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.
Modern Abstract Two Tone Cuff Bracelet With Flush Set Diamonds In Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt Gold :7.8gms, Diamonds :2.16Cts, Silver:34.23gms,"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Tri-Color Tourmaline & Zircon & Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Tartan of Symphony Earrings from The Rainbow Prism Collection are a dazzling homage to Scotland’s iconic tartan pattern, reimagined through the language of fine jewelry. ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Zircon, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
0.70 Carat Natural Loose 5 Piece Paraiba Tourmaline Jewelry Lot From Mozambique
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 0.70 carat Pieces 5 Treatment None Origin Mozambique Clarity VVS Shape Cut Mix This exquisite 0.70-carat total weight natural Paraiba tourmaline lot enchants with the u...
Paraiba
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
Diamonds, 18 Karat White and Rose Gold Personalized Name Bracelet
Located in Napoli, Campania
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
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Solitaire Starburst Petite Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiate celestial charm with this elegant solitaire starburst ring. Crafted in high-polished 14k yellow gold, this piece features a singular, shimmering round-cut diamond nestled at ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu ref 3009 Stainless Steel 28mm Quartz Ladies' Watch, c2020.
By Cartier
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This instantly-recognisable ladies’ Cartier Ballon Bleu ref 3009 Watch is an epitome of timeless sophistication Circa 2020, the timepiece is in excellent condition & in great w...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$672Sale Price / item|24% Off
Teddy bear earrings studs in 14k gold.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Teddy bear earrings studs in 14k gold. Puffed Gummy Pear Statement earrings with lab rubies. Love Care Symbol Gold earrings. Cute bear studs. Heart ruby studs. Metal: 14k gold Earr...
Ruby, 14k Gold
$8,325Sale Price|25% Off
Men’s 14K Gold Wide Link Bracelet – 9.5mm, 8 Inches
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This classic men’s bracelet is expertly crafted in 14K yellow gold, combining durability with refined style. Measuring 8 inches in length, it features a bold design of interconnected...
14k Gold
$409Sale Price|20% Off
4Ct London Blue Topaz Estate Ring with Natural Diamond Accents: Solid 10K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A generous 4.01-carat London blue topaz glows in deep, oceanic blue at the centre of this solid 10K yellow gold estate ring, accented by two earth-mined diamonds. London blue is the ...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Lucida 0.48 Carat Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Tiffany & Co. Style: Lucida Serial Number: 23642875 Metal: Platinum PT950 Size: 4.75 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 0.48 cts Diamond Shape: Cut Corner Square Diamond Color & C...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Try God Lapel Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, inspirational lapel pin. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of the words: 'Try God'. Simply a wonderful lapel pin from Tiffany! Date: 20th Century Ov...
Sterling Silver
Giant Australian Boulder Opal & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Discover a treasure born from the heart of Australia. This exceptionally rare 19 inch boulder opal necklace features a mesmerizing gemstone sourced from the legendary Winton Opal Fi...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold, 8.0mm Wide Band with High Polish Finish, Size 4.75
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This band is made of 14 karat yellow gold and measures 8.0mm wide. This ring is currently a size 4 3/4, perfect for a smaller hand or pinky ring. The ring style is half round and it ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 4.00 Ct F/VS1 Radiant & Marquise Diamond Half Bezel Toi Et Moi Ring 18K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This elegant Toi Et Moi ring features two GIA Certified diamonds totaling 4.00 carats, composed of a 2.00 carat Radiant Cut diamond paired with a 2.00 carat Marquise Shape diamond, g...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Classic Bridal Pearl Sautoir with 14k Gold & Diamonds
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Bridal Sautoir by Marina J. Jewelry This piece is made with all White Pearls woven together into a beautiful column. The Pearls display an iridescent sheen that perfectly co...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Bronze
Tiffany & Co. T Two Sterling Silver 18k Rose Gold Narrow Ring Size 4.5
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Collection/Style: T Two Narrow Band Ring Material: Sterling silver and 18k rose gold Hallmarks: Tiffany & Co. Ag925 Au750 Design: Iconic T Two mixed-metal ba...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
14K Gold Emerald Thick Engagement Band Mens 1.75 Ct Zambian Emerald HandmadeBand
Located in Jaipur, IN
This 14K yellow gold emerald engagement band is a bold and luxurious statement ring featuring approximately 1.75 carats of natural Zambian emeralds in a sophisticated combination of ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Vintage South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very large and distinctive 18K white gold bypass ring projects beauty and drama in equal measure. Two large light cream rose South Sea Pearls bypass each other at the ends of la...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
7.5 Carat Oval Blue Topaz and Diamond Gold Solitaire Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Oscar Worthy Oval Blue Topaz Solitaire Cocktail Gold Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Impressive Oval Blue Topaz, weighing approx. 7.5 Carats. Ac...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$758Sale Price / item|70% Off
Oval cabochon opal 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon opal 14k gold ring. Opal solitaire. Plain opal ring. Diamond cut opal ring. Opal engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2 gr depends fro...
Opal, Topaz, 14k Gold
Scarlet Crown - Natural Burma Ruby Vivid Red Pigeon's Blood GRS Certified Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Scarlet Crown rises with the authority of royal insignia — a jewel shaped for the woman who carries quiet power. At its center burns a 5.25‑carat Burmese ruby, GRS‑certified and glow...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
David Yurman Large Cable Classics Sterling Silver Faceted Amethyst Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
An enduring icon of American jewelry design, this authentic David Yurman Cable Classics cuff bracelet exemplifies the sculptural elegance that has defined the house for decades. Hand...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
0.93 Carat Natural Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Pendant 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
The oval halo pendant is a timeless silhouette, and this piece gives it real distinction through its choice of stone. At the center, a natural Zambian emerald — prized for its rich, ...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
0.83 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings Made in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pair of stud earrings set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold featuring a total of 0.83 Carats Natural Rubies from Burma and 0.50 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj"...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Georges L'enfant made in France Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A superb vintage Tiffany & Co. bracelet from the 1970s, crafted in 18K yellow gold in France by the celebrated Parisian goldsmith Georges L’Enfant. The bracelet is composed of five ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
149ct Ruby Mother of Pearl Collar Choker Necklace 15.69ct Diamond 18k Rose Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Spectrum Jewels is proudly rated as a Top Seller on 1stdibs with 5 star customer reviews. All ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-Century Schlumberger Tiffany & Co 14K Gold Wheatsheaf Cufflinks & Button Set
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of gold buttons & cufflinks dress set. Designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. The buttons and cufflinks each with an embossed wheatsheaf to the obverse....
14k Gold
18k White Gold Heart Shape Diamond Pendant & Pear Shape Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold Heart Shape Diamond Pendant & Pear Shape Diamond Tennis Necklace Style: Diamond Tennis Necklace Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: There are approximately 17.7...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 White Gold Flower Ruby Invisible Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
A lovely ruby stud earrings that you can use as everyday.We use the top quality Ruby for our invisible setting.It is deep red and very sparking. The invisible is a highly technique ....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Ceylon Pink Sapphires & Rose Cut Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 7.17 carats. The Pink Sapphires...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Teardrop Necklace 18 Inch
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A vintage classic Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti necklace crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, featuring five polished teardrop pendants spaced along a fine chain. Peretti’s Teardrop de...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Red Apple Acrylic Lucite Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Whimsical oversized Lucite clip-on earrings designed by Harriet Bauknight for Kaso in the 1980s. They feature a dimensional apple shape, all carved in ruby red and emerald green colo...
Vintage Patek Philippe Gondolo Model 3894J 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Patek Philippe Model: 3894J Year: 1980s Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds Dial: Gold Case Measurement: H 33 x W 30mm Movement: Quartz Weight: 42 Grams Size: Adjustable, F...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chaumet Mid-Century Precious Coral Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings French 1960s
By Chaumet
Located in Lisbon, PT
Chaumet Mid-Century Coral and Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings, France, circa 1960s, Original Chaumet Case. A distinctive pair of mid-century Chaumet Paris hoop earrings, crafted in France...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,000Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 1.15ct Oval Pink Sapphire & 0.30ct Diamond Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This refined band ring showcases a vibrant 1.15-carat oval-cut pink sapphire, set in luminous 18k white gold. The central gemstone glows with romantic intensity, framed by eight bagu...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari 1980's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hematite Steel Vintage Doppio Cuore Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a segmented geometric links displaying the signature "Doppio Cuore" heart motif Comprised of bar link stations set with alternating pieces of hematite and stainless steel...
Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Fire of Agni Blue Sapphire Earrings, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Fire of Agni Earrings are part of the FŪRINKAZAN Collection, which is an artistic jewelry line designed by Austy Lee. Austy Lee is a renowned jewelry designer known for creating ...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
Kenzo Paris Orange and Red Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
By Kenzo
Located in Atlanta, GA
Kenzo Paris designed these stunning dangling clip-on earrings. The rare pieces feature a long, dangle-drop cascading shape with a worked, gilt metal chain, complemented by resin geom...
Gilt Metal
14K Gold Italian Charm Bracelet Vintage
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 14K Gold Italian Three-Charm Bracelet with Emerald and Amethyst Gemstones. Crafted with three draped curb-link chains, the bracelet is adorned with three substantial charms: ...
Amethyst, Emerald, 14k Gold
3.43 Carat Pink Sapphire Yellow Sapphire Diamond Tulip Brooch 18K White Gold Pin
Located in New York, NY
3.43 Carat Pink Sapphire Yellow Sapphire Diamond Tulip Brooch 18K White Gold Pin Pink Sapphire Weight: 3.43 Carat Yellow Sapphire Weight: 2.88 Carat Diamond Weight: 1.15 Carat This...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Round Cut Star Accent Diamond Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A slender yellow-gold band carrying a crisp star-shaped diamond motif at the center. The piece carries 11 natural diamonds in round/ single cut style, with a combined stated ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou 5.30 ctw Morganite, Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Nina Zhou 5.30ctw Morganite, Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings explore contrast through tone and texture, pairing softly faceted gemstones with a smooth, luminous fin...
Diamond, Morganite, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yello...
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Shell Motif Collar Necklace 14.75"
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Style: Diamond Shell Motif Collar Necklace Material: 18k yellow gold Diamonds: Natural white diamonds Design: Collar-style necklace featuring three shel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Coral Necklace with Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in 14K Gold
Located in GOES, NL
** FOR ALL CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE EU: WE CAN SHIP THIS ITEM FOR FREE AND TAKE CARE OF MOST OF THE IMPORT DUTIES** Indulge in pure luxury with our Italian dark red blood coral necklace...
Turquoise, Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$499Sale Price|20% Off
1.7Ct Madagascar Ruby Pendant with Natural Diamond Accent: Solid 14K Gold, 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning Madagascar ruby pendant necklace. Featuring a magnificent 1.7 carat natural ruby in a classic 8x6mm cut, this piece radiates deep c...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Nina Zhou 5.54 ctw Blue Turquoise Diamond Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Nina Zhou's 5.54 ctw Blue Turquoise Diamond Line Drop Earrings, crafted in luxurious 14k yellow gold, offer a breathtaking display of elegance and style. These earrings feature strik...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
3.76 Carat Diamond Necklace Statement Jewelry 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
3.76 Carat Diamond Necklace Statement Jewelry 18K White Gold Total Diamond Weight: 3.76 carats This elegant 18K white gold diamond necklace features a refined sequence of circular ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Neon Pink Fluorescent Multi-Strand Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking Angela Caputi made‑in‑Italy resin choker necklace is one of the most surprising and memorable pieces we have ever encountered from the celebrated Italian designer. Craf...
set of 2 rings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.69ct 18k gold 4.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
set of two 18k yellow gold rings with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.68ct – F/G - VS/SI – ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 9.6 mm ...
Diamond, 18k 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
Prism Arc - Fancy Step Cut Brown Diamond set in Designer Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some rings sparkle. Prism Arc glides — sleek, directional, and refined, a celebration of pure geometry and hypnotic diamond clarity. Prism Arc — A Sleek Curve of Diamond Light At i...
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Russian Easter Egg A.Bragin 88 Silver & Champlevé Enamel / 104gr
Located in SE
A Russian Silver & champlevé Enamel Easter egg with gilt interior, workmaster’s marks of Андрей Брагин / Andrei Bragin ( active 1852 - 1908 ) , "88" Imperial standard, St. Petersb...
Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel
26715 David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold Silver Square Cable Link Rope Bracelet Men's
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
Sterling Silver & 18k yellow gold bracelet weighs 49.6g Square link measures 8.5mm wide Link measures 9.5mm wide Bracelet measures 8.75'' long end to end Bracelet fits up to 7...
Yellow Gold, Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, 8.02 carats, Tanzanites & Diamonds Tennis Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Tennis Bracelet set in 18K White Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 8.02 carats. The Tanzanites are responsibl...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Ladies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Precision Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A vintage ladies Rolex Precision, crafted in 1950, showcasing timeless elegance and Swiss craftsmanship. The round case measures 20mm in width, featu...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Sterling Silver 2.7 Carat Green Amethyst Halo Zircon Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 925 sterling silver ring features a genuine green amethyst of 2.7 carats, skillfully cut in an octagon shape measuring 10x7 mm. The center stone radiates a luminous pale...
Amethyst, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful and simple Diamond cluster ring set in 18k white gold. The diamond weight is 1.14 carats and net gold weight is 6.592 carats. The ring dimension in cm 1.1 x 1.1 x 2.4 (LX...
Diamond, Gold
28011 Tiffany Co 1.74 I VVS2 Platinum Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Round Diamond weighs 1.74ct Diamond I color VVS2 clarity Diamond laser inscription ''T&Co.L11240123'' Ring size 6 (this ring is resizable at any Tiffany store) Stamped ''Tiffa...
Diamond, Platinum
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