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.
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
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
$990Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
$948Sale Price|30% Off
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
$840Sale Price|30% Off
18K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Sleeping Beauty Earrings
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious 18K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Sleeping Beauty Earrings. Light, slyly jumping, elegant, and a small diamond shining towards t...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k 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...
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
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
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
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 with...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, 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 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
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...
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
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
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
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
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
Cartier Double C Logo Pendant Necklace with Silver Chain 24"
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless expression of Parisian luxury, this authentic Cartier logo pendant necklace showcases the maison’s iconic interlocking Double C motif in an elegant openwork oval design. C...
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 ...
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 14k gold 8.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approx. 1.20ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18 (56) detailed description the top of the ring is 5.8 mm wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Clear Lucite Bracelet Bangle with Denim Blue Crystal Rhinestones
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Lucite bracelet bangle features a domed shape in a transparent pale yellow color. The bangle is ornate with massive denim blue crystal rhinestones and tiny silver ones. T...
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Necklace Suite, Diamond Pendant & Earrings, 18K Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A complete Mikimoto suite with versatility and recognisable design. A refined Mikimoto cultured Akoya pearl necklace suite, comprising a graduated strand of high-quality pearls, a d...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Flower brooch with rock crystal, ruby and diamonds up to 0.56ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold brooch in the shape of a flower set with rock crystal, ruby, brilliant-cut, and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.56ct – F/G – VS/SI detailed description: the dimension...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Leto Lama One Of A Kind E/F Diamond Ring Band Chubby Bubbles 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
A timeless modern bubbles band that will easily blend to your rings stack collection. A classic piece that wont get old. Handcrafted and completely unique. A constellation of light...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$959 / 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
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...
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
Vintage Peacock Overtone Black Cultured Pearl Necklace 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Vintage Black Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp in 18K White Gold An elegant vintage necklace composed of lustrous black cultured pearls displaying rich metallic overto...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Coral and Lapis Resin Chandelier Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, acrylic resin clip-on earrings feature an oversized chandelier dangling shape with dimensional stylized pine cones and faceted beads, com...
Gilt Metal
Claire Deve Geometric Gilded and Iridescent Blue Jeweled Bangle Bracelet
By Claire Deve
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Claire Deve Paris link bracelet features a geometric shape with triangle-shaped gilt-metal elements set with faceted crystal beads in assorted purple and green iridesce...
Gilt Metal
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 17.97 carats, Ceylon Pink Sapphires modern Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphire Stud Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 17.97 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Akoya Cultured Pearl Opera Necklace 8.5–8.9mm Diamond and Gold Clasp Enhancer
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial and versatile Akoya cultured pearl opera necklace, composed of 82 well-matched pearls measuring approximately 8.5–8.9mm, offering a refined balance of scale, symmetry, ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 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
Earrings with ruby and billiant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k pink gold 5.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with a ruby totaling 2.80 ct and a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.0 cm long and 1.0 cm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Elastic Ring – 4mm Beads
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate 18K yellow gold elastic ring features lustrous 4mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. The design alternates vibrant sky-blue turquoise beads with finely textured ...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 3.4 mm high...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$959 / item
Art Nouveau Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Topaz Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Topaz Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings. Weight: 5 g...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$625Sale Price / item|40% Off
Art Deco Style Pearl and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle pearl earrings. Cocktail earrings with pearls, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Pearl and Topaz A striking pair of pearls and ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Statement Citrine and Blue Topaz Stud Earrings Set in Sterling Silver Settings
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 13.06 carat pear shaped citrine and blue topaz stud earrings are crafted in 925 solid silver. The oval cut citrine gemstones at center measures approximately 9 × 11 mm ...
Citrine, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
18k White Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring, 1.00 ct, Size US 6.5
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with pearl and brilliant-cut and taper-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.00 ct F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold & Blue/ Pink Rhodium, Pink Sapphires & Tanzanite Hoop Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Pink Sapphire Hoop Earrings set in 18K Gold & coloured Rhodium. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 10.53 carats. The weight ...
Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Ring with emerald, ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby, sapphire, emerald and brilliant-cut diamond total 040ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the rin...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$575Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired green onyx and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style green onyx earrings silver, gold. Dangle green onyx earrings. Cocktail earrings with green onyx, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with green onyx and Topaz. Elegant vi...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Estate Color Change Fluorite Solitaire Ring Size 8
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous solitaire ring is sterling silver. It features a 9mm round cut color change fluorite gemstone. It changes from blue under daylight to purple under incandescent light. ...
Sterling Silver
Large Double-Sided Carved Lapis Lazuli Pendant, Figural Bird Motif, Gold Bail
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial carved lapis lazuli pendant of notable scale, worked in relief on both sides with a continuous composition of birds among stylised foliage. Probably China, late 20th c...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Massive Multicolor Acrylic Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight created these rare, stunning chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. These extravagant dangling acrylic pieces feature a dimensional shape with ge...
14k Yellow Gold Bicolor Pendant Necklace with Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a bicolor gold pendant set with ruby, sapphire and old mine cut diamond. 0.50ct - H/I - SI - 45 cm long detailed description necklace is 45 cm long an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.83 ct Natural Vivid Green Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.83 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and 1.01 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds ha...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$539Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage inspired rose Quartz and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Rose Quartz Ring with Topazes. Rose Quartz and Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural rose quartz cabochon set within ...
Quartz, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat E I1 Marquise Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat E I1 Marquise Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring GIA report number: 6233945921 Diamond: 1.00 carat E I1 marquise natural diamond Metal: 14k yellow gol...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co Size 5.25 Sterling Silver and Gold Gatelink Flexible Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold Gatelink Flexible Hinged Ring Size 5.25. ( 1990’s) The ring is made up of silver elements hinged by 18 karat yellow go...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 14k gold 1.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 0.25ct – H/I - VS/SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long b...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Emerald & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Emerald "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.90 carats. The w...
Morganite, Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold 3-Stone Ring Diamond Natural Cabochon Emerald Ring 3.96 CT
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement of refined elegance and bold color with this stunning three-stone ring in rich 14K yellow gold. At its heart sits a mesmerizing 3.96-carat natural emerald cut in a s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 13.34 carats, Tanzanite & Rose Cut Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Chandelier Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites is 13.34 carats. The Tanzanit...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Cocktail ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 14k gold 6.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds, up to approx. 2.00ct - K/L - VS/SI - ring size US 6.0 - EU 16.5(52) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.8 cm wide and...
Diamond, 14k 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.