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.
$512Sale Price / item|44% Off
Signet Ring with Amethyst for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Amethyst for Men silver, gold. Square Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Modern Gentleman Jewelry Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4....
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$651Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Oval Garnet & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A rich oval garnet takes centre stage in this 14K White gold cocktail ring, framed by a carefully balanced arrangement of round brilliant natural diamonds. The warm gold and ...
Diamond, Garnet, White Gold, 14k Gold
Ippolita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Classico Oval Hammered Bangled Bracelet 4MM
By Ippolita
Located in Baltimore, MD
Ippolita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Classico Oval Hammered Bangled Bracelet Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 6.43 grams Width: 4mm Inside circumference: 7.5 inches Inside diameter: 65mm STD ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$503Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring. Opal solitaire. Plain opal ring. Oval cabochon cut opal ring. Opal engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
$874Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear emerald and pearl 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald engagement ring. Pear emerald ring. Emerald vintage style ring. Wedding gold ring with emerald. Metal type: Gold Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 gr. depends from size. Ce...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
18K Pig - Vintage animal charm pendant - small and cute charm - good luck charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this vintage Pig charm pendant crafted in and tested for 18 karat yellow gold. This cute animal is light, trendy and can become your newest favourite charm pendant. Pe...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$466Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ring with citrine cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with citrine cabochon. Citrine statement ring. Cocktail citrine ring. October birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size. G...
Citrine, Gold, Sterling Silver
$566Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Opal saturn ring. Opal cosmic ring. Metal stamp: 1...
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Onyx Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 0.60ct
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
$559Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon: Crescent Moon Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Crescent Moon Ring Opal. Half moon opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Meta...
Opal, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Italian Brushed Satin Finish 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Necklace 17.25 Inches
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Italian Two-Tone Link Necklace crafted in solid 18K yellow gold with a contrasting 18K white gold heavy lobster clasp. Measuring 17.25 inches in length and approximately 5.5mm wi...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$818Sale Price / item|40% Off
Pear peridot east west ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear peridot east west ring. Peridot solitaire ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Main stone peridot Color: green to oliv...
Peridot, 14k Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Oval Cut Emerald Solitaire Floating Halo Ring in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This refined emerald ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring one oval cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm. With a total gemstone weight of 0.56 carats, the design ...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$496Sale Price|20% Off
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Sapphire Stone Oval Cut Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 6.9x5.9x4.4mm Treatment None Origin Sri Lankan Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval AG112 Discover the elegance of this 1.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Sapphi...
Blue Sapphire
$503Sale Price / item|70% Off
Peony flower ring with opal
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peony flower ring with opal. Silver flower ring with opal. Opal cabochon ring. Nature inspired jewelry. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3.5 gr depends from size G...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Vivid Green Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 925 Silver Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant features a natural emerald gemstone totaling 0.95 carats in a refined emerald cut, beautifully set to highlight the stone’s rich, vivid green color. Crafted in 9...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Onyx Magic Alhambra Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace, crafted in 18K rose gold and set with polished black onyx. The pendant features the Maison’s celebrated four-leaf clov...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Pear Cut Natural Emerald Toi et Moi Ring Fine Jewelry in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 0.86 carat emerald ring are crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Featuring two pear cut emeralds measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm, the ring showcase a graceful silhouette wit...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier Perruque 18k Yellow Gold Beaded Dome Ring with Paper Size 4.5 EU 48
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Perruque Era: 1999 Material: 18k yellow gold Measurements: Approximately 32mm across × 19mm high Ring Size: US 4.5 / EU 48 Weight: 36.9 grams Hallmarks: Stamped Cartier 750 M50711 48 Cartier 1999 Includes: Cartier paper and box This authentic vintage Cartier Perruque...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Studded Cuff Chain Bracelet Brutalist Industrial Gun Metal Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Studded Cuff Chain Bracelet Brutalist Industrial Gun Metal Vintage Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is constructed from gunmetal-plated brass and was manufactured in P...
Silver Plate, Brass, Enamel
GIA Certified 1.08 Carat Natural Oval Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 1.08 Carat Natural Oval Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 2231904943 Center diamond: 1.08 carat oval H SI1 natural diamond Accent diamonds: 2 oval...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$617Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and peridots
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal: 14k Gold (tested) Weight: 2.2 g depends fro...
Peridot, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Patek Philippe Complications Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Rose Gold Watch 5524R
Located in Baltimore, MD
Patek Philippe Geneve Complications Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Rose Gold Watch Box & Papers 5524R-001 Model: 5524R-001 Case: 42mm Movement: Automatic Complications: GMT/World Time, ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
$727Sale Price / item|40% Off
Starburst Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Starburst Stud Earrings. Rainbow opal earirngs. 14k gold earrings. Vintage/Old Style opal earrings. Ethiopian opal earrings. October Birthstone jewelry. 14k solid gold Size: 12 x 8 ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
PRICED WHOLESALE, 2.04 Cts Natural Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14K Yellow
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Beautiful quality tennis bracelet, round-brilliant cut white diamonds with excellent shine! 14 karat yellow gold classic four-prong style for maximum light brilliance. Length: 7 inc...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral beads Necklace and 18k gold lock with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.35ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
Coral necklace with gold intermediate links and bicolour gold lock set with brilliant cut diamonds 0.35 ct F/G VS/SI - 85 cm long detailed description: Total length is 85 cm. Cora...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Carved Ruby and Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Earrings, circa 1950
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Antique Carved Ruby and Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Earrings, circa 1950 A striking pair of antique pendant earrings, circa 1950, beautifully crafted in 18K white gold and centere...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$1,258Sale Price / item|50% Off
1.5 ct pear peridot 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear peridot 14k gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2.5 gr d...
Peridot, 14k Gold
$614Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Celestial Shimmer Drip Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Each station is meticulously set with shimmering pave diamonds, creating a "fringe" effect that captures light with every movement. Material : 14KT Yellow Gold Gold Weight : 2.1 Gr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$418Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Heart Solitaire Flush Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in high-polish 14K yellow gold, this necklace features a minimalist and modern heart solitaire pendant. The design showcases a singular, brilliant-cut diamond nestled securel...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Richard Kerr Multicolor Crystal Flower Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these lovely statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. These pieces feature a dimensional floral gilt metal fra...
$1,049Sale Price / item|23% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon. Starburst Opal Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Starburst Opal Ring. Vintage style opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with oval opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. ...
Topaz, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Cartier Baignoire 18k Yellow Gold Oval Link Necklace with Paper 17.5"
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Baignoire Material: 18k yellow gold Era: 1995 Origin: France Hallmarks: Stamped 1995 Cartier 750 F86464 Necklace Length: Approximately 17.5" Measurements: ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AAA White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace, 14K Gold Clasp, 18" Length
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a yellow gold clasp measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yellow gold clasp. ...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
London 1949 GIA Unheated Pink Sapphire Old Euro Diamond 18K Gold 3-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
London 1949 GIA Unheated Pink Sapphire & Old European Diamond 18K Gold Three-Stone Ring Pretty in pink—and nearly 80 years old. At the ...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Oval Link Chain Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Oval Link Chain Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 66.18 grams Retail: $19,500 USD Links: 14-15mm Length: 17 inches SNTD F35002334
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,968Sale Price|20% Off
Handcrafted Ruby Cabochon Double-Sided Cufflinks 14K Gold Bezel Set
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A striking fusion of craftsmanship and color, this pair of handcrafted ruby double-sided cufflinks showcases two 10mm round flat cabochon rubies paired with two 8mm cabochon rubies, ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Van Cleef & Arpels 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Textured Link Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as oval and bar shaped links alternating in pattern Featuring deeply grooved organic texture throughout Completed by concealed clasp closure Tested as 18 karat gold Numbered...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$646Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with oval opal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with oval opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 g depends f...
Topaz, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain
Located in valatie, NY
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain. This high-quality bracelet in 8" is a standard men’s or ladies wrist size. It is characterized by round, interlocking link...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Madagascar Sphene (Titanite) 5.84 Carat – Precision Cut Rainbow Fire
Located in Peshawar, PK
Bring extraordinary brilliance to your gemstone collection with this Natural Madagascar Sphene (Titanite) weighing 5.84 carats. Expertly precision cut into a striking rectangular fan...
Other
$512Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Amethyst Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Amethyst Ring. Emerald Cut Amethyst Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 pi...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Italian 18K Gold Split Front Tubogas Cuff Bracelet w/Diamond End caps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This late twentieth century Italian 18K yellow and white gold split front tubogas bracelet combines excellent design with quality construction. The white gold end caps are set with a...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$124Sale Price / set|20% Off
Palm Springs Fashionista Curated Vintage Earring Collection 1950s-2000 #6/100
By Escada
Located in Palm Desert, CA
We have collected vintage costume jewelry earrings since the 80’s. One by one we have curated a lovely collection of unbranded and designer earrings. Made from the 1950s to 2000. Each one unique and worthy of a modern Fashionista’s collection. We are starting with 100 pairs of earrings. Fairly priced. Bracelets and necklaces forthcoming. #6/100 Designer: Escada 1990s...
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dog Chain Bracelet and 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
Vintage 14K Gold Puffy Heart Florentine Finish Stud Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
These sweet little puffy heart earrings have a nice dimensionality to them. Both the front and back of the heart is puffy, so that they sit forward when worn. They have beautiful pro...
14k Gold
Antoñio Pineda 970 std Silver Mid Century Modernist Bracelet C.1970
Located in Toronto, ON
Antoñio Pineda 970 std Silver Mid Century Modernist Bracelet. Pineda's most sought after spheres designs. The 970 std (higher than sterling), bracelet comprising 14 links each indivi...
Silver
$466Sale Price / item|50% Off
Red garnet cabochon ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with garnet cabochon. Red garnet statement ring. Cocktail garnet ring. Birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size. Gemston...
Garnet, Gold, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, 231 carat Sphene, Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Link Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ethiopian Opal & Sphene Link Necklace set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 18.24 carats. The we...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$512Sale Price / item|44% Off
Signet Ring with Citrine for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Citrine for Men silver, gold. Square Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Modern Gentleman Jewelry Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Mid Century 4.40ct Lab-Created Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
The ring is a three-stone ring featuring a prominent, deep blue, pear-cut center sapphire gemstone, flanked by two white, baguette-cut side diamonds. The setting and band are made of...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 8mm Stud Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These classic 18K yellow gold stud earrings feature bold 8mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each earring showcases a perfectly round, vibrant sky-blue turquoise sphere with...
18k Gold
$558Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Round Diamond Stellar Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This heart-shaped pendant features a unique, domed surface that catches the light from every angle. It is artfully embellished with a scattered constellation of brilliant-cut diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Pear Shaped Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of vintage pear shaped aquamarine and diamond drop earrings set in 18k yellow and white gold.
Each earring is designed with a pear mixed-cut aquamarine s...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$493Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Baguette & Round Diamond Geometric Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A refined geometric composition distinguishes this 14K yellow gold band ring, combining baguette and round natural diamonds within a sleek linear setting. The contrast of dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$815Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval emerald 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval emerald ring in 14k gold. Genuine emerald ring. Green emerald ring. Emerald engagement ring. May birthstone ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size Gemstones: ...
Emerald, 14k Gold
Vintage Christian Dior gold plated chain necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Christian Dior chain necklace. Gold plated metal, the chain is a nice long length that can easily be wrapped over twice and is designed with a lovely fancy rope t...
Gold Plate
18k Etoile d'amour charm - Romantic vintage gold pendant, French love Star token
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful and rare "Etoile d'amour" love token which translates to "Star of Love". We think that the details and design are extraordinary. A textured background make...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.30ct - 5.5 grams - 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant cut diamond up to 1.30ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 – EU 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is in a marquise shape 2.3 cm by ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold