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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Men’s Black Onyx Ring with Arabic Calligraphy Design
Located in Istanbul, TR
Arabic Calligraphy Black Onyx Signet Ring for Men. Diwani Calligraphy Men’s Ring Silver. Arabic Calligraphy Black Onyx Signet Ring for Men. Men’s Black Onyx Statement Ring with Arabic Ornament. Diwani Arabic Script Men’s Black Onyx Ring...
Onyx, Silver
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
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
Vintage David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold, Amethyst, & Diamond Albion Cocktail Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed gold, amethyst, and diamond Albion cocktail ring. By David Yurman. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a central bezel-set square cushion cut amethyst surrounded by a halo...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
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
Giant Brown Tourmaline Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary cocktail ring set in rich 14-carat matte yellow gold. At it´s heart lies a 10-carat cushion cut Tourmaline that stands out for its ...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.82ct 18k gold 7.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k red gold band ring with a harp motif set with a central ruby of 1.00 ct and a ring of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.82 ct - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed descript...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
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
Set in 18K white Gold, 3.76 carats, Rubellite & Diamond modern Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The combined weight of the Rubellite is 3.76 carats. The Diamonds...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White 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
TIFFANY & CO Diamond Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed vintage TIFFANY & CO Diamond Gold Band Ring. Hand set with Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.05tcw. Hand crafted 18K White Gold mounting. Marked: TIF...
Diamond, Gold
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
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
Ruby & Rainbow Moonstone Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary shimmering Rainbow Moonstone ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a blue flash hand-cut Rainbow Moonstone accom...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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
18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire, Tanzanite & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphires & Tanzanites Cocktail Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiop...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with single cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring with single cut diamond total 0.50ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 5.3 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Sterling Silver 15.10ct Black Star Sapphire Men's Ring, Size 10.75
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A powerful, architectural men’s ring showcasing a 15.10‑carat black star sapphire, bezel‑set in solid sterling silver. The sapphire displays an irregular but clearly visible star, gi...
Star Sapphire, Black Star, Sterling Silver
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.16ct 18k gold 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.16ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: The top of the ring is 9.6 mm w...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & 18K Yellow Gold Two-Tone Kiss X Band Ring Size 5
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & 18 Karat Yellow Gold Two-Tone Kiss X Band Ring Size 5 Metal: Sterling silver & 18 karat yellow gold Weight: 4.72 grams Size: 5 (US) Width: 5mm AD F350...
Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Round Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed rounded gold band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a cylindrical or round-edged form. Marked to the shank. Simply wonderful Tiffany design!...
Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Etoile Platinum Diamond 4mm Wedding Anniversary Band Ring
Located in University Place, WA
Modern and streamlined, yet perfectly timeless, this is the Etoile band ring from Tiffany & Co., crafted in platinum and set with round brilliant diamonds. The smooth, gently rounded...
Diamond, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, 4.05 carats, Zambian Emerald & Rose Cut 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 & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 4.05 carats. The Emerald is completely...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
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
Set in 18K Gold, Tanzanite Cabochon, Rock Crystal & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Rock Crystal Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 17.62 carats. The Tanzani...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. Stackable Sterling Silver & Emerald Band Ring
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage sterling silver & emerald band ring. Designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Flush set with a round cut emerald. Marked to the interior of the band for P...
Emerald, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Noblesse Sterling Silver & Gold Pave Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Noblesse Sterling Silver & Gold Pave Natural Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Metal: Sterling silver & 18 karat yellow gold Weight: 10.77 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.,75 CTE G-H...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Signed Baccarat Medicis 18K Gold & Sugarloaf Glass Cabochon Cocktail Ring
By Baccarat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed cocktail ring by Baccarat. From the Medicis series. In 18 karat yellow gold. Set with a signature Medicis clear glass sugarloaf cabochon. Marked to the interior Bac...
Crystal, 18k Gold
Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure studded with marquise-cut diamonds. Diamonds 2.70 ct Total Weight 9.30 gr RF *GIFUO RK.AGHAA120 Italian Size 17.5 Usa Size 8.17 French Size...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Turquoise Eternity Ring, Size 5.5
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage eternity ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features cabochon cut turquoises of different shades. Circa 1980. Signed with “750” Weight: 3.74g Size: 16 (US 5.5) ...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Rainbow Moonstone 14K Yellow Gold Zambian Emerald Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary shimmering Rainbow Moonstone ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a blue flash hand-cut Rainbow Moonstone accom...
Rainbow Moonstone, Emerald, Moonstone, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Genuine Zambian Emerald & Natural Diamonds Yellow Gold Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary Zambian emerald ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold and sparkling diamonds. At its heart lies a hand-cut natural emerald accompan...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vibrant Citrine 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary bright yellow Citrine ring set in rich 14-carat matte yellow gold. At its heart lies a 2.8 -carat hand-cut Citrine that shimmers wi...
Citrine, Yellow Gold, 14k 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
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Kunzite, Mozambqiue Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Ruby Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 7.27 carats. The weight of the Rubie...
Ruby, Kunzite, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 3.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold marquise ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.4 ...
Diamond, 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
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Tanzanite & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 6.34 carats. The w...
Diamond, Morganite, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,250Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 1.65ct Oval Bright Pink Sapphire & 0.56ct Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A commanding, couture‑level wide band ring showcasing a vivid 1.65ct oval bright pink sapphire framed by 0.56ct of round and baguette diamonds. Diamonds set not only across the top o...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Aquamarine & Diamond Engagement Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Morganite Cocktail Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 7.13 carats....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 3.79 carats. The Emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 5.52 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow 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 & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.52 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
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
MUNSTEINER ring with ruthile quartz and square cut diamond up to 0.10ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
MUNSTEINER 18k yellow gold ring set with ruthile and square-cut diamond total 0.10ct – F/G – VS/SI – 22.0 grams - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of t...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k gold 5.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a sapphire and a brilliant-cut diamond 0.32 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.6 cm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.24ct 14k gold 4.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with a central sapphire of 0.65ct surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.24ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) detailed description: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Mejuri 14K Yellow Gold Black Enamel & Diamond Ring Size 9.5
Located in New York, NY
Add bold contrast and modern edge to your stack with this pre-owned Mejuri ring, a standout from the Toronto-based fine jewelry brand that revolutionized accessible luxury. Founded i...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Oval Cut Multi Tourmaline Stackable Eternity Band Ring in Solid Silver
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant 3.74 carat band ring is crafted in 925 Sterling Silver and adorned with 20 natural oval cut multi tourmalines. The spectrum of tourmalines creates a beautiful rainbow ef...
Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Oval Checkerboard Faceted Prasiolite Diamond Albion 18KYG/SS Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
David Yurman Albion Prasiolite & Diamond Ring crafted in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold, featuring a large oval checkerboard-faceted prasiolite gemstone accented by sparklin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver