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.
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-SidedArt Nouveau Muse Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art Nouveau Muse Coin Necklace with Blue Topaz Stones. Two-Sided Muse Coin Necklace Pendant. Art Nouveau Floral Amulet Necklace. A striking two-sided Muse amulet pendant crafted in s...
Blue Topaz, Gold, 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
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 18" Beaded Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver beaded necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a lobster clasp closure. With a jump ring for a charm. Marked to the tag and the clasp. Toge...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Round Diamond Stud Earrings 10k Yellow Gold Cluster Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond cluster stud earrings crafted in 10k yellow & white gold (circa 1980s). Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.38 carats (estimated at L-M color a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$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
18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire, Tanzanite & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphires & Tanzanites Cocktail Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiop...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Globe Barbell Cufflinks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of figural barbell cufflinks. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a figural globe terminal to one end of each. Fully marked to the posts. Together with their o...
Sterling Silver
Goossens Paris Modern 24K Gold Rock Crystal Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Oversized necklace from the Coeur Précieux collection. Rock crystal heart oversized mounted on a worked chain. A precious symbol of the House, the beating heart of Goossens. Rock cry...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass, 24k 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
Giant Green Tourmaline 18K Gold Heart Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
A giant green tourmaline heart pendant that catch the light in dazzling ways. Surrounded by 18k yellow gold. This unique eye catching charm can be combined with your favorite neckla...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari B.Zero1 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Baltimore, MD
Bvlgari Bulgari B.Zero1 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 8.21 grams Size: 54 (7 US) Width: 5mm NTD F35002581
18k Gold, Yellow 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
Handcrafted Modern Artisan Silk Beaded Necklace by Variously in Indigo & Gold
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Inspired by the Sanskrit word Mihika, meaning morning dew, this necklace reflects freshness, purity, and the gentle beauty found in nature. Each piece is carefully handcrafted using ...
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Cleopatra Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Cleopatra Coin Necklace with Emerald and Sapphire. Egyptian Queen Coin Pendant. Two-Sided Cleopatra Amulet Necklace. A striking two-sided Cleopatra amu...
Emerald, Gold, Silver
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
7.50 Carat Natural Loose Sky Blue Color Topaz Fancy Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 7.50 carat Dimensions 12.9x8.9x6.7 mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Fancy This magnificent 7.50-carat natural sky blue topaz enchants wi...
Topaz
$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
Earrings with jade 14k yellow gold 8.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold stud earrings set with jade – 8.7 grams Detailed description: The stud earring has a diameter of 1.4 cm wide and 1.0 cm thick Total weight 8.7 grams set with - 2...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Renaissance Sterling Silver & Gold Gemstone Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Renaissance Sterling Silver & Gold Gemstone Cuff Bangle Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver & 14k yellow gold Weight: 30.3 grams Gemstone: Tourmaline & blue sapphire Width:...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
Earrings with emerald up to 5.00ct and diamonds up to 5.00ct 18k gold 16.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ear clips set with emerald up to 5.00ct and brilliant and marquise cut diamonds up to 5.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip ar...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 4.05 carats, Zambian Emerald & Rose Cut 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 4.05 carats. The Emerald is completely...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage John Hardy 'Dot' Pattern Sterling Silver Wide Flex Cuff Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. From the 'Dot' series. Fully marked to the interior. The cuff is flexibile and is opened to slide the h...
Sterling Silver
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.1 mm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Kunzite, Chalcedony & Rose Cut Diamond Link Necklace & Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Chalcedony Link Necklace & Chandelier Earrings. The weight of the Kunzite is 67.87 carats. The weight of the Chalcedony...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold
MODERN Bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.20ct 14k gold 12.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.20 ct – F/G – VS/SI – 19 cm long Detailed description The bracelet is 19 cm long, 2.5 mm wide, and 1.9 mm high. The...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$741Sale Price|20% Off
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
$5,290Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White 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 white gold, the sle...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ring with pearl, baguette and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with pearl and brilliant-cut and taper-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.00 ct F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
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
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
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
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
Coin Necklace Silver Star Medallion Clover Cross Cuba Mens Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coin Necklace Silver Star Medallion Clover Cross Cuba Mens Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Silver coin necklace, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece by J Dauphin, centered on a "Patria ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
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
Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
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
Leather Cuff Bracelet Studded Spike Tan Buckle Wide Cuff Gold Silver Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather Cuff Bracelet Studded Spike Tan Buckle Wide Cuff Gold Silver Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Tan leather studded cuff by J Dauphin, a wide band set across the face with pointed...
Silver Plate, Brass
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
Long Hanging Circle Earrings 14K Yellow Gold with Natural Turquoise & Black Onyx
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Style: Long hanging / dangle with circular geometric design Closure: Secure lever-back (also called lever or shepherd’s hook style) for reliable everyday wear Measurements: Approxima...
Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Openwork Criss-Cross or Woven Knot Cuff Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a braided or woven wire in a criss-cross pattern (sometimes referred to as a 'Love Knot' or a 'Celtic ...
Sterling Silver
Three stone Rainbow Moonstone 18K Yellow Gold 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 three blue flash hand-cut Rainbow Moonstones ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pear-Shaped Emerald and Diamond Lever Back Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Everyday Luxury Infuse your daily look with vibrant elegance with these 14K Yellow Gold Lever Back Earrings, showcasing a graceful pairing of pear-shaped emeralds and sparkl...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl & Natural Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Stud Earring
By Mikimoto
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl & Natural Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Stud Earrings Metal: 2.86 grams Pearls: 7.5mm Akoya cultured white pearls with a creamy luster Diamonds: Approx. 0...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Cable Link Bracelet with Heart Tag / Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver chain link bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped tag or charm. Secured with a lobster clasp closure. Fully marked to the he...
Sterling Silver
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
$398Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Pear Cut Swiss Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The teardrop-shaped gemstone is suspended from a gracefully curved pave diamond bail, adding a layer of sophisticated sparkle and fluid movement. The topaz is held securely in a thre...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with sapphire up to 1.90ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire up to 1.90ct surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct – G/H – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 9 - EU. 19 (60) Detailed description: The top o...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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
Tennis bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.00ct 18k gold 19.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold tennis bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 4.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - 17 cm long detailed description: the bracelet is 17 cm long by 5.7 mm wide and 3.3 m...
Diamond, 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
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
$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
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Massive Cream and Turquoise Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in cream-white latte color with a turquoise-blue contrast. Her color match...
Louis Vuitton Square Cocoa Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Set with Stitched Leather
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning set of three square bracelets by Louis Vuitton Paris, crafted in a rich cocoa‑brown acrylic and designed with the house's unmistakable modern aesthetic. Each bangle featur...
Gilt Metal
$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
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
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
$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
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 Grosse Gold Tone Textured Bow Brooch, Germany, 1964
By Grosse
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage statement brooch. This brooch is such a versatile piece and ideal for adding a finishing touch to any your outfits to elevate them to the next level, made by Gros...
Gold Plate