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.
Set in 18K Gold, Mozambique Ruby, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby & Pink Sapphires Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ruby is 0.91 carats. The Ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$779Sale Price / item|70% Off
Oval cabochon amethyst 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon amethyst 14k gold ring. Amethyst solitaire. Plain amethyst ring. Diamond cut amethyst ring. Amethyst engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weig...
Amethyst, Topaz, 14k Gold
$15,190Sale Price|30% Off
GRS Certified 2.53 Carat Mozambique Ruby Diamond Ring in 18K Gold Vivid Red
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our stunning Mozambique Ruby and Diamond Ring, a masterpiece of contemporary design and exquisite craftsmanship. At the heart of this ring lies a captivating 2.53 carat M...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$902Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval cab opal ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab opal ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with opal. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - opal 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, colorless. Colorl...
Opal, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline & Pink Diamond Ring, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Along with that of tapes, fringes, and other smallware's, the manufacture of cloth ribbons forms a special department of the textile industries. The essential feature of a ribbon loo...
Pink Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
70s Vintage Diamond Drop Earrings Braided 14k Yellow Gold 1.25" Length Pendant
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish braided diamond drop earrings crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1970s). Diamonds total an estimated 0.30 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). The elegant...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with jade and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.22ct 18k pink gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with jade and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.22 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.3 cm long and 1.0 cm wide. Total weight: 4.2 g...
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold
$6,750Sale Price|25% Off
1.30cttw. Ruby & White Diamond Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specification: Stone: Ruby Stone Cut: Oval Ruby Weight: 1.3 ctw Ruby Color: Red Secondary Stone: White Diamond Secondary Stone Cut: Mixed Diamond Color: White Metal: 18k White Gold T...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k gold ring with two snake heads, ring size US 8 - EU 18.25(57), 14.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with two snake heads – ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide and 4.0 mm high. Ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57)...
18k Gold
$519Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Oval cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,800Sale Price|25% 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
Monique Vedie Line Vautrin Student Green Talosel and Mirror Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Monique Vedie (1924-2021) Resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a stylized geometric flower shape with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a beautiful li...
$538Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear Peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot silver, gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: peridot, green col...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold, Silver
$692Sale Price / item|60% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring. Ruby solitaire. Plain ruby ring. Oval cabochon cut ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver
18K Yellow Gold, Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring by Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Both handsome and feminine, sensational yet elegantly restrained, this captivating ring by Paula Crevoshay showcases a perfectly proportioned Pink Sapphire (1.19 carats) at its cente...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,162Sale Price / item|55% Off
Peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot 14k gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: peridot, green color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gemst...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold
Chantal Thomass Jeweled Bracelet Pearl and Red Cabochons
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely French Designer Chantal Thomass Paris jeweled link bracelet features gilded-metal carved and domed elements, all paved and ornate with half-pearl-like and ruby-red caboch...
Gilt Metal
$481Sale Price / item|50% Off
Opal solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Cabochon Opal Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Opal Ring. Round Cut Opal Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$532Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with rose quartz briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with pink quartz briolettes. Lily flower earrings. Pink quartz earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Metal: silver 925 + 14k gold plating over...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Silver
$721Sale Price / item|40% Off
Baguette Emerald 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald engagement ring. Baguette emerald ring. Emerald gold ring. Emerald vintage style ring. Natural emerald ring. Classic emerald ring. May birthstone emerald ring. Wedding gold r...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
10K Yellow Gold 2.0 Cttw Invisible-Set Princess-Cut Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of these exquisite stud earrings, masterfully crafted from luxurious 10K yellow gold. Each piece radiates sophistication with its square silhouette t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,162Sale Price / item|55% Off
Citrine 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 14k gold earrings. Yellow gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: citrine, yellow color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gem...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Baguette emerald half eternity silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Baguette emerald half eternity ring silver, gold. Silver ring with emerald. Minimalist baguette emerald mens, unisex ring. Semi-eternity ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating o...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$532Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silver, gold carved flower earrings studs with citrines and topazs
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold carved flower earrings studs with citrines and topazs. 3 petal flower earrings. Blue topazs earrings. Flower earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Metal: silver 925 ...
Citrine, Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, 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
$992Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring. Art deco style ruby ring in 14k gold. Art nouveau style ring. Oval cabochon ruby ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g. depends from siz...
Peridot, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Topaz Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Topaz Ring. Baguette Cut Topaz Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weig...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,162Sale Price / item|40% Off
Amethyst 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 14k gold earrings. Purple gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones amethyst, purple, pear cut,8x6mm side gemstone...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
$601Sale Price / item|75% Off
Amethyst cocktail ring, gold, silver
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst cocktail ring, gold, silver. Amethyst statement ring. Unique design amethyst ring. Massive amethyst ring. Material: 925 silver + 14k gold plated Weight: 5 gr depends from s...
Amethyst, Gold, Silver
$541Sale Price / item|77% Off
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Topaz 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 ston...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Christian Dior Resin Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Pink and Glitter Abstract Pattern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior bracelet bangle features an acrylic resin or Lucite statement piece with a neon hot-pink background and an abstract pattern in black, gray, and hot pink...
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
Bulgari Tronchetto 18K Yellow Gold Rubellite Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A signed BVLGARI ring showcasing a vibrant cabochon rubellite set in an expertly crafted 18 karat yellow gold mounting. The smooth gemstone displays rich raspberry pink hues with nat...
Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Diamond Wide Band Sz 9 Cigar Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish diamond wide band crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). The larger old European cut diamond is estimated at 0.50 carats, accented with 12 single cut diamonds (esti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$769Sale Price / item|60% Off
Vintage style pearl 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl 14k gold engagement ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - pearl, button shape, white color, 4.5 mm, cultivated, freshw...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$519Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring. Opal solitaire. Plain opal ring. Oval cabochon cut opal ring. Opal engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
$606Sale Price / item|65% Off
1.5 ct pear peridot silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear peridot silver, gold. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating o...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Christian Lacroix Amethyst and Yellow Jeweled Heart Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These gorgeous Christian Lacroix Paris clip-on earrings feature an important resin dangling shape with an abstract flower and heart adorned with clear crystal rhinestones. The pieces...
Silver Plate
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
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Kai AIGS Certified 5.81ct Aquamarine East-West Ring in 14K Gold (One-of-a-Kind)
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A one-of-a-kind natural aquamarine ring featuring a striking 5.81 carat octagonal emerald-cut stone, set in a distinctive east-west orientation. The horizontal placement introduces a...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K yellow Gold, Pink Sapphires, Tsavorites & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Pink Sapphires & Tsavories Dangle Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 8.02 carats. The Pink Sapphir...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Emerald Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A rare celebration of color and craftsmanship, this extraordinary necklace showcases a luminous Paraiba tourmaline — one of the world’s most coveted gemstones — radiating its unmista...
Diamond, Turquoise, Emerald, Paraiba, White Gold, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat J SI1 Natural Cushion Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat J SI1 Natural Cushion Diamond Solitaire Yellow Gold Engagement Ring GIA report number: 6233904918 Diamond: 2.01 carat J SI1 cushion modified brilliant natura...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$481Sale Price / item|50% Off
Amethyst solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Amethyst Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Amethyst Ring. Emerald Cut Amethyst Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 pi...
Amethyst, Gold, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with a two-tone pendant set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30 ct - H/I - SI - 45 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Scintillating and Elegant Vintage Ladies Cocktail Watch with Diamonds
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful vintage ladies 18K yellow gold Piaget wrist watch with Pave Diamond dial and Marquise Diamond Bezel is absolutely the epitome of elegance. It's original Piaget dial is pave set with glittering single cut diamonds and bears the word Piaget at the 12 o'clock position. It is surrounded by twenty-six marquise cut diamonds in it's original Piaget white gold bezel. Total approximate diamond weight is 2.75ct of overall G/H color and VS2clarity. The head measures 1 inch by 1 1/8 inches to the outside of the diamond bezel. The integral Piaget bark...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$505Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ring with aquamarine cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with aquamarine cabochon. Aquamarine statement ring. Cocktail aquamarine ring. March birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from ...
Aquamarine, Gold, Sterling Silver
$481Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pink, rose quartz cabochon ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with pink rose quartz cabochon. Rose quartz statement ring. Cocktail pink quartz ring. Birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends fro...
Quartz, Gold, Sterling Silver
Ring with South Sea pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a South Sea pearl and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description The top of the ring is ova...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
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
Courreges Paris Cobalt Blue Acrylic Lucite Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Courrèges
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Courreges Paris Lucite or acrylic resin bangle bracelet features an important cuff design in a transparent cobalt blue color with a cone shape. The piece is signed on t...
$811Sale Price / item|55% Off
Heart ruby ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Heart ruby ring in 14k gold. Heart shape engagement ring. 1ct heart ruby ring. Solitaire heart ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - ruby 6x...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity ring with oval cut sapphire up to 6.30ct 18k rose gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold alliance ring set with a sapphire totaling 6.30 ct - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed description The ring is 4.1 mm wide and 4.5 mm high. Ring size US 7.25...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ring with single cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring with single cut diamond total 0.50ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 5.3 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,500Sale Price|25% Off
Virgin Mary Cuff Bracelet - Catholic Devotional Medals Cross Bronze Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2012 Bronze Catholic Medal Cuff Bracelet Silver Cross Closure Designer: J Dauphin — Los Angeles Archive The Vintage Devotional Medal Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind statement ...
Silver, Bronze
Organic Form Diamond Sterling Silver Rosa Maria Statement Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Hand hammered silver signet ring with a crown of rose cut icy yellow diamonds by Lebanese designer Rosa Maria Provenance: estate sourced from the collection of a noted NYC psychiatri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring - ESSENCE Collection *
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Espressione pura di eleganza contemporanea, questo anello della Collezione Essence è realizzato in oro giallo 18kt e si distingue per il suo design pieno, morbido e avvolgente. Le li...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vivid Lagoon Tourmaline Diamond 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
This exceptional ring is crafted in radiant 18-karat white gold and crowned with a truly rare treasure: a lagoon colored Tourmaline of extraordinary beauty. Its vibrant tiffany mint ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Natural Turquoise Door Knocker Earrings 0.58 CTW
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these bold yet refined door knocker earrings, crafted in luminous 14K yellow gold and accented with 0.58 carats of sparkling diamonds. At the hea...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 4.00 carat, natural Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Pendant Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Pendant set in 18K White Gold. The weight of the pear shaped Diamond is 4.00 carats. Other Diamonds weight is 0.20 carat...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold