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
Fluted Sleeping Beauty Necklace in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious but perfect for everyday wear! Amazing Sleeping Beauty Turquoise always catches the eye! Necklace total length 18 inches. Simple and elegant, see the pictures and video f...
Turquoise, 14k 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
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
GIA Certified 3.23ct F1 Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Talk about a statement ring! A impressive 3.23 carat emerald-cut emerald from Colombia with the barest minimum of treatment (oil only) is the star of this gorgeous and luxurious 18k...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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...
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
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
Ring with sapphire up to 7.00ct and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a central sapphire of 7.00ct surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.30ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) detailed description: The t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 1.66 carats Yellow Sapphire & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Yellow Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Yellow Sapphire is 1.66 carats. The Yellow Sa...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k pink gold 6.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.60 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 8.0 mm wide a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
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
$965 / item
Two-Sided Medusa Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Medusa Coin Necklace with Emerald Green Stone. Medusa Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Medusa Shield Amulet Necklace with Sword Motif. A striking two-sided Medusa protection amulet...
Emerald, Gold, Silver
18k white gold tennis bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 5.30ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold tennis bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 5.30ct – F/G – VS/SI – 18.5 cm long Detailed description Length of the bracelet is 18.5 cm long by 3.5 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
$965 / 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
Green Shell Pendant with Diamond 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
Set in 18K Gold, 10.70 carats, hand-carved Tourmaline & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmaline is 10.70 carats. The Tourmaline is hand -...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Vintage Signed David Yurman Sterling Silver Wide Cable Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed wide cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. In a 'braided' variant of the Cable pattern. With a hinged side. Marked to the cuff. Together wit...
Sterling Silver
$965 / item
Aphrodite Goddess Coin Pendant Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Greek Goddess Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Aphrodite Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. A beautiful two-sided Aphrodite goddess coin pendant crafted in st...
Gold, Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, 22.46 carat Aquamarine, Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Emerald "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 22.46 carats. Th...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White 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
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
Platinum Pink Sapphire & Diamond Modern Gemstone Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Delicate, feminine, and effortlessly sophisticated, this Platinum Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring showcases the growing trend of colored gemstone engagement rings. Crafted in luxuriou...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
$825Sale Price|25% 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
Cartier Vintage Cylindrical Fluted Sterling Silver Accessory Stand #SV925
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elevate a vanity, desk, dressing room, or luxury jewelry display with this authentic vintage Cartier Cylindrical Fluted Sterling Silver Accessory Stand, crafted in solid SV925 sterli...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Flower design Amethyst Earrings Studs with Colorless Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Floral Amethyst Earrings in Gold with Enamel Flowers and Sparkling Stones. Floral Amethyst Cocktail Earrings Silver, gold. Elegant Floral Amethyst Earrings. These earrings feature a...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
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
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
Oscuro Shark Tooth 14k Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Oscuro Shark Tooth Pendant is made of genuine shark tooth fossil with solid 14k gold and natural diamonds. Inspired by the concept of surrealism we combined a seemingly ordinary obje...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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
Cilea Dangle Pierced Earrings Deep Purple Resin Poppy Flowers
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling pierced earrings. The floral-inspired, artisanal resin earrings feature poppy flowers, leaves, and textured patterns intric...
GIA Certified 18.66 Carat Natural Unheated Star Sapphire Ring Center Stone
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional GIA-certified natural star sapphire commands attention with its impressive 18.66-carat weight and captivating celestial phenomenon. Cut as an elegant oval double caboc...
Star Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
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
Set in 18K White Gold, natural Zambian Emerald & Diamonds Bridal Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Bridal Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 1.34 carats. The Emeralds are ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White 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
Ring with pearls and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.46ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour ring set with pearl and old mine cut diamond total 0.46ct - H/I - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.8 cm wide by ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 2.39 carat Rubellite & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold and natural Diamonds. The weight of the pear shaped Rubellite is 2.39 carats. T...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White 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
Set in 18K white Gold, Zambian Emerald, Pink Sapphire & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.65 carats. The Emerald i...
Diamond, Emerald, Pink 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
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage Paris 2000's
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spike Cuff Bracelet Blue Enamel Vintage 2008 Double Chain Made in Paris Gunmetal Plated Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is constructed from gunmetal-plated brass and...
Silver Plate, Brass, Enamel
Earrings with ruby up to 3.10ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.58ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with ruby up to 3.10ct and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.58ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.0 cm long by 1.0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Sapphire Cabochon and Diamond Statement Cocktail Ring, 13 Carats, 18K
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Designed as an impressive pear-shaped cluster, this dramatic cocktail ring is set with thirty natural blue sapphire cabochons weighing approximately 13 carats in total. The sapphires...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 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...
Modern 14K Gold Filled and 18mm Aquamarine Spheres Necklace, 16.5 Inches
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a smart modern style 14K gold filled necklace with aquamarine. We created it with 18-19mm semi-translucent smooth aquamarine spheres and 6mm 14K gold filled beads. It is comp...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
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
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
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
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
Giant Pink Rose Quartz Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary pink rose quartz ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a 12-carat hand-cut pink rose quartz that has a beautiful...
Quartz, Yellow Gold, 14k 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
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 ...
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald and Diamond Halo Signet Style Statement Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This bold emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring a richly hued oval cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm at the center. Accented by sparkling w...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$965 / item
Two-Sided Diana Moon Goddess Coin Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Diana Coin Pendant. Greek Goddess Diana Coin Pendant. Diana Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Diana Moon Goddess Pendant in Silver with Gold Plating. A beautiful two-sided ...
Gold, 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
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Abstract Round Emerald May Birthstone Bubble Cluster Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous emerald cluster ring features 0.9 carats of round cut emeralds set in 925 sterling silver. The mixed size gemstones are carefully arranged in an organic clustered desig...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Emerald Snake Earrings Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Small Studs Serpent Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pair of vintage emerald snake earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1990s). Pear cut emeralds measure approx. 4mm x 3.5mm. With a textured gold design the snak...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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.