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.
$541Sale Price / item|77% Off
Octagon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold. Black Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central sto...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 8.54 carat Emeralds & 9.76 carat Tanzanites modern Hoop Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Tanzanite Hoop Earrings set in 18K Gold & Blue/Green Rhodium. The weight of the Emeralds is 7.54 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Emerald, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
$541Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Cabochon Opal Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Opal Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Opal Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Opal Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over W...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$541Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Peridot Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Peridot Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Peridot Ring in Gold Over Silver. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plat...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Emerald Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Emerald Ring. Baguette Cut Emerald Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating ...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Tinyy 0.13' Width Marquise Ruby Bezel Set Stud Earrings 2nd Hole
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Delicate yet striking, these 14K Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby Stud Earrings feature a perfectly matched pair of vivid red rubies totaling 0.40 carats, elegantly bezel set to enhance bot...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GUCCI Italy Sterling Silver Sleek Bamboo Style Pendant Necklace 21st C
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
GUCCI Italy sterling silver bamboo design pendant necklace 21st c The sleek unisex necklace is designed with an elongated sterling silver bamboo shaped pendant; suspended from a lo...
Sterling Silver
Silvorra Handmade Opal Gemstone Tennis Necklace in 16 inch 925 Silver Strand
Located in New York, NY
This necklace features opal totalling 14.34 carats, bezel set in 925 sterling silver. Each gemstone is bezel set and linked in a linear design, allowing fluid movement. Measuring 16 ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 5.48 carats, Zambian Emeralds & Diamonds Cocktail Cluster Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Cluster Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 5.48 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Ring with garnet 14k gold 9.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold band ring set with garnet - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description the front of the ring is 1.3 cm wide ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) weight : 9.3 ...
Garnet, 14k Gold
18k yellow gold ring set with coral - 8.2 grams - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with coral - 8.2 grams - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.7 cm wide and 8.4 mm high weight 8.2 grams ri...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Solid Yellow Gold 7.37CT Natural Heart Shape Opal 0.24CT Diamond Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Lovely 18k Solid Yellow Gold 7.37CT Natural Love Heart Shape Opal 0.24CT Diamond Necklace! Breathtaking! Spectacular 18k Solid Yellow Gold pendant featuring 7.37 carats gem Opal in...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Washed Blue Dangle Resin Geometric Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These very chic Angela Caputi resin clip-on earrings, made in Italy, feature an extra-long dangling shape with geometric elements, faceted beads, and flat disks in a rare washed navy...
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Garnet solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Garnet Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Garnet Ring. Baguette Cut Garnet Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$481Sale Price / item|50% Off
Split Shank oval peridot engagement silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Split Shank oval peridot engagement silver, gold ring. Vintage Style Oval peridot Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval peridot. Oval Pinky ...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Silvorra Natural Emerald Octagon Cut Stackable Solitaire Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring features a natural emerald gemstone in a refined octagon shape, secured in a classic four prong setting that allows the vibrant green stone to take center stage. Cr...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Split Shank oval emerald engagement silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Split Shank oval emerald engagement silver, gold ring. Vintage Style Oval emerald Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval emerald. Oval Pinky ...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Bezel Set Oval Emerald Wide Matte Band silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bezel Set Oval Emerald Wide Matte Band ring silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Emerald. Oval Pinky Ring for ...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Diamonds & Onyx Door Knocker Earrings 0.58ct
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A bold statement of modern elegance, these 14K yellow gold earrings feature sleek carved onyx circles accented with sparkling diamonds weighing a total of 0.58 carats. Measuring 1.5"...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with amethyst and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.05ct 18k gold 2.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold stud earrings set with a flower-shaped amethyst and a brilliant-cut diamond of up to 0.05 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 1.4 cm long Total ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
$445Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage Style Pearl and Moissanites Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle shell pearl earrings. Bow Pearl Drop Earrings with Moissanites in Gold Plated Silver. Floral Bow Pearl Earrings...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
Missoni Italy Gilded Metal Chain Link Bracelet with Enamel Dangling Charms
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bold and whimsical statement piece from Missoni, Italy, this exceptional link bracelet showcases the brand's signature flair for vibrant design and artistic detail. The wide, weigh...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Christian Lacroix Gilded and Jeweled Brutalist Heart Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris brooch features a Baroque heart shape with a dangling charm. The gilded metal brutalist framing is carved and textured, adorned with metallic br...
Gilt Metal
$541Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Cabochon Pink Quartz Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Quartz Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Quartz Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Quartz Ring in Gold Over Silver. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Van Cleef And Arpels Coral and Gold Leaf Bracelet, 1967
Located in New York, NY
A Study in Texture and Color. As if coral had been gathered between strands of gold. This 1967 bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels pairs vibrant coral beads with intricately textured ...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold
$541Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Garnet Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Garnet Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Garnet Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating ...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Leaf Brooch or Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Italian silver brooch or pin. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a leaf or fern frond. Secured with a pin and safety catch to the reverse. Ful...
Sterling Silver
Earrings with pink opal and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with pink opal and brilliant cut diamonds. 0.30 ct - G/H - VS/SI detailed description the size of the earring is 2.8 cm long by 8.0 mm wide weight: 3....
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.19ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.19ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-shape...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Emerald Sugarloaf, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Three Stone Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 6.57 carats. The Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Dangle Clip Earrings with Turquoise Resin Buddha
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature a dangling Asian motif in turquoise-imitation color, black contrast, and crystal rhinestone spacers...
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Bezel Set Oval Opal Wide Matte Band silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bezel Set Oval Opal Wide Matte Band ring silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Opal . Oval Pinky Ring for Men. ...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Signet Ring with Topaz for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Topaz 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 g...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$360Sale Price / item|50% Off
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings, Fields with flowers painting.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with topazs, fields of flowers drawing. Blue and yellow flowers. Handmade flower themed Shell Earrings with opal. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrin...
Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
14k gold ring with Chrysophrase, 9.5 gram, ring size U.S. 6 – EU. 16.5(52)
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with chrysoprase – 9.5 grams – ring size U.S. 6 – EU. 16.5(52) detailed description: The top of the ring is oval in shape, measuring 2.9 cm by 1.6 cm wide ...
Chrysophrase, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 1.50 carats, natural Diamonds modern Band Bridal Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Diamonds is 1.50 carats. The Diamonds are of VVS -...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Black Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Gilded Hearts
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Dior bracelet features a chunky black acrylic or Lucite bangle with assorted gilded heart designs embedded in the material. The bracelet is engraved on the ed...
18k White Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring, 1.00 ct, Size US 6.5
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with pearl and brilliant-cut and taper-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.00 ct F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Company Etoile 18K Yellow Gold Hinged Bangle Bracelet With Diamonds
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This refined 18K yellow gold Tiffany & Co. Etoile hinged bangle bracelet features a sleek, modern design accented with ten round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.3...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
SARAH COVENTRY - Large Iridescent Rhinestone & Gold Tone Brooch - Circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, CA
SARAH COVENTRY - Large vintage statement iridescent rhinestone and gold tone flower brooch - hinged pin to the back - signed on the back - © SARAH COV - United States (Rhode Island) ...
14k Solid Yellow Gold 7.23CT Natural Opal 0.4CT Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Oh my! This necklace is gorgeous! Spectacular 14k solid yellow gold pendant featuring a 7.23 carat gem-quality opal in a classy pear shape. The pendant also has a 0.4-carat fine d...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold & Rhodium, Spinel, Sapphires, Amethyst & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Spinel, Sapphires, Amethyst Three-Stone Cocktail Three stone Ring set in 18K Gold with Blue Rhodium. The weight of the Spinels is 12.30 c...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, 18k Gold, Rhodium
$535Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style citrine, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold. Citrine, topazes earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Cen...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Signet Ring with Garnet for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Garnet 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 ...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
GIA Certified 1.17 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 1.17 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 2235928458 Diamond: 1.17 carat E VS1 Emerald cut natural diamond Accent diamonds: Appro...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
70s Vintage Tiffany & Co Scorpio Ring Sz 3 18k Yellow Gold Zodiac Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co Scorpion ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). The beautifully detailed Zodiac ring is a rare find! The ring is a s...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Signet Ring for Men with Garnet, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art Deco Signet Ring for Men with Garnet, silver, gold. Rectangular Garnet Ring for Men. Men’s Garnet Signet Ring. Vintage Pinky Ring, Gift for Him Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold ...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Bezel Peridot Ring for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Peridot for Men silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Peridot. Oval Pinky Ring for Men Metal:...
Peridot, 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
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Aquamarines & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ethiopian Opal & Aquamarines Cocktail Ring set 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 4.55 carats. The we...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, 3.00 carats Yellow Diamonds Cocktail Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Diamonds Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold. The weight of the Diamonds is 3.00 carats. Net 18K Yellow Gold weight is 12.47 ...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$581Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired green onyx and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style green onyx earrings silver, gold. Dangle green onyx earrings. Cocktail earrings with green onyx, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with green onyx and Topaz. Elegant vi...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Emerald and White Zircon Heart Ring Sterling Silver Size 8
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful estate ring is sterling silver. It features a genuine, untreated, oval cut, 6x8mm emerald accented by tiny round white zircons. The band is decorated with hearts in a ...
Emerald, Zircon, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Amethyst Cross Bolo Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful bracelet is sterling silver with a bolo style, adjustable closure. It features a stunning cross created from 11 emerald cut 4x6mm amethyst gemstones estimated to be 6....
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Massive Multicolor Acrylic Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight created these rare, stunning chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. These extravagant dangling acrylic pieces feature a dimensional shape with ge...
$529Sale 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
18K White Gold and Diamond Large Vine Earrings by Rina Limor
By Rina Limor
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Elegant and sculptural, these 18K White Gold Large Vine Earrings by Rina Limor showcase a graceful, nature-inspired design with a luminous modern edge. Crafted in polished 18K white ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Green Jade & Ruby & Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An extraordinary creation from the Ikhor Collection, the Byzantine Violin Flame Earrings by Austy Lee embody the artistry of high jewellery, where musical elegance meets sculptural b...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
$481Sale Price / item|50% Off
Peridot solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Peridot Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Peridot Ring. Emerald Cut Peridot Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating ov...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Emerald Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Emerald Ring. Round Cut Emerald Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver