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.
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Mexican, Sterling Silver, Duck Containers by Tane
By TANE MEXICO
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This pair of sterling silver ducks might just be the thing that is missing from your life. The life size pair have been hand crafted from sterling silver and feature parcel gilt bodi...
Turquoise, Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Shell Tea Caddy Spoon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver tea caddy spoon. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a scalloped shell bowl and a wide tab handle. Fully marked to the reverse. Simply a wonderful Tiffany tea caddy...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Gucci Set of 6 porcelain 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...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Danish Modern Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Salt and Pepper Shakers # 627
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare pair of Georg Jensen sterling silver salt and pepper shakers. Model No. 627. Designed by Ove Brobeck. A rare and fine pair! Date: 20th century Overall Condition: They a...
Sterling Silver
Alpaca Silver Fish Bottle Opener
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Alpaca silver fish bottle opener. Featuring Blue Pacific abalone inlay, contrasted nicely against the black backdrop of the piece and large white an...
Silver
$1,610
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
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...
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
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. 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
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
Sterling Silver Bird-Form Salt Cellar, Hanau, Germany, 20th Century
Located in Lisboa, PT
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
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
Jocelyn Burton Sterling Silver Sea Shell Encrusted Tazza or Compote
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
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
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
Sterling Silver Cufflinks By Mayors, Custom Watch Parts, Swiss 1980's
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
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
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
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
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
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
Jocelyn Burton Sterling Silver Tapered Tumbler or Mug with Cowrie Shell
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
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
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
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
Pampaloni mini sterling silver vase
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
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
$2,368 / 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
Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver Dish by Rolf Lindståhl
Located in Lisboa, PT
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
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
Silver box with hand-chiseled decorations
Located in BARI, IT
This beautiful sterling silver box was made by an Italian manufacture with handmade chisel decoration and engravings. Its creation dates back to about 1980. The naturalistic image re...
Silver