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.
8.34ct Unheat Sapphire & Moonstone & Diamond Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee unveils the Sahasrara of Lunar Ring, a transcendent jewel inspired by the thousand‑petaled lotus of the Crown Chakra. This masterpiece channels spiritual symbolism into scu...
Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Tiffany & Co. 1970s Scorpio Zodiac 18K Yellow Gold Pendant, Made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage Tiffany & Co. Scorpio zodiac pendant dating to circa 1975, crafted in substantial 18K yellow gold and made in Italy. The circular medallion presents an elaborate ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.67 Carat Natural Pear Diamond Zambian Emerald Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
A cluster of graduated pear-cut diamonds forms the upper portion of this earring, from which a pear-shaped Zambian emerald drops freely below. The diamond cluster acts almost like a ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Diamond 1.50 Carat Three-Stone Ring Round and Baguette Diamond Custom Ring
Located in Austin, TX
The stunning traditional three stone diamond engagement ring is a classic design! With a GIA certified round brilliant diamond set in the center. The center diamond is flanked by a t...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$670Sale 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
$7,909Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 1.42 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Onyx Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement ring, an early-twentieth-century antique design, centers on a 1.42-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is set with diamond and onyx ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Gold
$504Sale Price / set|20% Off
VR Jewels 1 Carat Octagon Cut Emerald Bezel Set Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant stud earrings feature two octagon-cut emeralds with a total weight of 1 carat, set in 14K yellow gold. Each gemstone measures approximately 5 × 4 mm and is securely hel...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,136Sale Price / item|55% Off
Topaz 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Topaz 14k gold earrings. Blue gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: topaz, blue color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gemstones: ...
Topaz, Gold
14K White Gold London Blue Topaz Teardrop & Diamond Disc Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace features a sophisticated pear-cut London Blue Topaz that serves as its center of attention. The gemstone's deep, inky blue hue is elegantly complemented by a shimmering...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Schmuckzicke 18K Yellow Gold Panshir Emerald Cross Pendant Necklace High Quality
Located in Viena, Viena
Not all emeralds are the same - this wonderful cross has arguably the most beautiful emeralds in the world Cross pendant with chain 750 yellow gold, set with square-shaped very fine...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,753 / item
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
$43,200Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 3.01 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Onyx Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This ring, an early-twentieth-century antique design, centers on a 3.01-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is set with...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Gold
18K Yellow Gold Prong Set Flexible Mesh Ring by Fern Freeman
By Fern Freeman
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Make a bold yet sophisticated statement with this 18K Yellow Gold Prong Set Flexible Mesh Ring (2.09 cttw) by Fern Freeman. Crafted in rich 18-karat yellow gold, this distinctive des...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Taffin Moonstone Enamel Ring
By Taffin
Located in New York, NY
A striking moonstone set in a sleek, modern design. This sculptural ring by Taffin embodies contemporary elegance with its bold form. Crafted in smooth 18k gold, the ring features a ...
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Nina Zhou 2.14 ctw Turquoise & Diamond Cluster Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A radiant tribute to natural geometry, these Nina Zhou cluster earrings showcase vibrant turquoise stones arranged like star-petaled blossoms, each anchored with a twinkle of natural...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Padlock Customizable Paperclip Chain with Locket, 14k Yellow Gold, Love Locket
Located in Austin, TX
Paperclip chains meet personalization! This paperclip chain and charm design allows you to completely customize a look that fits YOU perfectly. The chain design has two open rings in...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with unheated purple-pink sapphire up to 4.90ct and diamond platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
ALGT report Platinum ring set with a purple-pink untreated sapphire totaling 4.90ct and brilliant-cut diamond totaling 0.03ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) detaile...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
$43,840Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. No-Heat Pink Sapphire Diamond Three-Stone Ring, 3.57 Carats
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and elegant vintage three-stone ring by Tiffany & Co., dating to the 1980s, centered by a beautifully proportioned natural pink sapphire of exceptional character. The cen...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Diamond Somerset Bracelet & Ring Set
Located in New York, NY
This Tiffany & Co. matching bracelet and ring set is crafted in sterling silver with a finely woven mesh construction and coordinating diamond-set bar accents. The bracelet features ...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Earrings with chrysophrase 18k white gold 9.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clip-on earrings set with chrysophrase Detailed description: The clip-on earrings measure 1.7 cm in height and 1.3 cm in width Total weight: 9.4 grams Set with: -...
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, White Gold
$124Sale Price|20% Off
1.58 carats Colorless Sapphire Faceted Stones Natural Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.58 carats Treatment none Origin Sri Lanka Clarity VVS No of Pieces 2 This stunning 1.58 carat colorless sapphire is a natural, faceted gemstones sourced from the renow...
Sapphire
Lavender Jade Link Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Jade Measurements: each jade cylinder is ~16 mm in length x 3.8 mm width Stone: Lavender Jade Chain Length: 15.5" Jade Width: 3.8 mm...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
60s Vintage Cuckoo Clock Charm Moves 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Cuckoo clock charm crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1960s). Beautifully detailed, the whimsical Cuckoo clock is rendered in 18k gold with movable chimes t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Scattered Diamond Cross Necklace Sterling Silver 0.16ctw GH 16 18in New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This scattered diamond cross necklace is crafted in sterling silver and features a contemporary cross pendant accented with 0.16 carat total weight of natural GH color I1 clarity rou...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Sapphire "Jeweleaf" Maple Leaf Earrings By Alfred Philippe For Crown Trifari
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Rare, hard to find design - Each earring measures 1.1" x .9" - Rhodium plated (silver tone) - Clear and Sapphire blue-colored glass crystal baguettes - Clear Diamanté pavé - Clip on earring backs - Designed by Alfred Philippe for Crown Trifari...
White Mother Of Pearl Shell 14k gold Stud Earrings with moissanite.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Natural mother-of-pearl 14k gold studs earrings. Handmade Shell Earrings with moissanite. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrings Mother of pearl beach earrings. Mothers Earrings. Gift fo...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Cartier Tank Moonstone 18k White Gold Ring Size 6.75 EU 53
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Tank Style: Moonstone Ring Material: 18k White Gold Gemstones: Natural cabochon moonstone Moonstone Measurements: Approximately 8 mm × 8 mm Top Measurement...
Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cartier Amulette XS Pink Opal and Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A stunning vintage Amulette de Cartier XS pink opal and diamond bracelet set in 18k rose gold.
The bracelet features the iconic Cartier Amulette motif. It is centrally set wit...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
4.57 Carat Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Cocktail Ring featuring a 4.57 Carat, Natural, Aquamarine and 0.22 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Aquamarines have been prized gems throughout human history f...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 22 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Simple gold bands make the classic wedding band or can be worn as a stylish everyday wear ring to stack or wear alone. Modelled in 22ct Gold and made in Birmingham, 1953. Ring Size...
Gold
1.00 Carat Men's Diamond Platinum Wedding Band Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Men's Diamond Wedding Band Ring The Ring is Platinum 950 The Round Cut Diamonds are 1.00Ct G/H VS The ring is a size 12.5, sizable The ring weighs 16.4 grams
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Nina Zhou 6.55ctw Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Cascading in refined brilliance, these chandelier earrings feature a radiant blend of pear-shaped aquamarines, glittering diamonds, and deep blue sapphires—each stone carefully set i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Madagascar Pink Sapphire, Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional pink sapphire and diamond cluster drop pendant necklace crafted in solid 18 karat gold, centring on a GCS London certified natural Madagascar pink sapphire weighing ap...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
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
$1,407Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Ring Band, 4 Row Ring, 14 Karat White Gold, Stack, Fashion, Modern
Located in Austin, TX
This stunning beautiful white gold band dripping with four rows of diamonds provides a look that is very classic and modern at the same time! This ring is very fashionable and can ad...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Pearl Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 5
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Material: 18k yellow gold Pearl: Approximately 8mm Sapphires: Sapphire accents Design: Elegant ring featuring a luminous pearl centerpiece accented with vibr...
Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$576Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Mounted Peridot Gemstone Link Chain Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Peridot Linking Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 12 endlessly sparkling natural peridot, weighing 5.85 carats. It measures 7 inches long in length. Peridot attracts love an...
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Juste Un Clou Small Model Band Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold with Box
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This iconic Cartier Juste un Clou ring is crafted in 18 karat rose gold and designed to resemble a nail bent into a circle to form a ring band. The smooth, rounded rose gold shank wr...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Stainless Steel with Custom White Dial circa 1960'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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "...
Stainless Steel
Floating Gem Cross Necklace with Antique Diamond and Blue Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Floating Gem Cross is an exquisite jewelry piece, featuring 1.28 carats old european cut diamonds, and .58 carat blue sapphires, set in 14k gold. This beautiful pendant necklace has...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Cocktail Ring SI/H Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
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, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18.09 Carat Natural Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
The tennis bracelet is the most universally understood symbol in fine jewelry — and this one makes its statement entirely through the weight of what it carries. Eighteen carats of na...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.5Ct Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Ring with Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A Sleeping Beauty turquoise in a clean, robin's-egg blue is bezel-set at the centre of this solid 14K yellow gold split-shank ring, accented by six earth-mined diamonds. Sleeping Bea...
Turquoise, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Bulgari 1990's Diamond 18K Gold Steel Vintage Parentesi Tubogas Omega Cuff Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as stainless steel tubogas cuff style ring with yellow gold terminals Designed as grooved "Parentesi" omega motifs bead set with diamonds Round brilliant cut - weighing appr...
Diamond, Stainless Steel, Steel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 10.12 Ct Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Plantation, FL
A commanding three-stone ring centering a GIA-certified 10.12-carat oval Ceylon (Sri Lankan) sapphire, framed by a pair of bright half-moon diamonds in a clean platinum mount. The c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$7,960Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Platinum 1.01 Carat F VVS2 Round Natural Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. GIA Certified Platinum 1.01 Carat F VVS2 Round Natural Solitaire Engagement Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 5.03 grams Diamond: 1.01 carat F VVS2 round natural diamond...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,112Sale Price / item|20% Off
VR Jewels 14K Yellow Gold 1ct Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This three-stone ring features a 1 carat octagon-cut emerald and diamond, set in 14K yellow gold. The emerald measuring about 7 x 5 mm, set in a secure prong setting. It is flanked b...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Sterling Silver 13.70 Carat Amethyst Bolo Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful bracelet is sterling silver with a double row of 18 emerald cut amethysts weighing apx 13.7 carats. The face of this bracelet measures 3/8 of an inch wide. The bolo st...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Diamond 5 Star Necklace Bolo Chain 14K Yellow Gold Five Pave Diamond Stars
Located in Austin, TX
Diamond star station necklace for the diamond star in your life! This pave diamond star necklace has five star charms with round diamonds that are pave set in gold prong settings. Th...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Cuff Bracelet Chain Link Chunky Open Cuff Mixed Link Sculptural Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Cuff Bracelet Chain Link Chunky Open Cuff Mixed Link Sculptural Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Gold cuff bracelet in gold plated brass, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece by J Da...
Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Nina Zhou Ocean Life 90ctw Aquamarine, Topaz & Pink Sapphire Collar Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Crafted with light blue aquamarine and topaz, symbolizing the immense power and energy of the sea, and pink sapphire, representing lives and hope, each gemstone is uniquely shaped to...
Aquamarine, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 10K Gold Bismark Chain Necklace
Located in Venice, CA
The Bismark chain dates back to 19th century Germany and consists of flat, woven, interlocking links braided together to form a fluid and versatile chain. This older design has a tim...
10k Gold
$631Sale Price / item|60% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Topaz
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Topaz. Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Gemstone Citrine: Color: ye...
Citrine, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
$17,200Sale Price|20% Off
GIA-Certified Natural Diamond 2.51 Carat Cluster Stud Earrings 950 Platinum
Located in New York, NY
GIA-Certified Natural Diamond Cluster/Stud Earrings in 950 Platinum Report No. AYOM6 Elegant pair of diamond earrings set in solid 950 platinum with secure push-back findings. The pa...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Ruby 18 Carat White Gold Invisible Clip-On Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Ruby 18 Carat Gold Invisible Clip on Earrings The top quality Ruby which make in invisible setting.We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of sett...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
60s Vintage Hammerman Bros Earrings Clip On 14k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Hammerman Bros earrings crafted in 14 Karat yellow gold (circa 1960s). With a graduation of sleek lines the domed shrimp earrings measure 3/4 inches in length and ma...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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
Vintage Open Back Crystal Long Sautoir Necklace, Circa 1920s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Open Back Crystal Long Sautoir Necklace Circa 1920s. Stunning. It should be one of those need-to-be pieces in your wardrobe. Can be wrapped double or worn long. The crysta...
Mixed Metal
18K Yellow Gold Cable Chain Bracelet, 8 Inch, 42.6g, Vintage Elegance
Located in Towson, MD
An exceptional 18 karat yellow gold cable chain bracelet, measuring approximately 8 inches in length and 1/2 inch in width, and weighing a substantial 42.6 grams. The bracelet featur...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold