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.
$393Sale Price|25% Off
14K Solid Gold Citrine Charm Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Beautiful 14K Solid Gold Citrine Charm. Absolutely gorgeous and shimmering pendant! Citrine Details: Stone Size: 1 inch x 0.8 inch, 30.00 cts Dimensions: 1 inch x 1.02 inch (excludi...
Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold
$363Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Geometric Round Diamond Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this modern ring features a openwork geometric design composed of interlocking oval loops bisected by a sparkling line of pavé-set diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brown Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and White Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and white sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1992 18K Gold Woven Fluted Bombe Clip Earrings
Located in Orlando, FL
A confident study in gold engineering from Tiffany & Co.'s early 1990s workshop. Fluted, marquise-shaped links are woven into a basket-like lattice, building up into a substantia...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Must 21 Quartz Watch Two Tone Steel Gold OGI Ltd Estate Collection
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Must 21 W10050F4 Watch SSYG Silver/Gold Quartz Ladies Ivory Dial A Refined Synthesis of Elegance and PrecisionAdd a touch of classic luxury to your wrist with this Must de C...
Quartz, Gold, Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Tiffany Sterling Silver 1837 Bangle Bracelet
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage Tiffany Sterling Silver 1837 Bangle Bracelet. 2.5" Diameter interior. The Tiffany & Co. 1837 Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet stamped with the 1997 copyright date is a highl...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 90's Diamond Pavé Cable Buckle Ring ~0.76ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
A twisted rope motif in polished yellow gold sweeps into a crossover loop of pavé-set white gold diamonds, the two halves overlapping at the shoulder in a buckle-like knot. The inter...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gilded Bronze Choker Necklace with Mid-Century Turquoise, White, Blue Enamel
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning French modernist bronze choker necklace features a Mid-Century design with gilded bronze elements embellished with geometric enamel. The enameling features typical 1960...
Bronze, Enamel
$1,200Sale Price|25% Off
14K Solid Yellow Gold 3.95CT Pear Shaped Natural Opal Necklace in 14K Solid Gold
Located in Naples, NY
14 K Solid Yellow Gold 3.95CT Pear-Shaped Natural Opal Necklace in 14K Solid Gold Chain. The pendant also has ca 0.46 carats of fine diamond accent. Elegant design full of flash! Ve...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$636Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Oval Garnet & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A rich oval garnet takes center stage in this 14K yellow gold cocktail ring, framed by a carefully balanced arrangement of round brilliant natural diamonds. The warm gold and...
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Jade Bangle Sterling Silver Hinged Circa 1940s Old School Polish
Located in Northampton, MA
If you had been fortunate enough to visit Shanghai China in the 1940s, you would have encountered treasures like this natural, white untreated jadeite jade bangle. This opaque stone ...
Jade, Sterling Silver
$652Sale Price|25% Off
14 K Solid Yellow Gold Carved Pink or Green Tourmaline Necklace(It's not a set!)
Located in Naples, NY
It is not a set! The price is for a single pendant only! Send a message indicating which color you would like! 7.7CT 14 K Solid Yellow Gold Carved Pink Tourmaline Pendant Charm. 7...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,798 / item
14K Yellow Gold Topaz Daisy Flower Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Gold Marquise Topaz Floral Ring. 14K Gold Botanical Topaz Statement Ring. 14K Yellow Gold Eight-Petal Topaz Ring. 14K Gold Vintage-Inspired Topaz Floral Ring. A floral-inspired ...
Topaz, 14k Gold
$727Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Medallion Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : This 14K yellow gold pendant necklace presents a distinctive round medallion design illuminated by 41 natural round brilliant-cut diamonds. The carefully arranged stones crea...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$427Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Geometric Open Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : This 14K yellow gold pendant necklace features a softly geometric open form accented by two round brilliant natural diamonds. The understated structure keeps the design clean...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Chanel Pink Chicklet Sautoir Long Necklace, 1981
By Chanel
Located in North Miami, FL
This very desirable and hard to find vintage 1981 Chanel chicklet LONG sautoir necklace has beveled pink glass stations with gold plated surround metal. It is very long and can be st...
Gold Plate
$481Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Baguette & Round Diamond Geometric Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A refined geometric composition distinguishes this 14K yellow gold band ring, combining baguette and round natural diamonds within a sleek linear setting. The contrast of dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Tiffany & Co. 10 Diamond Platinum Etoile Band Ring, 6.75 US
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Etoile Collection, after the French word for Star, is one of the brand's iconic designs. Sleek and beautiful, the diamonds are set in platinum bezel settings, draw...
Diamond, Platinum
John Galliano Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Gold Flakes Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking John Galliano Lucite bangle bracelet showcases the designer's bold and unmistakable aesthetic. Expertly crafted from transparent acrylic resin, the substantial, sculptu...
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Blue Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 1.47 carats. The weigh...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jadeite Jade Bangle Light Green Highly Translucent
Located in Northampton, MA
Color isn't the story with this Jade bangle, translucency is. This gorgeous jade bangle was hand-carved from natural and untreated Burmese jadeite Jade. It has a round profile and h...
Jade
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Platinum Diamond Band – Fishtail Set, 0.50ctw, Sz 7.25
Located in Orlando, FL
This platinum band is pure Mid-Century design, its fishtail prongs splaying outward between each diamond in the graduated, architectural style so distinctive to the era. Seven round ...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard Platinum .77TCW Diamond Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard platinum six diamond necklace Romantic, timeless, classic. Diamonds: Brilliant full cut, approximately .77 TCW, 6 diamonds Marks: ...
Diamond, Platinum
$594Sale Price / item|44% Off
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with citrine briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with citrine briolettes. Lily flower earrings. Citrine earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Delicate flower threader earrings crafted in silver ...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Rubellite, Yellow Sapphire, Emeralds & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite, Yellow Sapphire & Emerald Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubellite is 1.87 carats. The we...
Diamond, Emerald, Rubelite, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 72.55 carat Kunzite, Multi Sapphire & Diamond Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Multi Sapphire Necklace set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 72.55 carats. The weight of the M...
Diamond, Kunzite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage gold plated bracelets, Pair, Faux pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
VINTAGE GOLD PLATED BRACELET DUO ✨ A gorgeous vintage pair of gold plated bracelets, offering two very different but beautifully complementary styles. The first is a statement mult...
Gold Plate
$472Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About A graceful 14K yellow gold ring accented by a row of natural round single-cut diamonds and a distinctive sculptural gold detail at the center. The combination of polished meta...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 3 Stone Tanzanite Ring in Sterling Silver Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful ring is sterling silver with an estimated 1.85 Carats in genuine tanzanite gemstones. It features a 6mm round cut tanzanite accented by a 5mm round cut tanzanite on ea...
Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
$619Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Garnet Flower and Leaf Drop Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Nature-Inspired Garnet Floral Cluster Earrings. Romantic Garnet Blossom and Leaf Dangle Earrings. Botanical Garnet Flower Earrings with French Hook Closures. Weight: 4.5 gr Overall ...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Art Deco Gold Tone Link Bracelet, Made in Italy, 7.75 Inches Long
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a Art Deco style gold tone link bracelet with an 18mm toggle clasp. This heavy bracelet has Made in Italy marked inside. A watch band style piece of sculpture on your wrist. ...
Gold Plate
Pair of Signed Mid-Century Modern Cartier 18K Gold & Ruby Cabochon Cufflinks
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage gold & ruby cufflinks. By Cartier. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each cufflink comprised of two grooved gold discs with bezel-set garnet cabochons to their cente...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver "Notes" Wide Bangle Cuff Bracelet with Original Bag
Located in valatie, NY
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Notes Wide Bangle Cuff Bracelet. A bold expression of sophistication, the Tiffany Co. Wide New York Notes Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet with Iconic Blue...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver 7.50ct Oval Cut Tanzanite Cocktail Ring, Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful domed cocktail ring is sterling silver with an estimated 7.50 carats in genuine, rich, oval cut tanzanite gemstones. The face of this ring measures 5/8 of an inch nort...
Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K White Gold, 33.31 carats, Kunzite & Diamond Oversize Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, oversized Kunzite Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 33.31 carats. The Diamo...
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Richard Kerr Fuchsia Jeweled Dangling Star Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these gorgeous chandelier clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. The pieces boast a cascading shape with two star-shape...
Vintage 18k solid gold snake ring, Diamonds, Victorian symbol of eternal love
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning 18 karat solid yellow gold snake ring. It exists out of a yellow gold ring band, with a white gold snake curling around it. This ring is most likely crafted...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Modern Diamond Honeycomb Cluster Ring with Black Enamel, 14k Gold
Located in Orlando, FL
Approached as a study in massing and repetition, this 1970s ring reads like a small piece of Brutalist architecture scaled for the hand. Seven hexagonal cells step and cantilever off...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Chain Cuff Bracelet Black Leather Silver Chainmail Sculptural Mens
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chainmail Cuff Bracelet Leather Silver Chain Sculptural Vintage Paris Designer: J DAUPHIN The Chainmail Cuff is a rare archive piece, handcrafted in Paris. A wide black leather cuf...
Brass, Silver
Purple Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and White Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and white sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
White Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Yellow Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and yellow sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
$445Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Rose Gold Trio Round Diamond Circle Eternity Drop Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace is a modern take on a classic silhouette. The "Y" shape is specifically designed to elongate the neckline, making it a favorite for pairing with V-neck outfits or eveni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Orange Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Red Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and red garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Set in 18K White Gold, 8.78 carat, Aquamarine & Emerald Cocktail Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Aquamarine & Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold. The weight of the Aquamarine is 8.78 carats. The weight of the Emeralds is 2.39 carats. Net...
Aquamarine, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Pink Sapphire & Diamond Chandelier Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Pink Sapphire Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 4.55 carats. The Emer...
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$619Sale Price / item|44% Off
Modern Geometric Amethysts Drop Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Geometric Amethyst Earrings. Asymmetrical Amethyst Drop Earrings. Contemporary Amethyst Linear Drop Earrings in silver. Weight: 5 gr Size: aprox - 42-44 mm long. Metal: silver 925 p...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek Trio of Interchangeable Resin Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek trio of interchangeable resin pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic set is designed with three interchangeable large scale resin pendants The large resin pendants r...
Gilt Metal
$532Sale Price / item|44% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Moissanite
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Moissanite. Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yellow gold plating over Weight: 4.2 g. depends from size...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
Certified Vintage 18 Karat Gold 2.46 Carat VS2 Central Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage engagement ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece is certified by the Assay Office with a gemstone testing report. The ring is set with 37 natural diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$472Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold classic diamond half-eternity wedding band
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : This sleek and classic band ring features a channel or pave-set row of sparkling round diamonds set in polished 14K yellow gold. Designed with a smooth, low-profile finish, i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
c1992 Cartier Ellipse Emerald Band Sz 6.25 Ring EU 53 18k Gold Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier emerald 'Ellipse' ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1992). Oval faceted emerald measures approx. 5mm x 4mm (note: few light surface abrasions to the emerald -...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,014Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Luxurious 5-Row Diamond 10.03 Cts Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking piece features five rows of brilliant, round-cut diamonds meticulously set in a classic 14K yellow gold band. The high-polish finish creates a beautiful reflection, whi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Bvlgari ring, crafted in 18K rose gold. Features a single sinuous coil of articulated scale-links, embodying the essence of the Serpenti Viper. The head is adorned with pavé round ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Gucci G Timeless mens gold plated PVD wristwatch
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish and iconic Gucci G Timeless mens gold plated PVD wristwatch. A really sleek model by Gucci it is the YA126461, c2000s, a gold coloured textured diamantissima style dial wi...
Gold Plate
Ring with emerald, ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold 8.7 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold ring set with ruby, sapphire, emerald, and brilliant-cut diamond (total approx. 0.40 ct – F/G – VS/SI) – ring size US 6.5 / EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of the...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$8,904Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Classic Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant piece is a classic 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace. It features a continuous, flexible strand of round brilliant-cut diamonds, each meticulously held in a tradit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,701Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Six-Prong Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
A timeless solitaire look that provides maximum brilliance and a clean, refined aesthetic. The six-prong architecture offers enhanced protection for the diamonds while creating a cla...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Black Steel Oyster No Date Watch 14060
By Rolex
Located in Baltimore, MD
Rolex Submariner Black Steel Oyster No Date Watch 14060 Model: 14060 Serial: D438*** (2005) Case: 40mm steel Dial: Black Movement: Automatic Bracelet: Oyster, fits up to a 7 inch wri...
Steel
$566Sale Price / item|40% Off
Men’s Art Deco Baguette Topaz Gold Plated Ring, Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Men’s Sky Blue Topaz Gold Plated Silver Art Deco Ring. Men’s Baguette Sky Blue Topaz Geometric Ring. Men’s Geometric Baguette Topaz Statement Ring This men’s sky blue topaz ring f...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$5,189Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Elegant Pavé Diamond 6.98 Cts Bangle Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated bangle bracelet features a stunning, continuous array of brilliant round-cut diamonds set in a shimmering pavé arrangement. Crafted in warm 14K white gold, the sle...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Jewelry buyers are gathered in Sin City to pick out the glittering treasures you'll be coveting in the months ahead.
Some designers carry on traditions while others riff on the past.