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.
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
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
$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
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
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
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
$636Sale Price|20% Off
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
$427Sale Price|20% Off
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
Francoise Montague Paris Clip Earrings Dangle Black and Pale Gold Petals Resin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning clip-on earrings for French designer Francoise Montague Paris. They feature a massive dangle shape in black and pale gold resin with a waved-petal...
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 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
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
Estate Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 18K Yellow Gold Spider Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous estate Tiffany & Co. 18K yellow gold and sterling silver Spider cuff bracelet 2001 Large scale beautiful Tiffany Spider statement cuff in ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
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
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
$484Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
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...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
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
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
Limoges Black Gray Enamel and Pate de Verre Link Choker Necklace
By Limoges 2
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful enamel and pate de verre link choker necklace was produced in Limoges, France, in the 1950s. The enameled round domed copper elements are hinged with a gilded brass ch...
Brass, Copper, Enamel
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 950 Platinum & Diamond Screwback Stud Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of fine signed vintage platinum and diamond stud earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In .950 platinum. Each with a prong-set round cut diamond. With screwback closures. Marked to ...
Diamond, Platinum
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
Francoise Montague Resin Clip Earrings Dangle Fuchsia Pink Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
These clip-on earrings by Cilea Paris for designer Francoise Montague are stunning. The pieces feature a dimensional hand-made dangle-drop shape in fuchsia pink-colored resin shaped ...
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
$445Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Set in 18K Gold, 2.86 carats, natural Zambian Emerald & 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 and natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 2.86 carats. The Emerald is completely n...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Crystal Zirconia Tiara Crown Marquise Design Statement Headband
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Luxurious Semicircular Radiant Shimmering Crystal Tiara Crown Head Ornament. Intricately Hand-crafted and Hand set with an array of Sparkling Crystal Zirconia. Wow!...
Crystal
Men’s Art Deco Style Baguette Amethyst Silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Architectural Amethyst Men’s Ring. Art Deco Amethyst Men’s Wedding Band. Men’s Baguette and Princess-Cut Amethyst Ring. A bold men’s ring crafted from silver and finished with gold ...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, 7.60 carats, Aquamarine & Diamond modern Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 7.60 carats. The Diamonds weight is ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$390Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold 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
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Antique Silver Mesh Studs
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, Silver Plate
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
Vintage 14K Gold & 'Crown of Silver' Psilomelain Gemstone Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine benchmade signet style ring. In 14 karat yellow gold. With a large rectangular psilomelane (crown of silver) bezel-set cabochon to the head supported with a double or split ...
14k 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
Sacred Heart Cuff Bracelet Jesus 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
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Massive Cream-White Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in creamy butter color with white swirling and a black contrast. Her color...
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek Trio of Interchangeable Resin Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek trio of interchangeable resin pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic set is designed with three interchangeable large scale resin pendants The large resin pendants r...
Gilt Metal
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
$1,702Sale 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
$728Sale Price|20% Off
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
Virgin Mary Necklace Miraculous Medal Palladium Pink Enamel Vintage Crystal
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Miraculous Medal Palladium Pink Enamel Vintage Crystal Designer: J DAUPHIN The Virgin Mary Necklace is a J Dauphin piece from 2008, a marquise medal handcrafte...
Crystal, Brass, Enamel, Palladium
$2,100Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 1.20ct Oval Vivid Green Tsavorite & 0.23ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Elegant 18k white gold tsavorite and diamond ring featuring a 1.20ct vivid green oval tsavorite in a refined four‑prong setting. The gem shows bright, lively color with natural fine ...
Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$712Sale Price|20% 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
$516Sale Price / item|44% Off
Mismatched Opal Moon Face Stud Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mismatched Celestial Moon and Star Opal Earrings. Vintage/Old Style opal earrings. Ethiopian opal earrings. October Birthstone jewelry. Sculpted Moon Face Celestial Stud Earrings. M...
Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Natural Burmese Jadeite & Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee transforms the nostalgic ring‑toss game into jewel‑born mythology with the Treasured Ringtoss Earrings, elevating playful motion into ceremonial elegance and divine symboli...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Enamel
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Custom Diamond-Set Watch, Stainless Steel, 1990
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This authentic Rolex x Loree Rodkin custom watch is a rare jewellery-led timepiece combining classic Rolex watchmaking with Loree Rodkin’s distinctive gothic luxury aesthetic. Design...
White Diamond, Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet 5 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a timeless symbol of elegance and versatility. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this bracelet features five white mother-of-pearl clovers,...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
17.06-carat Tourmaline & Onyx & Ruby & Diamond Ring, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee reimagines the untamed power of the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake in the Redhot Diamondback Ring, a breathtaking creation from The Ikhor Collection. At its core lies a c...
Tourmaline, Ruby, Onyx, Diamond, Enamel, Rhodium, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Moonstone & Diamond Earrings, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Rainbow Reflection Earrings shimmer with the luminous mystique of rainbow moonstone, a gem long revered across civilizations and adored by artists for centuries. Romans b...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
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
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.