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.
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About A refined 14K yellow gold ring finished with a graceful line of natural round brilliant-cut diamonds across the upper portion. The balanced combination of polished gold and di...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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 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
Vintage 18k solid gold snake ring, Diamonds, Victorian symbol of eternal love
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning 18 karat solid yellow gold snake ring. It exists out of a yellow gold ring band, with a white gold snake curling around it. This ring is most likely crafted...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT Yellow Gold classic diamond half-eternity wedding band
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : This sleek and classic band ring features a channel or pave-set row of sparkling round diamonds set in polished 14K yellow gold. Designed with a smooth, low-profile finish, i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Vintage 18 Karat Gold 2.46 Carat VS2 Central Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage engagement ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece is certified by the Assay Office with a gemstone testing report. The ring is set with 37 natural diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Estate Tiffany & Co. 10 Diamond Platinum Etoile Band Ring, 6.75 US
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Etoile Collection, after the French word for Star, is one of the brand's iconic designs. Sleek and beautiful, the diamonds are set in platinum bezel settings, draw...
Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Oval Garnet & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A rich oval garnet takes center stage in this 14K yellow gold cocktail ring, framed by a carefully balanced arrangement of round brilliant natural diamonds. The warm gold and...
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Baguette & Round Diamond Geometric Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A refined geometric composition distinguishes this 14K yellow gold band ring, combining baguette and round natural diamonds within a sleek linear setting. The contrast of dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Platinum Diamond Band – Fishtail Set, 0.50ctw, Sz 7.25
Located in Orlando, FL
This platinum band is pure Mid-Century design, its fishtail prongs splaying outward between each diamond in the graduated, architectural style so distinctive to the era. Seven round ...
Diamond, Platinum
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, natural Emerald & Yellow Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, vintage style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The approximate weight of the Emerald is 2.00 carats. The Emerald is ...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 2.00 Carat Emerald 1.30 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cluster ring crafted in 18K white gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 emerald, emerald cut, 2.00ct, vslbG 5/5, P1 - 10 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 1....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k 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
Mid-Century Modern Diamond Honeycomb Cluster Ring with Black Enamel, 14k Gold
Located in Orlando, FL
Approached as a study in massing and repetition, this 1970s ring reads like a small piece of Brutalist architecture scaled for the hand. Seven hexagonal cells step and cantilever off...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sterling Silver 7.50ct Oval Cut Tanzanite Cocktail Ring, Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful domed cocktail ring is sterling silver with an estimated 7.50 carats in genuine, rich, oval cut tanzanite gemstones. The face of this ring measures 5/8 of an inch nort...
Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
$570Sale Price / item|40% Off
Men’s Art Deco Baguette Topaz Gold Plated Ring, Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Men’s Sky Blue Topaz Gold Plated Silver Art Deco Ring. Men’s Baguette Sky Blue Topaz Geometric Ring. Men’s Geometric Baguette Topaz Statement Ring This men’s sky blue topaz ring f...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
18K Yellow Gold 4.00 CTW Invisible-Set Princess & Pavé Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
A masterpiece of architectural jewelry design, this substantial 18-karat yellow gold statement band pairs striking geometric symmetry with continuous brilliant fire, boasting a magni...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 0.07 Cts Round Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About A refined 14K yellow gold band ring featuring a delicate row of natural round single-cut diamonds across the front. The understated profile brings together polished gold and s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Ceylon (Sri Lankan) Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 4.91 carats. The Blue Sapph...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$570Sale Price / item|40% Off
Men’s Garnet Geometric Statement Ring, Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Square-Cut Garnet Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring. Contemporary Garnet Silver Designer Ring. Men’s Garnet White Topaz Silver Ring A bold statement ring crafted from silver with g...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 2.86 carats, natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold and natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 2.86 carats. The Emerald is completely n...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Men’s Art Deco Style Baguette Amethyst Silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Architectural Amethyst Men’s Ring. Art Deco Amethyst Men’s Wedding Band. Men’s Baguette and Princess-Cut Amethyst Ring. A bold men’s ring crafted from silver and finished with gold ...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
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
Set in 18K white Gold, 5.04 carat Morganite & Diamond modern Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.04 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.30 carats....
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Diamond Sapphire 14K Gold / ØUS 7.25 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Diamond and Sapphire Ring in solid 14K (tested) White Gold with openwork bridge and shoulders decorated with floral patterns,modern styled. European, ca. early 20th. century with a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 7.60 carats, Aquamarine & Diamond modern Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 7.60 carats. The Diamonds weight is ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Men’s Black Onyx Ring with Arabic Calligraphy Design
Located in Istanbul, TR
Arabic Calligraphy Black Onyx Signet Ring for Men. Men’s Black Onyx Statement Ring with Arabic Ornament. Kufic Arabic Calligraphy Men’s Black Onyx Ring...
Onyx, Silver
Fred of Paris Chrysoprase Cabochon 18k Gold Cocktail Ring Size 6
Located in Feasterville, PA
A sophisticated Fred of Paris Gold Cocktail Ring showcasing timeless elegance. This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring features a captivating 7ct chrysoprase cabochon, exuding a tranqui...
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.1 mm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold 1.20ct Oval Vivid Green Tsavorite & 0.23ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Elegant 18k white gold tsavorite and diamond ring featuring a 1.20ct vivid green oval tsavorite in a refined four‑prong setting. The gem shows bright, lively color with natural fine ...
Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K Gold & 'Crown of Silver' Psilomelain Gemstone Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine benchmade signet style ring. In 14 karat yellow gold. With a large rectangular psilomelane (crown of silver) bezel-set cabochon to the head supported with a double or split ...
14k Gold
Large Paloma Picasso Tiffany Sterling Silver & Rock Crystal Sugar Stacks Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & rock crystal (or colorless quartz) cocktail ring. Designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a large sized, prong-set ro...
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver & Rose Quartz Sugar Stacks Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & rose quartz cocktail ring. Designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a prong-set rose quartz sugarloaf cabochon to the ...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
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
Vintage 0.94 ct Diamond Solitaire Ring in a Tiffany & Co. Platinum Setting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine estate solitaire diamond engagement ring. In .950 platinum. This ring is a wonderful marriage of a vintage Tiffany 6-...
Diamond, Platinum
17.06-carat Tourmaline & Onyx & Ruby & Diamond Ring, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee reimagines the untamed power of the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake in the Redhot Diamondback Ring, a breathtaking creation from The Ikhor Collection. At its core lies a c...
Tourmaline, Ruby, Onyx, Diamond, Enamel, Rhodium, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
8.34ct Unheat Sapphire & Moonstone & Diamond Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee unveils the Sahasrara of Lunar Ring, a transcendent jewel inspired by the thousand‑petaled lotus of the Crown Chakra. This masterpiece channels spiritual symbolism into scu...
Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Vintage Carinated Sterling Silver Blue Spinel Ring Size 5.5
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, vintage, carinated solitaire is sterling silver with a stunning 6mm blue spinel gemstone. The band on this ring measures 6mm wide with a rise of 4mm off the finger. Si...
Spinel, Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 1.73 Carat E SI2 Natural Pear Shape Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 1.73 Carat E SI2 Natural Pear Shape Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 14K White Gold GIA report number: 1242003157 Diamond: 1.73 carat E SI2 natural pear brilliant diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Gold Wedding Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Tiffany & Co. band ring. In 18k gold. Marked to the shank: 18k and Tiffany & Co. A perfectly simple and refined ring from the world's leading retailer! Measur...
Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.90ct 18k yellow gold 9.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant cut diamond 0.90 ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.5(55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide Ring size U.S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman DY Logo Titanium and Sterling Silver Diamond Cigar Band Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine men's cigar band ring. By David Yurman. In titanium and sterling silver with a band of small round white diamonds punctuated by 5 ""DY"" logos channel set to the center. Fu...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Titanium
Certified 18K Gold 2.70ct Colombian Emerald & 0.36ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
An exceptional IGL‑certified natural Colombian emerald, weighing 2.70 carats, sits at the heart of this elegant 18k gold ring. Cut in a refined octagon/step silhouette, the emerald d...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Cigar Ring Band GIA 1.48 Cts Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A perfectly imperfect handmade one of a kind statement Emerald Cigar ring that features a bezel set beautiful Colombian Emerald of 1.48 Cts certifie...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Solitaire Starburst Petite Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiate celestial charm with this elegant solitaire starburst ring. Crafted in high-polished 14k yellow gold, this piece features a singular, shimmering round-cut diamond nestled at ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond
Located in Feasterville, PA
A refined Vintage Alhambra ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, highlighting the elegance of onyx. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the ring features a single Alhambra clover motif, with onyx set...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Ruban Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A masterfully crafted engagement ring by Cartier, embodying architectural elegance. The Trinity Ruban design features a dynamic ribbon motif, adorned with pavé-set round brilliant d...
Diamond, Platinum
Fred of Paris Chrysoprase Cabochon 18k Gold Cocktail Ring Size 6
Located in Feasterville, PA
A sophisticated Fred of Paris Gold Cocktail Ring showcasing timeless elegance. This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring features a captivating 7ct chrysoprase cabochon, exuding a tranqui...
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Double Head Vintage 18K Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier Panthère bypass ring in 18k gold, showcasing vintage elegance and intricate design. Crafted in 18k gold, the ring features a coiled band that wraps around the finger, endi...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and unique ring featuring a tiger's eye butterfly and a mother-of-pearl quatrefoil. The butterfly's wings are crafted from a single stone, showcasing chatoyant bands that...
Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Perlee 3 Row Ring, Size 48
Located in Houston, TX
A modern Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Pearls Of Gold ring, 3 rows set in 18K yellow gold. Accompanied by the certificate of authentication, original receipt, and box. Dated: 2018. Signe...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Nigerian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.07 carats. The E...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari “B.Zero1” 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five-Row Band Ring Size 53
By Bulgari
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an iconic “B.Zero1” five-row band ring designed by Italian jewellery house Bvlgari in 2010s. It is crafted in 18K yellow gold. Signed. Weight: 10.88g Size 53: ~16.75 (US ~6...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage David Yurman Sterling Silver & Blue Topaz Infinity Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & topaz ring. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. From the 'Infinity' series. With a prong-set cushion cut blue topaz. Marked to the shank. Together ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
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
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
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamond modern Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 8.53 carats. The Multi ...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow ...
Tiffany & Co. Forever Platinum Natural Diamond Half Band Ring 3MM
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Forever Platinum Natural Diamond Half Band Ring 3MM Metal: Platinum Weight: 4.26 grams Width: 3mm Size: 5.75 (US) Diamonds: 0.56 CTW F-G VVS natural round diamonds ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Double C Vintage Diamond 18k Tri-Color Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Tri-Color Gold Diamond Ring Crafted from 18k Multi-Tone Gold Featuring Pavé-Set Diamonds on Interlocking C's Hallmarks: Cartier, 750, 50 Size: US 5.25 / EU 50 Weight: 5....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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