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.
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Paris Gilt Metal Foliage Cuff c 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche gilt metal foliage cuff bracelet c 1980 The wide heavy cuff is designed with a trio of gilt metal leaves The leaves are sheathed in luminous gilt plat...
Gilt Metal
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
Sterling Silver Black Tourmaline Bangle Bracelet 6.75"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bangle bracelet is sterling silver with faceted lack tourmaline gemstones. It measures 5/16 of an inch wide. It has an inner diameter of 2 by 2 1/2 inches and an inner ...
Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
Pink Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Green Tsavorite
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and green tsavorite garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. ...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
5.50 Carat Amethyst and 3.08 ctw White Zircon Ring in Sterling Silver Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This brilliant, sold-out, hard to find ring makes a royal statement. A 10x15mm 5.50 carat cushion-cut purple amethyst is regally set within a collection of 3.08 ct. t.w. white zircon...
Amethyst, Zircon, Sterling Silver
Vintage Gucci G frame wristwatch, gold plated, Boxed
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish Gucci G frame ladies gold plated wristwatch. This is a mesh bracelet strap watch with a nice sleek finish, and a red, white and blue striped face with an almost snake skin style pattern to the face with gold plated Gucci brand logo. The face is a dainty rectangular shape and the watch has a gold plated Gucci crown...
Gold Plate
Angela Caputi Multi-Strand Faux-Gray-Marble Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin choker-beaded necklace features an oversized multi-strand design with assorted faceted beads in black and white, with a faux-marble ...
Leto Lama Abstract Art 18Ct Cocktail Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Introducing our stunning One-of-a-Kind Geometric Sapphire Ring, a joyful, happy piece, a true work of art! This exquisite piece showcases 18 ct recycled gold adorned with a dazzling ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$900Sale Price|40% Off
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Mesh Studs Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Mesh Studs Vintage Paris 2000's Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is engineered with a 54 mm interior diameter....
Brass, 18k Gold, Silver Plate
Fluted Sleeping Beauty Necklace in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious but perfect for everyday wear! Amazing Sleeping Beauty Turquoise always catches the eye! Necklace total length 18 inches. Simple and elegant, see the pictures and video f...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal and Turquoise Earrings in 14K Solid Yellow Gold with Diamond Acc.
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious and unique style from Renate Exclusive! This gorgeous pair of earrings is made of natural Ethiopian opal and natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise beads. Truly amazing pair o...
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Red Cinnabar Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in red cinnabar color with white swirling and a black contrast. Her color ...
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire Briolette & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphires stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 7.16 carats. The weigh...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 8.21 carats, Morganite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 8.21 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.1...
Morganite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Silvorra Art Deco Style Bezel Set Cubic Zircon Faceted Tennis Bracelet in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This understated cubic zirconia tennis bracelet showcases a continuous line of mixed cut gemstone in sleek bezel settings, creating a refined geometric silhouette with exceptional br...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Gucci ladies Rose gold plated horsebit watch, wristwatch
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish Gucci YA139507 ladies rose gold plated wristwatch. This is a bangle strap watch with a nice sleek and smooth, rose gold plated finish with the signature Gucci horsebit des...
Gold Plate
Pink Shell Pendant with Diamond 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
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
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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.45ct 18k white gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a 0.45ct brilliant-cut diamond - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 4.3 mm wide. Ring size US 6.5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Purple 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
Marina J. 4 Tier Draped Pearl Choker with 18k Plated Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Bridal Choker by Marina J. Jewelry. This piece is inspired by old world royal Victorian jewelry. A Stunning Pearl woven choker accented by Faceted 18k Yellow Gold Plated sil...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Francoise Montague Paris Red Resin Floral Clip-on Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning French Jewelry Designer Francoise Montague Paris resin clip-on earrings feature a dimensional anemone-shaped motif in raspberry red and black. There is no visible make...
Set in 18K white Gold, Aquamarines, Emeralds & Yellow Diamonds Link Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarines & Emeralds Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarines is 142.71 carats. The wei...
Aquamarine, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern 14 Karat Gold 32.00 Carat Cabochon Sapphire 1.35 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning modern design bracelet crafted in 14K gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 71 sapphires, round cabochon cut, TW 32.00ct, B 6/4, VS-SI - 24 diamonds, round bri...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 18k gold 3.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold entourage ring set with emerald and a brilliant-cut diamond of up to 0.26 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed description: The top of the ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 26.87 carat Kunzite, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunznite & Pink Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 26.87 carats. The weight of...
Diamond, Kunzite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style. Emerald & Ruby Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 2.05 carats. The Emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Cigar Ring Band GIA 1.48 Cts Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A perfectly imperfect handmade one of a kind statement Emerald Cigar ring that features a bezel set beautiful Colombian Emerald of 1.48 Cts certifie...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Signed David Yurman Sterling Silver Wide Cable Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed wide cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. In a 'braided' variant of the Cable pattern. With a hinged side. Marked to the cuff. Together wit...
Sterling Silver
Earrings with aquamarine and single cut diamonds up to 0.36ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold earrings set with aquamarine and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.36ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by 1.0 cm wide ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Pearlized White and Black Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Handcrafted in Italy, this beautiful Angela Caputi resin necklace features a pearlized white tone with black contrast. The rare choker features chunky, domed pebbles in a pearl-imita...
Set in 18K white Gold, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire & Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphire is 1.06 c...
Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
CARL BUCHERER necklace with ruby and brilliant cut diamond up to 2.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
CARL BUCHERER - 18k yellow gold necklace with a ruby totaling 3.00ct and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 2.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - 40 cm long detailed description: necklace is 40 cm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Louis Vuitton Square Cocoa Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Set with Stitched Leather
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning set of three square bracelets by Louis Vuitton Paris, crafted in a rich cocoa‑brown acrylic and designed with the house's unmistakable modern aesthetic. Each bangle featur...
Gilt Metal
Donald Stannard Enamel & Crystal Rhinestone Earrings, 1980's
Located in Atlanta, GA
Donald Stannard served as an assistant to Kenneth Jay Lane in the 1960's until 1972 when he started his own line of stylish costume jewelry. His creations feature bold designs with ...
Crystal, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Line Vautrin Geometric Talosel and Blue Glass Mirrors Brooch
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Line Vautrin Talosel geometric brooch is encrusted with clear and blue mirrored glass, featuring iridescence in a tridimensional, modernist shape. The rare piece was cr...
GIA Certified 3.23ct F1 Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Talk about a statement ring! A impressive 3.23 carat emerald-cut emerald from Colombia with the barest minimum of treatment (oil only) is the star of this gorgeous and luxurious 18k...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 6.11 carats, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Chandelier/ Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 6.11 carats. The ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,906Sale Price|25% Off
14KY Gold GIA Certified 7.11 Carat Natural Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl & Diamond Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Discover the captivating beauty of one of the world's rarest gemstones with this exceptional 14K Yellow Gold Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl and Diamond Ring. At its center rests a magnificent...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Slack Signed 14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Cat Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate whimsical luxury with this charming Slack signed 14K yellow gold Emerald and Diamond Cat Brooch, a beautifully crafted designer piece that blends playful artistry with time...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Paraiba, Pink Sapphire & Diamond Toi et Moi Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba Tourmaline & Pink Sapphire Toi et Moi Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Paraiba, 18k Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold Carved Green, Pink, Yellow Tourmaline Leaf Charm Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
FYI: Explanation of the visual composition! The pendants on the necklace do not stay in place as they appear in the pictures when spread out on a white background. The idea behind t...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Earrings with carnelian, sapphire and rock crystal 18k gold 22.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clip-on earrings set with carnelian, sapphire, and rock crystal – 22.8 grams Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 4.4 cm in length and 1.7 cm in ...
Carnelian, Crystal, Rock Crystal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 13.12 carats. The Mul...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace with coral - 18k gold - 50.8 grams - 42 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with various coral pieces - 50.8 grams - 42 cm Detailed description The necklace is 42 cm long and 1.0 cm wide. The centerpiece measures 2.0 cm and 1.8 cm...
Coral, 18k Gold
GERARD YOSCA Gold Plate & Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet With Lion Motif
By Gerard Yosca
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 20th Century Gerard Yosca gold plated cuff bracelet with a hammered finish and a regal lion medallion framed in sparkling crystal rhinestones. The two inch wide bracelet makes ...
Gold Plate
Tiffany & Co. Interlocked Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Tiffany elegance meets modern layering versatility. This refined ladies' necklace features a sculptural 18k yellow gold pendant with Tiffany's signature bold, interlocked hard...
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K solid Yellow Gold Four-Leaf Clover Charm Pendant – Vintage Good Luck Jewelry
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 karat solid yellow gold charm depicting a four-leaf clover which is believed to bring good luck to its wearer. This clover charm is a perfect gift. It will protec...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$700Sale Price|20% Off
LANVIN Sleek Green Resin Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek green resin pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic Lanvin necklace is adorned with a large green color lucite pendant suspended from a sinuous gilt metal snake chain ...
Gilt Metal
$2,587Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold GIA Certified Natural Star Sapphire & Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the beauty of one of nature's most fascinating optical gemstones with this elegant 14K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring, featuring a GIA Certified 5.32 Carat Natural Blue Star ...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald Rope Hoop Drop Earrings – 2.75 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant simplicity meets contemporary design in these striking 14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald Rope Hoop Earrings. Rich oval cabochon emeralds weighing approximately 2.75 carats tot...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 3.39 carat Rubellite, Pink Opal & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite & Pink Opal Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubellite is 3.30 carats. The weight of ...
Diamond, Opal, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold 5.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.30ct – J/K – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75(56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Pear Ruby 3.40ct Halo Lariat Drop Earrings, 14k White Gold
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Diamond Pear Ruby 3.40 Carat Halo Lariat 14 karat White Gold 1.5 Inch Earrings – a breathtaking fusion of elegance and sophistication. Crafted with precisio...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ring with sapphire, ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.46ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with sapphire total 1.60ct, ruby total 0.60ct and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.46ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU 17.25 (54) detailed description:...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Francoise Montague Pale Yellow Roses Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning clip-on earrings for French jewelry designer Françoise Montague. The dimensional resin shape features rose flowers in an elegant, pale yellow colo...
Set in 18K Gold, 68.26 carat Kunzite, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and special, modern style, Kunzite & Multi Sapphires Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzites is 68.26 carats. ...
Diamond, Kunzite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold 3.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earrings is 3.1 cm long and 2.1 mm wide. Weight: 3.1 gram...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 66.46ct Total
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a vibrant statement with these spectacular 14K yellow gold turquoise and diamond clip-on earrings, expertly designed to showcase the timeless beauty of natural turquoise in a bo...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.