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.
Giant Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Lapis 14K Gold Drop Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary bracelet is crafted from rare Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli of exceptional quality. Each stone has been m...
Turquoise, Apatite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Rose Gold Cocktail Ring with Citrine, Sapphire, Diamond, Garnet
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sapphire Citrine Diamond Rose Gold Cocktail Ring A Stunning and Unique piece to say the least! We have named this piece MARIGOLD!! ...
Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,883Sale Price / item|44% Off
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings 14k gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnet. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-shaped e...
Garnet, Topaz, 14k Gold
Natural 3.54 Carat Pear Emerald Cocktail Ring 0.83 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Spectrum Jewels is prou...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Spiga Diamond 18k Yellow Gold 3 Row Bracelet 167.00 grs 104 diamonds 3.90ct
Located in Miami, FL
Designed as a flexible tubogas style wrap bracelet comprised of 'Spiga' motif zigzag segments Featuring rounded terminals with104 round brilliant cut diamonds in pavéd segments Weigh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,141Sale Price / item|50% Off
Octagon topaz ring for men in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Solid Gold Round Topaz Ring For Men's. Mens Solid Gold Topaz Ring. Topaz Cut Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - topaz, weig...
Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Feasterville, PA
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Earrings – a testament to the purity of design and craftsmanship, ideal for the discerning jewelry enthusiast. These remar...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,550Sale Price|50% Off
ICA 18K White Gold 0.75ct Pink Tourmaline & 0.47ct Diamond Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A higher end international standard jewelry with amazing unique design and pink tourmaline oval gemstone. Hot pink tourmaline though petite offers high brilliance and eye-opening col...
Tourmaline, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Diamond Circle Drop Earrings with Rare Ruby Briolettes
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A masterful display of elegance and rarity, these 14K white gold drop earrings feature two exceptional genuine ruby briolettes weighing a total of 4.47 carats. Expertly faceted to ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Natural Large Black Amber Statement Necklace 259g
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage Natural Large Black Amber Statement Necklace Rare black/burgundy oval shape large amber necklace, smallest beads measures 30mm (1.18in) ...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Real 2.82 Carat SI/H Pear Round Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEPD-31285 (14k) Gross Wt. :- 6.96 gm 14k White Gold Wt. :- 6.39 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 2.82 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Chain Len...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Omega Seamaster Chronograph Cal. 321 Black Dial Ref. 145.006.66 Circa 1967
By Omega
Located in PARIS, FR
Omega Seamaster Chronograph ref. 145.006-66, produced circa 1967 and powered by the legendary calibre 321, the same movement used in early Speedmaster models. This reference feature...
Stainless Steel
Skull Cuff Bracelet Gold Spike Stud Green Pink Enamel Snake Chain Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Cuff Bracelet Gold Spike Stud Green Pink Enamel Snake Chain Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Gold skull cuff bracelet in 10k gold plated brass, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece ...
Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
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
Jörg Heinz Revellion 0.68ct Diamond Twist Band Ring in 750 Rose Gold & Steel
Located in Viena, Viena
Model 130978 enchants with a twisting movement - a diamond band ring by Jörg Heinz with a twist very cool ring by Jörg Heinz model Revellion in 750 Rosegold with stainless steel mid...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Steel
18kt Rose Gold AAA+ Fanta Mandarin Garnet 15 ct and Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in Viena, Viena
earrings made in a traditional Italian goldsmith's shop in Valenza, five fanta orange mandarin garnet (spessartite from Tansania untreated) pairs total approx. 14.85 ct, AAA+-AAA top...
Diamond, Garnet, Mandarin Garnet, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Black Onyx Cabochon Ring Sz 8.5 14k Yellow Gold Signet Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage black onyx ring crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1970s). Black onyx measures 8mm x 6mm. Minimal, sculptural, and exceptionally wearable, this vintage yellow gol...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$816Sale Price|66% Off
4.75 Carat Loose AAA Quality Rubellite Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.75 carat Dimensions 9.6x8.0x7.8mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 4.75 Carat Loose AAA Quality Rubellite Tourmaline is a truly stri...
Tourmaline
Vintage Christian Fish Ichthys Buckle Bangle Bracelet Mexican Silver 6.5"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, vintage Ichthys bangle bracelet is sterling silver with brass buckle and loop. Measurements: 5mm wide, 2 by 2 1/2 inches in diameter, adjustable from 6 1/2 to 7 inches...
Silver, Brass
Pear Cut Moissanite Toi et Moi Ring, 18K Gold Plated Sterling Silver Engagement.
Located in Chicago, IL
Pear Cut Moissanite Toi et Moi Ring, 18K Gold Plated Sterling Silver Engagement. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Clarity: D Color & VV...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Fine Natural Aquamarine Beryl 2.69 Carat – Madagascar – Collector Quality Gem
Located in Peshawar, PK
Experience the elegance of this natural Aquamarine gemstone, weighing an impressive 2.69 carats and sourced from the renowned gemstone regions of Madagascar. Known for its rich, deep...
Aquamarine
$941Sale Price / item|44% Off
Peridot, yellow sapphire earrings in 14k gold.
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold earrings with peridots, sapphires and diamonds. Peridot earrings in 14k gold. Yellow sapphire earrings in 14k gold. Material: 14k...
Peridot, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Viper Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfax, VA
This iconic Bulgari Serpenti Viper ring is crafted in 18K white gold and accented with diamonds, featuring the Maison's celebrated serpent-inspired design. The sculptural ring draws ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$696Sale Price|20% Off
4.00 carats Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Stone Cushion Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.00 carat Dimensions 10.2x8.8x6.1mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cushion Cut Fancy Cushion NA This exquisite 4.00-carat loose mint green tourmaline...
Tourmaline
32.03 Carat SI Clarity GH Color Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEN-52718 Gross Wt. :- 70.53 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 64.12 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 32.03 Ct. ( SI Clarity & GH Color ) Necklace Length :- 16 Inches Long ✨ Cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.92 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Bangle Fine Bracelet 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Item Code :- SEB-6367A (14k) Gross Wt. :- 31.92 gm 14k Yellow Gold Wt. :- 31.54 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 1.92 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Bracelet Length :- ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Red Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "...
Stainless Steel
3.59 Carat Elongated Cushion Cut Lagoon Tourmaline Ring with Diamond Halo
Located in Nashville, TN
A relative of Paraiba tourmaline, "lagoon" tourmaline is a highly sought after gem on account of its bright sea foam/teal color. When we first saw this stone, we immediately knew we ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Station Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
This exquisite diamond station bracelet is the one to have. This 14-karat yellow gold bracelet features 5 diamonds totaling 0.35 carats, SI1-0SI2, GH color diamonds, set in a bezel s...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Flat Curb Link 7.75 Inch Bracelet Made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
Stamped Italy 14K, this elegant bracelet embodies the timeless allure of Italian craftsmanship. Designed in a classic flat curb link pattern, it delivers a refined shimmer that compl...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Tondo Clover Pendant Necklace, 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel
By Bulgari
Located in Plantation, FL
An authentic Bvlgari pendant necklace from the celebrated Tondo collection, dating to the 1990s. The circular medallion is crafted in polished stainless steel, the BVLGARI logo crisp...
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Tetra Full Pave Black Sapphire Silver Ring
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Inspired by sacred geometries, namely the Star Tetrahedron, this John Brevard statement ring is created in 925 Sterling Silver with 352 pavé round black sapphires at 1.0 -1.5 mm each...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$18,704Sale Price|20% Off
Burmese Jadeite Jade & Fancy Color Diamond Necklace, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Golden Fishes' Love Necklace from 'The Jade Dynasty Collection' by Austy Lee. This timeless piece is designed in an adorable and romantic way - with a pa...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Enamel
Natural Cambodia Blue Zircon 18.54 Carat Loose Gemstone – Large Faceted
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Blue Zircon from Cambodia, weighing an impressive 18.54 carats. Renowned for its dazzling brilliance and vivid blue color, this exceptional gemstone is a true collector's pie...
Blue Zircon
Cartier Spartacus 18k White Gold Link Necklace w/Paper 18"
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Spartacus Style: Link Necklace Material: 18k white gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 FO6767 Design: Sculptural oval link chain with fluid silhouette Neckla...
18k Gold, White Gold
$368Sale Price|20% Off
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Perfect Bi Color Sapphire Cushion Cut Sri Lankan Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 6.9x6.4x3.8mm Treatment None Origin Sri Lanka Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion NA This exceptional 1.65 carat natural Bi-Color Sapphire showcases a rare ...
Sapphire
Genuine 390 Carat Estate Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 14K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal double layered 21 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine high grade Robinson Egg Blue turquois...
Turquoise, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage McTeigue for Tiffany 14KY Gold Earrings, 1982 from OGI Ltd Estate
Located in New York, NY
An Enduring Symbol of Brand Excellence and Classic Fashion Infuse your everyday style or special-occasion attire with the storied heritage of these Vintage McTeigue for Tiffany & Co...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Blue Topaz and CZ 15.3 Carat Silver Tennis Bracelet Jewelry Gift for Her
Located in New York, NY
Natural Blue Topaz and Zircon 15.3 Carat Tennis Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver. You shall need statement tennis bracelet to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazz...
Topaz, Zircon, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,027Sale 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
$508Sale 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
$502Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Citrine Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Citrine Ring. Baguette Cut Citrine Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piec...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Ciner Sapphire Blue Glass Torsade Necklace with Crystal Rhinestone Clasp
By Ciner
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This elegant vintage Ciner torsade necklace features multiple strands of richly hued sapphire-blue glass beads, intricately twisted to create a full, fluid silhouette. The beads disp...
Crystal
$1,000Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 1ct Squared Vivid Emerald Fine Vintage Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A sleek modern band crafted in 18k white gold, channel‑set with approximately 1.00 carat of square‑cut natural emeralds. The stones are beautifully matched for color and clarity, for...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with amethyst up to 3.50ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with amethyst and brilliant cut diamond 1.00 ct F/G-VS/SI, ring size U.S. 9 - EU. 18.75 (59) detailed description: The ring is 1.6 cm wide by 9.5 mm high ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,872Sale Price / item|20% Off
Stackable Blue Sapphire & Diamond Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold, 2.7ct
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This stackable eternity band ring showcases 2.7 carats of natural blue sapphires set in, 14k yellow gold. Each sapphire measuring approx. 5 x 3 mm and secured in a sleek channel sett...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$502Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Armani Collection Brooch, Flower with Crystals, Italy
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
A stunning silver-plated rose brooch adorned with crystal pavé, designed by the prestigious Italian haute couture house Armani Collection. A true statement of timeless elegance that ...
Cartier Abstract Form Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Darnestown, MD
Cartier abstract form brooch with striated lobes going in different directions. It is nicely three dimensional. The brooch can be worn either vertically or horizontally. It measures ...
18k Gold
Jaeger Le Coultre Alarm Watch. JLC "Don Draper" Tuxedo Dial Memovox.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
JAEGER LeCoultre Memovox Rare "Don Draper" from Madman Tuxedo Dial. Circa 1960s 489/1 JLC 17j Manual Movement Stainless Steel Case Jumbo 35mm round Condition: Has several scuffs...
Stainless Steel
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gilded Metal and Textured Resin Donut Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Yves Saint Laurent Paris modernist brooch features a dimensional donut shape with textured gilt metal in a checkerboard pattern, contrasted with rust resin elements wit...
Gilt Metal
18 Karat Two-Tone Natural Green Emerald & Diamond Halo Stud Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat Two-Tone Natural Green Emerald & Diamond Halo Stud Earrings Metal: 18k white / yellow gold Weight: 8.06 grams Dimensions: 12.5 x 13.5mm Diamonds: Approx. 2.00 CTW G-H VS r...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 18k yellow gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.40ct - F - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 3.6 mm wide wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Monete 18K Yellow Gold Ancient Greek Coin Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Monete Necklace. Crafted with historical reverence, this necklace embodies Bvlgari's fusion of ancient artistry and modern elegance. The substantial curb-link...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20.95 Carat Natural Peridot and Diamond Pendant Necklace Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pendant necklace featuring a Natural 20.95 Carat Peridot and 2.08 carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Peridot is a natural gem-quality variety of olivine, prized for ...
Diamond, Peridot, Platinum
Cartier 18K Two Tone Walking Panther Vintage Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Panthère de Cartier hoop earrings crafted in France during the 1980s in 18-karat yellow gold. Each wide hoop is designed with three sculpted walking panthers, arranged in a c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.04 Carat Natural Tanzanite Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
An elegant expression of classic gemstone jewelry, these handmade stud earrings feature a beautifully matched pair of natural tanzanite totaling 3.04 carats, chosen for their rich ro...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Six-Row Rope Ring in 18-Kt Gold, Platinum, and Diamonds
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Napoli, IT
An exceptional pair of Tiffany & Co. clip-on earrings from the famous Rope collection, designed by Jean Schlumberger, one of the most iconic designers in the history of the Maison. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
3.71 TCW Natural Emerald-Cut Emerald Three-Stone Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
"There's nothing fussy about this ring - a rich emerald-cut emerald sits in a simple four-prong setting, flanked by a single trapezoid diamond on either side, and that restraint is e...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
WEYERSBERG brooch with coral and ruby - 37.0 grams - 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
WEYERSBERG 18k yellow gold brooch set with white coral and ruby – 37.0 grams detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 6.3 cm long by 6.2 cm wide weight 37.0 grams ...
Coral, Ruby, 18k Gold
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Platinum 1.00ct Diamond Necklace, 15 Inches
Located in New York, NY
An elegant Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum. The necklace is composed of polished, gently curved tubular gold sections connected by sculptural g...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum