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.
Tiffany & Co. Peretti Rare Limited Edition 20k Yellow Gold Mesh Scarf Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Limited Edition: Rare limited-production 20k gold version Brand: Tiffany & Co. Designer: Elsa Peretti Style: Large Mesh Scarf Necklace Era: 1970s Material: 20k yellow gold Design: La...
Yellow Gold
$649Sale 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
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
$514Sale 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
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
$1,263Sale 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
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Bean Cufflinks
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An elegant pair of sterling silver Bean cufflinks designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Each cufflink features Peretti’s iconic organic bean form, beautifully sculpted with ...
Sterling Silver
Cilea Paris Dangle Resin Clip Earrings Cobalt Blue Ribbons
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these gorgeous, dimensional, dangling clip-on earrings. These artisanal resin earrings feature dimensional ribbons with textured patterns, assembled to form a po...
Robert Lee Morris 7 Band Forged Sterling Silver Collar
Located in New York, NY
Forged sterling silver with all the gorgeous hammer marks, is what makes this impressive collar sparkle so. Robert Lee Morris is known for show stopping jewelry, whether on the runwa...
Sterling Silver
Mint Green Tourmaline 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary green tourmaline ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a 3-carat hand-cut mint green tourmaline that shimmers wi...
Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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
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, grams 41,50. ava...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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 Earring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 6.96 carats. Th...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$821Sale 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
Vintage 1990 Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: 69178 Year: 1990 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Silver Case Measurement: 26mm Movement: Automatic Weight: 70.5 Grams Size: Fits up to a 6" wrist Made in Switze...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.03 Carat Radiant Natural Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 3.03 Carat Radiant Natural Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring GIA report number: 2231979249 Diamond: 3.03 carat K SI2 natural radiant diamond Accent diamonds: 0.90 CTW...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$819Sale 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
$1,053Sale 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
Vintage 1995 Rolex Cellini Model 1429 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini 1429 Year: 1995 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 24mm Movement: Manual Wind Weight: 25 Grams Size: Fits up to ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jadeite Jade & Diamond ring, Platinum Size 9
Located in Northampton, MA
This one-of-a-kind estate ring features a 5.57 carat cabochon of natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade in luscious, translucent "Apple Green, a pair of brilliant white, eye-clea...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Goossens Paris Emerald Green Rock Crystal Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Emerald green rock crystal necklace set in 24k plated brass from Goossens Paris. A timeless theme that sees its colors change with the seasons. Each rock crystal stone is hand-dyed...
Rock Crystal, Emerald
Richard Kerr Dangle Red and Black Crystal Jeweled Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these fancy clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. They feature an oversized dangle shape with a bead and an asymmetric...
Cartier Trinity Crash 18K Tricolor Gold Multi-Tone Long Drop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Authentic Cartier Trinity Crash earrings, crafted in solid 18K tri-color gold featuring the iconic Trinity design in yellow, white, and rose gold. These elegant long drop earrings sh...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
LANVIN Paris Rare Mod Large Scale Resin Pendant Necklace & Earrings c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek mod rare large scale resin enamel striped pendant choker necklace c 1970s The large scale resin enamel striped rectangular pendant is suspended from a slinky sinu...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
14k yellow gold ring with coral - 3.0 grams, ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25(54)
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with coral - 3.0 grams - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25(54) Detailed description The head of the ring is 1.5 cm wide and 0.8 cm high Ring size U.S. 7 - EU. ...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Grosse Gold Tone Textured Bow Brooch, Germany, 1964
By Grosse
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage statement brooch. This brooch is such a versatile piece and ideal for adding a finishing touch to any your outfits to elevate them to the next level, made by Gros...
Gold Plate
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Hoop Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These charming 18K yellow gold hoop earrings feature vibrant natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each hoop is delicately handcrafted with alternating bright blue turquoise beads...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Nina Zhou 4.25ctw Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, Pink Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Inspired by blooming flowers and vibrant summer skies, this bracelet pairs natural pear-shaped pink sapphires with vivid Sleeping Beauty turquoise in a fresh, feminine composition. C...
Turquoise, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier LOVE 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Size 17 Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cartier LOVE Bracelet, Size 17, featuring the highly desirable old screw system and the iconic engraved screw motif that has defined the collection since its ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
T. SARDELLI & SONS - 14K White Gold Puffy Hoop Earrings - U.S.A. - Circa 1988
Located in Chatham, CA
T. SARDELLI & SONS (Active mid 20th century to 2003) - Vintage American pair of 14K / 585 white gold 'Creole' style puffy hoop earrings - featuring a twisted ribbon effect to the hoo...
White Gold, 14k Gold
$880Sale Price|60% Off
18K White Gold 9.2mm White South Sea Pearl & 0.16ct Diamond Split Shank Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
White South Sea Pearl though dainty at 9.2mm diameter is very shiny and clear as can be. The four brilliant diamonds are of decent size with good grade that enhances the glamour mete...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$351Sale Price / item|50% Off
Painted Evil Eye Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother of Pearl Tear Drop Earrings Painted Evil Eye Mother of Pearl Earrings Evil eye Themed Gift 925 Silver Gold Plated Protection Jewelry Nazar Boncugu Miniature Art Infuse...
Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Pair of Antique 14K White Gold & Double Pearl Screwback Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique white gold & pearl earrings. In 14 karat white gold. Each earrings with a pair of matched pearls and screw back closures. Marked to the post. Simply a wond...
Pearl, White Gold
$1,095Sale Price / item|35% Off
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones peridot, olive green, ova...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold
14k yellow gold ring with coral - 6.1 grams - ring size U.S. 8 - EU 18.25 (57)
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with coral - ring size U.S. 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide and 6.0 mm high Ring size U.S. 8 - EU 18.25 (57), ri...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$674Sale Price / item|60% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring. Ruby solitaire. Plain ruby ring. Oval cabochon cut ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Morganite, Tourmalines & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Tourmaline Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weigh of the Morganite is 5.65 carats. The we...
Diamond, Morganite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2015 Holiday Edition Vintage Alhambra Pink Porcelain Pendant
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A highly collectible 2015 Holiday Limited Edition Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This rare annu...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Men’s Topaz Geometric Statement Ring, Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Square-Cut Blue Topaz Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring. Contemporary Blue Topaz and Silver Designer Ring. A bold statement ring crafted from ssilver with gold plating and set with...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
1.27Ct GIA Certified Pink Sapphire Ring with Natural Diamonds in Solid 14K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A GIA-certified natural pink sapphire glows in a soft, romantic pink at the center of this solid 14K yellow gold ring, flanked by four earth-mined diamonds. Untreated and Ceylon-sour...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Ladies Ebel Beluga Wrist Watch in 18K Yellow Gold w/Diamond Bezel & Dial
By Ebel Beluga
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage ladies 18K yellow gold Ebel Beluga watch is certain to be a perennially cherished jewel. This model watch was manufactured in Switzerland from 1985 through 1997. It is e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Vintage C de Cartier Double C Diamond Stud Earrings
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of vintage C de Cartier Double C diamond stud earrings set in 18k yellow gold.
Each earring is designed as the iconic interlocking Double C motif, accented th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$395Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 5.06 Carat Midnight Blue Sapphire & Diamond Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 925 sterling silver, this elegant floral cluster ring showcases nine natural oval cut blue sapphires totaling 5.06 carats, accented by 0.13 carats of sparkling round diamo...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 18k yellow gold 8.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.20ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 – EU. 18.5 (58) Detailed description the top of the ring is 4.0 mm wide and 4.7 mm h...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,584Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with 3.9mm Pearl, Late 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Charming and expressive, this playful cat brooch is crafted in solid 14K yellow gold and finished with a refined satin texture that enhances its sculptural form. The design is accent...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Small Diamond Huggie Hoop Earring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The term "huggee" refers to their petite, close-fitting style, which minimizes the gap between the earring and the earlobe, making them comfortable for all-day wear. Material : 14K...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Morganite, Pink Sapphires & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Pink Sapphires Cocktail Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.09 carats. ...
Diamond, Morganite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Red Apple Acrylic Lucite Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Whimsical oversized Lucite clip-on earrings designed by Harriet Bauknight for Kaso in the 1980s. They feature a dimensional apple shape, all carved in ruby red and emerald green colo...
Australian White South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings, 11-12mm, 18K Gold Lab-Grown D
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
11mm Natural Amazonite Bead Stretch Bracelet – 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This vibrant stretch bracelet features hand-selected 11mm natural Amazonite beads with rich turquoise-green tones and delicate white veining. Each bead is smoothly polished to highli...
Amazonite
Vintage Patek Philippe x Güeblin Calatrava Model 2593 18 Karat Yellow Gold 32mm
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Patek Philippe Model: Calatrava 2593 Year: 1970s Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Silver Gübelin Movement: Manual Wind Case Measurement: 32mm Weight: 36 grams Size: Fits up to...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Paloma Picasso Tiffany 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 large sized, prong-set rose quartz sugarloaf cab...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Italian 14K Yellow Gold Figaro Chain Bracelet, 9 Inch, 2.9g Weight
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday styling with this Italian-crafted 14K gold Figaro chain bracelet. With a refined balance of sophistication and versatility,...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,300Sale Price|50% Off
Certified 18K Gold 1.06ct Heart Pigeon's Blood Ruby & 0.58ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A dramatic, love‑struck statement piece, this IGL‑certified 18k gold heart‑cut ruby and diamond ring delivers unapologetic romance with high jewelry craftsmanship. At its center burn...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Madagascar Sphene (Titanite) 26.29 Carat – Cushion Cut Rainbow Fire
Located in Peshawar, PK
Bring extraordinary brilliance to your gemstone collection with this Natural Madagascar Sphene (Titanite) weighing 26.29 carats. Expertly precision cut into a striking rectangular fa...
Other
Genuine Opal 10ct Diamond Ruby Emerald Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Ethiopian Opal pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. The pendant showcases a natural pear-shaped Ethiopian ...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Guy Laroche Tribal Inspired Link Bracelet with Ceramic Charms
By Guy Laroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare Guy Laroche Paris tribal link bracelet features a dangling design with charms in African-inspired mask and shield shapes, possibly Maasai-inspired, with carved and textured...
Gilt Metal
$585Sale Price / item|75% Off
Amethyst cocktail ring, gold, silver
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst cocktail ring, gold, silver. Amethyst statement ring. Unique design amethyst ring. Massive amethyst ring. Material: 925 silver + 14k gold plated Weight: 5 gr depends from s...
Amethyst, Gold, Silver