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 brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k yellow gold 7.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.00 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 7 – EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 4.1 m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sunflower Ring Sz 6.5 14k Yellow Gold Wide Cigar Band Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage sunflower band crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The distinct design highlights sunflower cutouts in various sizes around the band. The concave band is wide (12.5mm ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$45Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage silver tone modernist designer runway clip on earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • silver tone • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1 3/8" by 3/4" CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ❤️❤️ ...
Silver
Opal Diamond Necklace, 14k Gold, 1 Carat Opal Diamond Halo Pendant w Cable Chain
Located in Austin, TX
This blue opal pendant has a halo of diamonds around it and is set in a beautiful lush 14 karat gold yellow gold cable chain. This is an amazing brig...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
3.80 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.80 carat Dimensions 8.9x7.2x6.7mm Treatment None for Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 3.80 carat Natural Pink Kunzite is a beautifully crafted gemston...
Kunzite
Rossella Ugolini 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst Cocktail Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini design, Amethyst Cocktail ring 18K Yellow Gold. The ring is very streamlined and smooth and has been crafted as a crossover, in solid 18K yellow gold with a polished finish. It is embellished with two natural Brazilian gemstones: two bright colored Amethyst set in a bezel with two faceted oval cut (10 x 8 mm) of two natural vivid Amethyst. Dimensions: Size 7 Usa and can be sized upon request. The crossover design symbolize two paths...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Hallmarked Sterling Silver and Lapis Lazuli Sculptural Necklace, 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This sculptural and fabulous hallmarked vintage sterling silver and lapis lazuli reticulated necklace is quite stunning on. It has a modernist look. This lays well on the neck. Pleas...
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist Baguette-Cut Tsavorite & Diamond Pave Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This minimalist ring showcases a striking 0.2 ct emerald-cut natural tsavorite, set in in 14K yellow gold. The tsavorite measuring approximately 4 x 2.5 mm in size, securely set in a...
Diamond, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou Yellow Sapphire Diamond Small Cluster Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Like sunbeams captured in gold, these Nina Zhou cluster earrings radiate warmth and brilliance through their marquise-cut yellow sapphires and center-set natural diamonds. Each gemst...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Natural Columbian Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Statement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified Natural Columbian Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Statement Ring GIA report number: 2231868942 Emerald: 8.91 x 8.14 x 5.66mm (approx. 2.75 carats) natural Columbian emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
$600Sale Price|20% Off
2.10 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Pink Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.10 carat Dimensions 8.2x6.6x4.6mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 2.10 carat Natural Purplish Pink Spinel is a captivating gemstone...
Spinel
Ruby Diamond Flower Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Sz 8.5 Wide Cigar Band
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish ruby & diamond flower band (circa 1970s to 1980s) crafted in 14k yellow gold. 12 diamonds total an estimated 0.96 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). Th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,272Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 0.87 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate ring, an early-twentieth-century antique design, centers on a 0.87-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Bamboo Bypass Bangle Bracelet, Circa 1965-1980
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This classic 14K Yellow gold American Made Florentine and high polish finish vintage bypass bamboo motif bangle bracelet, is certain to please any discerning and stylish lady. It is ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Schlumberger For Tiffany & Co. No Heat 6 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. 5.94 Carat Oval Cut No Heat Ruby and 1 Carat Total Diamond Ring. Ring size 6.5, adjustable. The ring setting is a 1 of 1, with a Ruby center ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond & Green Emerald Stud Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond & Green Emerald Stud Earrings Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 5.89 grams Diamonds: Approx. 1.00 CTW G-H VS round natural diamonds Emeralds: 7.5 x...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 1.16 carats Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful modern style, Blue Sapphires Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 1.16 carats. The Blue Sapphir...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
26846 Tiffany & Co Solitaire 2.50 I VS1 Platinum Round Diamond Engagement Ring 6
Located in Chicago, IL
Round diamond weighs 2.50ct Diamond laser inscription ''T&Co.X07120498'' Diamond is I color VS1 clarity Ring size 6 (this ring is resizable at any Tiffany store) Ring stamped '...
Diamond, Platinum
Multi Colored Tourmaline and White Topaz Pendant Necklace 925 Gold Vermeil
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous estate pendant necklace is gold vermeil over sterling silver. It features oval, pear and marquise cut tourmalines in dark brown, light brown, light pink, dark pink, dar...
Topaz, Tourmaline, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Oxidized Silver and 24K Yellow Gold Diamond Snake Hinged Bracelet by Lika Behar
By Lika Behar
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Striking and symbolic, this oxidized silver and 24K yellow gold snake hinged bangle by Lika Behar coils elegantly around the wrist with sculptural grace. The serpent’s form is richly...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$528Sale Price|44% Off
Wave Design Garnet and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet Wave Ring with Topazes. Garnet and Topaz Wave Ring. Garnet and Topaz Ring with Wave Motif. Graceful and sculptural, this ring features a luminous 7 mm garnet framed by a flow...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$8,612Sale Price|20% Off
2.51 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.51-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by emerald accents for...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Earrings Vintage Signed
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
A sophisticated and highly collectable pair of vintage earrings by legendary designer Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., showcasing the designer's unmistakable sculptural aesth...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$10,194Sale Price|20% Off
2.42 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.42-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. Crafted in 18k gold, it was chosen ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,159Sale 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
10–11mm Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
12-13mm South Sea Pearl Cocktail Ring with Ombré Pavé, 18K White Gold
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$5,448Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 1.1 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement ring, an early-twentieth-century antique design, centers on a 1.1-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
24 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Pink Tourmaline & Jade Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
24 Karat gold statement ring featuring a substantial cabochon pink tourmaline centerpiece secured by four prominent gold prongs. The dramatic oval-top design measures approximately 3...
Jade, Tourmaline, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,515Sale Price|20% Off
0.71 Carat Rose Cut White Diamond Brown Diamond Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 0.71-carat diamond in a rose cut, prized for its domed crown and soft, candlelit glow. It is set with diamond...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
$28,121Sale Price|20% Off
2.12 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.12-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by yellow diamond accents for...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 4.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ear clips set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.00ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.1 cm high by 1.3 cm wide Weight 4.8...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Marina J. Coral & Faceted 18k Gold Plated Woven Bracelet
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vibrant and bold bracelet by Marina J. This piece is made with multi sized Coral and Faceted 18k Yellow Gold plated beads all woven together into a lace like design. The 18k plated Y...
Coral, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver
1.03 Carat Total Weight GIA Fancy Yellow Radiant Halo Engagement Ring PLT/18KY
Located in New York, NY
Specifications Creator: Made in the US by Abe Mor Diamonds Ring Style: Halo Ring Metal: Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold (Plat/18k YG) Total Carat Weight (CTW): 1.03 ctw Center Stone: ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K White Gold 8.09ct Oval Diamond Tennis Bracelet, Modern Design
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite 18-karat white gold tennis bracelet seamlessly blends brilliant artistry with timeless elegance, weighing approximately 14.69 grams and measuring 6.50 inches in length...
Diamond, 18k Gold
4.40 CTW Type A Jade Diamond 18K White Gold Vintage Inspired Cocktail Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped jade cabochon measuring 27.9 x 17.8 mm - translucent light to medium green Natural Type A (Fei Cui) with no indications of dye or impregnation - set via talo...
Jade, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Tiffany & Co. Enchant Diamond 18k Rose Gold Ring Size 8
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Collection: Enchant Material: 18k rose gold Diamonds: Approximately 0.35 carat total weight Design: Sculptural Enchant ring accented with sparkling diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$30,758Sale Price|20% Off
4.47 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Blue Sapphire Gold Earrings
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This pair of estate earrings from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 4.47-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by blue sapphi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$25,485Sale Price|20% Off
2.5 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.5-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is framed by dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$75,576Sale Price|20% Off
2.51 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tanzanite Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on tanzanite accents totaling 10.88 carats for rich, saturated color. It is framed by a 2.51-carat diamond in a round br...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Gold
0.07 Carat Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 0.07 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and 0.27 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Paraiba Tourmalines were only discovered 30 years ag...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
$12,654Sale Price|20% Off
3.8 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.8-carat diamond in a rose cut, prized for its domed crown and soft, candlelit glow. It is framed by diamond accen...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Inlay Stacking Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Inlay Stacking Band Ring Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.17 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.07 CTW G-H SI round natural diamonds Size: 52 (6 US) Widt...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Skull Lighter Case Holder Chain Blue Glitter Enamel Ruthenium Memento Mori
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Lighter Case Holder Chain Blue Glitter Enamel Ruthenium Memento Mori Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Lighter Case is handcrafted in Paris in brass with a gunmetal finish, a cy...
Brass, Enamel
$23,728Sale Price|20% Off
11.95 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on an 11.95-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by diamond accents f...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and diamonds ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 925 silver ring. Metal: 925 silver plus yellow gold plating. Weight: 4.5 g. depends from size Gemstones: Set with amethyst, color violet Oval cut, aprx 10 ct Clarity: Tra...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver
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
2.20 Carat Emeralds Pavé Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
FERRUCCI green emerald eternity ring, an approximate total carat weight of 2.20 carat, hand made in New York City with the best Italian cr...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$21,091Sale Price|20% Off
3.99 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on vivid yellow diamond accents totaling 6.8 carats in a rich cushion cut, prized for their warm, saturated co...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamond up to 0.60ct 14k gold 1.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold anchor necklace with solitaire pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 0.60 ct – J/K - Pique – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$13,006Sale Price|20% Off
3.65 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.65-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. Crafted in 18k gold, it offers a wearable ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$66,788Sale Price|20% Off
5.28 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 5.28-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is frame...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
$25,485Sale Price|20% Off
14.37 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 14.37-carat diamond in an old mine cut, a cushion-shaped antique cut full of vintage warmth. It is framed by ruby a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$10,721Sale Price|20% Off
3.69 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Earrings
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This pair of drop earrings from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.69-carat diamond in a rose cut, prized for its domed crown and soft, candlelit glow. It is set with ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Nina Zhou Margeret 5.60ctw Aquamarine Pink Sapphire Cocktail Ring
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Radiating elegance and charm, the Margaret 5.60ctw Aquamarine Pink Sapphire Cocktail Ring is a celebration of color and artistry. At the center, a stunning oval aquamarine glimmers w...
Aquamarine, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle Rose Cut 7.3 Carat Black Diamond Granulated Silver Gold Ring
Located in Soquel, CA
A 10 mm rose cut domed black diamond is surrounded by radiating large to small "jawan" handmade granulation set on a simple matte-finish size 8 shank. The shank can be resized within...
Black Diamond, Gold, Silver
$14,060Sale Price|20% Off
8.55 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Gold Platinum Chain Necklace
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement necklace from our contemporary estate collection centers on an 8.55-carat diamond in a rose cut, prized for its domed crown and soft, candlelit glow. It is framed by d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Classy 6.33 Carats Round Brilliant Diamonds Chandelier Earrings in 14K Rose Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
These stunning chandelier earrings feature Round Brilliant Cut diamonds totaling 6.33 carats, selected for their exceptional sparkle and lively brilliance. The intricate chandelier d...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$24,606Sale Price|20% Off
1.67 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 1.67-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by yellow diamond a...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$5,448Sale Price|20% Off
1.45 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This cocktail ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 1.45-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is set with diamond and emerald ac...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold