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.
Ring with garnet 14k gold 9.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold band ring set with garnet - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description the front of the ring is 1.3 cm wide ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) weight : 9.3 ...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Green Jade & Ruby & Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An extraordinary creation from the Ikhor Collection, the Byzantine Violin Flame Earrings by Austy Lee embody the artistry of high jewellery, where musical elegance meets sculptural b...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
Aquamarine Heart Ring in 18k Gold with Pavé Diamonds and Enamel
Located in Beaverton, OR
A one-of-a-kind aquamarine heart ring set in 18k gold with pavé diamonds, designed around a natural heart-shaped aquamarine measuring approximately 10.00 × 9.55 mm. The center stone...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Augis 18k Gold Guardian Angel Medal Charm 16mm Signed French Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A charming vintage French guardian angel medal crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold by the prestigious jeweler Alphonse Augis. This delicate pendant features a beautifully detailed ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.19ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with pendant set with pearl and single-cut diamond 0.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide. The ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
$429Sale Price / item|55% Off
Amethyst 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 12 MM Huggie Earrings, purple gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Ear...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
$429Sale Price / item|55% Off
Freshwater 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Freshwater pearl 12 MM Huggie Earrings, white Freshwater pearl Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner d...
Freshwater Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$893Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval cab garnet ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab garnet ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with garnet. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - garnet 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, red color. ...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Vintage Cartier Ring Sz 7 CC Logo Sterling Silver 18k Gold Band Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Out of production vintage Cartier ring crafted in sterling silver & 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). The Cartier "CC" logo in 18k yellow gold adorns the center of the ring, with the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace, 45cm Long, 12g, Excellent Condition
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: necklace is 45 cm long and 1.7 mm wide total weight: 12.0 grams hallmark present and tested for gold content necklace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$536Sale Price / item|77% Off
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold. Black Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central ston...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$893Sale Price / item|50% Off
Marquise sapphire vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style 14k gold ring. Marquise sapphire and moissanites 14k gold ring. Genuine sapphire ring. Blue sapphire ring. Old style engagement ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.8 gr d...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline & Pink Diamond Ring, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Along with that of tapes, fringes, and other smallware's, the manufacture of cloth ribbons forms a special department of the textile industries. The essential feature of a ribbon loo...
Pink Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
$893Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear emerald and pearl 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald engagement ring. Pear emerald ring. Emerald vintage style ring. Wedding gold ring with emerald. Metal type: Gold Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 gr. depends from size. Ce...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
$476Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Garnet and Topaz
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Garnet and Topaz. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Garnet and Topaz Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yellow gold p...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$429Sale Price / item|55% Off
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, blue gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Earrin...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
Monique Vedie, Line Vautrin Student Resin Clip Earrings Pistachio Flower
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Monique Vedie resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a daisy-shaped design with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a textured pattern in glittering pistach...
E.HABAN 18k gold lock with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct on pearl necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
E. HABAN 18k white gold clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct – F/G – VS/SI – on a pearl necklace – 55 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 55 cm long and 7.6...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
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...
Set in 18K white Gold, 3.00 carats, natural Diamonds Band Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Diamonds band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Diamonds is 3.00 carats. The Diamonds are of VVS - VS qual...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Amethyst Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Amethyst Ring. Emerald Cut Amethyst Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 pi...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$429Sale Price / item|55% Off
Opal cabochon 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal cabochon 12 MM Huggie Earrings, colorless gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diamete...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,191Sale Price / item|50% Off
Octagon amethyst ring for men in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Solid Gold Round Amethyst Ring For Men's. Mens Solid Gold Amethyst Ring. Octagon Cut Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - ame...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
90s Vintage Cartier Trinity Earrings 18k Gold 3/4" Fine Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish Cartier Trinity earrings crafted in 18k yellow, rose & white gold (circa 1990s). The classic Trinity earrings are great for everyday wear, crafted in 18k yellow, rose ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$476Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Peridot
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Peridot. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yellow ...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold. Dangle opal earrings. Cocktail earrings with opals. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: opal, oval ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
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...
$1,072Sale Price / item|40% Off
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with aquamarine. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) -aquamarine 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, b...
Aquamarine, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$476Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Amethyst. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Amethyst Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yello...
Amethyst, Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Baguette Ruby Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
A refined and architecturally composed ruby ring by Tiffany & Co., crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with three vertically aligned baguette-cut rubies. The composition feat...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
49.20 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Kunzite Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 49.20 carat Dimensions 22.0x18.3x14.5 mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 49.20 carat Natural Hot Pink Kunzite is a truly ex...
Kunzite
KIESELSTEIN-CORD ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
KIESELSTEIN-CORD 18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 6.5 – EU 17(53) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Skull Bone Cuff Chain Bracelet Palladium
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Skull Bone Chain Cuff Bracelet by J Dauphin is a rare vintage piece from 2008, handcrafted in Paris and originally featured in Vogue, reflecting the br...
Brass, Palladium
Missoni Multi-Strand Multicolor Metal, Lucite and Leather Cuff Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Missoni bangle bracelet, designed by the renowned fashion house. A rare and striking piece, it showcases a cuff shape with a multi-layer design that seamlessly...
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
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Double Tear Drop Pendant
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 pendant s...
Sterling Silver
Silvorra 925 Silver Elegant Tennis Necklace with Opal Gemstone Jewelry for Women
Located in New York, NY
This graceful tennis necklace is crafted in 925 sterling silver and adorned with 63 natural opal gemstones, each carefully shaped in a classic oval cut measuring 3X5 mm. The opals di...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Necklace and pendant with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with a two-tone pendant set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30 ct - H/I - SI - 45 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$476Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Peridot and Amethyst Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yello...
Amethyst, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
70s Diamond Dome Ring Sz 5 Wide Band Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish diamond dome band crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Mixed cut princess and straight baguette diamonds total an estimated 1.25 carats (estimated at H-I color an...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 3.4 mm high...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Black and Gray Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these sophisticated made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces boast a black contrast with a warm gray color. The dimensional, dangling, carved resin bl...
$1,430Sale Price / item|55% Off
Snake design 14k gold engagement Emerald ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Snake design 14k gold engagement ring. Marquise emerald gold ring. Open ended, adjustable emerald ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - e...
Emerald, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Ruby Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Ruby Ring. Round Cut Ruby Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (central s...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
18k gold ring with two snake heads, ring size US 8 - EU 18.25(57), 14.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with two snake heads – ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide and 4.0 mm high. Ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57)...
18k Gold
$893Sale Price / item|50% Off
Heart topaz ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Heart topaz ring in 14k gold. Heart shape engagement ring. 1ct heart topaz ring. Solitaire heart ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size...
Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Double Loving Heart' Band Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver ring. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Designed by Paloma Picasso. From the 'Double Loving Heart' series. Fully marked to the shank. Simply wonde...
Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 4.00 carat, natural Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Pendant Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Pendant set in 18K White Gold. The weight of the pear shaped Diamond is 4.00 carats. Other Diamonds weight is 0.20 carat...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$15,190Sale Price|30% Off
GRS Certified 2.53 Carat Mozambique Ruby Diamond Ring in 18K Gold Vivid Red
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our stunning Mozambique Ruby and Diamond Ring, a masterpiece of contemporary design and exquisite craftsmanship. At the heart of this ring lies a captivating 2.53 carat M...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 8.54 carat Emeralds & 9.76 carat Tanzanites modern Hoop Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Tanzanite Hoop Earrings set in 18K Gold & Blue/Green Rhodium. The weight of the Emeralds is 7.54 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Emerald, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Monique Vedie Line Vautrin Student Green Talosel and Mirror Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Monique Vedie (1924-2021) Resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a stylized geometric flower shape with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a beautiful li...
$514Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Oval cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Francoise Montague Pearl, Crystal and Gold Lolita Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The iconic earring style from Francoise Montague in gold, pearls, and Swarovski crystals. These clip earrings dance as you move and are universally flattering. A must-have addition t...
Crystal, Pearl, Gold
$772Sale Price / item|70% Off
Oval cabochon amethyst 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon amethyst 14k gold ring. Amethyst solitaire. Plain amethyst ring. Diamond cut amethyst ring. Amethyst engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weig...
Amethyst, Topaz, 14k Gold
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Baguette emerald half eternity silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Baguette emerald half eternity ring silver, gold. Silver ring with emerald. Minimalist baguette emerald mens, unisex ring. Semi-eternity ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating o...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$536Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear Peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot silver, gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: peridot, green col...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold, Silver
$1,158Sale Price / item|55% Off
Peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot 14k gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: peridot, green color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gemst...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold
$686Sale Price / item|60% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring. Ruby solitaire. Plain ruby ring. Oval cabochon cut ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Mozambique Ruby, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby & Pink Sapphires Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ruby is 0.91 carats. The Ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold