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.
Angela Caputi Modernist Carnelian and Black Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi clip-on earrings, made in Italy, feature a modernist design with a geometric double-donut resin piece. Each element is carved and see-through. The color ...
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About A refined 14K yellow gold ring finished with a graceful line of natural round brilliant-cut diamonds across the upper portion. The balanced combination of polished gold and di...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$1,280Sale Price|20% 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
$696Sale Price|20% 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
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
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Massive Petroleum Blue and Black Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in petroleum blue color with a black contrast. Her color matching is alway...
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
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
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
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & Glass Perfume Bottle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & glass perfume bottle. By Tiffany & Co. With a silver cap with a red ribbon tassel. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: Early 21st C...
Sterling Silver
Raymond Weil Geneve bracelet strap wristwatch, Unisex, Gold plated
By Raymond Weil
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful Raymond Weil Genève ladies' wristwatch featuring an elegant two-tone bracelet design in gold-plated and stainless steel. The watch has a classic white dial with black Ro...
Gold Plate, Steel
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Rose Quartz Torsade Bead Necklace 18K Gold Vintage
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning necklace designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. The necklace is a vintage Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Multistrand Rose Quartz Torsade Bead Necklace with...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Sculptural Cuff Chain Bracelet Studs Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Sculptural Cuff Chain Bracelet Mesh Studded Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in gold plated brass. A structured ...
Brass, Gold Plate
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold "T" Wire Bracelet Large #26856
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold "T" Wire Bracelet Large This Tiffany & Co 18k yellow gold T wire bracelet features the iconic T design with a sleek silhouette and polished finish. Its ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
14K Yellow Gold 0.07 Cts Round Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About A refined 14K yellow gold band ring featuring a delicate row of natural round single-cut diamonds across the front. The understated profile brings together polished gold and s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
18K Yellow Gold 4.00 CTW Invisible-Set Princess & Pavé Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
A masterpiece of architectural jewelry design, this substantial 18-karat yellow gold statement band pairs striking geometric symmetry with continuous brilliant fire, boasting a magni...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 Yellow Gold, natural Emerald & Yellow Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, vintage style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The approximate weight of the Emerald is 2.00 carats. The Emerald is ...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 2.00 Carat Emerald 1.30 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cluster ring crafted in 18K white gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 emerald, emerald cut, 2.00ct, vslbG 5/5, P1 - 10 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 1....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k 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
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
Van Cleef & Arpels 10-motif Alhambra 18 Karat Gold Carnelian Clover Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stylish link necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels for the iconic Alhambra collection. The piece is crafted in 18K gold. It features ten clover motifs, each carved fr...
Gold, 18k 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
David Yurman Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet — 925, 24.2g, 6" Inner
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, collectible, and instantly recognizable, this authentic David Yurman sterling silver bangle is a versatile addition to a fine-jewelry collection. Crafted in 925 sterling sil...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace, Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, exudes elegance and individuality. Featuring one oversized clover motif, the design showcases a...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Brutalist Studded Mesh Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Brutalist Studded Mesh Vintage Statement piece Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in brass with a ...
Brass, Gold Plate
Set in 18K white Gold, 5.04 carat Morganite & Diamond modern Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.04 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.30 carats....
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$570Sale 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
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Bracelet
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined expression of elegance and timeless design. Crafted from 18k rose gold, this bracelet features five motifs, each adorned wi...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Emerald Diamond White Gold Ring Sz 6 1/2
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Bvlgari ring, crafted in 18k white gold. Features a serpent's head design, adorned with pave-set diamonds within hexagonal gold borders, and accented by two pear-cut emerald eyes. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fred of Paris Chrysoprase Cabochon 18k Gold Cocktail Ring Size 6
Located in Feasterville, PA
A sophisticated Fred of Paris Gold Cocktail Ring showcasing timeless elegance. This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring features a captivating 7ct chrysoprase cabochon, exuding a tranqui...
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Georges Lenfant Taurus Vintage Zodiac Gold Necklace
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels vintage zodiac medallion, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, embodies the artistry of Georges Lenfant, renowned for the Maison's 1970s zodiac series. Modeled af...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K gold cornicello cornetto earrings - Estate horn charm earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
New in is this vintage pair of solid 18 karat gold earrings. These are lever back earrings with two textured cornicello cornets dangling below them. These "Cornicello cornetto" are b...
Gold, 18k Gold
David Yurman Cable 18K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver Smoky Quartz Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Add a distinctive piece of David Yurman designer jewelry to your collection with this sophisticated two-tone bracelet, featuring the brand's iconic twisted Cable motif accented by fa...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Bracelet 7 Flowers Diamond 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet is a radiant expression of elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from luminous 18k yellow gold, this bracelet features Van Cleef & ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Monete Constantine Ancient Coin Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, features a Roman bronze coin struck under Constantine I, set within a polished gold bezel. The heavy curb link chain, weighing 65.7...
18k Gold, Bronze
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Emerald Sugarloaf, Pink Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Pink Sapphire Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 10.95 carats. The Emeral...
Pink Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
$570Sale Price / item|40% Off
Men’s Garnet Geometric Statement Ring, Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Square-Cut Garnet Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring. Contemporary Garnet Silver Designer Ring. Men’s Garnet White Topaz Silver Ring A bold statement ring crafted from silver with g...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
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
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.