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.
Fine Natural Aquamarine Beryl 2.38 Carat – Madagascar – Collector Quality Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Experience the elegance of this natural Aquamarine gemstone, weighing an impressive 2.38 carats and sourced from the renowned gemstone regions of Madagascar. Known for its rich, blue...
Aquamarine
Silvorra Natural Aquamarine Gemstone 925 Silver Ring With Diamond Studded Shank
Located in New York, NY
This shimmering ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a 0.72 carat natural oval aquamarine as its captivating centerpiece. Sparkling diamond accents totaling 0.15 carats...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cabochon Ruby and Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 Total Weight: 7.8 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: Ruby, emerald, diamond Emerald Carat Weight: ~0.70 carats ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$942Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Ruby Engagement Ring in 14 K Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby ring in 14 karat yellow gold. Ruby engagement ring in 14 k gold. 14k yellow gold ring with rubies and diamonds. Weight: 3 g. depends from size Central stone: Ruby Weight: 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds, 18 Karat White and Rose Gold Personalized Name Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful personalized bracelet with name in 18 kt gold structure mounted with diamonds. The price will change according to the name that is req...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Company 18 Karat yellow Gold Puff Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Tiffany & Co. Small Puff Heart pendant is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and features the iconic Elsa Peretti-inspired heart design with a softly sculpted, dimensional form...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings silver, gold. Topaz, garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemston...
Garnet, Topaz
Vintage 90s Bulgari Tubogas Bracelet Diamond 18k Gold Stainless Steel Bangle
By Bulgari
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Bulgari 'Tubogas' bracelet crafted in 18k rose gold and stainless steel (circa 1990s). The bracelet is designed to resemble a flexible gas pipe, finished with a pa...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Chaumet Paris 18K Yellow Gold Gemini Zodiac Pendant Necklace
By Chaumet
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Chaumet Gemini pendant, expertly crafted as a freeform yellow gold medallion, features a richly textured, organically rippled surface. At its center, the Gemini twins are depict...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$388Sale Price|20% Off
Chunky Gold Toggle Charm Bracelet With Pearl & Heart Motif By Escada, 1980s
By Escada
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 7.5" length - Gold plated - Chunky curb chain - Faux pearl - Toggle closure - By Escada (signed on hang tag...
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
$4,080Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luxury 3.49Ct Round Brilliant Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This diamond tennis bracelet showcases 3.49 carats of natural round brilliant diamonds set in 14K Yellow gold. Each measuring approximately 2.4 mm and securely set in classic prong s...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multicolor South Sea and Tahitian Pearl Necklace, 9.5–9.9mm, High Luster
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER A refined multicolor cultured pearl necklace composed of luminous South Sea and Tahitian pearls in a naturally graduated palette. The strand features pear...
South Sea Pearl, Pearl
Bvlgari Tubogas Watch in Stainless Steel and 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Lucerne, CH
Introducing the Bvlgari "Tubogas" watch in stainless steel and gold, a timepiece that tells a captivating story of heritage and innovation. This collection is a celebration of Bvlgar...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, Steel
$25,520Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Tubogas 18K Tri Color BB 19 1 T Serpenti Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Bvlgari Tubogas Serpenti watch crafted entirely in 18k tri-color gold, combining yellow, rose and white gold throughout the flexible coiled bracelet. The alternating g...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$576Sale Price|20% Off
10.85 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.85 carat Dimensions 12.1x10.7x10.1 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion Introducing a stunning 10.85 Carat Natural Pink Kunzite, bea...
Kunzite
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 6.00 carats Faceted Ruby & Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 6.00 carats. The faceted Rubies are complet...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
David Webb Rock Crystal 18K Yellow Gold 2.40cttw Diamond Enamel Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent David Webb rock crystal, diamond, and black enamel brooch, crafted in platinum and 18K yellow gold, with distinguished provenance from the collection of Irene Roosevelt...
Diamond, Crystal, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cabochon Ruby and Channel Set Diamond Band Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 (resizing available) Total Weight: 3.9 Grams Ring Width: ~7.45 mm Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone: 1 Ruby Shape: Cab...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$945Sale Price / item|30% Off
1/10 Carat Marquise Diamond Ring Yellow Gold Brushed Satin Band Flush Set
Located in Austin, TX
This stunning satin finished 14k yellow gold flush set band encircling a brilliant white diamond is breathtaking! The creative setting of the diamond pr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Bracelet Flat Woven & Braided 2 Strands, in Herringbone Pattern by Indaerre
Located in valatie, NY
14K Yellow Gold Bracelet, Flat Woven and Braided with 2 Strands in a Herringbone Pattern by "Indaerre" a jewelry manufacturer based in Vicenza, Italy. UNOAERRE (often referred to as ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
27016 Tiffany Co 18K Yellow Gold PLAT Schlumberger X 16 Diamond Band Ring 6.25
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany Jean Schlumberger Collection Tiffany ring weighs 9.6g 16 round diamonds weigh 1.14ct Diamonds F color VS1 clarity Band is 7mm wide Size is 6.25 (ring is not resizable) Stamp...
Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
AENEA Palladium White Gold (18k) White Diamonds and Yellow Sapphire Earrings
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Those handcrafted Earrings are going super well with any case of attire. The beautiful yellow Sapphires are attractive and held back at the same time. If it is the Dinnerparty or jus...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold, Rhodium
$1,713 / item
Topaz 14k gold ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Topaz 14k gold ring. Oval Topaz engagement ring. Topaz statement ring. November birthstone ring. Sky blue gem ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.4 g. depends from size. Main stone to...
Topaz, 14k Gold
Art Deco Style Teardrop Leaf Cubic Zirconia Wedding Earrings for Her in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Teardrop Leaf Cubic Zirconia Wedding Rose Gold Plated Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these statement drop earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece feature...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Created Blue Sapphire and Diamond Accent Y Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Drape your neckline in the opulent embrace of this .925 sterling silver Y-necklace, where craftsmanship and luxury intertwine. A lab-created, color-treated blue sapphire, cut into a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Earrings with citrine and brilliant cut diamond sup to 0.26ct 18k gold 4.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with citrine and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.26ct – F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.0 cm high by 8.1 mm wide ...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold 'Ship's Anchor' Pendant - Europe - Circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage 14K yellow gold 'ship's anchor' necklace pendant - fine quality - featuring a cast form with a hand applied twisted rope over the anchor - high polish finish - large bale - t...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cut Natural Coral with CZ 20.9 Ct Tennis Bracelet in Silver Mom Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Natural Oval Cut Coral with Zirconia 20.9 Carat Tennis Bracelet in sterling silver. You shall need statement tennis bracelet to make a statement with your look. Each piece features d...
Coral, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Hand-Carved 18K Yellow Gold Horse Head Ring with Diamond, USA, 1990
By Incogem
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This striking 18K yellow gold horse head ring is a masterfully crafted statement piece that celebrates strength, elegance, and fine artistry. The hand-carved horse head displays exce...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tessier Ring or Brooch Presentation Box, New Bond Street
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage Tessier presentation box in dark green leather, the silk lid blocked in gilt Tessier, New Bond Street, London, fitted with a slot for a ring or a brooch. Tessier traded from...
Other
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver, 18K Gold, & Hematite Cabochon Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver, gold, and hematite pendant necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with 18 karat yellow gold elements. With a central bezel-set hematite caboch...
Hematite, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Bulgari Serpenti High Jewellery Collection Rubellite, Diamond and Emeral
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A spectacular vintage Bulgari Serpenti High Jewellery necklace set in 18k rose gold, circa 2019.
The necklace features a highly articulated diamond-set chain leading to an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,391Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.40 Ct Natural Oval Ruby & Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Natural oval ruby and diamond halo pendant necklace, handmade in high-polished 18K white gold. A 1.40-carat natural ruby is framed by a fine diamond halo with baguette accents, creat...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GSI Certified 1.00 Carat H SI2 Marquise Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GSI Certified 1.00 Carat H SI2 Marquise Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Diamond: 1.00 H SI2 natural marquise diamond Accent diamonds: Approx. 0.32 CTW F-G VS natural round diamonds M...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
13.70 Raspberry Garnet Cushion Cut Titanium Ring 18k by Maximilian Hemmerle
Located in München, DE
Raspberry Garnet Meets Titanium: Two Rising Stars of Contemporary Fine Jewelry A one-of-a-kind contemporary high jewelry ring by Maximilian Hemmerle von Heckel for Maison MXHM, cent...
Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Titanium
Angela Caputi Black and White Resin Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi acrylic-resin choker necklace, made in Italy, features a multi-strand design in beautiful black and cream-white colors. The designer plays with the beads'...
14 Karat Yellow Gold Trinity Rolling Band Natural Diamonds Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Yellow Gold Trinity Rolling Band Natural Diamonds Ring Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 13.33 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.90 CTW H-I VS round natural diamonds Width: Each band i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou 3.56 ctw Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou Aquamarine Diamond Cluster Earrings in 14k Gold are a blend of elegance and sophistication. These stunning earrings feature aquamarines, celebrated for their serene blu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
80s Vintage Amethyst Diamond Link Ring Sz 6.75 Wide Band 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish amethyst & diamond wide band (circa 1980s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Emerald cut amethyst measures 12mm x 10mm (estimated at 5 carats), accented with an estimate...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Movable Carousel Pendant with Assorted Colored Stones
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This charming 14K yellow gold carousel charm pendant, made sometime during the midpoint of the twentieth century, is adorned with assorted coral, turquoise, emeralds and rubies in ad...
Coral, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Flex Citrine Bangle Cuff Bracelet 4MM
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Flex Citrine Bangle Cuff Bracelet Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 17.82 grams Width: 4mm Size: Fits up to a 7 inch wrist Gemstone: Greenish/ye...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Studio Rêves Golden Blossom Diamond Dangling Earrings in 18K Gold
By Studio Rêves
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
A graceful tribute to flowers in full bloom, the Golden Blossom Diamond Earrings are designed with delicate floral branches that seem to sway with natural elegance. Luminous rosecut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
$856Sale Price / item|50% Off
14K Yellow Gold Moissanite Daisy Flower Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Gold Marquise Moissanite Floral Ring. 14K Gold Botanical Moissanite Statement Ring. 14K Yellow Gold Eight-Petal Moissanite Ring. 14K Gold Vintage-Inspired Moissanite Floral Ring ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Resin Beaded Bib Statement Necklace Designed by Pono c 1980s
Located in University City, MO
Italian resin beaded bib statement necklace designed by Pono circa 1980s The unique large scale bib necklace is comprised of five strands of resin beads in various sizes & colors t...
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold 11.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with a sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5(55) Detailed description: The top of the ring is oval, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Angela Cummings Hematite Black Jade Checkerboard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Angela Cummings Hematite & Black Jade Checkerboard Leverback Earrings, circa 1980s. Designed by the celebrated Angela Cummings, these striking earrings fe...
Hematite, Black Jade, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Fancy Yellow Diamond & Diamond Earrings, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This vibrant and unique pair of earrings by Austy Lee is made of Mozambican Rubies and Fancy Color Diamonds, set on green color-plated 18K Yellow Gold. The pair is perfect for daily ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rho...
Modern 14K Gold Filled Necklace with Aquamarine Spheres, 16.5 Inches
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a smart modern style 14K gold filled necklace with aquamarine. We created it with 18-19mm semi-translucent smooth aquamarine spheres and 6mm 14K gold filled beads. It is comp...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
A pair of old-cut diamond stud earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of old-cut diamond stud earrings, each old European-cut diamond weighing 1.04 and 0.97 carats, both assessed as I colour and SI2 clarity, the diamonds weighing 2.01 carats in ...
Diamond, Platinum
25.76 Ct. Lab Created Blue Sapphire 2.45 Ct. Moissanite Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, DU
Details Item Code :- SEN-52831 Gross Wt. :- 29.60 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 23.96 gm Moissanite Wt. :- 2.45 Ct. ( Baguette & Round Cut ) Lab Created Blue Sapphire Wt. :- 25.76 Ct....
Blue Sapphire, Other, 18k Gold, White Gold
Moissanite Solitaire Everyday Pendant in 18k Solid Yellow Gold Jewelry for Mom
Located in New York, NY
Moissanite Solitaire Everyday Pendant in 18k solid yellow gold. You shall need solitaire pendant to make a statement with your look. These solitaire pendant create a sparkling, luxur...
Other, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermès: Wide vintage Boucle Sellier Ceinture Silver Bracelet, Paris, c. 2000
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
An Icon of French Design Wide Hermès Boucle Sellier Ceinture Bracelet in Silver, Paris, c. 2000 Hardly any other Parisian fashion house has had such a lasting impact on the fusion ...
Silver
Cartier Trinity 18 Karat Tri Color Gold Band Ring Classic Model Size 49 (5)
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Trinity Medium Model Ring, an iconic design composed of three smoothly interlocking bands crafted in 18K yellow, rose, and white gold. Each individual band measures approxima...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Love Knot 18k Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Collection: Love Knot Style: Stud Earrings Material: 18k yellow gold Design: Classic sculptural Love Knot motif Measurements: Approximately 0.27" tall × 0.3...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Exceptional Charcoal Dial circa 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Stainless Steel
Men's 10K Yellow Gold 3/4 Cttw White and Black Treated Diamond Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
This stunning men's black and white diamond band ring is a true testament to the art of craftsmanship. With 10K yellow gold, this ring boasts a unique design that highlights the 93 n...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pair of David Webb Baroque Pearl Diamond Pendant Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of 18k gold and diamond baroque pearl pendant earrings by David Webb circa 1975. These earrings feature lustrous white baroque South Sea Pearls surrounded by white round ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Del Sol Shell Pendant with Natural Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Del Sol Shell Pendant is made with 14k gold, natural shell, and .14 carat natural diamond. This delicate beauty fits on most small to medium sized chains, consider adding a chain or ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Love Knot Four Loop 9mm Studs 14K Yellow Gold, Mixed Textures
Located in Austin, TX
Love Knot Earrings are perfect for saying “I love you” or “I am loved”! If you want something simple but classic-the love knot earring is the one! The 14 kar...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold