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 Oval Checkerboard Faceted Prasiolite Diamond Albion 18KYG/SS Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
David Yurman Albion Prasiolite & Diamond Ring crafted in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold, featuring a large oval checkerboard-faceted prasiolite gemstone accented by sparklin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$460Sale Price|20% Off
GUCCI Italy Sterling Silver Sleek Bamboo Style Pendant Necklace 21st C
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
GUCCI Italy sterling silver bamboo design pendant necklace 21st c The sleek unisex necklace is designed with an elongated sterling silver bamboo shaped pendant; suspended from a lo...
Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Ceylon Pink Sapphires, Tourmaline & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires & Tourmaline Cocktail Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires 14.31 carats. The Pin...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
MONTH-LONG SALE, 15.50 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 20"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
MAGNIFICENT, 15.50 cts Natural diamonds tennis necklace average H-VS clean natural diamonds excellent shine 29.80 gram solid 14k yellow gold 3.4 mm wide 20 inch long Style: Tennis N...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Cable Link Bracelet with Heart Tag / Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver chain link bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped tag or charm. Secured with a lobster clasp closure. Fully marked to the he...
Sterling Silver
MUNSTEINER ring with ruthile quartz and square cut diamond up to 0.10ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
MUNSTEINER 18k yellow gold ring set with ruthile and square-cut diamond total 0.10ct – F/G – VS/SI – 22.0 grams - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of t...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold
Large Vintage Sterling Abalone Shell Mermaid Earrings
Located in Webster, SD
These beautiful, vintage mermaid earrings are sterling silver with abalone shell cabochons. Measurements: 3/4 by 1 5/8 inches Weight: 10.4 grams Marks: Sterling, 69, Shube's hallmark...
Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 3.23ct F1 Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Talk about a statement ring! A impressive 3.23 carat emerald-cut emerald from Colombia with the barest minimum of treatment (oil only) is the star of this gorgeous and luxurious 18k...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Louis Vuitton Square Cocoa Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Set with Stitched Leather
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning set of three square bracelets by Louis Vuitton Paris, crafted in a rich cocoa‑brown acrylic and designed with the house's unmistakable modern aesthetic. Each bangle featur...
Gilt Metal
Handcrafted Modern Artisan Silk Beaded Necklace by Variously in Indigo & Gold
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Inspired by the Sanskrit word Mihika, meaning morning dew, this necklace reflects freshness, purity, and the gentle beauty found in nature. Each piece is carefully handcrafted using ...
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 7.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold band ring with a harp pattern set with a central sapphire 1.00 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed descriptio...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Earrings with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 4.50ct 14k gold 12.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 4.60 ct Detailed description: The earrings are 4.5 cm long and 1.4 cm wide. Weight: 12.8 grams Set with: - 2 x 4.1 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
17.06-carat Tourmaline & Onyx & Ruby & Diamond Ring, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee reimagines the untamed power of the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake in the Redhot Diamondback Ring, a breathtaking creation from The Ikhor Collection. At its core lies a c...
Tourmaline, Ruby, Onyx, Diamond, Enamel, Rhodium, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in University Place, WA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Arno Alhambra family, crafted in 18k white gold and set with a cluster of four round brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a quatrefoil patter...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 1.32ct Genuine Round Cut Red Garnet Cross Pendant in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This refined cross pendant showcases 1.32 carats of natural round garnet, beautifully crafted in 925 sterling silver. The graceful openwork flower design highlights the rich red gems...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Elsa Peretti Open Heart Stud Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed earrings. In 18 karat yellow gold. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. From the Open Heart series. Fully marked to the reverse. (With replacement 14k ea...
18k Gold
$345Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Art Deco Style Bezel Set Cubic Zircon Faceted Tennis Bracelet in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This understated cubic zirconia tennis bracelet showcases a continuous line of mixed cut gemstone in sleek bezel settings, creating a refined geometric silhouette with exceptional br...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Stratton Mother-of-Pearl Compact, Brass, Scalloped Edge, 1960s
By Stratton
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage Stratton mother-of-pearl compact. We are so excited to find this great condition English compact with 60 years of life! It is small with a scalloped edge and the to...
Brass
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k gold 5.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a sapphire and a brilliant-cut diamond 0.32 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 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
8.65 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 8.65 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 16-inch chain. 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair Green Glass Jadeite Style Bangle Bracelets
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of lovely green glass bracelets with the look and feel of jadeite. The glass practically glows with a vibrant spring green color. Flat on the interior and rounded at the ext...
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Massive Multicolor Acrylic Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight created these rare, stunning chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. These extravagant dangling acrylic pieces feature a dimensional shape with ge...
CLEARANCE EVENT, 9.15 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 19"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 9.15 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 17-inch chain. 2...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Industrial Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Chain Studded Vintage Piece Ruthenium
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Chain Studded Vintage Piece Ruthenium Palladium Mesh Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in b...
Brass, Palladium
Vintage 18k solid Yellow Gold Cherub Pendant – French Hallmark, Good Luck Charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 Karat yellow gold baby angel pendant. This beautiful detailed medal depicts a little child with curly hear and wings in front of a textured background. Thanks to ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 1.04 carat, natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 1.04 carats. The Emerald is completely ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Earrings with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.18ct 18k gold 3.6 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with amethyst and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.18ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 1.0 cm wide by 2.5 cm high ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Disc Pendant Oval Link Necklace 17 In
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Disc Pendant Necklace, featuring Peretti’s signature sculptural round disc suspended from an elongated oval-link chain. Crafted ent...
Sterling Silver
Cocktail ring with lapis lazuli 18k yellow gold 14.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold cocktail ring set with lapis lazuli – 14.4 grams - ring size U.S. 8.5 – EU 18.5(58) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.7 cm wide and 1.3 cm high Ring s...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Line Vautrin Geometric Talosel and Blue Glass Mirrors Brooch
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Line Vautrin Talosel geometric brooch is encrusted with clear and blue mirrored glass, featuring iridescence in a tridimensional, modernist shape. The rare piece was cr...
18k solid gold animal charm - articulated fish pendant - Italian 1960's Amethyst
Located in Antwerp, BE
This funky articulated fish pendant is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. This wonderful charm pendant is detailed with many wonderful engravings. Its eyes are purple amethysts, they g...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Diana Moon Goddess Coin Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Diana Coin Pendant. Greek Goddess Diana Coin Pendant. Diana Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Diana Moon Goddess Pendant in Silver with Gold Plating. A beautiful two-sided ...
Gold, Silver
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Medusa Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Medusa Coin Necklace with Emerald Green Stone. Medusa Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Medusa Shield Amulet Necklace with Sword Motif. A striking two-sided Medusa protection amulet...
Emerald, Gold, Silver
$302Sale Price / item|50% Off
925 Silver Two Stone Emerald Diamond Halo Open Cuff Bangle Bracelet Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This sparkling open cuff bangle bracelet is crafted in 925 Sterling Silver and showcases 9.12 carats of emerald cut natural emeralds, beautifully accented by a 0.19 carat diamond hal...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier Panthère Ruban Stainless Steel Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Panthère Ruban watch crafted in stainless steel, featuring the collection’s distinctive integrated bracelet design and an elegant ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ring with Natural Rock Crystal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Elegant ring featuring a natural oval rock crystal in a smooth cabochon cut. The transparent stone softly reflects the light and highlights the clean, minimal beauty of the design. T...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, Blue Sapphire & Yellow Diamond Engagement Cocktail 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 1.11 carats. The combine...
Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 9.05 carats Morganite, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Ruby Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 9.05 carats. The weight of the Ru...
Diamond, Morganite, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Italian 18K Yellow Gold, Natural Sapphire, & Diamond Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, sapphire, and diamond signet style ring. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a central bezel-set emerald cut 0.75 Ct± natural sapphire surrounded by a halo of 14 rou...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$520Sale Price / item|44% Off
Custom Initials Cufflinks – Personalized Monogram Cufflinks for Men
Located in Istanbul, TR
Custom Initials Cufflinks – Personalized Monogram Cufflinks for Men. Bespoke Initial Cufflinks. Custom Letter Cufflinks. Crafted in solid sterling silver plus white gold plating ove...
Gold Plate, Silver
14KT White Gold Elegant Pavé Diamond 6.98 Cts Bangle Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated bangle bracelet features a stunning, continuous array of brilliant round-cut diamonds set in a shimmering pavé arrangement. Crafted in warm 14K white gold, the sle...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Aphrodite Goddess Two-sided Coin Pendant Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Greek Goddess Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Aphrodite Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. A beautiful two-sided Aphrodite goddess coin pendant crafted in st...
Gold, Silver
$250Sale Price|50% Off
Sterling Silver 2.40ct Squared Deep Red Garnet 3 Stone Ring, Size 6.75
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A clean, modern three‑stone design in polished sterling silver, set with 2.40 carats of square‑cut garnets. The larger center stone delivers a rich, wine‑red focal point, framed by t...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Natural Sphene (Titanite) 2.05 Carat – Cushion Cut Rainbow Fire Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Bring extraordinary brilliance to your gemstone collection with this Natural Sphene (Titanite) weighing 2.05 carats. Cushion cut into a striking fancy cut, this exceptional gemstone ...
Other
Christian Lacroix Gilt Metal Lace Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris pendant necklace features a stylized knitting lace design in gilded metal, textured throughout and topped with the iconic "CL" logo. The long gi...
Gilt Metal
2.85 Carat Natural Loose Cornflower Blue Sapphire Oval Cut Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.85 carat Dimensions 9.4x7.2x4.8mm Treatment Heated Origin Sri Lankan Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval AG253 This magnificent 2.85-carat natural cornflower blue sapphire ca...
Blue Sapphire
$272Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Sterling Silver Domed Cluster Ring with Round Cut Multisapphires
Located in New York, NY
This striking 4.17 carat round cut multisapphire cocktail ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver. The gemstones are artfully clustered to create a vibrant dome of color, showcasing a...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Persephone Garnet Coin Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Greek Goddess Persephone Coin Pendant. Persephone Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Persephone Goddess Necklace with Pomegranate Symbol A beautiful two-sided Persephone goddess coin pendant crafted in sterling silver with rich gold plating. One side features a detailed raised portrait of Persephone...
Garnet, Gold, Silver
c1990 Vintage Tiffany & Co X Ring 18k Yellow Gold Band Sz 5 Signed Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co 'X' dome ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1990). Dating to 1990 the low domed band is a classic! Crafted in buttery 18k yellow gold the ring is...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long Detailed description The beads are in various sizes, approximately 6 mm to 9 mm. Weight: 49.5 grams With - 115 x 6 mm ...
Coral, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 18.83 carats, Tourmaline Cabochon & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline Cabochon Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmaline Cabochon is 18.83 carats. Th...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earrings with sapphire 4.00ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphire up to 4.00ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,584Sale Price|20% Off
Slack Signed 14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Cat Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate whimsical luxury with this charming Slack signed 14K yellow gold Emerald and Diamond Cat Brooch, a beautifully crafted designer piece that blends playful artistry with time...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colleen Lopez Rose de France Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
This colorful piece is the Colleen Lopez "Rose de France" Colors of Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bangle. The handcrafted design features: Centerpieces: Two bypass-style squa...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso 18k Gold & Citrine Cabochon Olive Leaf Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Tiffany gold and citrine earrings. By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each earring with a bezel-set citrine cabochon and with a ol...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Earrings with sunstone and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.09ct 18k gold 2.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sunstone and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.09ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 1.5 cm long by 4.4 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Knot Stud Earring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glossy 9ct gold superbly tied in a knot make the most stylish design for these earrings. Knot Diameter: 15mm Height From Ear: 9mm Weight: 3.8g
Gold
18K Gold, Australian Doublet Opal, Turquoise, Blue Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Australian Doublet Opal, Turquoise, Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Modern Bracelet. The weight of the Australian Doublet Opal is 14.33 car...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arples Vintage Alhambra Mother-Of-Pearl 18K White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K White Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Earrings. These iconic earrings feature the maison’s signature Alhambra clover motif, beautifully crafted in 18...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Classic Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant piece is a classic 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace. It features a continuous, flexible strand of round brilliant-cut diamonds, each meticulously held in a tradit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold