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.
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
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
Gucci 4500m mens gold plated wristwatch, leather strap
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish Gucci 4500M stainless steel and gold plated wristwatch. This is a strap watch originally from the mens range but it will work for men or women, it has a large circular fac...
Gold Plate
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
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...
Aquamarine Rondelle and Round Pearl necklace with SS Hammered Clasp
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a aquamarine and pearl necklace. We created it with up to 21 mm faceted aquamarine rondelle beads and round pearls. It comes with a sterling silver square hammered push box c...
Aquamarine, Pearl, Sterling Silver
$982 / item
Ring with Natural Rock Crystal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Elegant ring featuring a natural oval rock crystal in a smooth cabochon cut. The transparent stone softly reflects the light and highlights the clean, minimal beauty of the design. T...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Silver
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
Ring with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k gold 4.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with a central pearl surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 - EU. 18.5 (58) detailed description: The top of t...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
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
Vintage sterling silver frog ring, statement
Located in NEWARK, GB
A pretty vintage sterling silver frog ring. A lovely chunky sterling silver band with a wonderful carved and sculpted, three dimensional design frog to the front. It makes a good i...
Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Blue Sapphire, Emerald & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire & Emerald "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 8.19 carats. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with sapphire up to 0.75ct and single cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring set with sapphire and single cut diamond. 0.25ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description the top of the ring is 9.9 mm wide by 5...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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
Rustic vintage sterling silver band ring, wedding band
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish and unique vintage sterling silver band ring. It has a rustic off straight shape to the band with lots of aged patina giving it a real lived in vintage feel. Crafted in t...
Sterling Silver
Orange Shell Pendant with Diamond and Blue Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and blue sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order i...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Aquamarine, Morganite & Diamonds "Kissing" Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Morganite "Kissing" Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 7.90 carats. The...
Morganite, Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold 5.35CT Oval Shape Natural Opal Necklace with Diamond Accents
Located in Naples, NY
Gorgeous 14k Yellow Gold 5.35CT Oval Shape Natural Opal Necklace. Super shiny and flashy! Diamond accents. Watch the video to see how opal changes colors. Full on flash! Chain: 1...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. 3 Tier Pearl Dangle Earrings with Solid 14k Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simple, stunning and sophisticated. This pair of earrings is made entirely of Pearls and Solid 14k Yellow Gold wiring / Lever Back Hooks. Three multi sized Pearls dangle, each displa...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Leto Lama 18ct Gold Paraíba Tourmaline Eye Ring with Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A statement ring that radiates celestial energy and bold elegance. At its heart lies a striking sky-blue Paraíba tourmaline from Mozambique, glowing with the vivid luminosity of trop...
Diamond, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K White Gold, 1.47 carats, Tanzanite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 1.47 carats. The Tanzanite is resp...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & 18K Gold Hook & Eye Buckle Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver and gold ring. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with 18 karat yellow gold elements. With a stylized hook and eye catch. Marked to the shank. Simply wonde...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Earrings with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 13.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ear clips set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.2.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.7 cm long by 1.2 cm thick ...
Diamond, Pearl, 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
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Pear Cut Natural Emerald Toi et Moi Ring Fine Jewelry in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 0.86 carat emerald ring are crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Featuring two pear cut emeralds measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm, the ring showcase a graceful silhouette wit...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pair Green Glass Jadeite Style Bangle Bracelets
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of lovely green glass bracelets with the look and feel of jadeite. The glass practically glows with a vibrant spring green color. Flat on the interior and rounded at the ext...
14K Yellow Gold Black Onyx & Turquoise Circle Drop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these striking 14K Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Turquoise Circle Drop Earrings. Featuring a sophisticated arrangement of polished black onyx and vi...
Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Missoni Multi-Strand Multicolor Metal, Lucite and Leather Cuff Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Missoni bangle bracelet, designed by the renowned fashion house. A rare and striking piece, it showcases a cuff shape with a multi-layer design that seamlessly...
Sterling Silver Gold Vermeil Peridot & Black Spinel Ring, Size 7
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful, unique ring is sterling silver with gold vermeil accenting. It features a pear cut, 4x6mm peridot, a round cut 2mm black spinel and a wavy line of tiny round spinels....
Peridot, Black Spinel, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Citrine briolette earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November birthstone earrings. Vintage style citrine earrings. Art deco silver earrings...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver
Handcrafted Modern Artisan Silk Beaded Necklace by Variously in Indigo & Gold
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Inspired by the Sanskrit word Mihika, meaning morning dew, this necklace reflects freshness, purity, and the gentle beauty found in nature. Each piece is carefully handcrafted using ...
Vintage Carinated Sterling Silver Blue Spinel Ring Size 5.5
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, vintage, carinated solitaire is sterling silver with a stunning 6mm blue spinel gemstone. The band on this ring measures 6mm wide with a rise of 4mm off the finger. Si...
Spinel, Sterling Silver
Leto Lama Emeralds and Diamonds All Around Ring Band 18 Ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
18ct gold band set all around with a combination of Colombian and Zambian emeralds and diamonds. Stones include mixed cuts — heart, square, pear shape and rounds — individually set ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 6 Carat Cabochon Emerald 0.35 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 emerald, oval cabochon cut, 6.00ct, vslbG 5/4, P3 - 4 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 0....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
10k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.75ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
10k yellow ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.75 ct - I/J - pique - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide by 1.0 cm high...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$219Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Dior logo script clip on earrings, silver tone metal
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous pair of vintage Christian Dior logo script design clip on earrings. Large oversized silver tone metal dome or disc shaped earrings with the Dior logo written all over th...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
Necklace and pendant with brillint cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 14 gold 1.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.26ct - G/H - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by 0.7 mm ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with sapphire, taper and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and taper and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.6 cm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Soltaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 3.40ct M/N SI1 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond total 3.40ct – M/N – SI1 - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 9.1 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage snake ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features red stone. Circa 1980. Signed with “750” Weight: 3.60g Size: 17.75 (US 7.5) IMPORTANT: cannot be resized. As ...
18k Gold
14k Bicolor Gold Cocktail Ring with 2.40ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.40 ct - H/I - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide by 1.0 ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Gold Cuff Sculptural Statement Bracelet Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Paris Mesh and Studded Gold Plated Sculptural Cuff Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Mesh and Studded Statement Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind architectura...
Brass, Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate
Antique German Dresser Jar H. Behrnd 800 Silver Cut Crystal Glass / 617gr
Located in SE
Fine German faceted crystal glass and Silver vanity powder or dresser jar made in Germany in ca. early 1900s with hallmarks of Jeweler Hermann Behrnd, Dresden, active since 1870 as C...
Crystal, Silver
Vintage Stratton Mother-of-Pearl Compact, Brass, Scalloped Edge, 1960s
By Stratton
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage Stratton mother-of-pearl compact. We are so excited to find this great condition English compact with 60 years of life! It is small with a scalloped edge and the to...
Brass
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.1 mm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Resin Choker Necklace Turquoise and Black Multi-Strand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin choker necklace features a multi-strand seed-bead design with a dominant turquoise-blue color contrasted with black tones. The neckl...
Red Shell Pendant with Diamond and Amethyst
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and amethyst gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order includ...
Diamond, Amethyst, 14k Gold
$955 / item
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazs. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Me...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Circle Pendant Necklace 23 Inches
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
dd a touch of effortless sophistication to your jewelry collection with this stunning 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Circle Pendant Necklace. Showcasing a beautifully polished turquoise c...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
39.85 Carat Natural Loose Swiss Blue Topaz Stone Cushion Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 39.85 carat Dimensions 21.0x15.4x12.7 mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 39.85 Carat Natural Loose Swiss Blue Topaz is an ex...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
Ring with emerald up to 5.00ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with a central emerald up to 5.00ct and brilliant-cut diamond up to 4.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.15ct 14k gold 6.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold entourage ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.15ct - G/H, F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: top of the ring is 1.6 cm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Company Elsa Peretti Diamond Solitaire 18KYG Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond Solitaire pendant is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and showcases an approximately 0.46 carat round brilliant-cut diamond graded I color ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.82ct 18k gold 7.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k red gold band ring with a harp motif set with a central ruby of 1.00 ct and a ring of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.82 ct - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed descript...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, carved Turquoise & natural Diamonds Bracelet/Choker Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Turquoise Bracelet/ Choker Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight the carved Turquoise is 29.47 carats. The Turquo...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with sapphire, taper and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a sapphire up to 1.50 ct, brilliant-cut and taper-cut diamond up to 1.00 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.5(55) Detailed description: The t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Evil Eye Ring with Diamonds 18 Ct Gold Handmade
Located in London, GB
A modern talisman handcrafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, centred by a vivid natural Colombian emerald and framed within Leto Lama’s sculptural eye motif. Hand-engraved sunburst lines...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Choker Necklace Banana-Choco 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 a banana-and-milky-chocolate swirl color with black contrast. Her color...
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings, Modern Design, 2.16ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold entourage stud earrings set with a central ruby up to 2.16 ct and an entourage of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.46 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The front...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.