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.
$982 / item
Ring with Natural Rock Crystal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Elegant ring featuring a natural oval rock crystal in a smooth cabochon cut. The transparent stone softly reflects the light and highlights the clean, minimal beauty of the design. T...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Silver
Ring with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k gold 4.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with a central pearl surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 - EU. 18.5 (58) detailed description: The top of t...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Rustic vintage sterling silver band ring, wedding band
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish and unique vintage sterling silver band ring. It has a rustic off straight shape to the band with lots of aged patina giving it a real lived in vintage feel. Crafted in t...
Sterling Silver
Vintage sterling silver frog ring, statement
Located in NEWARK, GB
A pretty vintage sterling silver frog ring. A lovely chunky sterling silver band with a wonderful carved and sculpted, three dimensional design frog to the front. It makes a good i...
Sterling Silver
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 Gold, Blue Sapphire, Emerald & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire & Emerald "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 8.19 carats. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with sapphire up to 0.75ct and single cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring set with sapphire and single cut diamond. 0.25ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description the top of the ring is 9.9 mm wide by 5...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & 18K Gold Hook & Eye Buckle Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver and gold ring. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with 18 karat yellow gold elements. With a stylized hook and eye catch. Marked to the shank. Simply wonde...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, Aquamarine, Morganite & Diamonds "Kissing" Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Morganite "Kissing" Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 7.90 carats. The...
Morganite, Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K White Gold, 1.47 carats, Tanzanite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 1.47 carats. The Tanzanite is resp...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leto Lama 18ct Gold Paraíba Tourmaline Eye Ring with Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A statement ring that radiates celestial energy and bold elegance. At its heart lies a striking sky-blue Paraíba tourmaline from Mozambique, glowing with the vivid luminosity of trop...
Diamond, Paraiba, Gold, 18k 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
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Pear Cut Natural Emerald Toi et Moi Ring Fine Jewelry in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 0.86 carat emerald ring are crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Featuring two pear cut emeralds measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm, the ring showcase a graceful silhouette wit...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald and Diamond Halo Signet Style Statement Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This bold emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring a richly hued oval cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm at the center. Accented by sparkling w...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, 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, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
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
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage snake ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features red stone. Circa 1980. Signed with “750” Weight: 3.60g Size: 17.75 (US 7.5) IMPORTANT: cannot be resized. As ...
18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 2.39 carat Rubellite & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold and natural Diamonds. The weight of the pear shaped Rubellite is 2.39 carats. T...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leto Lama Emeralds and Diamonds All Around Ring Band 18 Ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
18ct gold band set all around with a combination of Colombian and Zambian emeralds and diamonds. Stones include mixed cuts — heart, square, pear shape and rounds — individually set ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 6 Carat Cabochon Emerald 0.35 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 emerald, oval cabochon cut, 6.00ct, vslbG 5/4, P3 - 4 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 0....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Soltaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 3.40ct M/N SI1 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond total 3.40ct – M/N – SI1 - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 9.1 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with sapphire, taper and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and taper and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - 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
14k Bicolor Gold Cocktail Ring with 2.40ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.40 ct - H/I - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide by 1.0 ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with pearls and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.46ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour ring set with pearl and old mine cut diamond total 0.46ct - H/I - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.8 cm wide by ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
10k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.75ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
10k yellow ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.75 ct - I/J - pique - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide by 1.0 cm high...
Diamond, 10k 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
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Oval Cut Emerald and Diamond Promise Ring in 925 Silver Gift for her
Located in New York, NY
This refined emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring a vibrant oval cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm at the center, accented by twelve spark...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Evil Eye Ring with Diamonds 18 Ct Gold Handmade
Located in London, GB
A modern talisman handcrafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, centred by a vivid natural Colombian emerald and framed within Leto Lama’s sculptural eye motif. Hand-engraved sunburst lines...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with emerald up to 5.00ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with a central emerald up to 5.00ct and brilliant-cut diamond up to 4.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.15ct 14k gold 6.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold entourage ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.15ct - G/H, F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: top of the ring is 1.6 cm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 18.66 Carat Natural Unheated Star Sapphire Ring Center Stone
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional GIA-certified natural star sapphire commands attention with its impressive 18.66-carat weight and captivating celestial phenomenon. Cut as an elegant oval double caboc...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Ring with sapphire, taper and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a sapphire up to 1.50 ct, brilliant-cut and taper-cut diamond up to 1.00 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.5(55) Detailed description: The t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ring with topaz and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.15ct 18k gold 10.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with topaz and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.15 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide ...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold
$539Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
Ring with pearl, ruby and brilliant cut diamonds 0.23 ct, 14k gold 3.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold entourage ring with a central pearl and as entourage ruby and brilliant cut diamond 0.23ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) detailed description: th...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold 3-Stone Ring Diamond Natural Cabochon Emerald Ring 3.96 CT
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement of refined elegance and bold color with this stunning three-stone ring in rich 14K yellow gold. At its heart sits a mesmerizing 3.96-carat natural emerald cut in a s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$539Sale Price|44% Off
Wave Design Garnet and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet Wave Ring with Topazes. Garnet and Topaz Wave Ring. Garnet and Topaz Ring with Wave Motif. Graceful and sculptural, this ring features a luminous 7 mm garnet framed by a flow...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, 2.74 carat, Aquamarines & Diamonds Band Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 2.74 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.17 c...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Emerald & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Emerald "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.90 carats. The w...
Morganite, Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Leto Lama One Of A Kind E/F Diamond Ring Band Chubby Bubbles 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
A timeless modern bubbles band that will easily blend to your rings stack collection. A classic piece that wont get old. Handcrafted and completely unique. A constellation of light...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Yellow Diamond Three-Stone 18K Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Yellow Diamond Three-Stone 18K Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring, 1.64 Total Carat Weight — Tiffany Valuation A stunning and timeless Tiffany & Co. three-stone...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 14k gold 8.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approx. 1.20ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18 (56) detailed description the top of the ring is 5.8 mm wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.50ct, 1990s
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 4.75 - EU 15.75 (49) Detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.5 cm w...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, 1980
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare estate Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW diamond double sphere east west 18K yellow gold and platinum cocktail ring 20th Century This fabulous double sphere diamond ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat E I1 Marquise Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat E I1 Marquise Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring GIA report number: 6233945921 Diamond: 1.00 carat E I1 marquise natural diamond Metal: 14k yellow gol...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with emerald, ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby, sapphire, emerald and brilliant-cut diamond total 040ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the rin...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 5.30 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a GIA Certified 5.30 Carat Natural No Heat, Ceylon Sapphire and 0.86 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 2 Carat Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Original Pre-Owned Engagement Ring with GIA and Tiffany Certificates Description A true design masterpiece, the Tiffany® Setting remains the world’s most iconic en...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, 5.48 carats, Zambian Emeralds & Diamonds Cocktail Cluster Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Cluster Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 5.48 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.83 ct Natural Vivid Green Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.83 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and 1.01 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds ha...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Ceylon Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very stunning and gorgeous, modern style, Emerald & Pink Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 10.82 carats. The Emerald is comp...
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$527Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold. Green Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central st...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$527Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold. Blue Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co. 1.52 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18k Rose Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. 1.52 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18k Rose Gold You’re viewing one of the most sought-after and rarest Tiffany & Co. solitaire rings on the ...
White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
18k White Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring, 1.00 ct, Size US 6.5
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with pearl and brilliant-cut and taper-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.00 ct F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Knife Edge Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Knife Edge Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring A truly exceptional Tiffany & Co. engagement ring featuring their iconic knife edge solitaire design, crafted in p...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$532Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Amethyst Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Amethyst Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold pl...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Leto Lama Three Emeralds Snake Ring 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
Three Emeralds Snake Ring A snake band of 18-carat yellow gold winds around the finger like molten light, its form culminating in three vivacious emeralds that glimmer green hues wi...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold