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.
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 excellent condition. Striking ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$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
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
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dog Chain Link Bracelet & Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. sterling silver bracelet. With slightly oval links and a heart-shaped pendant charm. The charm is not engraved. Great Tiffany design! Date: 20th Century ...
Sterling Silver
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
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
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
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
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver & Rose Quartz Sugar Stacks Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & rose quartz cocktail ring. Designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a prong-set rose quartz sugarloaf cabochon to the ...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
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
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
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
14K Yellow Gold Natural Turquoise Stud Earrings 6.90 Carat Diamond 0.15 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Add a pop of vibrant, earthy elegance to any look with these stunning 14K yellow gold turquoise stud earrings. Each earring features a beautifully polished oval natural turquoise gem...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$900Sale Price|40% Off
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
$98Sale 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
$662Sale 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
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
Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Natural Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage sapphire and diamond pendant. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. Center-set with a approx. 0.61 ct. pear cut natural yellow sapphire that is surrounded b...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co 18K Gold Double Spiral or 'S' Scroll Earrings w Pearl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Tiffany & Co. gold & pearl earrings. In 18K gold. In the double spiral or "S" scroll shape with pearl drops. Marked to both the reverse and the ear ...
Pearl, 18k Gold
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 E...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.16ct 18k gold 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.16ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: The top of the ring is 9.6 mm w...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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
18K Gold, Australian Doublet Opal, Turquoise, Blue Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Australian Doublet Opal, Turquoise, Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Modern Bracelet. The weight of the Australian Doublet Opal is 14.33 car...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White 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
$539Sale 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
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
$662Sale 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
Bracelet with ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold tennis bracelet set with round faceted ruby, sapphire, and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.80ct – F/G – VS/SI – 18.5 cm long Detailed description Length of the bra...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k 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
$623Sale Price|30% 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
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
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, 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...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Openwork Criss-Cross or Woven Knot Cuff Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a braided or woven wire in a criss-cross pattern (sometimes referred to as a 'Love Knot' or a 'Celtic ...
Sterling Silver
Coin Necklace Silver Star Medallion Clover Cross Cuba Mens Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coin Necklace Silver Star Medallion Clover Cross Cuba Mens Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Silver coin necklace, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece by J Dauphin, centered on a "Patria ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
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
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Sevillana Stud Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage pair of silver earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the 'Sevilliana' pattern. Fully marked reverse of each. Secured with replacement earba...
Sterling Silver
$526Sale Price / item|44% Off
Floral Pear Amethyst Earrings Studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus Amethyst Drop Earrings. Natural Amethyst Lotus Flower Drop Earrings. Inspired by the graceful bloom of a lotus flower, these elegant earrings combine sculptural gold petals wi...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, 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 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. Th...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
$552Sale 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 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 co...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Diamond Sapphire 14K Gold / ØUS 7.25 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Diamond and Sapphire Ring in solid 14K (tested) White Gold with openwork bridge and shoulders decorated with floral patterns,modern styled. European, ca. early 20th. century with a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
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
$552Sale 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
$539Sale 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
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
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
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...
Tiffany & Co. Star Padlock Charm Pendant Sterling Silver with Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A charming vintage Tiffany & Co. pendant crafted in sterling silver, modeled as a miniature padlock with an openable shackle and a cut-out window framing a Tiffany Blue enamel star a...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Open Heart Band Ring
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver ring. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Designed by Elsa Peretti. From the 'Open Heart' series. Fully marked to the shank. Simply wonderful Tiffany ...
Sterling Silver
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
$407Sale 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
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
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
Tiffany & Co. Jazz Pear & Round Diamond Platinum Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A graceful drop pendant necklace from Tiffany & Co.'s Jazz collection, crafted in platinum and set with three bezel-set diamonds in a vertical arrangement: a smaller pear-shaped ...
Diamond, Platinum
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.