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.
14K Yellow Gold Seven Round Blue Sapphire Half Eternity Ring, 1980
Located in Heemstede, NL
Seven deep blue sapphires, one golden line. This 14K yellow gold ring features seven round sapphires set side by side, creating a beautiful contrast between the dark blue stones and ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Return to Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Tag Necklace with Black Onyx Heart
Located in University Place, WA
A Return to Tiffany necklace by Tiffany & Co. in sterling silver, featuring a round link chain and a removable double heart pendant. The pendant pairs a sterling silver Return to Tiffany heart tag with a black onyx heart, joined by a spring ring so the pendant detaches and can also be worn as a charm on a bracelet or another chain. A classic Return to Tiffany silver and onyx double heart necklace from Tiffany & Co. Details Round link chain in sterling silver Removable double heart pendant, medium silver heart tag with a large black onyx heart Hearts joined by a spring ring; pendant detaches and can be worn as a charm Silver tag engraved PLEASE RETURN TO TIFFANY & CO. NEW YORK 925 Reverse marked ©Tiffany & Co. 925; chain stamped T&Co. 925 Onyx heart is unmarked, as is standard for Tiffany onyx...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Cartier Love Rainbow 18k Rose Gold Multi-Gem Classic Bracelet Size 17
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Love Bracelet is a timeless symbol of elegance and design. Crafted in 18K rose gold, this bracelet is adorned with ten round multicolor gemstones, replacing the traditional ...
Amethyst, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Diamond Ruby Onyx Bracelet 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and symbolic power. Crafted in polished 18K white gold, this bracelet exudes clarity and sophistication. The...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,136Sale Price|20% Off
18KT White Gold Three-Stone Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated three-stone ring features a trio of emerald-cut diamonds set in a sleek, high-polish 18K white gold band. Representing a couple's past, present, and future, the ce...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Multi Sapphire, Tsavorite & Diamond modern Necklace & Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires & Tsavorite Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 81.12 carats. The Mul...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Bvlgari 1970s Rock Crystal Gold Long Necklace by Carlo Weingrill
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bulgari necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, embodies elegance and contrast. Featuring a heavy curb chain interspersed with carved rock crystal beads, this piece showcases a ha...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphire & Diamond modern Tennis Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphire Bracelet set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 3.94 carats. The Multi Sapphires ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Moonstone & Diamond Earrings, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Rainbow Reflection Earrings shimmer with the luminous mystique of rainbow moonstone, a gem long revered across civilizations and adored by artists for centuries. Romans b...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Cartier French 2.78ct Diamond Cocktail Ring 18k White Gold Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Cartier ring, epitomizing dynamic elegance and masterful design. Crafted from luxurious 18-karat white gold, this ring features a captivating 1.10-carat round brilliant c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Gold & Citrine Dot Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed gold and citrine Dot pendant necklace By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a bezel-set citrine cabochon. Set with an integral bail and ...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Custom Diamond-Set Watch, Stainless Steel, 1990
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This authentic Rolex x Loree Rodkin custom watch is a rare jewellery-led timepiece combining classic Rolex watchmaking with Loree Rodkin’s distinctive gothic luxury aesthetic. Design...
White Diamond, Silver
Natural Madagascar Sphene (Titanite) 2.55 Carat – Fancy Cut Rainbow Fire
Located in Peshawar, PK
Bring extraordinary brilliance to your gemstone collection with this Natural Sphene (Titanite) weighing 2.55 carats. Fancy cut into a striking fancy cut, this exceptional gemstone di...
Other
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx & Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 5.11 grams Pendant: 15mm Length: 16.5 inches (42cm) Retail: $...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini Men's Dress Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 1970s, Original Box
By Rolex
Located in ANTIBES, FR
Rolex Cellini men's dress watch in 18 karat yellow gold from the 1970s, offered with its original Rolex box. The Cellini is the most elegant line of the house, conceived as a pure dr...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Juliette Diamond & Cultured Pearl Ring in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A captivating ring by Cartier, embodying timeless elegance. This design features a domed band entirely paved with round brilliant diamonds, parting at the center to cradle a luminou...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Cleopatra Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Cleopatra Coin Necklace with Emerald and Sapphire. Egyptian Queen Coin Pendant. Two-Sided Cleopatra Amulet Necklace. A striking two-sided Cleopatra amu...
Emerald, Gold, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Nigerian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.07 carats. The E...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Feasterville, PA
Introducing the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Earrings – a testament to the purity of design and craftsmanship, ideal for the discerning jewelry enthusiast. These remar...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,183Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow 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 yellow gold, the sl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Burmese Jadeite & Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee transforms the nostalgic ring‑toss game into jewel‑born mythology with the Treasured Ringtoss Earrings, elevating playful motion into ceremonial elegance and divine symboli...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Enamel
Handcrafted Ruby Cabochon Double-Sided Cufflinks 14K Gold Bezel Set
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A striking fusion of craftsmanship and color, this pair of handcrafted ruby double-sided cufflinks showcases two 10mm round flat cabochon rubies paired with two 8mm cabochon rubies, ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Ceramic 18k White Gold Diamond Drop Necklace Suite
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
This striking Cartier suite, crafted with a captivating geometric design, features a ceramic drop necklace and matching earrings. Each piece is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds se...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Cocktail 18k Yellow Gold Ring Sz 5 1/2
Located in Feasterville, PA
Symbolic of Timeless Elegance and Artistry. Set with Approximately 0.72 Carats of Brilliant Diamonds Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Design Size - 5 1/2, Re...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$635Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Black and White Diamond Yin Yang Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Experience the perfect harmony of light and dark with this striking Yin Yang Pendant Necklace. Crafted in high-polish yellow gold, the circular pendant features the ancient symbol of...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Brooch 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Emerald Eyes Vintage
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this Cartier piece captures the dynamic elegance of the panther in motion. The feline is depicted mid-stalk, with its body low, one foreleg reaching forwa...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. Cube Torque Sterling Silver Choker Necklace
By Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Cube Torque choker necklace. In sterling silver. Designed by Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. Suspended from a black cable choker necklace Tiffany & Co. Fully hallma...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Bulgari Elisia Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A spectacular vintage Bulgari Elisia diamond ring set in 18k white gold.
From Bulgari's rare and sought-after Elisia collection, the ring is composed of an openwork design...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou White Gold Diamond Ring Classic Model Sz 62
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Cartier ring exemplifying the brand’s commitment to innovative design and exquisite craftsmanship. This ring is crafted from 18K white gold, presenting a sleek and modern...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina J. Draped Pearl Woven Bridal Choker with Pink Sapphires
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Lace Woven Bridal Choker by Marina J. Jewelry. This gorgeous Choker is made with multi sized luster white Pearls all hand woven together into a fine lace like design, adorne...
Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
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
Multi-Pearl and Dazzling Crystal Vintage Statement Draping Necklace and Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! A Multi-Pearl and Dazzling Crystal Vintage Statement Necklace and matching, Chandelier style Clip-on Earrings. Combining layers of Luminous Simulated Pearls with Sp...
Crystal, Pearl, Copper
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Medium Hoop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage pair of signed medium hoop earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Secured with pushback closures. Marked to the reverse of the pushbacks. Simply wonderful...
Sterling Silver
8.34ct Unheat Sapphire & Moonstone & Diamond Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee unveils the Sahasrara of Lunar Ring, a transcendent jewel inspired by the thousand‑petaled lotus of the Crown Chakra. This masterpiece channels spiritual symbolism into scu...
Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Certified 84.58 Ct Natural Amethyst Long Tennis Necklace Luxury Gift in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This striking tennis necklace showcases 84.58 carats of natural octagon cut amethyst gemstones elegantly set in 925 solid sterling silver. Featuring 85 beautifully matched 8 x 5 mm a...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Long Pearl Necklace 60-Inch Rope, 136 Large Baroque Pearls Circa 1980’s
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial and exceptionally versatile vintage endless rope necklace composed of 136 large cultured freshwater pearls, dating to the 1980’s. Details * Period: 1980’s * Origin: U...
Freshwater Pearl, Pearl
Silvorra 925 Sterling Silver Multi Sapphire Heart Pendant Valentine Gift for Her
Located in New York, NY
This 1.95 carat multi sapphire pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring an arrangement of colorful round sapphires in vibrant shades. The sapphires measure approximately ...
Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 10mm Beaded Bracelet -2
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With ca. 10mm beads and a lobster clasp closure. Marked to the tag. Simply a wonderful bracelet! ...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Watch Small Model
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Tank Française small-model watch featuring a polished stainless-steel case and matching steel bracelet. The classic white dial is accented by blued-steel sword-shaped hands a...
Steel, Stainless Steel
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
Emerald Diamond Black Onyx Briolette Drop Earrings 14K Yellow Gold 4.85ct
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Gemstone Statement Earrings OGI Ltd Estate Collection Make a sophisticated statement with these striking 14K yellow gold drop earrings, featuring vivid green cabochon emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$840Sale Price|30% Off
Sterling Silver 15.10ct Black Star Sapphire Men's Ring, Size 10.75
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A powerful, architectural men’s ring showcasing a 15.10‑carat black star sapphire, bezel‑set in solid sterling silver. The sapphire displays an irregular but clearly visible star, gi...
Black Star, Star Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$919Sale Price / item|44% Off
White opal multicolor ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
White opal multicolor ring in 14k gold. White opal oval cabochon ring. White gemstone cocktail ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g, depends on size Gemstone: opal, color - white, ova...
Citrine, Opal, Topaz, 14k Gold
David Yurman DY Logo Titanium and Sterling Silver Diamond Cigar Band Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine men's cigar band ring. By David Yurman. In titanium and sterling silver with a band of small round white diamonds punctuated by 5 ""DY"" logos channel set to the center. Fu...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Titanium
$506Sale Price / item|44% Off
Floral Pear Amethyst Earrings Studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus Amethyst Drop Earrings. Natural Amethyst Lotus Flower Drop Earrings. Inspired by the graceful bloom of a lotus flower, these elegant earrings combine sculptural gold petals wi...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
Bvlgari Monete Constantine Ancient Coin Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, features a Roman bronze coin struck under Constantine I, set within a polished gold bezel. The heavy curb link chain, weighing 65.7...
18k Gold, Bronze
4.01 Carat GIA Elongated Antique Old Mine Cut Solitaire Diamond 18KY/PLAT
Located in New York, NY
Item Specifications Product Type: Solitaire Engagement Ring / Statement Ring Diamond Shape & Cut: Old Mine Cut (OM) Diamond Carat Weight: 4.01 Carats Color Grade: L Clarity Grade: VS...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
Edouard Rambaud Paris Mat Finish Gilded Metal Sun Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning sun brooch created by French designer Edouard Rambaud, Paris. The piece features a carved and textured design with a gilt metal in mat finishing. The brooch has a security...
Gilt Metal
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
David Yurman Lexington 6.5MM 18 Karat Yellow Gold Paper Clip Chain Link Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Lexington 6.5MM 18 Karat Yellow Gold Paper Clip Chain Link Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 30.07 grams Length: 17.5 inches Clasp: Push Width: 6.5mm Note: Center ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Baingoire 1920 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Bracelet Size 17 Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Baingoire Mini 1920 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Bracelet Size 17 Box & Papers Model: WGBA0035 Baignoire 1920 Serial: 45961258**** (card 2024) Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Malachite Alhambra Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
- Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with 5 motifs - Classic 4 leaf clover design from Alhambra collection - Malachite - 18K yellow gold - Length 195mm From Van Cleef &...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Solid Gold Large Retro Virgin Mary Charm, French Vintage rectangle Religious
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning French mother Mary charm. This lovely pendant depicts a praying virgin Mary. This big medallion is crafted in 18 ct yellow gold and hallmarked with a French...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire Briolette & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphires Stud Earring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 6.96 carats. Th...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Diamond Sapphire 14K Gold / ØUS 7.25 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Diamond and Sapphire Ring in solid 14K (tested) White Gold with openwork bridge and shoulders decorated with floral patterns,modern styled. European, ca. early 20th. century with a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Diamond Ruby Onyx Bracelet 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and symbolic power. Crafted in polished 18K white gold, this bracelet exudes clarity and sophistication. The...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage solitaire stud earrings with 4.00 ct diamonds in platinum, c. 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Twinling Lights Vintage solitaire stud earrings with 4.00 ct diamonds in platinum, c. 1950s The history of jewellery is not only a history of taste, but also of discoveries and inve...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Aquamarine & Diamond Engagement Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Morganite Cocktail Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 7.13 carats....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Diamond Snow Flake 18 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Dangle Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
H. Stern Snowflake Collection diamond drop earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with 98 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.75 carats. The sculptural sn...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold