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.
David Yurman Sterling Silver, 18K Gold, and Blue Topaz Cable Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver, gold, and blue topaz cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 18k yellow gold elements. In the 'Cable' pattern. Each terminal bezel-set with...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$521Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Citrine and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine earrings silver, gold. Dangle citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Citrine and Topaz A striking pair of citr...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold & Pink Rhodium, Pink Sapphires & Rose Cut Diamonds Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold, Pink Rhodium & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 4.68 carats....
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Ring with sapphire, taper and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and taper and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.6 cm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bracelet 16 Small Model Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A modern icon from Cartier, the Juste un Clou bracelet is crafted in 18 karat rose gold and reimagines an ordinary nail into a bold statement of design. This small model size 16 is a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 1.08 Carat Natural Oval Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 1.08 Carat Natural Oval Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 2231904943 Center diamond: 1.08 carat oval H SI1 natural diamond Accent diamonds: 2 oval...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
BVLGARI Bulgari Two-Tone Wristwatch in Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A timeless expression of Italian luxury, this vintage BVLGARI Bulgari Bulgari wristwatch showcases the house’s unmistakable design language. The iconic double-logo bezel, engraved wi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$532Sale 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
$526Sale Price / item|77% Off
Octagon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold. Black Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central sto...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 5.48 carats, Zambian Emeralds & Diamonds Cocktail Cluster Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Cluster Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 5.48 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Hoop Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These charming 18K yellow gold hoop earrings feature vibrant natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each hoop is delicately handcrafted with alternating bright blue turquoise beads...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver & Gold Cable Watch Bracelet Bangle
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Sterling Silver & Gold Cable Watch Bracelet Bangle Metal: Sterling silver & 14k yellow gold Weight: 48.6 grams Width: 6.5 - 11.6 Watch case: 17 x 20mm Dial: Bla...
Gold, Sterling Silver
$514Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Emerald Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Emerald Ring. Baguette Cut Emerald Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating ...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Earrings with lemon chrysophrase and single cut diamonds up to 0.36ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with lemon chrysoprase and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.36ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by 1.0...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, 14k Gold
$526Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Cabochon Pink Quartz Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Quartz Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Quartz Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Quartz Ring in Gold Over Silver. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$526Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Peridot Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Peridot Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Peridot Ring in Gold Over Silver. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plat...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
11.98 Carat Emerald & Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Natsilane Black Fish Earrings, from The Garden of Myth collection, emerge as a spellbinding union of cultural legend and couture artistry. Rooted in the Tlingit and Haida...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Elastic Ring – 4mm Beads
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate 18K yellow gold elastic ring features lustrous 4mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. The design alternates vibrant sky-blue turquoise beads with finely textured ...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
$1,950Sale Price|25% Off
18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Circle Pendant Necklace 23 Inches
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
dd a touch of effortless sophistication to your jewelry collection with this stunning 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Circle Pendant Necklace. Showcasing a beautifully polished turquoise c...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AAA White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace, 14K Gold Clasp, 18" Length
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a yellow gold clasp measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yellow gold clasp. ...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
1990s Modern Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet 7 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, mod style cuff bracelet is sterling silver. The face of this cuff measures 7/8 of an inch at its widest point and tapers down to 3/8 of an inch. It has an inner circu...
Sterling Silver
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Pear Ruby 3.40ct Halo Lariat Drop Earrings, 14k White Gold
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Diamond Pear Ruby 3.40 Carat Halo Lariat 14 karat White Gold 1.5 Inch Earrings – a breathtaking fusion of elegance and sophistication. Crafted with precisio...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marina J. Large Baroque Black Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat Gold Beads and Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This necklace features large Black Baroque Pearls meeting at a 14k Yellow Gold toggle clasp. Each pearl was carefully selected by Marina J., to create balanced aesthetic for this pie...
Black Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Chain Necklace Glitter Enamel Light Blue Pink Studs Made in Paris J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Paris Palladium Plated Chunky Stud Chain Necklace Blue Pink Enamel Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Palladium Stud Chain is a rare architectural statemen...
Palladium, Brass, Enamel
Ring with layered stone 14k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold signet ring set with blue layered stone – ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 2.8 mm high Ring size U....
14k Gold
Regal Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamonds Snake Necklace with Emerald
Located in GOES, NL
A regal giant 21 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure untreated Sleeping Beauty Turquoises, natural diamonds, colombian emeralds and genuine sapphires. This ne...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co Size 5.25 Sterling Silver and Gold Gatelink Flexible Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold Gatelink Flexible Hinged Ring Size 5.25. ( 1990’s) The ring is made up of silver elements hinged by 18 karat yellow go...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
Gucci Black Plexiglass and Crystal Jeweled Cuff Bracelet, 2013 Runway Collection
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gucci Spectacular Bracelet by Frida Giannini, Fall/Winter 2013 Runway A rare and electrifying creation from Gucci's Fall/Winter 2013 runway collection, this sculptural cuff bracelet—...
14K Solid White Gold Diamond Ring with Ruby
Located in Naples, NY
I ship all my products from the USA! Not my handwork! I'm selling my used CIRARI Ruby and Diamond ring! I bought it about 3 years ago on Gemshoping TV. At that time I wore white go...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Natural 1.19 Ct Heart Emerald 0.83 Ct Baguette Diamonds Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Celebrate timeless elegance with this handcrafted 18K White Gold Heart Emerald & Diamond Ring, designed to showcase the vibrant beauty of a natural heart-shaped emerald. The graceful...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White 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
$521Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with Amethystes cabochon. Contemporary Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Earrin...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$526Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Amethyst Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Amethyst Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold pl...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Miu Miu Turquoise and Yellow Acrylic Jeweled Bracelet Bangle with Apple Charm
By Miu Miu
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Miu Miu Italy acrylic jeweled bracelet is a cute bangle with a charm. Carved from a transparent acrylic or Lucite material, the piece is paved with crystal rhinestones all aroun...
Tiffany & Co Sterling Sapphire Band Ring Size 7.5 Elsa Peretti
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful band ring is a product of Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. It is sterling silver with a genuine sapphire. Measurements: 2.5mm wide Size: 7 1/2 Marks: Tiffany & Co, 925...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Sky Blue Aquamarine Kyanite & Diamond Woven Silver Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this exquisite Aquamarine, Kyanite & Diamond Yellow Gold Vermeil Bracelet, a refined piece designed to add effortless sophistication to any jewelr...
Diamond, Kyanite, Aquamarine, Silver
Costa Brava Shell Pendant with Natural Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Costa Brava Pendant is made of natural shell with 14k gold and .10 carat natural diamond. This delicate beauty fits on most small to medium sized chains, consider adding a chain or d...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Emerald Turquoise Pink Opal Diamond Halo Stud Earrings Handmade 18K Rose Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Bold, artistic, and exceptionally handcrafted, these statement stud earrings showcase a striking composition of vibrant gemstones arranged in a geometric mosaic design. Rich Zambian ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Floating Pearl 14k Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Floating Pearl 14k Gold Ring is a luxurious fine jewelry piece made of solid 14k gold with 10mm freshwater pearl. Inspired by surrealism, this statement piece is designed to ‘float’...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Navy Blue and White Resin Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin choker necklace features chunky carved pebble beads with a central round domed bead with crystal rhinestones spacers, and works on na...
$526Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Cabochon Opal Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Opal Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Opal Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Opal Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over W...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Angela Caputi Pink and Gold Resin Dangle Flamenco Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature an important dangling design with wavy-shaped floral elements. The pieces boast antique rose, gold, turquo...
Kai One-of-a-Kind AIGS Certified 3.56ct Colombian Emerald Ring, US 7
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A striking celebration of rarity and craftsmanship, this one-of-a-kind ring showcases a certified Colombian emerald of exceptional presence and character. Framed in a bold yet refine...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$514Sale Price / item|44% Off
Bezel Set Oval Emerald Wide Matte Band silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bezel Set Oval Emerald Wide Matte Band ring silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Emerald. Oval Pinky Ring for ...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
4.24 Carat Natural Round Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings 18K White Gold Handmade
Located in Deira, AE
Designed to make a statement while remaining timeless, these handcrafted hoop earrings showcase an elegant row of brilliant round natural diamonds that deliver exceptional fire and b...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Coral and Lapis Resin Chandelier Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, acrylic resin clip-on earrings feature an oversized chandelier dangling shape with dimensional stylized pine cones and faceted beads, com...
Gilt Metal
Regal Length Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal length sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace. Fully consisting off genuine turquoises, delicately strung together with solid 14k gold sparkling beads, creating an elega...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$731Sale Price|25% Off
Cartier Pair of Weighted Sterling Silver Bud Vases, Height 5 3/8"
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Bring timeless luxury and refined French elegance to your home décor with this pair of authentic Cartier weighted sterling silver bud vases. Expertly crafted with Cartier's renowned ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Jean Louis Scherrer Paris Gilded Jeweled Bangle Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Jean Louis Scherrer Paris link bangle bracelet features a geometric shape in shiny metal, adorned with resin cabochons in transparent turquoise blue color. The security...
Natural Sapphire Cabochon and Diamond Statement Cocktail Ring, 13 Carats, 18K
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Designed as an impressive pear-shaped cluster, this dramatic cocktail ring is set with thirty natural blue sapphire cabochons weighing approximately 13 carats in total. The sapphires...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Formal Blue Topaz Heart Necklace 18 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful necklace is sterling silver. Each of the genuine London blue heart cut topaz stones weighs 1 carat for a total of 5 carats. There are 17 round cut 3.5mm white zircons that accent the chain throughout. It measures 18 inches...
Topaz, Sterling Silver
Genuine Ruby Bolo Bracelet Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bolo bracelet is sterling silver. It was made for Kay by Chuck Clemency. It features 7 oval cut, 4x5mm ruby gemstones. The bracelet is adjustable from 5 to 9 inches. ...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
$514Sale Price / item|44% Off
Signet Ring with Garnet for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Garnet for Men silver, gold. Square Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Modern Gentleman Jewelry Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 ...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Rare Substantial Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Pyramid Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Seaman Schepps 18K yellow gold Pyramid bracelet 20th Century Provenance: Estate of a prominent New York socialite This rare, stunning...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold 'Ship's Anchor' Pendant - Europe - Circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage 14K yellow gold 'ship's anchor' necklace pendant - fine quality - featuring a cast form with a hand applied twisted rope over the anchor - high polish finish - large bale - t...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$514Sale Price / item|44% Off
Signet Ring with Amethyst for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Amethyst for Men silver, gold. Square Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Modern Gentleman Jewelry Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4....
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$521Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz earrings silver, gold. Dangle topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with topaz. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-shaped ...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Genuine Estate Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal double estate layered 20 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine high grade turquoises from the...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Seven Butterflies Diamond Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Seven Butterflies Diamond Bracelet in Platinum and Yellow Gold Signed: Tiffany Schlumberger Creato...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 9.2 grams 18k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to . 2.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 9.25 - EU.19.25 (61) detailed description the top of the ring is 2.1 cm wide weight...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold