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 6 Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Landby/Nordic #76 Coffee Spoons
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 sterling silver demitasse or coffee spoons. By Georg Jensen. Designed by Oscar Gundlach-Pedersen in 1937. These spoons have a post-1945 factory mark. Simply a wonderful set of Georg Jensen spoons...
Sterling Silver
Gold Plated Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery
Located in London, GB
A thirty six piece gold plated sterling silver canteen of cutlery, o 6 x table forks, 6 x dessert forks, 6 x dessert spoons, 6 x tab...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Pampaloni crystal bottle with sterling silver spoon stopper
Located in Perugia, IT
Pampaloni crystal bottle with 925/ooo sterling silver spoon stopper Total weight 1100 g, spoon cap weight 80 g. Total height 25 cm, diameter 11 cm. Made in Italy - Florence A balan...
Sterling Silver
Set of 4 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cream Soup Spoons in the Provence Pattern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 4 soup spoons. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the Provence pattern. Comprising 4 Cream Soup Spoons (6 7/8") Simply a wonderful set of Tiffany soup spoons...
Sterling Silver
Antique Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Owl Salt & Pepper Shakers Model No. 36A
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of figural silver salt & pepper shakers. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Model. no. 36A. Designed by Georg Jensen. Each modeled as an owl perched on a ribbed b...
Sterling 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
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
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
Midcentury English Engine Turned Sterling Silver Napkin Ring by John Rose
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century English napkin ring. In sterling silver. By John Rose of Birmingham. With engine-turned decoration around the circumference and an unengraved rectangular cartou...
Sterling Silver
Pampaloni salt, salt and pepper shaker in sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
Table salt and pepper container divided into two compartments with 2 small spoons 925/ooo silver, manufactured by Pampaloni Firenze Italy. Total weight g 130, length 10 cm, width 7 ...
Sterling Silver
Pampaloni crystal and sterling silver oil cruet with spice stopper
Located in Perugia, IT
Crystal oil cruet with 925/ooo sterling silver plate and stopper. The fork cap is a container for salt, pepper, chili or any other favorite spice Total weight 430 g, weight of silv...
Sterling Silver
Pair Midcentury English Engine Turned Sterling Silver Napkin Rings by John Rose
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Mid-Century English napkin rings. In sterling silver. By John Rose of Birmingham. With engine-turned decoration around the circumference and an unengraved rectangul...
Sterling Silver
Pampaloni crystal and sterling silver oil cruet with spice stopper
Located in Perugia, IT
Crystal oil cruet with 925/ooo sterling silver plate and stopper. The cap is a container for salt, pepper, chili, or any other favorite spice Total weight 680 g, weight of silver e...
Sterling Silver
Pampaloni crystal and sterling silver oil cruet with spice stopper
Located in Perugia, IT
Crystal oil cruet with 925/ooo sterling silver plate and stopper. The teaspoon cap is a container for salt, pepper, chili, or any other favorite spice Total weight 430 g, weight of...
Sterling Silver
$602Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6.58 in W 0.56 in D 0.24 in
Rare Set of 6 Liberty London Fully Hallmarked Sterling Silver 1929 Desert Knives
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this stunning set of six Liberty London Sterling silver dessert cutlery knives ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Heavy Sterling Silver Salt & Pepper Shakers
Located in New York, NY
These pair of heavy sterling Silver salt & Pepper shakers features a screw-top. Makers' mark is etched in the center of the base. The height measures 2 1/8 inches, circumferen...
Rosior Pair of "Laughing Boys" in Sterling Silver and Wood
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
A pair of "laughing boy and girl" manufactured in Sterling Silver, each figure depicted seated and each holding a different silver "basket". Hands manufac...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Handcuffs Key Holder
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, Sterling Silver Handcuffs key holder. Alex Jona gifts stand out, not only for their special design and f...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Hector Aguilar Sterling Pie Server
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant and most unusual pie server by Hector Aguilar. The server measures 10 1/4 inches in length and 3 1/4" at the widest. The handle is beautifully thre...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Set of 3 Napkin Rings Satin Finish #18357
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Set of 3 Napkin Rings Satin Finish This beautiful set of 3 napkin rings by designer Tiffany & Co were meticulously crafted from sterling silver for a go...
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
Sterling Silver Custom Watch Part Cufflinks
By MAYORS
Located in North Miami, FL
These intricate and moveable watch parts fascinate the eye. These cufflinks are most unusual and are jeweler made. They are one of a kind. Fascinating workmanship involved in making ...
Sterling Silver
$185
W 0.62 in L 6 in
Set of 2 Tiffany & Co Faneuil Sterling Silver Cocktail Forks with Pouches #24539
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 2 Tiffany & Co Faneuil Sterling Silver Cocktail Forks with Pouches The Faneuil pattern was in production from 1910-1955 and was named for Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA. The ...
Sterling Silver
$524Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.78 in W 2.49 in D 0.48 in
Vintage Peacock brooch by REJA sterling silver, large rhinestone, 1940 USA
By Reja
Located in Stuttgart, DE
I love this animal series from Staret Chicago, they are from my privat collecton. All bodies of the animals are presented with a large cut rhinestone. Worked om sterling silver. They date from the early 1940s USA. Very raare collector pieces, you can nearly no more find. Measurement: H 4,3 cm, W 6,3 cm, D 1,2 cm, the body rhinestone 2.3 x 1.8 cm, very good condition. About RÉJA Founded by Sol Finkelstein in 1939, Deja Costume Jewelry, Inc. of New York changed its name to the Re´ja Jewelry Co. in 1941. Up until production ceased in 1952, it created many pieces of exceptional design and craftmanship. Although best know for its dramatic figural pin...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
$555Sale Price / set|25% Off
W 0.75 in L 7 in
Set of Mother-of-Pearl Handled Knives (Fruit & Butter), Sterling Silver Accents
Located in New York, NY
A Charming Addition to Your Tableware Collection Elevate your dining presentation with this two-part set of knives, each featuring lustrous mother-of-pearl handles and sterling silv...
Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Tiffany & CO. Sterling Silver Baby Spoons (Set of 2) #22642
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Baby Spoons (Set of 2) - These elegant Tiffany & Co. baby spoon set is crafted in sterling silver in the original Tiffany blue box. Size: approx. 4.25...
Sterling Silver
Sold
W 0.75 in L 6.5 in
Set of 6 Dansk Denmark Sterling Silver Tjorn Flat Handle Butter Spreaders #20610
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 6 sterling silver flat handle butter spreaders in the Tjorn pattern by Dansk Denmark. Designed by Danish artist and designer Jens Quistgaard in 1959, Dansk's Tjorn pattern is...
Sterling Silver
Sold
W 0.75 in L 6.5 in
Set of 6 Dansk Denmark Sterling Silver Tjorn Flat Handle Butter Spreaders #20611
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 6 sterling silver flat handle butter spreaders in the Tjorn pattern by Dansk Denmark. Designed by Danish artist and designer Jens Quistgaard in 1959, Dansk's Tjorn pattern is...
Sterling Silver
Set of 6 Dansk Denmark Sterling Silver Tjorn Place Oval Soup Spoons #20617
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 6 sterling silver place oval soup spoons in the Tjorn pattern by Dansk Denmark. Designed by Danish artist and designer Jens Quistgaard in 1959, Dansk's Tjorn pattern is still...
Sterling Silver
Set of 6 Dansk Denmark Sterling Silver Tjorn Place Oval Soup Spoons #20616
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 6 sterling silver place oval soup spoons in the Tjorn pattern by Dansk Denmark. Designed by Danish artist and designer Jens Quistgaard in 1959, Dansk's Tjorn pattern is still...
Sterling Silver
Sold
W 7.88 in D 1.19 in L 4.73 in
Pampaloni Crystal and silver plated oil and vinegar, salt and pepper set
Located in Perugia, IT
Crystal oil and vinegar set with silver plated and wood base. The caps of the two bottles act as salt and pepper containers and have a glossy finish; they split in half and the large...
Silver Plate
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Meat Skewer (or Letter Opener)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and rare meat skewer that doubles beautifully as a letter opener. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Marked to the side for Tiffany & Co. / Maker's / Sterling. Simply wo...
Sterling Silver
12 Dansk Tjorn Denmark Sterling Silver Handle Knives 8 1/2 #15662
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 12 sterling silver handle, stainless blade knives in the Tjorn pattern by Dansk. No monogram Mid-Century modern knives designed by Jens Quistgaard in 1959. Classic Scandinav...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Capstan Sterling Silver Salt and Pepper Shakers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of silver salt and pepper shakers. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the Capstan pattern. The salt shaker is stamped Tiffany & Co. / Sterling / 925 / Made in Italy / and with Italian hallmarks. The pepper grinder is marked to the base with "Made in Italy" & "acciaio garantito" (guaranteed steel). Simply a wonderful pair of Tiffany salt and pepper shakers...
Sterling Silver
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
Doris Fish Silver Ornament
Located in Firenze, IT
Doris Fish Silver Ornament is completely produced in Florence, Italy. There are two models you can choose from. Giuliano Foglia is the artist who chi...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Tiffany & Co. English Sterling Silver Owl Formed Salt & Pepper Shakers, 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of English owl form salt & pepper shakers. In sterling silver with glass eyes. By Tiffany & Co. Simply terrific shakers by Tiffany! Date: 1960 Overall Condition: Th...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Georg Jensen Pyramid Pattern Sterling Silver Cheese Knife
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Georg Jensen Pyramid pattern silver cheese knife. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Simply a great piece of silver from Jense...
Sterling Silver