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.
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
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
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
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
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
Pink 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
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
Bold Carnelian Bead Necklace with 22K Gold Plated Accents, 1980s Style, New
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a single strand carnelian bold necklace. We created it with 19mm smooth carnelian round beads. It has accents of 22K gold plated 15mm textured square and 18mm patterned round...
Carnelian, Gold Plate, 22k 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
Certified 18K White Gold 2.70ct Colombian Emerald & 0.36ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
An exceptional IGL‑certified natural Colombian emerald, weighing 2.70 carats, sits at the heart of this elegant 18k gold ring. Cut in a refined octagon/step silhouette, the emerald d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sky Blue Topaz & Pearl Drop Earrings Studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Modern Multi-Shape Sky Blue Topaz Earrings studs. Contemporary Pearl & Sky Blue Topaz Drop Earrings. Geometric Sky Blue Topaz and Pearl Earrings. Weight: 4 gr Overall length: appro...
Topaz, Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,001 / item
Modern Geometric Citrine Drop Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Geometric Citrine Earrings. Asymmetrical Citrine Drop Earrings. Contemporary Citrine Linear Drop Earrings in silver. Weight: 5 gr Size: aprox - 42-44 mm long. Metal: silver 925 pl...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
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
Orange Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Blue Topaz
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and blue topaz gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k 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
Sacred Heart Cuff Bracelet Jesus Antique Silver Sculptural Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sacred Heart Cuff Bracelet Jesus Antique Silver Sculptural Vintage Paris Designer: J DAUPHIN The Sacred Heart Cuff is a rare archive piece, handcrafted in Paris and finished in ant...
Brass, Silver, Silver Plate
Vintage crystal flower necklace, choker, Butler and Wilson
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Butler and Wilson crystal flower necklace. Intricately detailed glass flowers in purple and smoky effect glass. The front ...
Crystal, Stainless Steel
Gold Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Brutalist Mesh Studs Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mesh Cuff Bracelet Studded Gold Sculptural Statement Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in brass with a gold plated finish. A wi...
Brass, Gold Plate
Sterling Silver 15.10ct Black Star Sapphire Men's Ring, Size 10.75
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A powerful, architectural men’s ring showcasing a 15.10‑carat black star sapphire, bezel‑set in solid sterling silver. The sapphire displays an irregular but clearly visible star, gi...
Star Sapphire, Black Star, Sterling Silver
14KT Rose Gold Teardrop Dangle Earrings with Honeycomb Filigree Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
The primary feature is a pear or teardrop-shaped drop element with an intricate honeycomb or open-work filigree pattern. Small, round diamonds are set within the structure and at the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
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
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Kunzite, Mozambqiue Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Ruby Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 7.27 carats. The weight of the Rubie...
Ruby, Kunzite, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k 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 John Hardy 'Dot' Pattern Sterling Silver Wide Flex Cuff Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. From the 'Dot' series. Fully marked to the interior. The cuff is flexibile and is opened to slide the h...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Must de Cartier 21 Quartz Watch, Stainless Steel & Gold
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, Stainless Steel, Steel
Two-SidedArt Nouveau Muse Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art Nouveau Muse Coin Necklace with Blue Topaz Stones. Two-Sided Muse Coin Necklace Pendant. Art Nouveau Floral Amulet Necklace. A striking two-sided Muse amulet pendant crafted in s...
Blue Topaz, Gold, Silver
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 Gold, Zambian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond 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 3.79 carats. The Emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Medium Hoop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage pair of signed medium hoop earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Secured with pushback closures. Marked to the reverse of the pushbacks. Simply wonderful...
Sterling Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Aquamarine & Diamond Engagement Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Morganite Cocktail Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 7.13 carats. The wei...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 18k gold 8.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond 1.80ct. - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.75 - EU. 15.5 (49) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.3 cm wide ring size ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cocktail Ring with green amethyst 18k gold 8.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring with a square top, faceted green amethyst - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5(55) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 1.0 cm high Ring ...
Amethyst, 18k Gold
PASCAL BRUNI Ring with gemstones and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
PASCAL BRUNI 18k white gold ring set with topaz, amethyst, peridot, citrine, tourmaline, sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.5 – EU. ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Blue Top...
$623Sale Price|30% Off
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
$1,762Sale 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
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald, Rubellite & Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A. very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald & Rubellite Toi et Moi Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 1.89 carats. The Emerald is completely natu...
Rubelite, Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 5.52 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.52 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage TRIFARI gold leaf modernist designer runway necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • matte gold tone leafs • vintage designer runway necklace MEASUREMENTS • 19" long by 1 1/8" wide CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with mini...
Gold Plate
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
Set in 18K Gold, Mexican Fire Opal, Orange Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Mexican Fire Opal & Orange Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Matte Gold & natural...
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 1.65ct Oval Bright Pink Sapphire & 0.56ct Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A commanding, couture‑level wide band ring showcasing a vivid 1.65ct oval bright pink sapphire framed by 0.56ct of round and baguette diamonds. Diamonds set not only across the top o...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$423Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Radiant Initial "A" Open Wrap Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant initial open wrap ring blends modern minimalism with a personalized touch. Crafted in polished 14k yellow gold, the design features a shimmering letter "A" meticulously ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.90 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of vintage stud earrings. It is crafted in 18K gold. The piece features 2 pear cut diamonds: TW 0.90ct, W-STW, SI1. Circa 1980. Weight: 1.59g Length: 0.7cm IMPORTA...
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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
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
8.65 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 8.65 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 16-inch chain. 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT White Gold Baguette and Round Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The necklace features a central heart-shaped motif that uses a "ballerina" or sunburst setting. A central cluster of round diamonds is surrounded by a halo of baguette-cut diamonds r...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
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...
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
Drop Earrings with Natural Sky Blue Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Contemporary Silver Sky Blue Topaz Earrings. Asymmetrical Sky Blue Topaz Drop Earrings. Zigzag Sky Blue Topaz Drop Earrings. Weight: 5 gr Size: aprox - 55-58 mm long. Metal: silve...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$5,374Sale 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
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Morganite, Pink Sapphires & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Pink Sapphires Cocktail Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.09 carats. ...
Diamond, Morganite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$608Sale Price|24% Off
Coin Necklace Star Clover Cuba Silver Unisex J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coin Necklace Clover Cuba Star Sterling Silver Brass Details Unisex J Dauphin Handcrafted This vintage chain necklace is crafted from solid silver and was handcrafted in Bali in 20...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.30 Carat Diamond 1.35 Carat Heart Cut Ruby Band Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage heart band ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 diamond, round brilliant cut, 0.30ct, RW+/RW, SI1 - 4 rubies, heart cut, TW 1.35ct, stpR ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Oval Cut Multi Tourmaline Stackable Eternity Band Ring in Solid Silver
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant 3.74 carat band ring is crafted in 925 Sterling Silver and adorned with 20 natural oval cut multi tourmalines. The spectrum of tourmalines creates a beautiful rainbow ef...
Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
$483Sale Price|30% Off
Virgin Mary Necklace Vintage Medal Paperclip Chain Blue Enamel Silver Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Vintage Medal Paperclip Chain Blue Enamel Silver Plated Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage charm necklace features an assembly of mixed-material religious medals ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Silver Plate, Enamel
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.