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.
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
Ring with emerald up to 4.00ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.70ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold entourage ring set with an emerald up to 4.00 ct and a brilliant-cut diamond of 1.70 ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description The top o...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
French 18K Yellow Gold Augis Saint Christopher Medal Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
This exceptional French devotional medal is a magnificent creation by the esteemed house of Alphonse Augis, widely celebrated for their masterful sentimental and religious jewelry. B...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Galliano Paris Gunmetal Chain Bracelet with Dangling Charms
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare John Galliano Paris chain bracelet features a dangling design with logo charms. The high-gloss gunmetal-finish link chain is adorned with five dangling elements, each beari...
Metal
GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Natural Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Natural Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings GIA report numbers: 5231334520, 2231897767 Diamonds: 1.12 H SI2 round brilliant natural diamond, 1.10 H I1 natural ...
Diamond, White Gold
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
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
Cartier Panthere Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Cartier Panthère Necklace, crafted in 18k white gold, epitomizes the maison's iconic feline motif. The Panthère collection, a hallmark of Cartier's design legacy, showcases the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 2.78 carat, 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 2.78 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$470Sale 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
Ring with single cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring with single cut diamond total 0.50ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 5.3 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$517Sale 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
Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet embodies timeless elegance with its refined design. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features the iconic Panthère de Cartier motif, a symbol of gr...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Ladies Mid-20th Century Movado Celestograf Triple Calendar Moonphase Watch
By Movado
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This rare and beautiful vintage ladies Movado Celestograf wrist watch has many built in mechanical enhancements known as "complications," with th...
18k Gold
Marina J. Woven Seed Pearl Choker with Adjustable Rhodium Plated Silver Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Pearl Choker by Marina J. This piece is made with luxury Cultured Seed Pearls all intricately woven together into a stunning lace like design. The Pearls display a white and...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
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...
$524Sale 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
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...
$517Sale 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
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
Bvlgari Monete 18k Yellow Gold Ancient Coin Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari Monete Necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, epitomizes the brand's Roman essence with its authentic ancient bronze follis centerpiece. The Monete collection, a testamen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Ruban Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A masterfully crafted engagement ring by Cartier, embodying architectural elegance. The Trinity Ruban design features a dynamic ribbon motif, adorned with pavé-set round brilliant d...
Diamond, Platinum
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold. Purple Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central ...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Mid Century 4.40ct Lab-Created Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
The ring is a three-stone ring featuring a prominent, deep blue, pear-cut center sapphire gemstone, flanked by two white, baguette-cut side diamonds. The setting and band are made of...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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
$1,064Sale Price|24% Off
36.15 Carat Natural Loose Baby Pink Kunzite Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 36.15 carat Dimensions 20x16.4x13.4 mm Treatment Heater Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This exquisite 36.15 carat natural baby pink kunzite disp...
Kunzite
Earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.24ct 18k gold 2.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with sapphires up to 1.26 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.24 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings measure 1.7 cm long and 4.8 mm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$536Sale 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
$524Sale 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
$529Sale 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
$517Sale 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
Cartier Diamond Knot 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Exude elegance and sophistication with this breathtaking Vintage Cartier Diamond Knot Ring. Crafted meticulously in 18 karat yellow gold, this remarkable piece showcases Cartier's ti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Miu Miu Turquoise and Yellow Acrylic Jeweled Bracelet Bangle with Apple Charm
By Miu Miu
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Miu Miu Italy acrylic jeweled bracelet is a cute bangle with a charm. Carved from a transparent acrylic or Lucite material, the piece is paved with crystal rhinestones all aroun...
$517Sale 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...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Silver, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, Gold Plate
Fabrice Paris Silvered Metal Geometric Brooch with Agate Stone Cabochons
By Fabrice
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fabrice, Paris designed this stunning geometric brooch. The rare piece features a massive open donut design with a high-gloss silvered metal frame composition embellished with carved...
Agate
Francoise Montague Green Floral Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling resin clip-on earrings for French Jewelry designer Francoise Montague. The floral-inspired, handmade, artisanal shape featu...
11.70 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Heart Shape Ametrine Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 11.70 carat Dimensions 15.7x16.8x9.4mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Heart This exquisite 11.70 carat natural ametrine showcases the encha...
Other
Vintage 1980s 10K Yellow Gold Peridot Solitaire Ring Size 7
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful, unique 1980s ring is 10k yellow gold. It features an oval cut, 8x10mm peridot gemstone. The face of this ring measures 1/2 of an inch north to south with a rise of 7m...
Peridot, Yellow Gold, 10k 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
Cartier LOVE Two Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant Link Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier LOVE Pendant necklace crafted in 18 karat rose gold, featuring the iconic LOVE collection design accented with two round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.03 ca...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Citrine and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine earrings silver, gold. Dangle citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Citrine and Topaz A striking pair of citr...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
11mm Natural Amazonite Bead Stretch Bracelet – 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This vibrant stretch bracelet features hand-selected 11mm natural Amazonite beads with rich turquoise-green tones and delicate white veining. Each bead is smoothly polished to highli...
Amazonite
Cartier Sorbet Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 4 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Cartier Sorbet Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring, crafted in 18k white gold. Features a pear-shaped rose quartz, accented by rubies, yellow sapphires, pink tourmalines, orange garne...
Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pink Porcelain Rare 18K Rose Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet crafted in 18K rose gold and accented with five delicate pink porcelain motifs. Featuring the maison’s iconic clover-inspired Alh...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver – 3.5mm, 16cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This dainty bracelet features vibrant 3.5mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads in a rich, consistent sky-blue color. Each bead is smoothly polished to highlight the exceptional ...
Turquoise, Silver
$517Sale 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
3.48ct Diamond Cigar Band Sz 8.25 Ring Mixed Cuts 18k White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish wide diamond band crafted in 18 karat white gold (circa 1970s). Mixed cut round brilliant and baguette diamonds total an estimated 3.48 carats (estimated at H-I color and V...
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Dragon Gold Tone Statement Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Enter the dragon! You will turn heads and garner compliments with this striking dragon necklace in an antiqued gold tone metal. The intricate dragon has an Asian influence with detai...
Gilt Metal
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
14K Solid White Gold Diamond Ring with Ruby
Located in Naples, NY
I ship all my products from the USA! Not my handwork! I'm selling my used CIRARI Ruby and Diamond ring! I bought it about 3 years ago on Gemshoping TV. At that time I wore white go...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$517Sale 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
Angela Caputi Pink and Gold Resin Dangle Flamenco Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature an important dangling design with wavy-shaped floral elements. The pieces boast antique rose, gold, turquo...
$517Sale 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
$517Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Bezel Black Opal Ring for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Black Opal Cabochon for Men silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Black Opal. Oval Pinky Ring ...
Black Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Pomellato Garnet 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 6 3/4
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Symbolic of Craftsmanship and Innovation. Set with a Round Step-Cut Garnet Accented by 18K Yellow Gold. Brand: Pomellato Size: 6 3/4, Resizeable Weight: 12.5 grams Hallmarks: P...
Citrine, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Vintage Tubogas Diamond Choker Tri Color 18k Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 2023 This vintage choker necklace is finely crafted in 18k multi-tone gold. The necklace features the distinctive Tubogas design, showcasing intertwining bands of yellow, whit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
5.19 Carat Oval Aquamarine Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine Weight: 5.19 Carats Diamond Weight Total 1.00 Carats **0.73 Carats Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds, 0.27 Carats Baguette-Cut Diamonds Elegant and striking, this 14K white go...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$517Sale 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
Earrings with coral and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.03ct 18k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold stud earrings set with coral and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.03ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the stud/pendant are 8.6 mm long by 7.7 m...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and 1.02 Carat D, Si-2 Diamond. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning t...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$353Sale 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