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.
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
14 Carats Cartier Diamond Link Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and rare vintage diamond bracelet by the legendary house of Cartier, showcasing the maison’s unmistakable elegance and mastery of design. This striking bracelet featur...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
70s Vintage Malachite Brutalist Ring High Dome Sz 6.5 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct and elaborate vintage malachite ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Malachite measures 23.5mm x 6.5mm. The malachite ...
Malachite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$737Sale Price / item|40% Off
Pink quartz multicolor ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pink quartz multicolor ring in 14k gold. Rose quartz oval cabochon ring. Pink color gemstone cocktail ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g depends from size Gemstone: pink color quart...
Blue Topaz, Quartz, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Go...
Tiffany & Co. 1960's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Knot Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a a stylized knotted rope necklace Comprised of curving grooved bar links Featuring twisted knot stations With high polish finish Completed by concealed clasp closure wit...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Yacht-Master 18K Yellow Gold – Complete Set – Mint Condition
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional example of the iconic Rolex Yacht-Master, crafted entirely in solid 18K yellow gold and offered in outstanding, investment-grade condition. This watch comes complete w...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Cartier Symbol Diamond Cross Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier diamond necklace set in 18k white gold.
The necklace features a cross motif set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. It hangs from a 15.5 inches ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.35ct Green Emeralds Yellow and Blue Sapphires Pave' Snake 14k Yellow Gold Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
Emeralds Pave' Snake 14k Yellow Gold Ring, bright green hand picked emeralds and Yellow Sapphires and Blue Sapphires, totalling approximately 1.35 carats, made in 14k Yellow gold to help the slim design, to have more robustness. Made to order in your finger size, due to the fitting in relation to the proportion's quality and design importance. Nature Ring...
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Black and Anthracite Resin Dangle Flamenco Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin clip-on earrings feature a massive dangling design with wavy-shaped cascading elements. The pieces boast glossy black and matte anth...
Mid-Century Signed Margot de Taxco Modernist Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mexican modernist necklace. By Margot de Taxco. In sterling silver. With bead-set lozenge shaped links supporting a conforming pendant (that also converts to a brooch). Mo...
Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels De Papillon White Mother of Pearl Diamond Butterfly Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A graceful De Papillon Butterfly necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose and white gold. This elegant design features a delicately sculpted...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,025Sale Price|25% Off
Cartier Destinée Platinum Solitaire GIA Certified Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless symbol of love from the House of Cartier, this Cartier Destinée Engagement ring showcases the Maison’s iconic halo design, where a brilliant center diamond appears suspend...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 22 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glossy 22ct gold band. Perfect for a wedding band or just a simple everyday piece. Hallmarked London 1968. Please note there are arthritic beads on the inside of the band which do ma...
Gold, 22k Gold
$1,020Sale Price / item|60% Off
Oval cabochon ruby 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon ruby 14k gold ring. Ruby solitaire. Plain ruby ring. Diamond cut ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2 gr depends fro...
Ruby, Topaz, 14k Gold
$6,085
Suzy Landa Drop Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Enhance your jewelry collection with these beautifully crafted Suzy Landa earrings, a sophisticated expression of contemporary elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Proudly made in...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Diamond Platinum Vintage Sixteen Stone X Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a high polished platinum band with "X" motif stations Prong set with round brilliant cut diamonds in between Weighing approximately 1.28 carats total G color with VS1 cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Kai Nora 9.50ctw Green Emerald-Cut Peridot Eternity Ring
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Eternity Peacock Green Emerald-Cut 9.50ctw Peridot Ring is a stunning piece that combines classic elegance with modern sophistication. This ring features vibrant emerald-cut peri...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
80s Portuguese Ring Amethyst Citrine Diamond 19k Yellow Gold Sz 6.5 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish contemporary amethyst, citrine & diamond ring crafted in 19k yellow gold (circa 1980s). Cabochon cut amethyst measures 5mm x 4mm and citrine measures 4mm x 3.5mm. 16 sm...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 9ct gold band has two Iines of beaded detail on the outer edges and in between these there is a delicate line of five diamonds. The diamonds measure 3pts each. Made in Birmingha...
Diamond, Gold
Ming's Hawaii Double Dragon Band Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.6 Grams Ring Size: 8.5 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 8.2 mm tall Condition: Preowned,...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Galliano Clear Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Newspaper Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning John Galliano Paris bracelet is from the 2000 Autumn-Winter "Newspaper" collection. The bangle features an acrylic, or Lucite, chunky sliced shape in transparent light ...
$215Sale Price|20% Off
Byzantine Style Heart Chandelier Statement Earrings, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 5" x 2.25" - Gold plated - Colored crystal rhinestones - Clip on earring backs - Cut ou...
Dickson Yawn 18ct Gold Overlapping Rods Ring, 1970s Women's Jewelry
By Dickson Yewn
Located in London, GB
Dickson Yawn’s overlapping rods piece is a statement that will add drama to any fine jewellery collection. The 1970s pre-owned 18 carat gold ring is glamorous, stylish and sophistica...
$42,240Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Paris 18K Yellow Gold 32 Inches, Georges L'enfant Makers Mark, Chain
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant in its simplicity and exceptional in its provenance, this Cartier Paris chain necklace is a beautiful example of understated French luxury. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Pink Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary pink tourmaline ring set in rich 18-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a 4-carat hand-cut deep pink tourmaline that shimmers with...
Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier 1895 Diamond 0.23ct Round Brilliant Cut Pendant and Chain White Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier 1895 diamond 0.23ct round brilliant cut pendant and chain 18 karat white gold. This pendant is designed as a single round brilliant cut diamond claw set within the signatu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Bracelet
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic bracelet in 18 karat white gold structure composed of 10 gold flower studded with blue sapphires surrounded by diamonds and mounted on gold lines studded with diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$354Sale Price / item|50% Off
Van Gogh Almond Blossom earrings with topaz and Mother of pearl
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with topaz and Van Gogh Almond Blossom drawing. Handmade Shell Earrings with topaz. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrings. Mother of pearl beach earr...
Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
W.A. Bolin 3ct Blue and Yellow Sapphire Cocktail Ring, Stockholm, 1988
By BOLIN
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
W.A. Bolin 3ct Blue Sapphire and Yellow Sapphire Ring Stockholm, 1988 Blue and yellow is one of those combinations that seems almost too simple to be remarkable. Yet few pairings ar...
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950's Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Line Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of hinged square links bead set with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 8.96 carats total - H color with VS2 to SI1 clarity With pierced profile Completed by ...
Diamond, Platinum
$119Sale Price|20% Off
Aurora Borealis Crystal Encrusted Ornate Gunmetal Brooch By Joan Rivers, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 2" x 2" - Gunmetal silver tone - Blue and yellow Aurora Borealis crystals - By Joan Rivers (signed on verso) - Circa 1990s - Estate acquired - Excellent vinta...
$480Sale Price|20% Off
6.02 carats Tiffany Blue Zircon Stone Oval Cut Cambodian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.02 carats Dimensions 9.9x8.5x6.9 mm Treatment heated Origin Cambodia Clarity VVS Shape oval Cut faceted This exquisite 6.02 carat Tiffany Blue Zircon gemstone is a ...
Zircon, Blue Zircon
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
3.06 CTW Natural Oval Cut Emerald Prong Set Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold For Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant features 1 natural oval-cut emerald weighing 3.06 carats, beautifully set in solid 18K yellow gold. The emerald measures approximately 11 x 8.6 mm, It is secure...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,563 / item
7 Carat Natural Blu Sapphire Gold Tennis Bracelet
By De Maria fine&antique jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
Fabulous important brand new bracelet made in solid 9 kt white gold and set with 6,90 Carats of vivid rose cut Natural Blu Sapphires, weighing 0.12 carat each (3,0 mm). This piece is...
Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
$534Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pear Topaz silver gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Topaz silver, gold earrings. Blue gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: topaz, blue color, pe...
Topaz, Gold, Silver
4.04ct Carat Emerald Cut Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring GIA
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, architectural, and effortlessly timeless, this platinum engagement ring showcases a remarkable GIA-certified 4.04-carat Emerald Cut diamond graded H color and VS2 clarity. C...
Diamond, Platinum
Braid Rope Stack Ring, 14K Gold Braided Stackable Band, LR4910
Located in Austin, TX
This lovely band has a beautiful braided design! Accented by the lovely 14 karat yellow gold, this ring is an amazing fashion band and stackable ba...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$5,260Sale Price|20% Off
Jade Necklace Double Necklace Certified Untreated Midcentury 9.5mm 20" & 24"
Located in Northampton, MA
Grand, beautiful, and rare, this double-strand jade necklace features 114 approximately 9.5mm hand-carved and polished untreated Burmese jadeite beads. These are substantial, fine, o...
Jade, 9k Gold
Vintage Hemmerle Heart Moonstone Diamond Curb Chain Bracelet 18k 750 Yellow Gold
By Hemmerle
Located in München, DE
Rare Vintage Hemmerle curb chain bracelet in 18k 750 yellow gold with heart-shaped moonstone and diamond settings, a collectible German high jewelry piece ideal for gifting and moder...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning VAN DER BAUWEDE Geneva Magnum Commander Diamond Chronograph – Cal. 25
Located in Antwerp, BE
MAGNUM COMMANDER SET WITH DIAMONDS, BRAND NEW!!!! WITH BOX & WARRANTY PAPERS MOVEMENT: quartz, caliber 25 FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds, date, chrono functions CAS...
Diamond, Silver
Cartier Hercules Knot Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Steel Tubogas Oval Citrine
By Cartier
Located in Monaco, MC
Cartier Hercules Knot bi-color necklace in 18K yellow gold and polished stainless steel, set with an oval citrine at the center of the iconic knot motif. The tubogas construction — C...
Citrine, Yellow Gold, Steel
Nina Zhou 5.92ctw Natural Turquoise & Diamond Chandlier Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou 5.92ctw Natural Turquoise Diamond Chandlier Drop Earrings are a stunning testament to timeless elegance and vibrant beauty. These exquisite earrings feature captivating...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Sterling Silver, 24K Yellow Gold & Diamond "Carol" Open Cuff by Lika Behar
By Lika Behar
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This handcrafted “Carol” open cuff bracelet by Lika Behar Jewelry combines 24K yellow gold and sterling silver in a bold, artisanal design. The bracelet features brilliant diamonds t...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Ming's Hawaii Double Phoenix Band Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 5.0 Grams Ring Size: 5.75 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 10 mm tall Condition: Preowned,...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with chrysophrase 14k yellow gold 5.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold stud earrings set with chrysophrase – 5.7 grams Detailed description: The dimensions of the stud are 1.3 cm by 1.2 cm wide Total weight 5.7 grams set with - 2 x ...
Chrysophrase, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Company Elsa Peretti Diamond Solitaire 18KYG Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond Solitaire pendant is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and showcases an approximately 0.46 carat round brilliant-cut diamond graded I color ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mercedes Robirosa Paris Massive Silver-plate Chain Cuff Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare and incredible Mercedes Robirosa Paris cuff bracelet features a silver-plated metal cuff shape with a heavy looped chain design. The chains that form this spectacular brac...
Silver Plate
$611Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Rich Green Emerald Ring in 925 Sterling Silver-Handmade Gemstone Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Green Emerald Gemstone Ring in 925 Sterling Silver – Rhodium Plated Elegant Handmade Jewelry Piece 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Emerald ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 13.07 Grams 💍 RING SIZE: 11 ...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
14K Yellow Gold Modern Solitaire Diamond Ring, 0.50ct, Size 7
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant 14 karat gold solitaire ring features a flush-set round diamond at its center, combining subtle sophistication with enduring style. The band tapers gracefully from 7.5mm...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ming's Hawaii Dragon Dome Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 10.1 mm tall Condition: Preowned...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Eight Diamond Band Ring Made in Italy by Oltremare Gioielli
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Indulge in exquisite Italian craftsmanship with our bespoke Diamond Gold Band by Oltremare Gioielli. Handcrafted to perfection, this made-to-order ring is available in 14k gold, ador...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Earrings with topaz and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with topaz and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.7 cm long and 5.1 mm wide. Total weight: 3.3 ...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k 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
GIA Certified 2.08 Carat Burmese, Pigeon Blood Color Ruby Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring set in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 2.08 Carat Natural Burmese, Pigeon's Blood Ruby and 1.12 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit m...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
HRD Certified 3.53ct Pear Ruby & 2.81ct Diamond Line Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A single pear-shaped natural ruby hangs at the center of a diamond line necklace in 18K yellow gold, the deep red stone set just below where the diamonds taper together. Ruby weight ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Michael Good 18K Baroque Hoop Earrings 1 3/4” 10.6 grams
By Michael Good
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Fabulous pair of designer Michael Good Baroque earrings in butter yellow 18K yellow gold! These earrings are a Michael Good size Medium, and measure 1 3/4”. These are a clas...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Konstantino Sterling Silver 'Paganini' Onyx Cross Pendant
By Konstantino
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed onyx cross pendant. By Konstantino. In sterling silver. Part of the 'Paganini' collection (inspired by the Italian Renaissance violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
18K White Gold 2.63-Carat Emerald-Cut Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Deira, AE
Make a refined and classic impression with the Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring. This exquisite piece centers on a stunning 2.63-carat emerald-cut natural Zambian emerald, showca...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold
$4,447Sale Price|20% Off
18K Rose Gold, Pink Sapphire, Diamond Pendant
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover timeless elegance embodied in our 18kt Rose Gold Pendant Necklace adorned with sparkling Pink Sapphire and glittering diamonds. The pendant features a brilliant Pink Sapphi...
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Tahitian Cultured Pearl Strand 11-8 mm baroque 41 cm long fine Luster multicolor
Located in Viena, Viena
nice quality in a size of 8-11 mm, 35 baroque untreated natural Tahitian cultured pearls in the typ. Colours e.g. black, grey, light grey, anthracite and with a fine luster, pearls ...
Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Stainless Steel