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.
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
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
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
Coiled Serpent Snake Ring in 18K Gold with Pavé Diamonds and Ruby Eyes, 1.12ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
A three-coil serpent winds fully around the finger, its gold body rendered in a raised, hand-textured scale pattern that flows seamlessly into a pavé diamond head. Round rubies form ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bold Carnelian Bead Necklace with 22K Gold Plated Accents, 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, 22k Gold, Gold Plate
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
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
$666Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
$99Sale Price|20% Off
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
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Gold & Citrine Dot Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed gold and citrine Dot pendant necklace By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a bezel-set citrine cabochon. Set with an integral bail and ...
Citrine, 18k Gold
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
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
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
Ring with emerald up to 1.65ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a central emerald up to 1.65ct and brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8 – EU 18.25(57) detailed description: The top of ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Certified 18K 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...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
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
Tiffany & Co. Etoile 5 Diamond Heart Pendant Black Silk Cord Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A Tiffany & Co. Etoile heart pendant necklace in sterling silver, the puffed heart flush-set with five round diamonds and stamped ©T&Co. 925 on the reverse. It hangs from the origina...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
$543Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
Set in 18K Gold, Nigerian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.07 carats. The Emerald i...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with single cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring with single cut diamond total 0.50ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 5.3 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 4.05 carats, Zambian Emerald & Rose Cut 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 4.05 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 18.83 carats, Tourmaline Cabochon & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline Cabochon Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmaline Cabochon is 18.83 carats. The co...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
$666Sale Price|20% Off
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
14K Yellow Gold Pear-Shaped Emerald and Diamond Lever Back Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Everyday Luxury Infuse your daily look with vibrant elegance with these 14K Yellow Gold Lever Back Earrings, showcasing a graceful pairing of pear-shaped emeralds and sparkl...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,431Sale 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
Jorge Adeler 18K Yellow Gold Raw Kunzite & Diamond Ring Organic Gemstone
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Discover sophisticated color and artistic craftsmanship with the 18K Yellow Gold Kunzite and Diamond Ring by renowned designer Jorge Adeler. Crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, thi...
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Margot de Taxco Enamel & Sterling Silver Figural Snake Choker or Collar Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Mexican sterling silver & enamel necklace. In the form of a green-scaled snake or serpent. By Margot de Taxco (Margot van Voorhies Carr). Pattern no. 5554. These coll...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 18" Beaded Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver beaded necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a lobster clasp closure. With a jump ring for a charm. Marked to the tag and the clasp. Toge...
Sterling Silver
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, Pink Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and gorgeous, modern style, Pink Sapphire Stud Earring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamond. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 2.34 carats. The combined Diamonds...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$543Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
$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
Set in 18K white Gold, Mozambique Ruby, Zambian Emerald & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby & Emerald Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 4.64 carats. The Rubies are completely...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
$5,431Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow 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 yellow gold, the sl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Graduated 16" Beaded Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver beaded necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Comprising 54 graduated silver beads strung on a chain necklace. Together with its original...
Sterling Silver
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 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
$556Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
$410Sale Price|20% Off
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
Cartier Tank Louis Mecanique Small 18 Karat Rose Gold Watch Green Leather Strap
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Tank Louis Mecanique Small 18 Karat Rose Gold Watch Green Leather Strap 3814 Metal: 18 karat rose gold Model: 3814 Serial: 10774*** Strap: Green leather, slight wear, 18K go...
18k Gold, Rose 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
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
Colleen Lopez Rose de France Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
This colorful piece is the Colleen Lopez "Rose de France" Colors of Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bangle. The handcrafted design features: Centerpieces: Two bypass-style squa...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$556Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
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
Set in 18K Gold, 4.23 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 & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 4.23 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 19.98 carat Pink Sapphire Rose Cut & Diamond Chandelier Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphire Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphire is 19.98 carats. The Pink Sap...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
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
Renato Cipullo 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Jaguar Pendant Necklace Handcrafted
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Make a bold statement with the 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Jaguar Pendant Necklace by Renato Cipullo, an internationally acclaimed designer renowned for blending Italian craftsmanship wi...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k 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.