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.
$624Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Handmade Sterling Silver Woven Mint Basket
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Compact Masterpiece from a Legendary Maison Infuse your space with the heritage and refinement of this Cartier Handmade Sterling Silver Basket. Known for their impeccable craftsman...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Val St. Lambert Crystal Candlesticks 11" Pair Belgium Made w/ Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Offered is an elegant pair of authentic Tiffany & Co. crystal candlesticks crafted by the renowned Belgian crystal house Val St. Lambert. These timeless candlesticks feature a sleek,...
1889 Goblet Cup solid 830 Silver / 70 gr
Located in SE
Handsome Swedish hand - made Cup with thick and sturdy walls decorated with hand- éngraved monogrammed cartouche. Swedish hallmarks confirming at least 830 Silver alloy,three crow...
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. Rock Cut Crystal Goblets Vintage Glasses Set of 4 Made in Germany
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate your table or bar collection with this authentic Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Crystal Goblet Set, crafted in Germany. This elegant set includes four crystal goblets, each featuring...
Tiffany & Co. Frank Lloyd Wright 1986 Ed. Crystal Candlesticks Pair 6" With Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Celebrate timeless modern design with this authentic pair of Tiffany & Co. Frank Lloyd Wright 1986 Edition crystal candlesticks. Inspired by the legendary architect's geometric aesth...
Antique German Serving Set Lazarus Witwe solid 800 Silver / 184 gr
Located in SE
Fine Fork and Spoon Serving Set in solid 800 Silver made in the workshop of famous German firm Posen Lazarus Witwe, Frankfurt, ca.early 20th. century. Set of German hallmarks confir...
Silver
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
Sterling Silver Bird-Form Salt Cellar, Hanau, Germany, 20th Century
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Figural Sterling Silver Bird-Form Salt Cellar Hanau, Germany Late 19th-20th century Charming figural salt cellar crafted in silver, formed as a stylized bird standing on finely deta...
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
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
Tiffany & Co. Josef Riedel Crystal Leaf Vine Centerpiece Bowl 16" Austria Made
Located in Dallas, TX
Graceful and sophisticated, this authentic Tiffany & Co. Josef Riedel Exquisite Crystal Centerpiece Bowl is expertly crafted from fine Austrian crystal and features an elegant etched...
Old or Antique Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Baby Teething Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver baby teething ring. By Tiffany & Co. With an internal rattle. Simply a great piece from Tiffany & Co! Date: Mid-20th Century ...
Sterling Silver
Boxed Set of 6 Garrard & Co. Sterling Silver Small Wine or Cordial Goblets
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 small wine or cordial cups or goblets By Garrard & Co. Limited of London, England. In sterling silver. 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
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
Tiffany & Co. Crystal Candlestick Holders 9" Pair Germany Made w/ Original Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Enhance your décor with this authentic pair of Tiffany & Co. crystal candlestick holders. Expertly crafted in Germany, these elegant candle holders feature a timeless faceted design ...
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
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 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
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
Midcentury English Engine Turned Sterling Silver Napkin Ring by John Rose
By John Rose 3
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
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
Large Mexican Sterling Silver Hand-Hammered Tray by Platería Artística, 1012g
Located in Plantation, FL
Substantial and visually striking sterling silver tray crafted in Mexico by Platería Artística, executed in solid .925 silver and weighing approximately 1012 grams. The tray features...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Leaf Bowl or Vide Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver bowl or vide poche. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a leaf reminiscent of a heart. Marked to the base for Tiffany & Co. / Maker's / Sterling. S...
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
Lalique France Signed "Igor" Crystal Centerpiece Caviar Serving Set
By Lalique
Located in Tucson, AZ
Elegant and sculptural, this signed Lalique crystal caviar serving set exemplifies the Igor pattern’s mid‑century French glamour. The four‑part service features a heavy clear‑crystal...
Tiffany & Co. Josef Riedel Crystal Leaf Centerpiece Bowl 11" Austria Made w/ Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring timeless elegance to your home with this authentic Tiffany & Co. Josef Riedel crystal centerpiece bowl. Expertly crafted in Austria, this stunning bowl features an elegant etch...
Pampaloni mini sterling silver vase
By Pampaloni 1
Located in Perugia, IT
Small vase made of 925/ooo silver, produced by Pampaloni Firenze Italy. Weight g 70, diameter cm 7, height cm 3.8. Surface with glossy finish, clear reference to the Troia collecti...
Sterling Silver
David Andersen Norway Vintage Sterling Silver Enamel Flatware Serving Utensils
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Elegant vintage flatware serving pieces by known silversmith David Andersen of Norway, featuring vibrant teal enamel over finely crafted sterling silver. The richly colored enamel is...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Cobalt Italian Glass Thumbprint Bowl 7" Signed
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Offered here is an authentic Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Cobalt Thumbprint Bowl, crafted in Italy from rich, hand-blown glass. This iconic design features Peretti’s signature orga...
$1,605
Sterling Silver Dog
Located in London, GB
A cast sterling silver dog model, height 7.5cms, weight 156gms, hallmarked London, bearing the Bentley & Skinner sponsor mark. This charming silv...
Sterling Silver
1954 USSR Russian solid gilt 875 Silver Bowl Basket / 188 gram
Located in SE
Vintage Soviet period Basket in solid 875 Silver with cast decorations and gilt interior that follows traditions of Russian modernist designs of early 20th century. Period : Reign o...
Silver
Tiffany & Co. Archimede Seguso Murano Gold Bullicante Glass Bowl Signed With Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a timeless piece of Italian art glass to your collection with this authentic Tiffany & Co. Murano bowl, handcrafted by renowned Venetian glassmaker Archimede Seguso. Expertly cr...
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
Gucci Porcelain Set of Six Plates, Circa 1990, Designer Tom Ford
By Gucci
Located in Perugia, IT
Richard Ginori manufactory for Gucci, circa 1996 Designer Tom Ford Description Polychrome porcelain Brand name: "Gucci Porcelain" in black Diameter cm 21 Single plate weight 330 g a...
Tiffany & Co. Joseph Riedel Crystal Bowl Diamond Glass Cut Pattern 8-inch
Located in Dallas, TX
Add timeless elegance to your home with this Tiffany & Co. crystal bowl, beautifully crafted with a diamond-cut glass pattern that reflects light brilliantly. This versatile piece wo...
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
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
Jocelyn Burton Sterling Silver Sea Shell Encrusted Tazza or Compote
By Jocelyn Burton 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible sterling silver tazza by Jocelyn Burton. With a seashell and sea-life encrusted trumpet form base supporting a curved dish top and secure...
Sterling Silver
Postmodern Silver-Plated 'Cross Bowl' by Richard Meier for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful postmodern silver plated 'Cross Bowl" Designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Model no. 3411. Together with its original box and paperwork insert. Swid Powell was ...
Silver Plate
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
Signed Southwestern Santa Fe Sterling Silver Tazza by Buddy Lee Mossman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare tazza or compote from the renowned Southwestern jewelry artist - Buddy Lee Mossman. In sterling silver. With a hand chased foot supporting a cross-...
Sterling Silver
Sciarrotta Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modernist Oblong Footed Dish 94S #19429
By Alfredo Sciarotta
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage sterling silver oblong leaf footed bowl by Alfredo Sciarrotta, pattern #94S. Alfredo Sciarrotta, known for high quality and superior craftsmanship, retailed his pieces at ma...
Sterling Silver
Diminutive Kay Ivankovic Sterling Silver & Opal Gemstone Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful 1980's handmade sterling silver vase. By Kay Ivankovic. Kay Ivankovic, the high-level contemporary British silversmith, is known for her flowing, organic forms. This hand-chased vase...
Opal, 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
Pampaloni crystal and sterling silver oil cruet with spice stopper
By Pampaloni 1
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
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
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
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
Pair Midcentury English Engine Turned Sterling Silver Napkin Rings by John Rose
By John Rose 3
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
Jocelyn Burton Sterling Silver Tapered Tumbler or Mug with Cowrie Shell
By Jocelyn Burton 1
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
Pampaloni crystal bottle with sterling silver spoon stopper
By Pampaloni 1
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
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Silver Candlesticks by Vera Ferngren
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
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
Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver Dish by Rolf Lindståhl
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver Dish by Rolf Lindståhl Sweden, 1978 Elegant sterling silver dish designed by Rolf Lindståhl and executed in Sweden in 1978. Crafted in 925/1000 s...
Sterling Silver
$2,293 / set
Pampaloni sterling silver gilt troy candelabra
By Pampaloni 1
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
Pampaloni crystal and sterling silver oil cruet with spice stopper
By Pampaloni 1
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
Pampaloni crystal and sterling silver oil cruet with spice stopper
By Pampaloni 1
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