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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
14K White 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 white gold, this piece features a fluid, serpentine design that gracefully coils ar...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
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
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
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 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
Ring with pearl, baguette and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold
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
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
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Open Heart Curved Band Ring
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. ring. In 18 karat yellow gold. By Elsa Peretti. In a curved, asymmetric variation in Peretti's Open Heart series. Simply a wonderful ring from Tiffany! ...
18k 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
Certified 18K White Gold 1.65 Carats Pink Sapphire & 0.56ct Diamond Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A commanding, couture‑level wide band ring showcasing a vivid 1.65ct oval bright Madagascar pink sapphire framed by 0.56ct of round and baguette diamonds. Diamonds set not only acros...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
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
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
14k yellow gold ring with coral - 4.5 grams - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53)
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with coral - 4.5 grams - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.2 cm wide by 7.6 mm high weight : 4.5 grams ring ...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow 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...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Genuine Zambian Emerald & Natural Diamonds Yellow Gold Ring
Located in GOES, NL
* we offer complimentary resizing on all of our rings! Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary Zambian emerald ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold and sparkling diamond...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Introducing a stunning 14K Yellow Gold Ring that perfectly captures timeless elegance and vibrant true Persian blue (Robinson eggs) color. This ring features a natural Sleeping Beaut...
Turquoise, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
GIA Certified 3.60 Carat I I2 Naturural Marquise Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 3.60 Carat I I2 Naturural Marquise Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 6247003148 Diamond: 3.60 carat I I2 natural marquise shaped "laser drilled" diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
70s Vintage Tiffany & Co. Curb Link Ring Flex Band Sz 6 Succo 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co curb link ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Sculptural and wonderfully tactile, this unusual ring takes the classic curb chain and transform...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Opal 18K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
* we offer complimentary resizing on all of our rings! Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary Ethiopian Fire Opal ring set in rich 18-carat matte yellow gold. At its hea...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold