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.
Pink Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Green Tsavorite
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and green tsavorite garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. ...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k 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
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
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Paris Gilt Metal Foliage Cuff c 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche gilt metal foliage cuff bracelet c 1980 The wide heavy cuff is designed with a trio of gilt metal leaves The leaves are sheathed in luminous gilt plat...
Gilt Metal
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 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
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
Sacred Heart Cuff Bracelet Jesus Antique 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
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
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
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
Sterling Silver 15.10ct Black Star Sapphire Men's Ring, Size 10.75
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A powerful, architectural men’s ring showcasing a 15.10‑carat black star sapphire, bezel‑set in solid sterling silver. The sapphire displays an irregular but clearly visible star, gi...
Star Sapphire, Black Star, Sterling Silver
$900Sale Price|40% Off
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Mesh Studs Vintage
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, 18k Gold, Silver Plate
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
Angela Caputi Pearlized White and Black Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Handcrafted in Italy, this beautiful Angela Caputi resin necklace features a pearlized white tone with black contrast. The rare choker features chunky, domed pebbles in a pearl-imita...
Cartier Must de Cartier 21 Quartz Watch, Stainless Steel & Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Must 21 W10050F4 Watch SSYG Silver/Gold Quartz Ladies Ivory Dial A Refined Synthesis of Elegance and PrecisionAdd a touch of classic luxury to your wrist with this Must de C...
Quartz, Gold, Silver, Stainless Steel, Steel
14KT Rose Gold Diamond Interlocking Double Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Celebrate a special bond with this elegant Interlocking Double Heart Necklace. Crafted in polished pink gold, the pendant features two nested hearts: one with a smooth, mirror-finish...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose 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
18K White Gold 1.65ct Oval Bright Pink Sapphire & 0.56ct Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A commanding, couture‑level wide band ring showcasing a vivid 1.65ct oval bright pink sapphire framed by 0.56ct of round and baguette diamonds. Diamonds set not only across the top o...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bold Carnelian Bead Necklace with 22K Gold Plated Accents, 1980s Style, 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, Gold Plate, 22k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 18k gold 8.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond 1.80ct. - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.75 - EU. 15.5 (49) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.3 cm wide ring size ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14KT White Gold Baguette and Round Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The necklace features a central heart-shaped motif that uses a "ballerina" or sunburst setting. A central cluster of round diamonds is surrounded by a halo of baguette-cut diamonds r...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
$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
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
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 3.79 carats. The Emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Studded Cuff Bracelet Pyramid Leather Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Studded Cuff Bracelet Pyramid Leather Silver Wide Statement Designer: J DAUPHIN The Studded Cuff is handcrafted in Italy in black leather. A wide band is set across the face with f...
Silver, Brass
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
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
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...
$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
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
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 Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire Briolette & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphires stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 7.16 carats. The weigh...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 7.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold band ring with a harp pattern set with a central sapphire 1.00 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed descriptio...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$5,365Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Elegant Pavé Diamond 6.98 Cts Bangle Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated bangle bracelet features a stunning, continuous array of brilliant round-cut diamonds set in a shimmering pavé arrangement. Crafted in warm 14K white gold, the sle...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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
Silvorra Art Deco Style Bezel Set Cubic Zircon Faceted Tennis Bracelet in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This understated cubic zirconia tennis bracelet showcases a continuous line of mixed cut gemstone in sleek bezel settings, creating a refined geometric silhouette with exceptional br...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold Coral Cocktail Ring, Mediterranean Origin, Size 6.5
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with coral - ring size U.S. 6.5 EU. 17 (53) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide and 1.0 cm high. total weight 19.3 grams ring size U...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 8.21 carats, Morganite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 8.21 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.1...
Morganite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Philippe Ferrandis 24k Gold Cuff Bracelet with Pearls and Crystals
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A vibrant tribute to the designer’s roots, delving into the colorful landscapes of his ancestors, with flowers and bright plant forms of the island of his childhood. Composition Met...
Pearl, 24k Gold, Copper
Earrings with aquamarine and single cut diamonds up to 0.36ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold earrings set with aquamarine and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.36ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by 1.0 cm wide ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Mexican Fire Opal, Orange Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Mexican Fire Opal & Orange Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Matte Gold & natural...
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. 4 Tier Draped Pearl Choker with 18k Plated Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Bridal Choker by Marina J. Jewelry. This piece is inspired by old world royal Victorian jewelry. A Stunning Pearl woven choker accented by Faceted 18k Yellow Gold Plated sil...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald, Rubellite & Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A. very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald & Rubellite Toi et Moi Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 1.89 carats. The Emerald is completely natu...
Rubelite, Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.45ct 18k white gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a 0.45ct brilliant-cut diamond - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 4.3 mm wide. Ring size US 6.5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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 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 ...
Earrings with coral and brillaint cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold 9.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold stud earrings with coral and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.20ct – F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The dimensions of the stud earring are 1.8 cm wide and 3.1 cm hi...
Diamond, Coral, 14k 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
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
Cocktail Ring with green amethyst 18k gold 8.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring with a square top, faceted green amethyst - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5(55) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 1.0 cm high Ring ...
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Giant Aquamarine 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary aquamarine ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a giant hand-cut aquamarine that shimmers with breathtaking bri...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Tsavorite Garnets & Yellow Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tsavorite Garnets Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tsavorites is 2.49 carats. The weight of ...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
1990s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Black Resin T-Bar Cufflinks
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of vintage T-bar cufflinks designed by YSL in 1990’s. The piece is gold plated. It features polished black resin barrels. Signed: “YSL” Length: 2.5cm Barrel: 1.7cm I...
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
Rainbow Moonstone 18K Yellow Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary shimmering Rainbow Moonstone ring set in rich 18-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a blue flash hand-cut Rainbow Moonstone accom...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Earrings with pearl, baguette and brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with baroque pearl, baguette shape and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.75ct – K/L, F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 6....
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 6.11 carats, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Chandelier/ Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 6.11 carats. The ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Hand Hammered Gold Plated Hinged Cuff Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage 1970's hand hammered cuff bracelet is hinged on the back. The scalloped front adds interest. It is a simple bracelet with a great look for the money. Great for traveling...
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.