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.
Large Silver Plate Charger or Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine large silver plated charger or tray. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Model no. 417. Together with its original box. Swid Pow...
Silver Plate
Silver Plate Skyscraper Plate or Tray by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver plated plate or tray. Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Swid Powell was the highly acclaimed New York City based tableware company founded by Nan Swid...
Silver Plate
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
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver 5 Piece Tea Service in Pattern 80
By Georg Jensen
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A five-piece tea and coffee service in sterling silver with ebony handles and finials in Georg Jensen's pattern 80, designed in 1915, hallmarked for a post-1945 manufacture. While Jensen's reverence for traditional Danish design and interest in themes of nature were often married in equal part to the popular Art...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Stieff Sterling Silver Repousse Salt Shaker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver salt shaker. In sterling silver. By Stieff. With repousse flower decoration throughout and 3 small feet. Simply a...
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
Set of 4 Gianmaria Buccellati Sterling Silver Plates #21025
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 4 sterling silver plates by Gianmaria Buccellati. These small plates features a smooth polished finish with a globe design at the center of each plate. Measures approx 5 3/8...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Hip Flask #18399
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Hip Flask This beautiful sterling silver flask was crafted from sterling silver by designer Tiffany & Co and is monogrammed "TCC" Approximate measurem...
Sterling Silver
Set of 6 Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 7" Salad Plates 5810/134 #18800
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 6 sterling silver salad plates by Tiffany & Co. No monogram Beautifully ornate salad plates, rims feature baskets overflowing with flowers...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Heavy Tiffany Co Pat 1869 Deco Spoon
Located in New York, NY
Brand Tiffany& co Type Spoon Material Sterling Silver Metal Purity 925 Spoon Length 7.5'' Long Weight 47.3gr Condition Mint
Sterling Silver
Russian Silver Plate Samovar with Tray Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- The set is made out of silver plate with celluloid/ bone details - The samovar features floral & geometric motifs - The tray stamped with makers marks that are a little worn off (З...
Silver Plate
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 925 Sterling Silver 23159 Leaf Side Dish
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Metal Type: 925 Sterling Silver Length: 6.00 inches Width: 5.25 inches Weight: 117.50 grams Silver mid-century Vintage Tiffany & Co. 925 Sterling Silver Lea...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 925 Sterling Silver Pithcer
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Metal Type: 925 Sterling Silver Diameter: 3.00 inches Height: 3.75 inches Weight: 130.75 grams Silver vintage pitcher. The metal was tested and determined ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,500
Two Silver Trays
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Two Silver Trays Couple silver trays with a scene of little boys in a vineyard. From the 18th century, in Nuremberg, Germany. Total weight: 705 grams
Silver
A Rectangular Fabergé Cut Glass & Silver Tray
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A rectangular Fabergé cut glass & silver tray, silver circular laurel wreath and bow handles, fluted silver rim with a cross relief on either side, cut glass tray...
Silver
Sterling Silver Chippendale Style Salver
Located in London, GB
A sterling silver chippendale style salver on three feet, 10"diameter (26cms), maker E.Viner, Sheffield 1959, 17.6ozs (547.3gms). Should you choose ...
Sterling Silver