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.
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
Coiled Serpent Snake Ring in 18K Gold with Pavé Diamonds and Ruby Eyes, 1.12ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
A three-coil serpent winds fully around the finger, its gold body rendered in a raised, hand-textured scale pattern that flows seamlessly into a pavé diamond head. Round rubies form ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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, 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 nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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
Jorge Adeler 18K Yellow Gold Raw Kunzite & Diamond Ring Organic Gemstone
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Discover sophisticated color and artistic craftsmanship with the 18K Yellow Gold Kunzite and Diamond Ring by renowned designer Jorge Adeler. Crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, thi...
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 18.83 carats, Tourmaline Cabochon & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline Cabochon Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmaline Cabochon is 18.83 carats. The co...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White 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
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Radiant Initial "A" Open Wrap Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant initial open wrap ring blends modern minimalism with a personalized touch. Crafted in polished 14k yellow gold, the design features a shimmering letter "A" meticulously ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.30 Carat Diamond 1.35 Carat Heart Cut Ruby Band Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage heart band ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 diamond, round brilliant cut, 0.30ct, RW+/RW, SI1 - 4 rubies, heart cut, TW 1.35ct, stpR ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
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
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
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
PASCAL BRUNI Ring with gemstones and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
PASCAL BRUNI 18k white gold ring set with topaz, amethyst, peridot, citrine, tourmaline, sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.5 – EU. ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Blue Top...
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
Set in 18K Gold, 4.23 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 & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 4.23 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Morganite, Pink Sapphires & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Pink Sapphires Cocktail Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.09 carats. ...
Diamond, Morganite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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. The wei...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald Sugarloaf & Diamond Band Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 1.19 carats. The Emeralds Sugarloafs are comple...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Mexican Fire Opal, Orange Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Mexican Fire Opal & Orange Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Matte Gold & natural...
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cocktail ring with lapis lazuli 18k yellow gold 14.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold cocktail ring set with lapis lazuli – 14.4 grams - ring size U.S. 8.5 – EU 18.5(58) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.7 cm wide and 1.3 cm high Ring s...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leto Lama Abstract Art 18Ct Cocktail Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Introducing our stunning One-of-a-Kind Geometric Sapphire Ring, a joyful, happy piece, a true work of art! This exquisite piece showcases 18 ct recycled gold adorned with a dazzling ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 15.83 carats, Kunzite, Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 15.83 carats. The weight of the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald, Rubellite & Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A. very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald & Rubellite Toi et Moi Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 1.89 carats. The Emerald is completely natu...
Rubelite, Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct - 5.9 gram - 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with sapphire 1.00 ct and brilliant cut diamond 1.00 ct -F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16(50) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.4 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$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
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
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
5.50 Carat Amethyst and 3.08 ctw White Zircon Ring in Sterling Silver Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This brilliant, sold-out, hard to find ring makes a royal statement. A 10x15mm 5.50 carat cushion-cut purple amethyst is regally set within a collection of 3.08 ct. t.w. white zircon...
Amethyst, Zircon, Sterling Silver
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 18k gold 8.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond 1.80ct. - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.75 - EU. 15.5 (49) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.3 cm wide ring size ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 7.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold band ring with a harp pattern set with a central sapphire 1.00 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed descriptio...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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 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 weight of...
Diamond, Morganite, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Coral Cocktail Ring, Mediterranean Origin, Size 6.5
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with coral - ring size U.S. 6.5 EU. 17 (53) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide and 1.0 cm high. total weight 19.3 grams ring size U...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 18k gold 4.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.20ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 – EU. 18.5(58) Detailed description the top of the ring is 4.6 mm wide and 3.3 mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 8.21 carats, Morganite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 8.21 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.1...
Morganite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Italian 18K Yellow Gold, Natural Sapphire, & Diamond Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, sapphire, and diamond signet style ring. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a central bezel-set emerald cut 0.75 Ct± natural sapphire surrounded by a halo of 14 rou...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Celestial Twin Star Open Cuff Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
capture the magic of the night sky with this enchanting celestial open cuff ring. Expertly crafted in polished 14k yellow gold, the design features two delicate star motifs that meet...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.23ct F1 Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Talk about a statement ring! A impressive 3.23 carat emerald-cut emerald from Colombia with the barest minimum of treatment (oil only) is the star of this gorgeous and luxurious 18k...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Giant Aquamarine 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary aquamarine ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a giant hand-cut aquamarine that shimmers with breathtaking bri...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with emerald up to 1.65ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a central emerald up to 1.65ct and brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8 – EU 18.25(57) detailed description: The top of ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald & Rose Cut Diamonds 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 2.26 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$272Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Sterling Silver Domed Cluster Ring with Round Cut Multisapphires
Located in New York, NY
This striking 4.17 carat round cut multisapphire cocktail ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver. The gemstones are artfully clustered to create a vibrant dome of color, showcasing a...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Giant Aquamarine & Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary aquamarine ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a giant 5 carat hand-cut aquamarine accompanied with zambian em...
Aquamarine, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.87 Carat Oval Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This elegant 14K yellow gold ring features a stunning 2.87-carat lab-grown emerald as its centerpiece. The oval-cut emerald displays a vibrant, rich green hue with excellent transpar...
Emerald, 14k Gold
Rainbow Moonstone 18K Yellow Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary shimmering Rainbow Moonstone ring set in rich 18-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a blue flash hand-cut Rainbow Moonstone accom...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.45ct 18k white gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a 0.45ct brilliant-cut diamond - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 4.3 mm wide. Ring size US 6.5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Toi Moi Emerald and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Birthstone Ring
Located in GOES, NL
** Please note we can make this with any (birth) stone you prefer! Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary Zambian emerald ring set in rich 18-carat yellow gold and a lar...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Tsavorite Garnets & Yellow Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tsavorite Garnets Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tsavorites is 2.49 carats. The weight of ...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Del Mar Crab Claw Ring with Green Tourmaline and Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Del Mar ring features a vibrant .35 carat green tsavorite gemstone with 2 small natural diamond accents, set in 14 karat gold. This magnificent jewelry piece is inspired by surrealis...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
$538Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold 5.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.30ct – J/K – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75(56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1991 Cartier Carved Aquamarine Diamond Ring Sz 6 EU 52 Band 18k Gold Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier carved aquamarine & diamond ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1991). Carved aquamarines measure 6mm x 3.5mm, accented with three diamonds totaling an esti...
White Diamond, Diamond, Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 18k gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.60 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 6 – EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 4.1 mm high...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold GIA Certified Natural Star Sapphire & Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the beauty of one of nature's most fascinating optical gemstones with this elegant 14K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring, featuring a GIA Certified 5.32 Carat Natural Blue Star ...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$250Sale Price|50% Off
Sterling Silver 2.40ct Squared Deep Red Garnet 3 Stone Ring, Size 6.75
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A clean, modern three‑stone design in polished sterling silver, set with 2.40 carats of square‑cut garnets. The larger center stone delivers a rich, wine‑red focal point, framed by t...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Toi Moi Aquamarine and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Birthstone Ring
Located in GOES, NL
** Please note we can make this with any (birth) stone you prefer! Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary Aquamarine ring set in rich 18-carat yellow gold and a large pe...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold