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.
14K Yellow Gold Black Onyx & Turquoise Circle Drop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these striking 14K Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Turquoise Circle Drop Earrings. Featuring a sophisticated arrangement of polished black onyx and vi...
Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$523Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Citrine briolette earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November birthstone earrings. Vintage style citrine earrings. Art deco silver earrings...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver
Silvorra 6 CT Canary Kunzite Gemstone & Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These dazzling 6 carat Kunzite and diamond stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and feature a pair of emerald cut kunzites measuring approximately 10 x 8 mm. The soft yel...
Diamond, Kunzite, Silver, Sterling 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
$523Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette floral design earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Gold leaf earrings. Citrine earrings. Citrine flower earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November bir...
Citrine, Topaz, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver
Gold Cuff Sculptural Statement Bracelet Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Paris Mesh and Studded Gold Plated Sculptural Cuff Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Mesh and Studded Statement Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind architectura...
Brass, Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate
Ring with sapphire, taper and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and taper and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.6 cm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Carinated Sterling Silver Blue Spinel Ring Size 5.5
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, vintage, carinated solitaire is sterling silver with a stunning 6mm blue spinel gemstone. The band on this ring measures 6mm wide with a rise of 4mm off the finger. Si...
Spinel, Sterling Silver
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.1 mm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Del Sol Shell Pendant with Natural Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Del Sol Shell Pendant is made with 14k gold, natural shell, and .14 carat natural diamond. This delicate beauty fits on most small to medium sized chains, consider adding a chain or ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Cadaques Red Shell Pendant with Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Cadaques Pendant features natural shell with 14k gold and red garnet gemstone. Purchase includes paperclip chain measuring 16" long. Pendant measurements: 27mm x 32mm x 20mm Weigh...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, carved Turquoise & natural Diamonds Bracelet/Choker Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Turquoise Bracelet/ Choker Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight the carved Turquoise is 29.47 carats. The Turquo...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Missoni Multi-Strand Multicolor Metal, Lucite and Leather Cuff Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Missoni bangle bracelet, designed by the renowned fashion house. A rare and striking piece, it showcases a cuff shape with a multi-layer design that seamlessly...
Set in 18K Gold, 9.26 carat Aquamarine, Rubellite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Rubellite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 9.26 carats. The weight ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Sapphire Cabochon and Diamond Statement Cocktail Ring, 13 Carats, 18K
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Designed as an impressive pear-shaped cluster, this dramatic cocktail ring is set with thirty natural blue sapphire cabochons weighing approximately 13 carats in total. The sapphires...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Necklace and pendant with brillint cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 14 gold 1.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.26ct - G/H - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by 0.7 mm ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Costa Brava Shell Pendant with Natural Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Costa Brava Pendant is made of natural shell with 14k gold and .10 carat natural diamond. This delicate beauty fits on most small to medium sized chains, consider adding a chain or d...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Kai One-of-a-Kind AIGS Certified 3.56ct Colombian Emerald Ring, US 7
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A striking celebration of rarity and craftsmanship, this one-of-a-kind ring showcases a certified Colombian emerald of exceptional presence and character. Framed in a bold yet refine...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Bicolor Gold Cocktail Ring with 2.40ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.40 ct - H/I - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide by 1.0 ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Marina Large Pearl Pendant with Natural Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Marina Pendant features a lustrous natural freshwater pearl set with natural diamond (.06 carat) and 14k gold. Pendant fits on most chains, consider adding on a delicate chain or om...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
$516Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazs. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Me...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
John Iversen Patinated Bronze Maple Leaf Brooch, Modern Design, USA
By John Iversen
Located in New Hope, PA
John Iversen created this stunning Maple Leaf brooch from a real fallen maple leaf which gives the piece such a realistic appearance. You can see all of the veins of the leaf in the...
Bronze
Leto Lama One Of A Kind E/F Diamond Ring Band Chubby Bubbles 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
A timeless modern bubbles band that will easily blend to your rings stack collection. A classic piece that wont get old. Handcrafted and completely unique. A constellation of light...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique German Dresser Jar H. Behrnd 800 Silver Cut Crystal Glass / 617gr
Located in SE
Fine German faceted crystal glass and Silver vanity powder or dresser jar made in Germany in ca. early 1900s with hallmarks of Jeweler Hermann Behrnd, Dresden, active since 1870 as C...
Crystal, Silver
Courreges Paris Cobalt Blue Acrylic Lucite Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Courrèges
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Courreges Paris Lucite or acrylic resin bangle bracelet features an important cuff design in a transparent cobalt blue color with a cone shape. The piece is signed on t...
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings, Modern Design, 2.16ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold entourage stud earrings set with a central ruby up to 2.16 ct and an entourage of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.46 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The front...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Diamond X Link Bracelet in 18K Gold & Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Tiffany & Co. diamond bracelet is an iconic design by Jean Schlumberger, one of the most celebrated jewelry designers of the 20th century. Crafted in a luxurious...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Eing with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 14k gold 2.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring with brilliant-cut and single-cut diamond total 0.32ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 – EU. 17.25(54) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Chanel Silvered Metal and Acrylic Bracelet Bangle with Heavy Chain Design
By Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking and highly collectible example of Chanel's avant‑garde jewelry design, this rare Paris‑made bracelet marries bold sculptural presence wi...
Metal
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 6 Carat Cabochon Emerald 0.35 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 emerald, oval cabochon cut, 6.00ct, vslbG 5/4, P3 - 4 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 0....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Soltaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 3.40ct M/N SI1 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond total 3.40ct – M/N – SI1 - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 9.1 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$612Sale Price / item|40% Off
Art Deco Style Pearl and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle pearl earrings. Cocktail earrings with pearls, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Pearl and Topaz A striking pair of pearls and ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, 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...
Set in 18K white Gold, Zambian Emerald, Pink Sapphire & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.65 carats. The Emerald i...
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
$563Sale 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
Ring with emerald, ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby, sapphire, emerald and brilliant-cut diamond total 040ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the rin...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.43ct 18k white gold 3.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with a central brilliant cut diamond up to 0.31ct – F/G – SI2 – and on the shank smaller brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.12ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 – E...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$200Sale Price / set|50% Off
Statement Citrine and Blue Topaz Stud Earrings Set in Sterling Silver Settings
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 13.06 carat pear shaped citrine and blue topaz stud earrings are crafted in 925 solid silver. The oval cut citrine gemstones at center measures approximately 9 × 11 mm ...
Citrine, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Angela Caputi Navy Blue and White Resin Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin choker necklace features chunky carved pebble beads with a central round domed bead with crystal rhinestones spacers, and works on na...
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
Angela Caputi Choker Necklace Banana-Choco and Black Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in a banana-and-milky-chocolate swirl color with black contrast. Her color...
$528Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage inspired rose Quartz and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Rose Quartz Ring with Topazes. Rose Quartz and Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural rose quartz cabochon set within ...
Quartz, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Peacock Overtone Black Cultured Pearl Necklace 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Vintage Black Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp in 18K White Gold An elegant vintage necklace composed of lustrous black cultured pearls displaying rich metallic overto...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
10k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.75ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
10k yellow ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.75 ct - I/J - pique - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide by 1.0 cm high...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow 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
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
39.85 Carat Natural Loose Swiss Blue Topaz Stone Cushion Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 39.85 carat Dimensions 21.0x15.4x12.7 mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 39.85 Carat Natural Loose Swiss Blue Topaz is an ex...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
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
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Green Enamel & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Enamel Dome Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 5.55 carats. The weight of...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct - 5.9 gram - 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with sapphire 1.00 ct and brilliant cut diamond 1.00 ct -F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16(50) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.4 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$516Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Peridot and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold. Dangle peridot earrings. Cocktail earrings with peridot, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Peridot and Topaz A striking pair of peri...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$528Sale Price|44% Off
Wave Design Garnet and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet Wave Ring with Topazes. Garnet and Topaz Wave Ring. Garnet and Topaz Ring with Wave Motif. Graceful and sculptural, this ring features a luminous 7 mm garnet framed by a flow...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Christian Dior Resin Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Pink and Glitter Abstract Pattern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior bracelet bangle features an acrylic resin or Lucite statement piece with a neon hot-pink background and an abstract pattern in black, gray, and hot pink...
Ring with coral 14k yellow gold 7.5 grams ringsize U.S. 8.25 - EU. 18.25(57)
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with coral - ring size U.S. 8.25 - EU. 18.25(57) Detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.1 cm wide by 8.6 mm high ring size U.S. 8.25 - EU. 18.25(5...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Line Vautrin Geometric Talosel and Blue Glass Mirrors Brooch
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Line Vautrin Talosel geometric brooch is encrusted with clear and blue mirrored glass, featuring iridescence in a tridimensional, modernist shape. The rare piece was cr...
80s Portuguese Ruby Diamond Ring 19k Yellow Gold Cocktail Sz 10.5 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 19k yellow gold (circa 1980s). 4 oval cut rubies measure 5.5mm x 3.5mm. 28 single cut diamonds total an estimated 0.28 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,002Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Drop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, these 14K yellow gold drop earrings showcase a sophisticated arrangement of richly saturated cabochon emeralds accented by sparkling diamonds. Designed with bez...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Metro Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace in 18k Rose Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
• Brand: Tiffany & Co. • Collection: Metro • Material: 18k rose gold • Gemstones: natural diamonds • Chain length: approximately 16" • Pendant measurements: approximately 10mm long x...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose 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...
Modern 14 Karat Gold Chalcedony Diamond Amethyst French Back Drop Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning pair of modern design French back drop stud earrings. It is crafted in 14K gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 4 chalcedonies, oval cabochon cut, bluish gray...
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold