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.
$737Sale Price|50% Off
Gorgeous 7.53 Ct Emerald Classic Tennis Bracelet in 925 Silver Gift for Women
Located in New York, NY
This stunning bracelet showcases 7.53 carats of oval cut emeralds, expertly handcrafted in 925 solid sterling silver. Designed in a timeless tennis bracelet style, the 46 vibrant ova...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Nigerian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.07 carats. The Emerald i...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$615Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Square Natural Ruby Gemstone Tennis Bracelet in 7 Inch Silver Strand
Located in New York, NY
This dainty 5.67 carat natural ruby gemstone tennis bracelet features a continuous row of 17 square cut natural rubies. Each measuring approximately 2.5 mm with a gross weight of 10....
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Francoise Montague Paris Red Resin Floral Clip-on Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning French Jewelry Designer Francoise Montague Paris resin clip-on earrings feature a dimensional anemone-shaped motif in raspberry red and black. There is no visible make...
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald Sugarloaf & Diamond Band Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 1.19 carats. The Emeralds Sugarloafs are comple...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.90 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of vintage stud earrings. It is crafted in 18K gold. The piece features 2 pear cut diamonds: TW 0.90ct, W-STW, SI1. Circa 1980. Weight: 1.59g Length: 0.7cm IMPORTA...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 6.00 carats Faceted Ruby & Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 6.00 carats. The faceted Rubies are completely ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K White Gold 1.65ct Oval Bright Pink Sapphire & 0.56ct Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A commanding, couture‑level wide band ring showcasing a vivid 1.65ct oval bright pink sapphire framed by 0.56ct of round and baguette diamonds. Diamonds set not only across the top o...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Burmese Jadeite & Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee contemporising traditional jadeite into sculptural, avant‑garde wearable art, these Jadeite Earrings transform heritage craftsmanship into a bold, modern statement. At the...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Mexican Fire Opal, Orange Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Mexican Fire Opal & Orange Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Matte Gold & natural...
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with aquamarine and single cut diamonds up to 0.36ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold earrings set with aquamarine and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.36ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by 1.0 cm wide ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k 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
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Graduated 16" Beaded Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver beaded necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Comprising 54 graduated silver beads strung on a chain necklace. Together with its original...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Jazz Pear & Round Diamond Platinum Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A graceful drop pendant necklace from Tiffany & Co.'s Jazz collection, crafted in platinum and set with three bezel-set diamonds in a vertical arrangement: a smaller pear-shaped ...
Diamond, Platinum
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 18k gold 8.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond 1.80ct. - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.75 - EU. 15.5 (49) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.3 cm wide ring size ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
8.65 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 8.65 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 16-inch chain. 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.50 Carat Amethyst and 3.08 ctw White Zircon Ring in Sterling Silver Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This brilliant, sold-out, hard to find ring makes a royal statement. A 10x15mm 5.50 carat cushion-cut purple amethyst is regally set within a collection of 3.08 ct. t.w. white zircon...
Amethyst, Zircon, Sterling Silver
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Cigar Ring Band GIA 1.48 Cts Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A perfectly imperfect handmade one of a kind statement Emerald Cigar ring that features a bezel set beautiful Colombian Emerald of 1.48 Cts certifie...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Oval Cut Multi Tourmaline Stackable Eternity Band Ring in Solid Silver
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant 3.74 carat band ring is crafted in 925 Sterling Silver and adorned with 20 natural oval cut multi tourmalines. The spectrum of tourmalines creates a beautiful rainbow ef...
Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Aquamarine & Diamond Engagement Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Morganite Cocktail Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 7.13 carats. The wei...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold
MONTH-LONG SALE, 9.15 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 17"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 9.15 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 17-inch chain. 2...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald, Rubellite & Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A. very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald & Rubellite Toi et Moi Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 1.89 carats. The Emerald is completely natu...
Rubelite, Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Leto Lama Abstract Art 18Ct Cocktail Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Introducing our stunning One-of-a-Kind Geometric Sapphire Ring, a joyful, happy piece, a true work of art! This exquisite piece showcases 18 ct recycled gold adorned with a dazzling ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
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
Colleen Lopez Rose de France Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
This colorful piece is the Colleen Lopez "Rose de France" Colors of Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bangle. The handcrafted design features: Centerpieces: Two bypass-style squa...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Betty Cooke Midcentury Modern 14 Karat Gold Coin Pearl Necklace
By Betty Cooke
Located in Towson, MD
This Betty Cooke necklace pairs cultured coin pearls with sculptural 14 karat gold, a hallmark combination from one of American modernism's most influential studio jewelers. Betty Co...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Modern Cartier Love 18 Karat Gold Pavé Diamond Size 17 Hinged Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a modern hinged bangle bracelet. It designed by Cartier for “Love” collection. It is crafted in 18K white gold and features 204 pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds (TW ~2.0...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Sterling Silver Gold Vermeil Peridot & Black Spinel Ring, Size 7
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful, unique ring is sterling silver with gold vermeil accenting. It features a pear cut, 4x6mm peridot, a round cut 2mm black spinel and a wavy line of tiny round spinels....
Peridot, Black Spinel, Spinel, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Beaded Open Heart Double Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiating charm and delicate craftsmanship, this beaded open heart ring is a beautiful expression of modern romance. Cast in polished 14k yellow gold (hallmarked 585), the ring featu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Stainless Steel Small Watch Cartier Pouch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stainless steel Panthère de Cartier watch, small model, featuring the iconic flexible link bracelet and elegant silvered dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands. Powered by a quartz...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$222Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Dior logo script clip on earrings, silver tone metal
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous pair of vintage Christian Dior logo script design clip on earrings. Large oversized silver tone metal dome or disc shaped earrings with the Dior logo written all over th...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamond up to 0.60ct 14k gold 1.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold anchor necklace with solitaire pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 0.60 ct – J/K - Pique – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$345Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Art Deco Style Bezel Set Cubic Zircon Faceted Tennis Bracelet in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This understated cubic zirconia tennis bracelet showcases a continuous line of mixed cut gemstone in sleek bezel settings, creating a refined geometric silhouette with exceptional br...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cocktail ring with lapis lazuli 18k yellow gold 14.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold cocktail ring set with lapis lazuli – 14.4 grams - ring size U.S. 8.5 – EU 18.5(58) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.7 cm wide and 1.3 cm high Ring s...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 7.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold band ring with a harp pattern set with a central sapphire 1.00 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed descriptio...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Coral Cocktail Ring, Mediterranean Origin, Size 6.5
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with coral - ring size U.S. 6.5 EU. 17 (53) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide and 1.0 cm high. total weight 19.3 grams ring size U...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long Detailed description The beads are in various sizes, approximately 6 mm to 9 mm. Weight: 49.5 grams With - 115 x 6 mm ...
Coral, Silver
Orange Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Blue Topaz
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and blue topaz gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pear Cut Swiss Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The teardrop-shaped gemstone is suspended from a gracefully curved pave diamond bail, adding a layer of sophisticated sparkle and fluid movement. The topaz is held securely in a thre...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 8.21 carats, Morganite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 8.21 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.1...
Morganite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Tiffany & Co. Metro Collection 18K White Gold Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, modern, and unmistakably Tiffany, this authentic Tiffany & Co. Metro Collection Diamond Cuff Bracelet embodies the sleek elegance and metropolitan glamour that ins...
Diamond, White Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Tanzanite & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 6.34 carats. The weight of...
Diamond, Morganite, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$600Sale Price|70% Off
Virgin Mary Cuff Greek Cross Bracelet Devotional Medal Sacred Bronze Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Cuff Greek Cross Bracelet Devotional Medal Sacred Bronze Silver Designer: J Dauphin — Los Angeles Archive The Vintage Devotional Medal Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind sta...
Silver, Bronze
Louis Vuitton Square Cocoa Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Set with Stitched Leather
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning set of three square bracelets by Louis Vuitton Paris, crafted in a rich cocoa‑brown acrylic and designed with the house's unmistakable modern aesthetic. Each bangle featur...
Gilt Metal
$520Sale Price|35% Off
Skull Chain Cuff Brutalist Silver Burnt Bracelet J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Chain Cuff Brutalist Silver Burnt Bracelet J Dauphin Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The “Skull and Bone” Chain Cuff is a one-of-a-kind architectural statement piece hand...
Palladium, Brass
Tiffany & Co. Star Padlock Charm Pendant Sterling Silver with Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A charming vintage Tiffany & Co. pendant crafted in sterling silver, modeled as a miniature padlock with an openable shackle and a cut-out window framing a Tiffany Blue enamel star a...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Zambian Emerald and Spinel 18K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
This minimalistic pendant showcases a rare and captivating emerald and spinel celebrated for its remarkable natural colour transition and distinctive character. Carefully selected fo...
Emerald, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian 18K Yellow Gold, Natural Sapphire, & Diamond Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, sapphire, and diamond signet style ring. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a central bezel-set emerald cut 0.75 Ct± natural sapphire surrounded by a halo of 14 rou...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.23ct F1 Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Talk about a statement ring! A impressive 3.23 carat emerald-cut emerald from Colombia with the barest minimum of treatment (oil only) is the star of this gorgeous and luxurious 18k...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 15.83 carats, Kunzite, Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 15.83 carats. The weight of the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Mozambique Ruby, Zambian Emerald & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby & Emerald Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 4.64 carats. The Rubies are completely...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Skull Lighter Case Holder Light Pink Enamel Palladium Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Lighter Case Holder Light Pink Enamel Palladium Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Lighter Case is a rare archive object, handcrafted in Paris in 2008 and finished in pal...
Palladium, Brass, Enamel
Vintage Signed David Yurman Sterling Silver Wide Cable Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed wide cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. In a 'braided' variant of the Cable pattern. With a hinged side. Marked to the cuff. Together wit...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Mesh Tie Scarf 41.5" Large Sterling Silver Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
An iconic Elsa Peretti design for Tiffany & Co., this sterling silver mesh scarf is celebrated for its fluid, sculptural form and exceptional craftsmanship. The finely woven mes...
Sterling Silver
Giant Aquamarine 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary aquamarine ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a giant hand-cut aquamarine that shimmers with breathtaking bri...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2.87 Carat Oval Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This elegant 14K yellow gold ring features a stunning 2.87-carat lab-grown emerald as its centerpiece. The oval-cut emerald displays a vibrant, rich green hue with excellent transpar...
Emerald, 14k 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 Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 7.16 carats. The weigh...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
$272Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Sterling Silver Domed Cluster Ring with Round Cut Multisapphires
Located in New York, NY
This striking 4.17 carat round cut multisapphire cocktail ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver. The gemstones are artfully clustered to create a vibrant dome of color, showcasing a...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver