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
Ming's Hawaii Double Dragon Band Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.6 Grams Ring Size: 8.5 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 8.2 mm tall Condition: Preowned,...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 22 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glossy 22ct gold band. Perfect for a wedding band or just a simple everyday piece. Hallmarked London 1968. Please note there are arthritic beads on the inside of the band which do ma...
Gold, 22k 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
Ming's Four Seasons 8.5 mm Band Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.5 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 8.5 mm tall Condition: Preowned,...
14k Gold, Yellow 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 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
Modern Second-Hand Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Elegant bangle ring, it is formed by a wide and curved ring on the top. 3 lines of modern brilliant cut diamonds are set with grain...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k 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 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
Citrine Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
With this exquisite semi-precious Citrine yellow gold diamond ring, style and glamour are in the spotlight. This 18-karat emerald cut ring is made ...
White Diamond, Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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
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
3.50-Carat 14K Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald Tension Set Men's Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a classic and unique Colombian emerald solitaire emerald cut men's ring in 14K yellow gold. This solitaire ring carries a full emerald in a secure tension-prong setting....
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Mings Marquise Cabochon Deep Green Jade Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.5 Grams Stones: Marquise Deep Green Jade Jade Measurements: 22 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm Ring Size: 5.25 (r...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.28tcw 14K Men's Colombian Emerald Round Cut & Diamond Cluster Two-Toned Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A diamond and emerald men's cluster ring. A 0.30ct round cut, Colombian emerald is set in the very center of this impressive men's ring. Six, large. brilliant round diamonds highligh...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Fancy Cut Purple Amethyst Wide Ribbed Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Fancy Cut Purple Amethyst Wide Ribbed Ring Style: Fancy Cut Amethyst Ring Material: 18k Yellow Gold Center Stone: Large fancy cut amethyst Design Details: Bold st...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
2.41tcw 14K AAA Colombian Emerald & Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elegantly displayed is a gorgeous three stone AAA emerald and diamond ring with accents. This romantic anniversary/engagement piece is captivating from every angle. The center featur...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,820Sale 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
$1,640Sale Price / item|20% 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
Mings Pearl Cluster Ring 14K Yellow Gold Size 7
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 9.3 Grams Ring Size: 7 (resizable) Stamped: "MINGS" "14K" Ring Height: 22.8 mm tall Condition: Preow...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Cushion 9.25 ct London Blue Topaz Ring in 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...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
$552Sale Price / item|20% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ceritfied Yellow Sapphire 0.51 Carat with Diamond Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Sapphire ring in 18K Gold is a perfect jewelry to match with every outfit of your wardrobe. It's just a simple ring and simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. Sap...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$344Sale Price / item|20% 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
$340Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
$2,672Sale Price / item|20% 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
$380Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Solid Yellow Gold Peridot Eternity Band
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Peridot Eternity Band Ring in 18K gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partner. Th...
Peridot, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Isabelle Fa Citrine Bronze Gold Ring
By Isabelle Fa
Located in Berlin, DE
Exceptional ring made of bronze and rose gold with a beautiful citrine ca. 3,5 carats. Band bronze outside and rose gold inside, 1 diamond inside band. Ring Size: 53 (European Size) Isabelle Fa...
Citrine, Gold, Bronze, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening diamonds sit fabulously on top of a simple setting modelled in 18ct gold and platinum. The diamond total is 75pts. Ring Size: Q or 8 Width: 3.5mm Height Off Finger:...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$308Sale Price / item|20% 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
Vintage Diamond Platinum and 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
On top of this simple 18 Carat Gold band sits seven bright diamonds with a total weight of 20pts. Made in Birmingham, England. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Band Width: 3.5mm Weight: 2.9g
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Enamel Pearl Emerald Sapphire 3D Flower Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearl: 1 akoya pearl 5.9 mm Emerald and Sapphire Count: 3 emeralds and 3 sapphires Total Weight: 8.3 Grams Ring Size: 5.25 (resizabl...
Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,756Sale Price / item|20% Off
VR Jewels Stackable 5.46 Carat Emerald Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald cut emerald eternity band ring in 14K gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you h...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Ming's Hawaii Silver Baroque Pearl Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Diameter: 10.7 mm x 11.3 mm Total Weight: 3.5 Grams Ring Size: 4.75 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" Condit...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ming's Hawaii Double Phoenix Band Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 5.0 Grams Ring Size: 5.75 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 10 mm tall Condition: Preowned,...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$420Sale Price / item|20% 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
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 Karat Gold Ring with Sapphire and Tsavorites
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold ring with genuine sapphire and tsavorites. 14k solid gold Total weight: 2 g. depends from size Sapphire: Oval cut, weight - 0.80 ct, transparent, bluish green color. ...
Sapphire, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Gold
Colourful Zirconia Fine Silver Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
The world needs more colour—and so does your wardrobe with this delicate ring. Rainbow silver ring adorned with multi coloured American cubic zirconia. It can serve as an independen...
Zircon, Silver, Silver Plate
$916Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Marquise Diamond Engagement Band Ring for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Diamond Engagement Band Ring for Women in 14K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 0.06 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. April birthstone diamond b...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
3 Round Brilliant and Baguette Diamond Band Ring 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Diamond Count: 3 brilliant cut, 8 baguette diamonds Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.75 carats Ring Height: 5.1 mm tall Diamond Color: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$6,307Sale 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
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Rose-Cut Diamond Double Finger Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
18K Yellow Gold, Rose-cut Diamond Double Finger Ring .49 cts. Diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold