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.
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
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
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
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
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
$315Sale Price|30% Off
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
$2,660Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
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
Pink Shell Pendant with Diamond and Opal
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and opal gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order includes o...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
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
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
$273Sale Price|30% Off
Leather Cuff Bracelet Studded Spike Tan Buckle Wide Cuff Gold Silver Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather Cuff Bracelet Studded Spike Tan Buckle Wide Cuff Gold Silver Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Tan leather studded cuff by J Dauphin, a wide band set across the face with pointed...
Silver Plate, Brass
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
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
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
Large Paloma Picasso Tiffany Sterling Silver & Rock Crystal Sugar Stacks Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & rock crystal (or colorless quartz) cocktail ring. Designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a large sized, prong-set ro...
Quartz, Rock Crystal, 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
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 David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold, Amethyst, & Diamond Albion Cocktail Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed gold, amethyst, and diamond Albion cocktail ring. By David Yurman. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a central bezel-set square cushion cut amethyst surrounded by a halo...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Vinatge Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Five Open Hearts Sterling Silver Bracelet
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. 5 Open Hearts bracelet. In sterling silver. Designed by Elsa Peretti. With 5 openwork hearts connected by small chain links and with a spring action clas...
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
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
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
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 ...
Tsavorite, Garnet, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
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
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
$315Sale Price|30% Off
Silver Studded Cuff Bracelet Black Calfskin Leather Silver Mens
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver Studded Cuff Bracelet Black Calfskin Leather Silver Mens Designer: J DAUPHIN The Studded Cuff is handcrafted in Italy in black leather. A wide band is set across the face wi...
Silver, Brass
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
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...
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
$350Sale Price|30% Off
Skull Charm Bracelet Curb Chain Spikes Bottle Silver Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Charm Bracelet Silver Mens Curb Chain Spike Toggle Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Skull charm bracelet in silver plated brass on a chunky curb chain, a one of a kind vintage 200...
Brass, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Angela Caputi Tortoise and Black Resin Clip-on Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These sophisticated Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with black resin geometric links contrasted with an important carved, see-through rou...
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
Vintage David Yurman Sterling Silver & 14K Gold 5mm Wheat Chain Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 14 karat yellow gold accents to each terminal. In a wheat chain style in the 5mm size. With a lobster claw...
14k Gold, Sterling 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 E...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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, Copper
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
$259Sale Price|30% Off
Leather Cuff Bracelet Mesh Chain Gunmetal Zipper Buckle Wide Cuff Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather Cuff Bracelet Mesh Chain Gunmetal Zipper Buckle Wide Cuff Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Black leather mesh cuff by J Dauphin, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece, a wide Itali...
Brass, Silver Plate
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Gold Wedding Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Tiffany & Co. band ring. In 18k gold. Marked to the shank: 18k and Tiffany & Co. A perfectly simple and refined ring from the world's leading retailer! Measur...
Gold, 18k Gold
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 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
$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
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
Set in 18K Gold, Tanzanite Cabochon, Rock Crystal & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Rock Crystal Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 17.62 carats. The Tanzani...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,625Sale Price|44% Off
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, 18k Gold, White Gold
$540Sale 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
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
Christian Lacroix Gilt Metal Lace Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris pendant necklace features a stylized knitting lace design in gilded metal, textured throughout and topped with the iconic "CL" logo. The long gi...
Gilt Metal
$343Sale Price|30% Off
Black Leather Bracelet Wrap Cuff Zipper Mens Buckle Italy J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Leather Bracelet Wrap Cuff Zipper Mens Buckle Italy J Dauphin Designer J DAUPHIN The Zipper Triple Wrap Bracelet is a statement piece handcrafted in smooth black calfskin le...
Silver Plate, Brass, 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
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k gold 5.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a sapphire and a brilliant-cut diamond 0.32 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 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
18K Gold 0.86ct Blue Sapphire & 0.07ct Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A beautifully balanced three‑stone ring crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, centered with a 0.86ct oval mixed‑cut sapphire displaying a deep greenish‑blue hue—a color profile strongly ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
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
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Elsa Peretti Open Heart Stud Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed earrings. In 18 karat yellow gold. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. From the Open Heart series. Fully marked to the reverse. (With replacement 14k ea...
18k Gold
$527Sale 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
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.