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.
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Mesh Tie Scarf 41.5" Large Sterling Silver Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
An iconic Elsa Peretti design for Tiffany & Co., this sterling silver mesh scarf is celebrated for its fluid, sculptural form and exceptional craftsmanship. The finely woven mes...
Sterling Silver
Ring with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k gold 4.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with a central pearl surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 - EU. 18.5 (58) detailed description: The top of t...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
14K Gold Sky Blue Swiss Topaz Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate every moment with these exquisite 14K Gold Dangle Earrings, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. Featuring the serene brilliance of sky blue topaz and the sub...
Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leto Lama One Of A Kind E/F Diamond Ring Band Chubby Bubbles 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
A timeless modern bubbles band that will easily blend to your rings stack collection. A classic piece that wont get old. Handcrafted and completely unique. A constellation of light...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
GERARD YOSCA Gold Plate & Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet With Lion Motif
By Gerard Yosca
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 20th Century Gerard Yosca gold plated cuff bracelet with a hammered finish and a regal lion medallion framed in sparkling crystal rhinestones. The two inch wide bracelet makes ...
Gold Plate
Three stone ring with sapphire and old mine cut diamond up to 1.03ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k pink gold ring set with sapphire to. 0.26ct and an oval old mine cut up to. 1.03ct - J/K - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) Detailed description: the front of the ring ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald and Diamond Halo Signet Style Statement Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This bold emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring a richly hued oval cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm at the center. Accented by sparkling w...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ippolita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Classico Oval Hammered Bangled Bracelet 4MM
By Ippolita
Located in Baltimore, MD
Ippolita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Classico Oval Hammered Bangled Bracelet Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 6.43 grams Width: 4mm Inside circumference: 7.5 inches Inside diameter: 65mm STD ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Metro Collection 18K White Gold Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, modern, and unmistakably Tiffany, this authentic Tiffany & Co. Metro Collection Diamond Cuff Bracelet embodies the sleek elegance and metropolitan glamour that ins...
Diamond, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Round Cut Peridot Bezel Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a touch of vibrant, modern elegance to your style with this Round-Cut Peridot Bezel Solitaire Pendant. Expertly crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, the necklace features a brill...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Zambian Emerald, Pink Sapphire & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.65 carats. The Emerald i...
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with Rose Cut Diamonds, 0.70ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a pendant set with rose cut diamonds. 0.70ct – G/H SI – 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide the pendant is 2....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette floral design earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Gold leaf earrings. Citrine earrings. Citrine flower earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November bir...
Citrine, Topaz, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver
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
Modern 14K Gold Filled Necklace with Aquamarine Spheres, 16.5 Inches
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a smart modern style 14K gold filled necklace with aquamarine. We created it with 18-19mm semi-translucent smooth aquamarine spheres and 6mm 14K gold filled beads. It is comp...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
$712Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Ruby Bead & 14K Yellow Gold Choker Necklace 16 Inch Gemstone Statement
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this elegant Natural Ruby Bead Choker Necklace, beautifully crafted with vibrant 4mm natural ruby beads accented by polished 4mm 14K yellow gold ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. 3 Tier Pearl Dangle Earrings with Solid 14k Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simple, stunning and sophisticated. This pair of earrings is made entirely of Pearls and Solid 14k Yellow Gold wiring / Lever Back Hooks. Three multi sized Pearls dangle, each displa...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 14K White Gold .25 Carat Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous necklace is comprised of 14k white gold. The pendant measures 5/8ths of an inch by 5/8ths of an inch, not including the bail. It features .25 ctw in 22 round cut, natu...
Diamond, White Gold
Zig Zag Yellow Gold Natural Diamond & Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
Category: Ring Metal: 14KT Yellow Gold (60/995) Gross Weight: 3.302g Net Metal Weight: 3.042g Stone 1: Natural Diamond Round, 0.17ct Stone 2: Zambian Emerald Baguette, 1.13ct
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 18K White Gold 2.70ct Colombian Emerald & 0.36ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
An exceptional IGL‑certified natural Colombian emerald, weighing 2.70 carats, sits at the heart of this elegant 18k gold ring. Cut in a refined octagon/step silhouette, the emerald d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,800Sale Price|25% 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
Gorgeous 7.53 Ct Emerald Classic Tennis Bracelet in 925 Silver Gift for Women
Located in New York, NY
This stunning bracelet showcases 7.53 carats of oval cut emeralds, expertly handcrafted in 925 solid sterling silver. Designed in a timeless tennis bracelet style, the 46 vibrant ova...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Amethyst Cross Bolo Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful bracelet is sterling silver with a bolo style, adjustable closure. It features a stunning cross created from 11 emerald cut 4x6mm amethyst gemstones estimated to be 6....
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Sculptural Cuff Mesh Bracelet Studs Ruthenium Palladium Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mesh Cuff Bracelet Studded Ruthenium Black Sculptural Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in ruthenium plated brass with ...
Brass
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...
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Oval Cut Emerald Solitaire Floating Halo Ring in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This refined emerald ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring one oval cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm. With a total gemstone weight of 0.56 carats, the design ...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Pear Cut Swiss Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The teardrop-shaped gemstone is suspended from a gracefully curved pave diamond bail, adding a layer of sophisticated sparkle and fluid movement. The topaz is held securely in a thre...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 15.83 carats, Kunzite, Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 15.83 carats. The weight of the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Kai One-of-a-Kind 3.61ctw Emerald, Aquamarine & Pink Sapphire Drop Earrings
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Inspired by the fresh colors of a blooming garden, these Kai Fine Jewelry's one-of-a-kind drop earrings showcase a harmonious composition of natural emeralds, emerald-cut aquamarines...
Aquamarine, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$421Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Heart Solitaire Flush Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in high-polish 14K yellow gold, this necklace features a minimalist and modern heart solitaire pendant. The design showcases a singular, brilliant-cut diamond nestled securel...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.90 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of vintage stud earrings. It is crafted in 18K gold. The piece features 2 pear cut diamonds: TW 0.90ct, W-STW, SI1. Circa 1980. Weight: 1.59g Length: 0.7cm IMPORTA...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$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
Ring with sapphire, ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.46ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with sapphire total 1.60ct, ruby total 0.60ct and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.46ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU 17.25 (54) detailed description:...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 15.63 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and important, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 15.63 carats. The Emerald is complete...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Pear Cut Natural Emerald Toi et Moi Ring Fine Jewelry in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 0.86 carat emerald ring are crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Featuring two pear cut emeralds measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm, the ring showcase a graceful silhouette wit...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Giant Lightning Ridge Opal Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling layered Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted , finished with Paraiba Tourmaline and 14K gold sparkling diamonds. All stones are hand ca...
Diamond, Opal, Paraiba, 14k Gold
Pair of Antique 14K White Gold & Double Pearl Screwback Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique white gold & pearl earrings. In 14 karat white gold. Each earrings with a pair of matched pearls and screw back closures. Marked to the post. Simply a wond...
Pearl, White Gold
Vintage 1990's Tiffany & Co. 18K White Gold Signature 'X' Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed white gold ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat white gold. From the Signature 'X' series. Simply classic design by Tiffany & Co! Date: Late 20th Century Ov...
18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K White Gold, 1.47 carats, Tanzanite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 1.47 carats. The Tanzanite is resp...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Oval Link Chain Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Oval Link Chain Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 66.18 grams Retail: $19,500 USD Links: 14-15mm Length: 17 inches SNTD F35002334
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Blue Sapphire, Emerald & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire & Emerald "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 8.19 carats. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 13.12 carats. The Mul...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Francoise Montague Memory Wire Wrap Bracelet with Swarovski Crystals
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Memory silver wire wrap bracelet with clear Swarovski crystal rondelles from Francoise Montague. Fits most wrists both large and small and is easy to take on and off. Francoise Mont...
Crystal, Silver
Cartier Panthère Two Row 18KYG/Stainless Steel Quartz 22mm Watch With Box
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Panthere W2PN0006 Ladies Watch. 22mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold bezel. Cream dial with blue steel hands and Roman numeral hour markers. Minute markers on the inner...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Dumont Stainless Steel Quartz Watch Large Model With Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stainless steel case with a black (alligator) leather strap. Fixed stainless steel bezel. Silver dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands and black Roman numeral hour markers. Minute...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Estate Color Change Fluorite Solitaire Ring Size 8
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous solitaire ring is sterling silver. It features a 9mm round cut color change fluorite gemstone. It changes from blue under daylight to purple under incandescent light. ...
Sterling Silver
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
$1,755Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Six-Prong Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
A timeless solitaire look that provides maximum brilliance and a clean, refined aesthetic. The six-prong architecture offers enhanced protection for the diamonds while creating a cla...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 6 Carat Cabochon Emerald 0.35 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 emerald, oval cabochon cut, 6.00ct, vslbG 5/4, P3 - 4 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 0....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 5.52 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow 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 5.52 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 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
Platinum Pink Sapphire & Diamond Modern Gemstone Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Delicate, feminine, and effortlessly sophisticated, this Platinum Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring showcases the growing trend of colored gemstone engagement rings. Crafted in luxuriou...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Earrings with ruby up to 3.10ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.58ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with ruby up to 3.10ct and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.58ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.0 cm long by 1.0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$523Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazs. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Me...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,425Sale Price|52% Off
18K White Gold 0.36ct Round Cut Emerald & 0.33ct Diamond Channel Set Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This 18k white gold channel‑set band ring features a harmonious sequence of 0.36 carats of round‑cut emeralds and 0.33 carats of round‑cut diamonds, each stone selected for brightnes...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Turquoise Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Earclip Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Cabochon Turquoise & Diamond Earclip Earrings, dated 1981. These elegant vintage earrings feature vibrant oval cabochon turquoise gemstones beau...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Graduated 16" Beaded Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver beaded necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Comprising 54 graduated silver beads strung on a chain necklace. Together with its original...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K White Gold Somerset Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed white gold band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat white gold. In the 'Somerset' pattern. Marked to the shank. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: 20th Cen...
18k Gold, White Gold