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.
Set of 12 Tiffany & Co Art Deco Sterling Silver Art Deco Shot Cups or Cordials
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 silver cordials or shot glasses. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Each shot cup with terrific streamlined design including a plunger foot, a tapered body, and...
Sterling Silver
Rare Set of 9 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Vine Pattern Butter Pats
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An extremely rare set of sterling silver butter pats. In the Vine pattern decorated with raised poppies and other flowers around the rim's edge. By Tiffany & Co. Monogrammed to t...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Miniature Golf Set with Bag, Clubs, and Caddy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine miniature sterling silver golf set. By Tiffany & Co. Consisting of golf bag, a caddy with wheels, and four golf clubs (1 iron, 3 iron, 6 iron, and 8 iron). The caddy has tw...
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Modern Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Jigger or Measure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver cocktail jigger. By Tiffany & Co. With a gold wash and stepped, conical sides. Model no. 22714 Simply a great Tiffany cocktail jigger! Date: Mid-20th Cen...
Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
Cohr Mid-Century Danish Modern Sterling Silver Sugar Tongs or Nips
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of sugar tongs or nips. In sterling silver. By the Cohr Silver Co. In a pattern that appears to heavily lean on Georg Jensen design (particularly the Acorn pattern). ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & Wood Handle Tea Strainer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver tea strainer. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with a wooden handle. Marked to the underside of the rim. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: 20th Cen...
Sterling Silver
Boxed Set of 6 Garrard & Co Sterling Silver & Mother-of-Pearl Caviar Knives
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine boxed set of caviar knives. By Garrard & Co. The blades in sterling silver and the handles made of lustrous Mother-of-Pearl. Founded in 1722, Garrard was made the first ever Crown Jewelers for the English throne and held that distinction from 1843 - 2007. Garrard has also made jewelry for royalty and various world cup trophies...
Sterling Silver
Alpaca Silver Fish Bottle Opener
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Alpaca silver fish bottle opener. Featuring Blue Pacific abalone inlay, contrasted nicely against the black backdrop of the piece and large white an...
Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Landby/Nordic #76 Coffee Spoon
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Landby / Nordic #76 pattern demitasse spoon. By Georg Jensen. Designed by Oscar Gundlach-Pedersen in 1937. With a post-1945 factory mark. Simply a wonderful Georg Jensen spoon...
Sterling Silver
Jocelyn Burton Sterling Silver Tapered Tumbler or Mug with Cowrie Shell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful tumbler or cup by Jocelyn Burton. In sterling silver with an applied figural cowrie shell, tapered sides and gilt interior. Jocelyn Burton...
Sterling Silver
10 Meka Mid-Century Danish Modern Gilt Sterling Silver & Enamel Cocktail Forks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 10 Danish Modern cocktail forks. By Meka. In gilt sterling silver. With guilloche enamel decoration to the handles in white, yellow, green and 2 shades of blue. Marked to the reverse. Simply great Mid-Century design! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition: They are in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition. There is some light edge wear, some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Maker: MEKA Marks: MEKA STERLING...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ward Bennett Silver Plate Salt & Pepper Shakers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine pair of Modernist salt & pepper shakers. By Ward Bennett Design. In silver plated brass. The shakers are each multifaceted having 14 sides. Each marked to the base w...
Silver Plate
Antique William Spratling Taxco Sterling Silver and Ebony Salt & Pepper Shakers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of silver & ebony wood salt & pepper shakers. In sterling silver. By William Spratling of Taxco, Mexico. Each with a square ebony block with silver accents supporting ...
Sterling Silver
Ercuis Silver Plated "Kallisté" Bottle Stand or Wine Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine French silver plate wine holder. By Ercuis. In silver plate. In a flowing wave shape with an arch shaped hole for resting a wine bottle. Simply a wonderful wine holder! D...
Silver Plate
Pair of Danish Modern Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Salt and Pepper Shakers # 627
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare pair of Georg Jensen sterling silver salt and pepper shakers. Model No. 627. Designed by Ove Brobeck. A rare and fine pair! Date: 20th century Overall Condition: They a...
Sterling Silver
Set of 3 Vintage Sterling Silver Rooster Form Martini / Cocktail Picks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 3 vintage martini or cocktail picks. In sterling silver. With rooster finials. Simply great bar accessories! Date: Mid-20th Century...
Sterling Silver
Carl Poul Petersen Polished Modern Ashtray in Sterling Silver, circa 1940-1970
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stunning modern ashtray made of sterling silver. Handmade by the incredible silversmith Carl Poul Peterson. This exceptional piece features a smooth polished finish and four places to rest a cigarette or cigar. The ashtray's center tray is approximately 4 3/4" in diameter (not including the rests). The ashtray is around 5 3/4" in length from rest to rest. The height of the tray is approximately 1/2" at the highest point of the tray. The bottom of the tray is marked with the classic Carl Poul Petersen's hallmark designs and the lettering "HANDMADE STERLING." Add this stunning piece made with the highest quality and care to your collection. While living and working in Montreal, Canada, Carl Poul Peterson hand-crafted jewelry, flatware, tea sets, serving pieces, bar sets, etc. During World War II, Carl paused his silver work to help aid and contribute to the war. He had helped manufacture brass and aluminum parts for fighter planes. After the war ended, he began creating stunning silver pieces until the 1970s. One of his most famous pieces of silver work was the replica of the NHL's Stanley cup...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Audubon Sterling Silver Iced Tea Spoon 7 3/8" #23102
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Audubon Sterling Silver Iced Tea Spoon Designed by Edward C. Moore in 1871, the Audubon pattern was inspired by Japanese bird paintings of the 19th century. This iced t...
Sterling Silver
$205
H 0.09 in W 1.5 in L 1.64 in
Imperial Russian 84 Zolotnik Sterling Silver Cordial Cups - set of 2 #22631
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Imperial Russian 84 Zolotnik Sterling Silver Cordial Cups - set of 2 - These beautiful set of two imperial Russian sterling silver cordial cups are hand engraved with etched geometr...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Iced Tea Highball Spoon Straws
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Elevate your barware with this stunning set of four vintage sterling silver iced tea or highball drink stirrer straws from Tiffany & Co. Each spoon is 8.5" long and the concave mint...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Sterling Silver Flower Victorian Flask
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Victorian flask with overlaid sterling flower motif. PERIOD: Last quarter 19th Century ORIGIN: United States SIZE: 4 1/2"H x 2 1/2"W Barware, Flasks, Silver, Glass, Vintage, Antiqu...
Sterling Silver
Whiting Sterling Co. 19th Century Flask
$2,493
H 3.5 in W 9.25 in
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Tomato/Pumpkin Vine Pattern Salad Bowl 9.25" #16806
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver salad bowl in the Tomato or Pumpkin Vine pattern by Tiffany & Co. Designed by Olad Wilford in the Art Deco fashion for the NY World's Fair, featured in Tiffany's dis...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Denmark Sterling Silver Hammered Wine Cup #222 #18392
By Georg Jensen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Georg Jensen Denmark Sterling silver Hammered Wine Cup #222 This beautiful wine cup by designer Georg Jensen (Denmark) was meticulously crafted from sterling silver in a gorgeous, h...
Sterling Silver
Set of Four Cartier 'Trinity' Sterling Silver Champagne Flutes
By Cartier
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This set of four sterling silver champagne flutes were made for retail by Cartier during the second half of the 20th century. The set which are crafted from solid sterling silver fea...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver and Crystal Vanity Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The set includes Tiffany & Co sterling serving tray, it is stamped with serial number 21253, q-tips jar, cotton balls jar, pill box, perfume bottle and tooth brush...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$325
W 1.5 in L 6.88 in
Tiffany & Co Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Shell Bowl Spoon 6 7/8" w/Mono 22622
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver spoon with shell bowl in the Chrysanthemum pattern by Tiffany & Co with monogram. Monogram appears to be SB The Chrysanthemum pattern, designed by Charles T. Grosje...
Sterling Silver
Webster 1930's Sterling Silver with Maker's Mark Miniature Tong
Located in New York, NY
Webster 1930's of Mass., US, sterling silver miniature tong, with their iconic maker's mark engraved measures 3 1/8 inches by 1 inch, and a width measuring 1/2 inch. Made in USA.
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Asparagus Tongs, Grapevine Pattern
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Tiffany & Co. grapevine pattern sterling silver asparagus tongs. New York, c. 1907-1947. Reticulated in etched upper tong, monogrammed. 8" x 3", 6.45 troy ounces. Very neat servi...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Mid-Century Cartier Sterling Silver Cocktail Spoon or Stirrer
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver cocktail stirrer. By Cartier. In sterling silver. In a sleek modern design with a shovel shaped spoon bowl and a ball finial to the handle. Simply wonderful ...
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Gorham Sterling Silver Cocktail "Stoplight Jigger" or Measure
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver liquor measure or jigger. By Gorham. In sterling silver. Decorated with 3 enameled circles in the form of a stoplight. Measures 1 oz., 2 1/2 oz., & 3 1/2 oz....
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Cartier French Sterling Silver Bottle Opener
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage French sterling silver bottle opener. In sterling silver. By Cartier. With an engraved bottle to one side of the handle. With a filled handle and a stainless steel...
Sterling Silver
Gucci stirrup tumbler with silver-plated metal deer head
By Gucci
Located in Perugia, IT
Gucci bracket glass with deer head. Made of silver-plated metal, the inside of the glass is gilded in yellow gold . It can be rested either on the side of the glass or on the side of...
Silver Plate
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Pear Form Sterling Silver Pill or Dresser Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine modern pear shaped pill or dresser box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Model no. 25831. Simply wonderful, whimsical design by Tiffany & Co.! Date: 20th Century Ove...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Post-War CPO Japanese 950 Silver Rickshaw Salt Shakers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Japanese silver salt shakers. In .950 fine silver. Each in the form of a rickshaw or jinrikisha (人力車, lit. "human-powered...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Century Sterling Silver Handle Cocktail Strainer 8 1/4" #15389
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver handle cocktail strainer by Tiffany & Co's Century pattern. No monogram The Century pattern was designed by Arthur LeRoy Barney in 1937 as part of Tiffany's 100th a...
Sterling Silver
Set of 6 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Leaf Form Ice Tea Straws
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 mint julep spoons (or ice tea straws). In sterling silver. By Tiffany & Co. With figural leaf form spoon bowls mounted on long narro...
Sterling Silver
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W 0.88 in D 0.38 in L 9.13 in
Blackinton Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modern Twist Handle Cocktail Stirrer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern cocktail stirrer. In sterling silver. By R. Blackinton & Co. of Attleboro, Massachusetts. Simply a wonderful cocktail stirrer! Date: Mid-20th Century O...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 8.63 in W 4.75 in D 8.63 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Hand-Hammered. 800 Silver Water or Cocktail Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Italian water or cocktail pitcher. Marked for Fornari Roma. In the style of Gio Ponti or Georg Jensen. With a wide mouth, hand hammered body, and a smooth full sized handle...
Silver
Mid-Century Gorham Sterling Silver Cocktail "Stoplight Jigger" or Measure
Set of 18 Cartier Sterling Silver Individual Salt & Pepper Shakers
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 18 silver salt & pepper shakers. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With each marked Cartier / Sterling to the base. Overall Condition: They are in overall fair, as-pi...
Sterling Silver