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.
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
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
Leto Lama Abstract Art 18Ct Cocktail Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Introducing our stunning One-of-a-Kind Geometric Sapphire Ring, a joyful, happy piece, a true work of art! This exquisite piece showcases 18 ct recycled gold adorned with a dazzling ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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
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
Angela Caputi Multi-Strand Faux-Gray-Marble Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin choker-beaded necklace features an oversized multi-strand design with assorted faceted beads in black and white, with a faux-marble ...
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...
Ring with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 18k gold 3.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold entourage ring set with emerald and a brilliant-cut diamond of up to 0.26 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed description: The top of the ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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
Set in 18K white Gold, Aquamarines, Emeralds & Yellow Diamonds Link Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarines & Emeralds Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarines is 142.71 carats. The wei...
Aquamarine, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold GIA Certified Natural Star Sapphire & Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the beauty of one of nature's most fascinating optical gemstones with this elegant 14K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring, featuring a GIA Certified 5.32 Carat Natural Blue Star ...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Modern 14 Karat Gold 32.00 Carat Cabochon Sapphire 1.35 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning modern design bracelet crafted in 14K gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 71 sapphires, round cabochon cut, TW 32.00ct, B 6/4, VS-SI - 24 diamonds, round bri...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Red Cinnabar Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in red cinnabar color with white swirling and a black contrast. Her color ...
Set in 18K white Gold, Paraiba, Pink Sapphire & Diamond Toi et Moi Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba Tourmaline & Pink Sapphire Toi et Moi Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Paraiba, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire & Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphire is 1.06 carats. T...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 26.87 carat Kunzite, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunznite & Pink Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 26.87 carats. The weight of...
Diamond, Kunzite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ring with sapphire, ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.46ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with sapphire total 1.60ct, ruby total 0.60ct and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.46ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU 17.25 (54) detailed description:...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
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
Earrings with carnelian, sapphire and rock crystal 18k gold 22.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clip-on earrings set with carnelian, sapphire, and rock crystal – 22.8 grams Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 4.4 cm in length and 1.7 cm in ...
Carnelian, Crystal, Rock Crystal, Sapphire, 18k 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
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
Set in 18K white Gold, 2.28 carat, Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba Tourmaline Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba Tourmaline is 2.28 carats. The...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 3.39 carat Rubellite, Pink Opal & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite & Pink Opal Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubellite is 3.30 carats. The weight of ...
Diamond, Opal, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Slack Signed 14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Cat Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate whimsical luxury with this charming Slack signed 14K yellow gold Emerald and Diamond Cat Brooch, a beautifully crafted designer piece that blends playful artistry with time...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Francoise Montague Pale Yellow Roses Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning clip-on earrings for French jewelry designer Françoise Montague. The dimensional resin shape features rose flowers in an elegant, pale yellow colo...
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
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Ceylon Pink Sapphires & Rose Cut Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 7.17 carats. The Pink Sapphires...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage Paris 2000's
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage 2008 Parisian Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is engineered with a 54 mm interior diameter. Handcrafted in...
Brass, 18k Gold, Silver Plate
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
Set in 18K Gold & Rhodium, Pink Sapphires & Rose Cut Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold, Pink Rhodium & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 2.39 carats. ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rhodium
$668Sale Price|30% 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
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
14KT White Gold Sophisticated 3-Row Diamond 4.99 Cts Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant piece showcases three uniform rows of brilliant, round-cut diamonds prong-set in a classic 14K white gold setting. The multi-row layout amplifies the bracelet's overall ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$770Sale Price|30% 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
Set in 18K white Gold, Paraiba Tourmaline & Rose Cut Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba "Starburst" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba Tourmaline is 1.67 carats. The co...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 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
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
$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
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
$1,871Sale Price|25% Off
14KYl Gold Door Knocker Clip-On Earrings with Turquoise & Diamond 66.46ct
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a vibrant statement with these spectacular 14K yellow gold turquoise and diamond clip-on earrings, expertly designed to showcase the timeless beauty of natural turquoise in a bo...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 3.0 grams 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with a central brilliant cut diamond 0.50 ct G/H-VS and side stones brilliant cut diamonds 0.10 ct G/H-VS/SI- ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25(51) detailed descr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K white gold, 1.14 carat, Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba Tourmaline "Butterfly" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba Tourmaline is 1.14 car...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
$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
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
Donald Stannard Enamel & Crystal Rhinestone Earrings, 1980's
Located in Atlanta, GA
Donald Stannard served as an assistant to Kenneth Jay Lane in the 1960's until 1972 when he started his own line of stylish costume jewelry. His creations feature bold designs with ...
Crystal, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
5.50 Carat Amethyst and 3.08 ctw White Zircon Ring in Sterling Silver Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This brilliant, sold-out, hard to find ring makes a royal statement. A 10x15mm 5.50 carat cushion-cut purple amethyst is regally set within a collection of 3.08 ct. t.w. white zircon...
Amethyst, Zircon, Sterling Silver
Choker with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 20.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI – 42 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 42 cm long by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$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
12 mm White South Sea Pearl & 1.80 CTW Pavé Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Elevate your collection with this magnificent 12 mm South Sea pearl and diamond statement ring, an epitome of mid-century-inspired glamour and high-end craftsmanship. Centered with a...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Ruby Bead & 14K Yellow Gold Choker Necklace 16 Inch Gemstone Statement
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this elegant Natural Ruby Bead Choker Necklace, beautifully crafted with vibrant 4mm natural ruby beads accented by polished 4mm 14K yellow gold ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
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
Necklace with coral - 18k gold - 50.8 grams - 42 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with various coral pieces - 50.8 grams - 42 cm Detailed description The necklace is 42 cm long and 1.0 cm wide. The centerpiece measures 2.0 cm and 1.8 cm...
Coral, 18k Gold
Solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 1.91ct 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond total 1.91ct – K/L – SI/Pique1 - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 8.4 mm wide an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$517Sale 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
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
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
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
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.