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.
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Pear Cut Natural Emerald Toi et Moi Ring Fine Jewelry in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 0.86 carat emerald ring are crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Featuring two pear cut emeralds measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm, the ring showcase a graceful silhouette wit...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Donald Stannard Enamel & Crystal Rhinestone Earrings, 1980's
Located in Atlanta, GA
Donald Stannard served as an assistant to Kenneth Jay Lane in the 1960's until 1972 when he started his own line of stylish costume jewelry. His creations feature bold designs with ...
Crystal, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Rossella Ugolini Handcrafted 14K Yellow Gold Man Unique Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini's men's band ring, crafted in 14k yellow gold, is a striking piece from the Castle of Italy Collection. Available any size on order. This design draws inspiration fr...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K White Gold, 1.47 carats, Tanzanite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 1.47 carats. The Tanzanite is resp...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$526Sale 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
130.45 Carat Chalcedony 7.54 Carat Diamonds Sapphires Pearls White Gold Bracelet
Located in Berlin, DE
Breathtaking handcrafted bracelet featuring a chalcedony cabochon of 130.45 carats as centerpiece and 292 freshwater pearls weighing 62.29 carats, 497 round cut diamonds weighing 5....
Chalcedony, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 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
Marina J. Pearl Woven Bridal Choker with Rhodium Silver
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Bridal Choker by Marina J. This piece is made entirely of multi sized Pearls all intricately woven together into a tight lace like design. The Pearls display a soft iridesc...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
$539Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle oval amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Silver Drop Earrings. Elegant vintage-style earrings with oval amethys...
Topaz, Amethyst, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Genuine Amethyst and Larimar Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Make a bold heavenly statement with this breathtaking sky blue larimar beaded necklace. Hand-knotted with methicious care and finished in dazzling 14K solid gold, it hangs with large...
Amethyst, Larimar, Apatite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Set in 18K Gold, 15.63 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and important, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 15.63 carats. The Emerald is complete...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with lapis lazuli and single cut diamonds up to 0.03ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold with lapis lazuli and single cut diamonds up to 0.03ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.25 – EU. 16(50) detailed description: The top of the ring is 6.4 mm wide a...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
$519Sale 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
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
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald Rope Hoop Drop Earrings – 2.75 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant simplicity meets contemporary design in these striking 14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald Rope Hoop Earrings. Rich oval cabochon emeralds weighing approximately 2.75 carats tot...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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...
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Custom Initials Cufflinks – Personalized Monogram Cufflinks for Men
Located in Istanbul, TR
Custom Initials Cufflinks – Personalized Monogram Cufflinks for Men. Bespoke Initial Cufflinks. Custom Letter Cufflinks. Crafted in solid sterling silver plus white gold plating ove...
Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with pearl and single cut diamonds. 0.32ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: the size of the earring is 3.0 cm high by 8.0 mm wide Total weight 4.5 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Emerald Turquoise Pink Opal Diamond Halo Stud Earrings Handmade 18K Rose Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Bold, artistic, and exceptionally handcrafted, these statement stud earrings showcase a striking composition of vibrant gemstones arranged in a geometric mosaic design. Rich Zambian ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in University Place, WA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Arno Alhambra family, crafted in 18k white gold and set with a cluster of four round brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a quatrefoil patter...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earrings with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 13.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ear clips set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.2.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.7 cm long by 1.2 cm thick ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Cilea Dangle Pierced Earrings Deep Purple Resin Poppy Flowers
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling pierced earrings. The floral-inspired, artisanal resin earrings feature poppy flowers, leaves, and textured patterns intric...
Vintage Stratton Mother-of-Pearl Compact, Brass, Scalloped Edge, 1960s
By Stratton
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage Stratton mother-of-pearl compact. We are so excited to find this great condition English compact with 60 years of life! It is small with a scalloped edge and the to...
Brass
Del Mar Crab Claw Ring with Green Tourmaline and Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Del Mar ring features a vibrant .35 carat green tsavorite gemstone with 2 small natural diamond accents, set in 14 karat gold. This magnificent jewelry piece is inspired by surrealis...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
Earrings with turquoise and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold clip-on earrings set with turquoise and brilliant-cut diamonds 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description the top of the ear stud is 2.1 cm long by 1.1 cm wide wei...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arples Vintage Alhambra Mother-Of-Pearl 18K Yellow GoldStud Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Earrings. These iconic earrings feature the maison’s signature Alhambra clover motif, beautifully crafted in r...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$1,819Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Six-Prong Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
A timeless solitaire look that provides maximum brilliance and a clean, refined aesthetic. The six-prong architecture offers enhanced protection for the diamonds while creating a cla...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Aquamarine, Morganite & Diamonds "Kissing" Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Morganite "Kissing" Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 7.90 carats. The...
Morganite, Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, 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 sapphire up to 0.88ct and marquise diamonds up to 0.28ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire totaling 0.88ct and marquise-cut diamond totaling 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5(55) detailed description: The top of ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage snake ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features red stone. Circa 1980. Signed with “750” Weight: 3.60g Size: 17.75 (US 7.5) IMPORTANT: cannot be resized. As ...
18k Gold
Three stone ring with sapphire and old mine cut diamond up to 1.03ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k pink gold ring set with sapphire to. 0.26ct and an oval old mine cut up to. 1.03ct - J/K - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) Detailed description: the front of the ring ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, 4.14 carats Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Hoop Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphire Hoop Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 4.14 carats. The Diamonds we...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9.05 Carat Zambian Emerald 2.27 Carat Diamond 18K White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted in luminous 18K White Gold, these exceptional drop earrings showcase the timeless beauty of natural Zambian emeralds framed by a dazzling halo of natural diamonds. The rich 6...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$576Sale Price|20% Off
1.60 Carat Natural Loose Teal Color Sapphire Stone Cushion Cut Madagascar's Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.60 carat Dimensions 7x6.5x3.9mm Treatment None Origin Madagascar Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This beautiful 1.60-carat natural Teal Sapphire from Madagascar showc...
Sapphire
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...
$616Sale 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
Vintage silver tone modernist designer runway clip on earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • silver tone • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1 3/8" by 3/4" CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ❤️❤️ ...
Silver
Chanel Rare Coco Mademoiselle Campaign Necklace 2011 Keira Knightley Collectors
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible Chanel necklace created for the iconic “Coco Mademoiselle” 2011 advertising campaign featuring Keira Knightley, directed by Joe Wright an...
Angela Caputi Coral and Lapis Resin Chandelier Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, acrylic resin clip-on earrings feature an oversized chandelier dangling shape with dimensional stylized pine cones and faceted beads, com...
Gilt Metal
Nina Zhou One-of-a-Kind Certified 7.10ct Colombian Emerald Ring in 18k Gold US6
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Featuring a GUILD-certified natural Colombian emerald displaying the exceptionally rare Gota de Aceite ("drop of oil"), also known as the butterfly-wing optical effect, this one-of-a...
Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k 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
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet – 3mm Beads, 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate 18K yellow gold bracelet features lustrous 3mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each tiny bead displays the signature vivid sky-blue color and exceptional clari...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Emerald Snake Earrings Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Small Studs Serpent Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pair of vintage emerald snake earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1990s). Pear cut emeralds measure approx. 4mm x 3.5mm. With a textured gold design the snak...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$745Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Accented Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Make a bold, symbolic statement with this captivating Snake Bypass Ring. Expertly cast in warm 14K yellow gold, this piece features a fluid, serpentine design that gracefully coils a...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.82ct 18k gold 7.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k red gold band ring with a harp motif set with a central ruby of 1.00 ct and a ring of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.82 ct - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed descript...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Necklace with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace set with pearl and brilliant cut to. 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - 42 cm long detailed description: the length of the necklace is 42 cm long by 1.1 mm wide The si...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White 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
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
$531Sale 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
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
$567Sale 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 sapphire and marquise shaped diamonds up to 0.24ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold ring set with a central sapphire totaling 0.80ct and two marquise-cut diamonds totaling 0.24ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 – EU. 17.5(55) detailed description:...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2.92 Carat L SI1 Natural Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 2.92 Carat L SI1 Natural Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 5232707080 Diamond: 2.92 carat L SI1 natural diamond Metal: 14 karat white gold & plati...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$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
Cartier Classic LOVE Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cartier Classic LOVE Bracelet, Size 16. An enduring icon of luxury jewelry, this authentic Cartier LOVE Bracelet features the coveted early screw system, a ha...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold