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.
18K Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Earrings-OGI Ltd Estate Collection
Located in New York, NY
Make an unforgettable impression with these elegant 18K yellow gold Black Pearl & Diamond Earrings, showcasing the captivating beauty of dark pearls with an alluring peacock-gree...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
Vintage Three Stone Colored Jade Ring Sz 6.5 Band 14k Gold Stacking Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage colored jade ring crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1990s). Orange, green and yellow jade each measure 6mm x 4mm. A distinctive vintage yellow-gold ring centered...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Emerald Diamond White Gold Ring Sz 6 1/2
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Bvlgari ring, crafted in 18k white gold. Features a serpent's head design, adorned with pave-set diamonds within hexagonal gold borders, and accented by two pear-cut emerald eyes. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$239Sale Price|20% Off
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Bracelet 7 Flowers Diamond 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet is a radiant expression of elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from luminous 18k yellow gold, this bracelet features Van Cleef & ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscuro Shark Tooth 14k Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Oscuro Shark Tooth Pendant is made of genuine shark tooth fossil with solid 14k gold and natural diamonds. Inspired by the concept of surrealism we combined a seemingly ordinary obje...
Diamond, 14k Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver, 18K Gold, and Blue Topaz Cable Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver, gold, and blue topaz cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 18k yellow gold elements. In the 'Cable' pattern. Each terminal bezel-set with...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 18k solid gold red Coral cross pendant - Religious Catholic charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely 18 Karat solid yellow gold cross pendant. This beautiful pendant exist out of red coral bars coming together in the center in a solid gold cross shape. This l...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage David Yurman Sterling Silver & 14K Gold 5mm Wheat Chain Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 14 karat yellow gold accents to each terminal. In a wheat chain style in the 5mm size. With a lobster claw...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver
$563Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Oval Cut Swiss Blue Topaz Solitaire Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This stunning piece showcases a vibrant oval-cut Swiss Blue Topaz, celebrated for its electric, sky-blue clarity. The gemstone is held securely by a classic four-prong setting atop a...
Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pair of Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Twist Knot Stud Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed silver earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Each in the form of a twist knot or love knot. Each secured with a pushback closure. Marked to t...
Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Seven Round Blue Sapphire Half Eternity Ring, 1980
Located in Heemstede, NL
Seven deep blue sapphires, one golden line. This 14K yellow gold ring features seven round sapphires set side by side, creating a beautiful contrast between the dark blue stones and ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Chain Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Burnt Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi Chain Cuff Bracelet Burnt Silver Palladium Sculptural Vintage Paris Designer: J DAUPHIN The Multi Chain Cuff is a rare archive piece, handcrafted in Paris and finished in pal...
Silver, Brass
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
$454Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Diamond Pave Butterfly Silhouette Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Embrace a sense of graceful beauty with this Diamond Pave Butterfly Silhouette Necklace. Expertly crafted in polished 14K white gold, the pendant features a delicate, open-wing butte...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage French 18k Plus qu'hier et moins que demain - Authentic Augis pendant
By A. Augis
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage 1960's heart themed 18 karat white gold Authentic Augis pendant set with single cut diamonds and three rubies For sale is this "Plus qu'hier et moins que demain" love toke...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dog Chain Link Bracelet & Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. sterling silver bracelet. With slightly oval links and a heart-shaped pendant charm. The charm is not engraved. Great Tiffany design! Date: 20th Century ...
Sterling Silver
Large Paloma Picasso Tiffany Sterling Silver & Rock Crystal Sugar Stacks Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & rock crystal (or colorless quartz) cocktail ring. Designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a large sized, prong-set ro...
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Round Turquoise Bezel Stud Earrings – 6mm
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Add a refined pop of color to any jewelry collection with these elegant 14K yellow gold turquoise stud earrings, featuring approximately 6mm round turquoise gemstones in polished bez...
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Pendant & Dog Tag Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver heart tag necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped pendant reads "Please Return to Tiffany & Co. / New York / M80560" suspended on ...
Sterling Silver
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
Bvlgari Monete Ancient Coin Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, embodies historical allure. Featuring an ancient bronze coin from Gela, Sicily, it is set flush in a smooth domed bezel and integra...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,730Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Bezel-Set Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated 14K Yellow Gold Tennis Bracelet features a continuous row of brilliant-cut diamonds, each meticulously secured in a bezel setting. Unlike traditional Bezel setting...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Lacroix Gilt Metal Lace Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris pendant necklace features a stylized knitting lace design in gilded metal, textured throughout and topped with the iconic "CL" logo. The long gi...
Gilt Metal
Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Natural Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage sapphire and diamond pendant. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. Center-set with a approx. 0.61 ct. pear cut natural yellow sapphire that is surrounded b...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zoe Coste France Gilt Metal Jeweled Dangle Clip Earrings with Blue Cabochon
Located in Atlanta, GA
These are stunning Zoe Coste for Reminiscence gilt metal dangling clip-on earrings. They feature a stylized Maltese cross shape with dangling gilded metal striped teardrops. The Malt...
Gilt Metal
Vintage 0.94 ct Diamond Solitaire Ring in a Tiffany & Co. Platinum Setting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine estate solitaire diamond engagement ring. In .950 platinum. This ring is a wonderful marriage of a vintage Tiffany 6-...
Diamond, Platinum
Fred of Paris Chrysoprase Cabochon 18k Gold Cocktail Ring Size 6
Located in Feasterville, PA
A sophisticated Fred of Paris Gold Cocktail Ring showcasing timeless elegance. This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring features a captivating 7ct chrysoprase cabochon, exuding a tranqui...
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date President Men's Watch in 18 Karat Yellow
By Rolex
Located in ANTIBES, FR
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date reference [18238], known as the President, in 18 karat yellow gold with a champagne dial. The case is fitted with the signature fluted 18 karat yellow...
18k Gold
$408Sale Price|20% Off
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
Large Vintage Sterling Abalone Shell Mermaid Earrings
Located in Webster, SD
These beautiful, vintage mermaid earrings are sterling silver with abalone shell cabochons. Measurements: 3/4 by 1 5/8 inches Weight: 10.4 grams Marks: Sterling, 69, Shube's hallmark...
Sterling Silver
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Amethyst Flower and Leaf Drop Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Nature-Inspired Amethyst Floral Cluster Earrings. Romantic Amethyst Blossom and Leaf Dangle Earrings. Botanical Amethyst Flower Earrings with French Hook Closures Weight: 4.5 gr Ov...
Topaz, Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver & Enamel Heart Dog Tag Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver heart tag necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped pendant engraved and inlaid with Tiffany Blue enamel that reads: "Please Return to T...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
David Yurman Sterling Silver Diamond Cable Earrings 0.28 CTW, 925, 14KY Posts
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
These elegant David Yurman sterling silver earrings showcase the designer's unmistakable sculptural approach to jewelry. The dimensional, flowing design combines polished silver with...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,500Sale Price|45% Off
Certified 18K Gold 2.70ct Colombian Emerald & 0.36ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
An exceptional IGL‑certified natural Colombian emerald, weighing 2.70 carats, sits at the heart of this elegant 18k gold ring. Cut in a refined octagon/step silhouette, the emerald d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Set in 18K white Gold, 5.04 carat Morganite & Diamond modern Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.04 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.30 carats....
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$381Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Solitaire Starburst Petite Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiate celestial charm with this elegant solitaire starburst ring. Crafted in high-polished 14k yellow gold, this piece features a singular, shimmering round-cut diamond nestled at ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Brooch 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Emerald Eyes Vintage
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this Cartier piece captures the dynamic elegance of the panther in motion. The feline is depicted mid-stalk, with its body low, one foreleg reaching forwa...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 14.18 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli 20 Motif Necklace 18K Yellow
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra long necklace, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, showcases timeless elegance and distinctive design. Featuring 20 lapis lazuli motifs, each fr...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$445Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Trio Round Diamond Circle Eternity Drop Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace is a modern take on a classic silhouette. The "Y" shape is specifically designed to elongate the neckline, making it a favorite for pairing with V-neck outfits or eveni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.90ct 18k yellow gold 9.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant cut diamond 0.90 ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.5(55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide Ring size U.S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Renaissance-Inspired Dangle Clip Earrings with Turquoise Resin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature a dangling Renaissance-inspired motif in turquoise-imitation color and crystal rhinestone spacers. ...
$5,189Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Elegant Pavé Diamond 6.98 Cts Bangle Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated bangle bracelet features a stunning, continuous array of brilliant round-cut diamonds set in a shimmering pavé arrangement. Crafted in warm 14K yellow gold, the sl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 18K Vintage Les Amoureux de Peynet pendant - Fine jewelry love gift
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely heart shape pendant crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. It features the two lovers drawn by the Parisian graphic designer Raymond Peynet. Les Amoureux was design...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Crystal Zirconia Tiara Crown Marquise Design Statement Headband
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Luxurious Semicircular Radiant Shimmering Crystal Tiara Crown Head Ornament. Intricately Hand-crafted and Hand set with an array of Sparkling Crystal Zirconia. Wow!...
Crystal
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Sky Blue Topaz & Pearl Drop Earrings Studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Modern Multi-Shape Sky Blue Topaz Earrings studs. Contemporary Pearl & Sky Blue Topaz Drop Earrings. Geometric Sky Blue Topaz and Pearl Earrings. Weight: 4 gr Overall length: appro...
Topaz, Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$513Sale Price / item|44% Off
Mismatched Opal Moon Face Stud Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mismatched Celestial Moon and Star Opal Earrings. Vintage/Old Style opal earrings. Ethiopian opal earrings. October Birthstone jewelry. Sculpted Moon Face Celestial Stud Earrings. M...
Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphire & Diamond modern Tennis Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphire Bracelet set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 3.94 carats. The Multi Sapphires ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vinatge Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Five Open Hearts Sterling Silver Bracelet
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. 5 Open Hearts bracelet. In sterling silver. Designed by Elsa Peretti. With 5 openwork hearts connected by small chain links and with a spring action clas...
Sterling Silver
$1,148Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 14KY Circle Brooch OGI Ltd Estate Collection
Located in New York, NY
A quietly luxurious, wearable piece of Tiffany history. This petite circle-form brooch in solid 14K yellow gold, from the OGI Ltd Estate Collection, combines brightly polished surfa...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald 3 Band Ring
Located in Heemstede, NL
Some rings go with everything, and this is one of them. Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this vintage ring features three beautifully combined bands that come together as one. Set with vi...
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver & Rose Quartz Sugar Stacks Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & rose quartz cocktail ring. Designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a prong-set rose quartz sugarloaf cabochon to the ...
Quartz, 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
Gold Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Brutalist Studded Mesh Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Brutalist Studded Mesh Vintage Statement piece Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in brass with a ...
Brass, Gold Plate
Van Cleef & Arpels Georges Lenfant Taurus Vintage Zodiac Gold Necklace
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels vintage zodiac medallion, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, embodies the artistry of Georges Lenfant, renowned for the Maison's 1970s zodiac series. Modeled af...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Double Tear Drop Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver pendant necklace. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. From the 'Double Tear Drop' series. Consisting of a large tear drop penda...
Sterling Silver