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.
Leto Lama Emeralds and Diamonds All Around Ring Band 18 Ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
18ct gold band set all around with a combination of Colombian and Zambian emeralds and diamonds. Stones include mixed cuts — heart, square, pear shape and rounds — individually set ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Missoni Multi-Strand Multicolor Metal, Lucite and Leather Cuff Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Missoni bangle bracelet, designed by the renowned fashion house. A rare and striking piece, it showcases a cuff shape with a multi-layer design that seamlessly...
$1,132Sale Price|20% Off
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
Dramatic Crystal Encrusted Articulated Alligator Choker Necklace 21st c
Located in University City, MO
Dramatic bold crystal encrusted articulated alligator choker necklace 21st c The unique statement necklace is embellished with rows glittering pink & green brilliant crystals ...
Gilt Metal
Angela Caputi Black and Pearlized Multicolor Resin Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed this gorgeous, made-in-Italy acrylic resin or lucite choker necklace. The around-the-neck shape features a thick black resin chain, contrasted with extra-thick...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
18K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Sleeping Beauty Earrings
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious 18K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Sleeping Beauty Earrings. Light, slyly jumping, elegant, and a small diamond shining towards t...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
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
Ring with baguette and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.40ct 14k gold 6.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with baguette and brilliant-cut diamond total 2.40ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 – EU. 16.5(52) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide an...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Stratton Mother-of-Pearl Compact, Brass, Scalloped Edge, 1960s
By Stratton
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage Stratton mother-of-pearl compact. We are so excited to find this great condition English compact with 60 years of life! It is small with a scalloped edge and the to...
Brass
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Necklace Suite, Diamond Pendant & Earrings, 18K Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A complete Mikimoto suite with versatility and recognisable design. A refined Mikimoto cultured Akoya pearl necklace suite, comprising a graduated strand of high-quality pearls, a d...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Cultured Pearl Opera Necklace 8.5–8.9mm Diamond and Gold Clasp Enhancer
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial and versatile Akoya cultured pearl opera necklace, composed of 82 well-matched pearls measuring approximately 8.5–8.9mm, offering a refined balance of scale, symmetry, ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
$960 / item
Art Nouveau Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Topaz Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Topaz Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings. Weight: 5 g...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
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
Ring with sapphire, taper and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and taper and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - 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
Dragon Gold Tone Statement Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Enter the dragon! You will turn heads and garner compliments with this striking dragon necklace in an antiqued gold tone metal. The intricate dragon has an Asian influence with detai...
Gilt Metal
Large Double-Sided Carved Lapis Lazuli Pendant, Figural Bird Motif, Gold Bail
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial carved lapis lazuli pendant of notable scale, worked in relief on both sides with a continuous composition of birds among stylised foliage. Probably China, late 20th c...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k 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
Earrings with marquise shaped diamond up to 1.00ct 18k gold 2.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire stud earrings set with marquise-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earring is 9.6 mm by 4.0 mm wide Weight 2....
Diamond, 18k 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
$960 / item
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazs. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Me...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 3.4 mm high...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 17.97 carats, Ceylon Pink Sapphires modern Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphire Stud Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 17.97 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.19ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.19ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-shape...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
LANVIN Paris Mod Sleek Interchangeable Resin Pendant Choker Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek mod 1970s interchangeable resin pendant choker necklace in Lanvin presentation box The three large rectangular resin pendants range from jade green, smoky carnelian & glossy jet black The resin pendants are mounted into a gilt metal frame suspended from a slinky gold plated snake chain The bold Lanvin interchangeable...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Tiffany & Co Size 5.25 Sterling Silver and Gold Gatelink Flexible Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold Gatelink Flexible Hinged Ring Size 5.25. ( 1990’s) The ring is made up of silver elements hinged by 18 karat yellow gold p...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 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
Leto Lama Marquise Pastel Abstract Cocktail Ring Sapphires, Paraibas 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
Cluster of Joy — Marquise Cocktail Ring A celebration of colour, spontaneity, and the beauty of the hand, this one-of-a-kind marquise cocktail ring is sculpted directly in 18ct y...
Sapphire, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Resin Choker Necklace Turquoise and Black Multi-Strand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin choker necklace features a multi-strand seed-bead design with a dominant turquoise-blue color contrasted with black tones. The neckl...
Leto Lama One Of A Kind E/F Diamond Ring Band Chubby Bubbles 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
A timeless modern bubbles band that will easily blend to your rings stack collection. A classic piece that wont get old. Handcrafted and completely unique. A constellation of light...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
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 ...
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
Ring with princess cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 14.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring with princess cut diamond total 2.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 5.0 mm hig...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$626Sale Price / item|40% Off
Art Deco Style Pearl and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle pearl earrings. Cocktail earrings with pearls, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Pearl and Topaz A striking pair of pearls and ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$2,720Sale Price|26% Off
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
$2,300Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Black Onyx Door Knocker Diamond Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably on-trend, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings make a striking statement. Designed with large oval turquoise and black onyx links, the inter...
Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Gold Plated Vintage 2008 Made in Paris
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 World on Fire Brutalist Sculptural Gold Plated Cuff Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The “World on Fire” Sculptural Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind architectural state...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
18k Bicolour Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.40ct Sapphire & 2.20ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with sapphire 1.40 ct and taper, carre and brilliant cut diamond up to 2.20 ct -F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) detailed description: the top...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 5.48 carats, Zambian Emeralds & Diamonds Cocktail Cluster Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Cluster Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 5.48 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Philippe Ferrandis Baléares Aqua Clip Earrings, Crystal & Gold, France
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Baléares:Like an aquatic wave, simple and translucent. Crystal stones in marine and floral hues evoke Formentera and the cliffs of Mont Vedra… Composition Crystal stones set on champ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Rossella Ugolini Anchor Chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini anchor-inspired chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy. Bold Chaine d'Ancre Marine Silver Sterling Necklace, cm 45 in length. 18 inches, available differ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Earrings with sapphire 4.00ct and brilliant cut diamond sup to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphire up to 4.00ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage emerald bead necklace, 18k yellow gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning and sumptuous vintage emerald bead necklace. The emerald beads are a round flattened doughnut shape, strung together tightly to create a Vine of rich, lush green. Beauti...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,048Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold 3-Stone Ring Diamond Natural Cabochon Emerald Ring 3.96 CT
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement of refined elegance and bold color with this stunning three-stone ring in rich 14K yellow gold. At its heart sits a mesmerizing 3.96-carat natural emerald cut in a s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Bicolor Gold Cocktail Ring with 2.40ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.40 ct - H/I - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide by 1.0 ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$576Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired green onyx and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style green onyx earrings silver, gold. Dangle green onyx earrings. Cocktail earrings with green onyx, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with green onyx and Topaz. Elegant vi...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$939Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Bicolor Pendant Necklace with Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a bicolor gold pendant set with ruby, sapphire and old mine cut diamond. 0.50ct - H/I - SI - 45 cm long detailed description necklace is 45 cm long an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Woven Seed Pearl Choker with Adjustable Rhodium Plated Silver Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Pearl Choker by Marina J. This piece is made with luxury Cultured Seed Pearls all intricately woven together into a stunning lace like design. The Pearls display a white and...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
$528Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Garnets and Topaz A striking pair of garnet...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$528Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style amethyst, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold. Amethyst, topazes earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethyst. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Ceylon Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very stunning and gorgeous, modern style, Emerald & Pink Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 10.82 carats. The Emerald is comp...
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Evil Eye Ring with Diamonds 18 Ct Gold Handmade
Located in London, GB
A modern talisman handcrafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, centred by a vivid natural Colombian emerald and framed within Leto Lama’s sculptural eye motif. Hand-engraved sunburst lines...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Onyx Diamond Clip-On Door Knocker Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably chic, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings showcase a striking interplay of color and form. Suspended from diamond-accented hoops totaling 0...
Diamond, Turquoise, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georg Jensen Bittersweet or Pinje Sterling Silver Bracelet no. 94B
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Danish Modern bracelet. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Designed by Gundorph Albertus ca. 1940. In the "Pinje" or Bittersweet pattern. Model no. 94B. Secured...
Sterling Silver
Ring with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.50ct 18k gold 18.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with emerald and brilliant-cut diamond total 3.50ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75(56) detailed description: The top of the ring is in a mar...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$528Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethysts and Topaz A striking pair ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Ring with quartz and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.42ct 14k gold 3.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with a central quartz and brilliant-cut diamond totaling 0.42ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 – EU. 17.25(54) detailed description: The top of the ring i...
Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold
18k bicolor gold clasp with pink opal beads necklace - 62.9 grams 65 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold clasp with pink opal beads necklace - 65 cm Detailed description The necklace is 65 cm long, with opal coral beads ranging from 5.4 mm to 1.4 cm. The clasp measur...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Aquamarine, Ethiopian Opal and Blue Sapphires Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine, Opal & Blue Sapphires Two Finger Cocktail Ring set in 18K white Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 1.40...
Aquamarine, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$528Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with Amethystes cabochon. Contemporary Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Earrin...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$528Sale Price / item|44% Off
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with Garnets cabochon. Contemporary Garnet and Colorless Topaz Earrings in Sil...
Garnet, Topaz, 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.