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.
David Yurman Sterling Silver & Gold Double Wheat Chain Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Sterling Silver & Gold Double Wheat Chain Necklace Metal: Sterling silver & 18 karat yellow gold Weight: 54.48 grams Chain: 4mm each Length: 16 inches Signed: ©D.Y. 925...
Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. Stackable Sterling Silver & Emerald Band Ring
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage sterling silver & emerald band ring. Designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Flush set with a round cut emerald. Marked to the interior of the band for P...
Emerald, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Manicure Set in Cylindrical Travel Case
Located in University Place, WA
A rare vintage manicure set by Tiffany & Co., comprising four nail care implements housed within a sleek cylindrical travel case crafted in sterling silver with gold-tone banding at ...
Sterling Silver
14KT Yellow 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, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Turquoise Eternity Ring, Size 5.5
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage eternity ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features cabochon cut turquoises of different shades. Circa 1980. Signed with “750” Weight: 3.74g Size: 16 (US 5.5) ...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
3.24 Carat Certified Natural Loose Deep Green Emerald Stone Asscher Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.24 carats Dimensions 9.89x9.34x4.63 mm Treatment Minor Oil Origin Swat, Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Asscher AG262 This exquisite 1.35-carat natural blue sapphire capt...
Emerald
$782Sale Price / item|50% Off
Certified 84.58 Ct Natural Amethyst Long Tennis Necklace Luxury Gift in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This striking tennis necklace showcases 84.58 carats of natural octagon cut amethyst gemstones elegantly set in 925 solid sterling silver. Featuring 85 beautifully matched 8 x 5 mm a...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Noblesse Sterling Silver & Gold Pave Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Noblesse Sterling Silver & Gold Pave Natural Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Metal: Sterling silver & 18 karat yellow gold Weight: 10.77 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.,75 CTE G-H...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Leaf Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver pendant necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a leaf. With an integral bail to the stem of the leaf. Marked to the reverse of th...
Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Kunzite, Mozambqiue Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Ruby Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 7.27 carats. The weight of the Rubie...
Ruby, Kunzite, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
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
Vibrant Citrine 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary bright yellow Citrine ring set in rich 14-carat matte yellow gold. At its heart lies a 2.8 -carat hand-cut Citrine that shimmers wi...
Citrine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$980Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Leverback Drop Earrings Oval Lapis Lazuli & Emerald Cabochon
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
14K Yellow Gold Leverback Drop Earrings with Oval Lapis Lazuli Cabochon & Round Emerald Accents Elegant leverback drop earrings crafted in solid 14K yellow gold. Each earring fea...
Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rainbow Moonstone 14K Yellow Gold Zambian Emerald Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary shimmering Rainbow Moonstone ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a blue flash hand-cut Rainbow Moonstone accom...
Rainbow Moonstone, Emerald, Moonstone, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 950 Platinum & Diamond Screwback Stud Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of fine signed vintage platinum and diamond stud earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In .950 platinum. Each with a prong-set round cut diamond. With screwback closures. Marked to ...
Diamond, Platinum
Necklace and pendant with sapphire and single cut diamonds up to 0.24ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with sapphire and single cut diamond 0.24ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45cm Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by 0.7 mm w...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Twist Half Hoop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed vintage gold earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each in the form of a twisted half hoop. Secured with pushback closures. Marked to the pos...
18k Gold
Bold Carnelian Bead Necklace with 22K Gold Plated Accents, New
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a single strand carnelian bold necklace. We created it with 19mm smooth carnelian round beads. It has accents of 22K gold plated 15mm textured square and 18mm patterned round...
Carnelian, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Copper
$3,250Sale Price|50% Off
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
Set in 18K Gold, Tanzanite Cabochon, Rock Crystal & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Rock Crystal Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 17.62 carats. The Tanzani...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, 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 w...
Diamond, Morganite, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure studded with marquise-cut diamonds. Diamonds 2.70 ct Total Weight 9.30 gr RF *GIFUO RK.AGHAA120 Italian Size 17.5 Usa Size 8.17 French Size...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 3.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold marquise ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.4 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Signed Baccarat Medicis 18K Gold & Sugarloaf Glass Cabochon Cocktail Ring
By Baccarat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed cocktail ring by Baccarat. From the Medicis series. In 18 karat yellow gold. Set with a signature Medicis clear glass sugarloaf cabochon. Marked to the interior Bac...
Crystal, 18k Gold
$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
$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
$546Sale Price / item|44% Off
Drop Earrings with Natural Sky Blue Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Contemporary Silver Sky Blue Topaz Earrings. Asymmetrical Sky Blue Topaz Drop Earrings. Zigzag Sky Blue Topaz Drop Earrings. Weight: 5 gr Size: aprox - 55-58 mm long. Metal: silve...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Collar Necklace, Modern Design, 16"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous Mexican collar necklace is sterling silver. It measures 1/4 of an inch wide. It has an inner diameter of 5 1/4 by 5 1/2 inches and an inner diameter of 16 inches. Marks...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 3.79 carats. The Emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 5.52 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.52 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
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....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Morganite, 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
Genuine Emerald Diamond & Tourmaline Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
This statement pendant showcases a rare and captivating pink tourmaline, zambian emeralds, diamonds and natural pearls, all celebrated for their remarkable natural colour transition ...
Tourmaline, Natural Pearl, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Medium Hoop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage pair of signed medium hoop earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Secured with pushback closures. Marked to the reverse of the pushbacks. Simply wonderful...
Sterling Silver
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Louis Vuitton Empreinte 18K Rose Gold Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday elegance with these authentic Louis Vuitton Empreinte 18K Rose Gold Stud Earrings. Crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold (Au750), these delicate studs feature the ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Black Leather Bracelet Wrap Cuff Zipper Mens Buckle Italy J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Leather Bracelet Wrap Cuff Zipper Mens Buckle Italy J Dauphin Designer J DAUPHIN The Zipper Triple Wrap Bracelet is a statement piece handcrafted in smooth black calfskin le...
Silver Plate, Brass, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Tourmaline, Rubellite & Diamond modern Chandelier Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline & Rubellite Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Rose/White/ Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmalines is 47.62 ...
Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT Rose Gold Teardrop Dangle Earrings with Honeycomb Filigree Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
The primary feature is a pear or teardrop-shaped drop element with an intricate honeycomb or open-work filigree pattern. Small, round diamonds are set within the structure and at the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Men’s Art Deco Style Baguette Amethyst Silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Architectural Amethyst Men’s Ring. Art Deco Amethyst Men’s Wedding Band. Men’s Baguette and Princess-Cut Amethyst Ring. A bold men’s ring crafted from silver and finished with gold ...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
1990s Vintage Christian Dior Gold Tone Letter D Crystal Bee Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a lovely gold tone letter “D” and bee pin brooch. It is designed by Christian Dior in 1990s. The piece features shiny clear crystals. Signed with “Dior” Size: 5.2x5cm IMPO...
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
H. Stern Vintage 18K White Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday elegance with this exquisite pre-owned H. Stern pendant necklace, a signature piece from the renowned Brazilian luxury jewelry house. Founded in 1945 by Hans St...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3 strand pearl necklace and 18k gold claps with emerald, pearl and diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp set with emerald, pearls, and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.35ct – F/G – VS/SI on a three-strand pearl necklace – 37 cm long Detailed description the length o...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
Sterling Silver Black Tourmaline Bangle Bracelet 6.75"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bangle bracelet is sterling silver with faceted lack tourmaline gemstones. It measures 5/16 of an inch wide. It has an inner diameter of 2 by 2 1/2 inches and an inner ...
Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
Vintage David Yurman Sterling Silver & Blue Topaz Infinity Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & topaz ring. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. From the 'Infinity' series. With a prong-set cushion cut blue topaz. Marked to the shank. Together ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.24ct 14k gold 4.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with a central sapphire of 0.65ct surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.24ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) detailed description: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Set in 18K White Gold, Pink Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and gorgeous, modern style, Pink Sapphire Stud Earring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamond. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 2.34 carats. The combined Diam...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sanalitro Milano Acrylic Resin Cuff Bangle Bracelet with Pastel Silk Scarf
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sanalitro Milano Lucite Cuff Bracelet – Abstract Collection, 1991 Designed by renowned Italian artist Massimo Sanalitro, this stunning cuff bracelet is a bold statement piece from hi...
$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
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Mejuri 14K Yellow Gold Black Enamel & Diamond Ring Size 9.5
Located in New York, NY
Add bold contrast and modern edge to your stack with this pre-owned Mejuri ring, a standout from the Toronto-based fine jewelry brand that revolutionized accessible luxury. Founded i...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Leather Cuff Bracelet Mesh Chain Gunmetal Zipper Buckle Wide Cuff Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather Cuff Bracelet Mesh Chain Gunmetal Zipper Buckle Wide Cuff Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Black leather mesh cuff by J Dauphin, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece, a wide Itali...
Brass, Silver Plate
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
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings with 1.75ct Oval Sapphires & Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Sleek, sophisticated, and timelessly elegant—these 14K yellow gold drop earrings showcase two richly hued oval sapphires measuring 7x5mm and totaling 1.75 carats. Framed by a cascade...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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 co...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 4.23 carats, natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 4.23 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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
Vintage Gucci sterling silver dangle earrings, interlocking G
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish pair of vintage Gucci sterling silver dangle earrings with interlocking GG logo symbol. A classic and timeless design from the early 2000s, they feature a stylised GG styl...
Sterling Silver
Margot de Taxco Enamel & Sterling Silver Figural Snake Choker or Collar Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Mexican sterling silver & enamel necklace. In the form of a green-scaled snake or serpent. By Margot de Taxco (Margot van Voorhies Carr). Pattern no. 5554. These coll...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$460Sale Price|20% Off
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