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 4 Tall Matched Regency Style Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 4 matching silver plated candlesticks. In the Regency style. Having an oval form with shaped candlecups, fluted sides, and a stepped base. Each has a felt padded b...
Silver Plate
Pair of Georg Jensen Art Deco 537 C Sterling Silver Candelabra by Harald Nielsen
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of sterling silver candelabra. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Model No. 537 C. Designed by Harald Nielsen. Simply a stunning pair of Jensen candelabra...
Sterling Silver
Set of 4 Matching Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Candlesticks/Candle Holders
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 4 matching silver candlesticks. In sterling silver. By Empire. Model no. 635. Each with a candlecup supported by a "turned" or segmented shaft and tapered foot. Si...
Sterling Silver
4 Spritzer & Fuhrmann Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Candlesticks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine set of 4 tall Mid-Century Modern candlesticks. In sterling silver. Likely designed for Spritzer & Fuhrmann. The set comprising of 4 cement-loaded tall candlesticks...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Silver Candlesticks by Vera Ferngren
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Silver Candlesticks by Vera Ferngren Stockholm, Sweden, 1967 Elegant pair of silver candlesticks designed by Vera Ferngren and crafted in Stockholm in 19...
Silver
Pair of 51 cm Tall voluptuous Gold-Plated Brass Candleholders
Located in Berlin, DE
These extraordinary gold-plated brass candleholders are impressive due to their sheer size of 51 cm / 19,69 inches. A decorative highlight for a spacious home. The elegant balustrad...
Gold Plate, Brass
Pampaloni sterling silver candelabra
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo sterling silver candelabra manufactured by Pampaloni, Florence Italy. Total weight 307 g Base 12.5 x 8 cm Height 18 cm Silver surface with glossy finish. Essential design ...
Sterling Silver
$2,369 / set
Pampaloni sterling silver gilt troy candelabra
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo silver candelabra gilded in yellow gold, Troia collection, manufactured by Pampaloni Firenze Italia. Total weight 994 g, base diameter cm 8.5, height cm 23.5. Diameter of upp...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
$5,950
H 20.5 in W 11 in D 11 in
Pair of Elkington & Co Neoclassical Revival Silver Plated Five-Light Candelabra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare pair of Victorian Neoclassical Revival silver plated candelabra by Elkington & Co. Each candelabrum has a fluted column that rests on three paw feet that also support anthemi...
Silver Plate
$599Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.63 in W 2.64 in D 2.64 in
Pair of Lovely Queen Elizabeth ii Sterling Silver Candlesticks, Birmingham, 1972
Located in GB
Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of Elizabeth II 1972 Sterling silver candlesticks A nice decorative pair, Birmingham made and very elegant ...
Sterling Silver
George III Sterling Silver Chamber Stick
By Henry Chawner
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A wonderful George III period chamber stick in sterling silver by Henry Chawner of London. An elegant scrolled handle is mounted to an octagonal base underneath a column with reeded ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
7-Light Candelabrum in Solid 925 Silver by Pria e Sari, Italy (1900)
Located in Bergamo, BG
Magnificent 7-light candelabrum entirely crafted in solid 925 silver, without any internal filling, by the artisan Pria e Sari, Italy, dating back to 1900. The piece features an eleg...
Silver
Handmade Whimsical Hanging Sterling Silver Menorah for Hanukkah Yemenite Hand Ma
Located in Great Neck, NY
Whimsical Menorah for Hanukkah. A beautiful piece that is all handcrafted with Solid Sterling Silver in Israel with fine yemenite workmanship that...
Sterling Silver
Lapis Lazuli Silver Plated Spoon Set of Six by Marina J.
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing One of a Kind Spoon Set by Marina J. Each spoon in this set of 6 is composed of clean and graceful lines giving this elegant set a modern flare. The lapis lazuli beads attach...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver Plate
$1,880
H 15 in W 15 in D 2 in L 15 in
Pair of Cartier Sterling Silver Candlesticks & Gorham Manufacturing Company Thre
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An elegant ensemble of fine sterling silver lighting, featuring a pair of Cartier weighted sterling candlesticks alongside an unmatched pair of Gorham three-light weighted sterling candelabra. This grouping offers timeless sophistication, exceptional craftsmanship, and strong decorative presence for formal interiors. Cartier Weighted Sterling Silver Candlesticks Maker: Cartier Material: Weighted Sterling Silver Height: 10 inches Marks: N75 B & M Form: Classic single-light candlestick design These Cartier candlesticks embody refined luxury with balanced proportions and a clean, architectural silhouette. Crafted in weighted sterling silver for stability, they reflect Cartier’s tradition of producing distinguished silver objects suitable for formal dining and elegant entertaining. The 10-inch height makes them ideal for dining tables, mantels, or console displays. Design Appeal: Understated yet unmistakably luxurious, these candlesticks complement both traditional and transitional interiors. Gorham Weighted Sterling Silver Three-Light Candelabra Maker: Gorham Material: Weighted Sterling Silver Pattern/Model: #SD3 Height: 15 inches Configuration: Three-light arms Condition Note: Unmatched pair The Gorham three-light candelabra offer greater scale and visual drama. Standing 15 inches tall, each piece features gracefully curved arms with removable inset branches, allowing versatility in display. Gorham’s longstanding reputation for fine American silver craftsmanship ensures quality construction and enduring appeal. Design Appeal: The multi-light form creates a striking focal point for dining tables, sideboards, or formal entertaining spaces. Styling & Use This collection is ideal for: Formal dining room settings Holiday entertaining and special occasions Traditional or classic interior décor Silver collectors and luxury home enthusiasts Wedding or anniversary gifts The combination allows layered candlelight presentation—use the Cartier sticks for understated elegance and the Gorham candelabra...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Leaf Bowl and Matching Leaf Nut Dishes
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Tiffany & Co. Makers mid-century footed leaf bowl serving dish (one) and five matching individual nut dishes. Elevate your holiday events and dinner parties with this six piece set ...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Apple Mid-Century Modern Picture Frame Sterling Silver
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning and rare Cartier Sterling Silver Picture Frame in an Apple Motif. The frame is signed Cartier and is a fabulous Mid-Century Modern piece of vintage Cartier. I l...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,950 / set
H 6.5 in Dm 3.5 in
Pair of Silver Plate Fluted Candlesticks by Robert A.M. Stern for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of postmodern silver-plated candlesticks. Designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell. In the form of stout, fluted columns with broad flat bobeches. Swid Powell w...
Silver Plate
19th-Century European Silver Hanukkah Menorah
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Description: This is a 19th-century silver Hanukkah menorah from Europe, showcasing a beautifully engraved Star of David at its center. Below the star are the Tablets of the Law, fla...
Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Continental Ladle
By Georg Jensen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Georg Jensen Denmark sterling silver ladle in the Continental pattern. The Continental pattern was designed in 1906 as the first major cutlery line from Georg Jensen. The pattern wa...
Sterling Silver
Set of 4 Carl Cohr Denmark Sterling Silver Small Taper Candlestick Holders 21305
Located in Washington Depot, CT
A set of 4 sterling silver small taper candlestick holders by Carl Cohr of Denmark. No monogram or engraving A simple and classic modernist design featuring a triangular base on 3 ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver Footed Shabbat Candlesticks Stamped “ST 925”
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Centerpiece for Jewish Tradition Elevate your Shabbat or holiday observance with this pair of sterling silver footed candlesticks, combining classic design with refined c...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Judaica Menorah Stamped 925 257 gram
Located in New York, NY
Sterling Silver Judaica Menorah (Stamped 925, 257g) A Timeless Symbol of Faith and Heritage Enhance your Judaica collection or sacred space wit...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Pampaloni sterling silver candelabra
Located in Perugia, IT
925/ooo silver candelabra manufactured by Pampaloni Firenze Italia. Total weight 480 g, base diameter 10 cm, height 18 cm. Upper candle holder diameter cm 4.5, candle hole diameter 2...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 8.25 in W 7.88 in D 5.38 in
Pair of Gio Ponti Christofle Deco 2-Light Silver Plated Candelabra/Candlesticks
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Christofle silver plated candelabras or candlesticks. Originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1926. Each with 2 intertwined arms. This pair was issued in the late 20th or early 21st century and is still are still in their original boxes. One of the candelabra has not had its shrinkwrap removed; the other candelabra is open and retains the original box. Reference: "Gio Ponti: The Complete Work 1923-1978", pp. 41 Simply classic Art Deco design from one of the world's top designers! Date: Late 20th or Early 21st Century Overall Condition: They are in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition. Condition Details: One is new-in-box and unobserved. We assume that it is in good condition. The other has some minor silver loss and spots of corrosion under the candle cup. There is a small spot of loss on its base. Otherwise, it has some very fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Maker: Gio Ponti for Christofle...
Silver Plate
Tiffany & Co Padova Sterling Silver Candle Snuffer by Elsa Peretti
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver candle snuffer. In the Padova line by Elsa Peretti. By Tiffany & Co. With a copyright mark for 1984. Simply a wonderful early version of the Padova candle ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Three Light Sterling Silver Candelabra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Mid Century Modern candelabra or candle holders. In sterling silver. Each with 3 candle cups connected by two sterling silver rounded rods. Perfect for the modern...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver & Lapis Lazuli Candlesticks or Candle Holders
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of modern candlesticks. Comprised of sterling silver and lapis lazuli. Simply wonderful candlesticks! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as...
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Vintage Cartier Prelude Silver Weighted Candlestick
Located in Addison, TX
Set of Vintage Cartier Prelude Sterling Silver Candlestick is stamped "STERLING Prelude weighted reinforced N213 Cartier". The weight is 897 gr...
Silver
Sold
H 5 in D 4.25 in L 6.5 in
Set of Anton Michelsen Danish Modern Sterling Silver Diminutive Candelabra
Located in Addison, TX
Set of Anton Michelsen Danish Modern Sterling Silver Diminutive Candelabra is stamped "A. Michelsen Copenhagen and sterling Denmark". The weight is 12.9 Troy ozs.
Silver