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.
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
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
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
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
From a German Royal Household Large Serving-Plate 800/0 Silver Germany 1900
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautifully handcrafted serving-plate made of 800/0 Silver in Münster, Germany by Jewellers Osthues, circa 1900 will be an eyecatcher on any festive table. The elegant rim is „D...
Silver
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 Si...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,034
W 1.41 in D 0.68 in L 3.72 in
Exquisite Oriental Natural Myanmar Handcrafted Jade Ink Dish Bowl, Ash Tray
Located in Kowloon, HK
Indulge in the beauty of traditional Chinese calligraphy with this exquisite ink plate, hand-carved with natural Type-A Myanmar green jadeite. The jadeite's unique colours and patter...
Jade
Leitão & Irmão Four Portuguese Silver Small Plates 1887–1937
Located in Lisboa, PT
This refined set of four small Portuguese silver plates was created by the renowned silversmith Leitão & Irmão, one of the most important a...
Silver
$2,100
H 3.25 in W 21 in L 31.25 in
32" Antique Early 19th Century, George III Old Sheffield Silverplate Tray
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Up for your consideration is this very large and extremely fine early 19th century Old Sheffield shaped oblong handled tea tray. The tray features a deep set, and heavily ornate sc...
Sheffield Plate
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
$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
Victorian Sterling Silver Dish / Tray, Hallmarked Birmingham 1892
Located in Canterbury, England
This pretty victorian dish/tray is in excellent condition, with embossed edging. This piece is Hallmarked Birmingham 1892, and measures 110mm x 95 mm.
Sterling Silver
Puiforcat Art Deco Style Rosewood & Silver Plate Tray
By Puiforcat
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from rosewood and mounted with silver plated handles, this tray was made by Puiforcat in France during the later part of the 20th century. The tray is a reissue by Puiforcat ...
Silver Plate
Sterling Silver Serving Tray, Hallmarked Sheffield, 1938
Located in Canterbury, England
This sterling silver serving tray, is dated 1938 and Hallmarked Sheffield 1938 and in excellent Condition. This item measures 150mm x 210 mm.
Sterling 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