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 Pair of David Webb Baroque Pearl Diamond Pendant Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of 18k gold and diamond baroque pearl pendant earrings by David Webb circa 1975. These earrings feature lustrous white baroque South Sea Pearls surrounded by white round ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$637Sale Price / item|44% Off
Hummingbird earrings studs with blue topazs in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold Hummingbird earrings studs with blue topazs. Gold bird earrings. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.2 g. Size: 11.73 x 15.85 mm. Central stones: Genuine topazs Cut: pear Weight:...
Diamond, Topaz, Tsavorite, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé Circle & Turquoise Briolette Earrings 2.45 CTS 1.8"
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic 14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Turquoise Briolette Earrings Make an elegant statement with these sophisticated 14K yellow gold diamond and turquoise dangle earrings, combini...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
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
$383Sale Price / item|54% Off
Oval citrine cocktail ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval citrine ring in 925 silver. Citrine statement ring Metal: 925 silver Weight: 4 g. depends from size Gemstones: Set with citrines, color yellow Oval cut, aprx 10 ct Clarity: Tr...
Citrine, Diamond, Silver
AAA Vintage Akoya Pearl Beaded Necklace, 6.3mm, 14K Gold Clasp, Japan
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA vintage-style white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a yellow gold clasp measuring 22" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yello...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$319Sale Price / item|44% Off
12 MM Ruby Huggie Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Hoop Earrings with Rubies in 925 silver. Metal: 925 silver Earring size: The Inner diameter of Earrings: 10MM The Outer diameter of Earrings: 12MM Weight: 2.2. g. Gemstones: Ruby: ...
Ruby, Silver
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
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 Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Sculptural Dangle Pierced Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of signed vintage 1980's Robert Lee Morris gold plated dangle earrings are pierced. They are tiered and sculptural with an elegance and edge They pivot with slight movement...
Gold Plate
$1,045Sale Price / item|40% Off
14kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon.
Located in Istanbul, TR
14kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Black Opal statement ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal: 14k Gold Weight: 3 g depends from size ...
Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Ring with Old European and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.52 ct - 18k gold 3.5gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with Old European (Bolshevik) and brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 0.52 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25 (51) Detailed description: The top o...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$347Sale Price / item|50% Off
Zebra stripes pattern black and white earrings with onyx and Mother of pearl
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with black onyx and Zebra stripes pattern black and white drawing. Handmade wild animals Shell Earrings with black onyx. Beach Wedding bridal stud...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
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
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
Cartier Ballon Bleu Automatic 18K White Gold Diamond-Set Bezel – Ref. 3004
By Cartier
Located in Vannes, FR
Elegant Cartier Ballon Bleu automatic wristwatch crafted in 18 karat white gold. The watch features a silver guilloché dial with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, a blue sapp...
$347Sale Price / item|50% Off
Painted Ocean Sunset Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with amethyst briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Painted Ocean Sunset Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with amethyst briolettes 925 Silver Gold Plated with Amethyst Briolettes Miniature Ocean Art Jewelry Gift for Her Capture the b...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$625Sale Price / item|50% Off
Modern Square Cut 10.2 Ct Blue Sapphire 925 Silver Tennis Bracelet Gift for Wife
Located in New York, NY
This luxurious 4 carat Deep Blue Sapphire crafted in solid 925 sterling silver gorgeous tennis bracelet features a captivating arrangement of natural blue sapphire gemstones. Each sa...
Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$662Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Elegant Tennis Necklace with Opal Gemstone Jewelry for Women
Located in New York, NY
This graceful tennis necklace is crafted in 925 sterling silver and adorned with 63 natural opal gemstones, each carefully shaped in a classic oval cut measuring 3X5 mm. The opals di...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver and 18k Yellow Gold Button Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Elevate classic menswear with this refined pair of Tiffany & Co. two-tone button-motif cufflinks—an understated yet distinctive accessory that reflects timeless design and impecc...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Marina J. Black Pearl Rope Necklace with Ombre Drop Tassel
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Made by Marina J. Jewelry This necklace is woven with Black and Grey Pearls, all displaying a soft multi color iridescent sheen. Black Pearls are intricately woven together into a 3 ...
Black Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.15ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.15ct - ring size U.S. 6 – EU 16.5(52) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 6.5 mm high Ring size U.S....
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra Carnelian Pendant Necklace 18K Box & Paper
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Magic Alhambra 1 Motif Carnelian Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Box & Papers Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 15.9 grams Length: 35.5 inches Pendant: 26m...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Mid-Century 14K Gold, Wedgwood Jasperware Cameo, and Diamond Brutalist Cocktail
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, jasperware, and diamond cocktail ring. In 14 karat yellow gold. Set with a Wedgwood jasperware cameo bead with a bezel-set diamond to its center in a Mid-Centu...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Marina J. Woven pearl Bridal Bracelet with Rhodium plated Silver beads
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The perfect Bridal bracelet. This piece is made with all Pearls and Rhodium Plated Silver Faceted beads intricately woven together into a tight lace like design. Rhodium Plating ensu...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
$1,380Sale Price|25% Off
Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Union of Color and Timeless Craftsmanship Infuse your ensemble with a regal pop of color through this Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet. Featuring 15 oval-...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$604Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear ruby opend ended 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear ruby adjustable 14k gold ring. Ruby engagement ring. Ruby gold ring. Ruby vintage style ring. Natural ruby ring. Classic ruby ring. July birthstone ruby ring. Wedding gold ring ...
Topaz, Ruby, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
14k yellow gold ring with coral - 4.5 grams - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53)
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with coral - 4.5 grams - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.2 cm wide by 7.6 mm high weight : 4.5 grams ring ...
Coral, 14k 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
$383Sale Price / item|54% Off
Citrine cocktail ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine in 925 silver ring. Metal: 925 silver Weight: 3.85 gr depends from size Central stone natural Citrine Weight: approx 4.5 ct Cut: oval Color: yellow to orange Clarity: VVS ...
Citrine, White Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Silver
$347Sale Price / item|50% Off
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with topaz and forget-me-nots painting.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with topaz and forget-me-not flowers drawing. Handmade Paint Blue flower Shell Earrings with moissanite. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrings. Mothe...
Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$347Sale Price / item|50% Off
Hummingbird Earings Studs with Sapphires
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 silver Hummingbird Earings Studs with Sapphires. Metal: 925 silver plus gold plating Weight: 2.2 g. Size: 11.73 x 15.85 mm. Central stones: Genuine sapphires Cut: pear Weight: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Gun Metal Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Statement Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Gun Metal Mesh Studs Designer: J Dauphin Cuff Bracelet with Mesh and Studs in Gunmetal Rhodium Plating, 3" Height, Made in Paris, 2008 Cuff brac...
Rhodium, Brass
$627Sale Price / item|60% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot. Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Gemstone Citrine: Color...
Citrine, Peridot, 14k Gold
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
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Cabochon Rock Crystal Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Rock Crystal Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Rock Crystal Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Rock Crystal Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Elastic Ring – 4mm Beads
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate 18K yellow gold elastic ring features lustrous 4mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. The design alternates vibrant sky-blue turquoise beads with finely textured ...
Turquoise, 18k 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
Flower brooch with rock crystal, ruby and diamonds up to 0.56ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold brooch in the shape of a flower set with rock crystal, ruby, brilliant-cut, and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.56ct – F/G – VS/SI detailed description: the dimension...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 14k Gold
$723Sale Price / item|40% Off
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold. Flower gold earrings. Pear ruby earrings. Red flower earrings. 14k solid gold Size: 10 x 7 mm. Total weight:...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$150Sale Price|50% Off
Silvorra Petite Emerald Solitaire Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This refined Emerald pendant, totaling 0.57 carats, is elegantly set in a smooth bezel and crafted from 925 Sterling Silver. It features a vibrant natural emerald in a classic octago...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
$1,000Sale Price|50% Off
18K Gold 1.00ct Blue Sapphire & 0.20ct Diamond Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Wide band ring equipped with medium tone and good saturation fiery oval blue sapphire and sparkling diamonds. Perfect for wearing every day. For those who loves precious blue gemston...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Amulette de Cartier XS Shell and Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A stunning vintage Amulette de Cartier XS mother-of-pearl and diamond bracelet set in 18k yellow gold.
The bracelet features the iconic Cartier's Amulette motif. It is cen...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Rectangular Station Drop Dangle Link 18 Inch Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Dangle Link Necklace featuring five elegant rectangular station drops, each accented with a bezel-set round brilliant-cut diamond. The necklace contains a tot...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Celtic Knot Citrine Statement Ring, Silver, Gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Intricate Interlaced Pattern Citrine Ring. Celtic Openwork Citrine Statement Band. Interlocking Knot Pattern Citrine Ring This distinctive ring is centered with citrine. The wide ...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
Cartier Juste un Clou 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bracelet 16 Small Model Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A modern icon from Cartier, the Juste un Clou bracelet is crafted in 18 karat rose gold and reimagines an ordinary nail into a bold statement of design. This small model size 16 is a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Santos Dumont Stainless Steel Quartz Watch Large Model With Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stainless steel case with a black (alligator) leather strap. Fixed stainless steel bezel. Silver dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands and black Roman numeral hour markers. Minute...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Trifari Philippe1940s JellyBelly & PearlFlowers GoldPendants SignedChainNecklace
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Chicago, IL
Among the most in-demand designs by Trifari artistic director Alfred Philippe were his flora and "jelly belly" fauna jewelry from the 1940s. Both iconic styles can be mixed as the go...
Pearl, Gold, Vermeil, Yellow Gold
Cartier LOVE 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Authentic 18 karat yellow gold Cartier LOVE Bangle, size 16, is a timeless and iconic piece of luxury jewelry. Known for its signature design, the bangle features the distinctive...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Open Heart Pendant Necklace, 32\" Long
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An iconic Elsa Peretti design for Tiffany & Co., this Open Heart pendant necklace features the designer’s signature fluid, sculptural open-heart form in solid sterling silver. Th...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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
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
18k solid yellow gold engagement ring - Natural diamond ring - Vintage Romance
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely romantic brilliant cut diamond ring. This solitaire ring is made in 18 karat yellow gold and set with a total of seven natural diamonds. Six smaller ones are ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.35ct 18k gold 22.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace set with brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 4.35ct - F/G - VS/SI - 44cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 44 cm long by 2.8 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,045Sale Price / item|40% Off
14k Gold Ring with Cabochon Ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k gold ring with cabochon riby. July birthstone ruby ring. Ruby cocktail ring. Red ruby ring/ Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size Set with ruby, color -red Ov...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold