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Modern Jewelry

MODERN STYLE

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.

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Period: 1950s
Style: Modern
Massive Bakelite Bracelet Bangle Yellow Creamed Corn
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a great-looking yellow creamed corn Bakelite bracelet bangle. The piece boasts an oversized wide sliced shape with an intense bright plain yellow color. Measurements: Inside ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

1950s/1960s Royal Blue Sapphire Diamond Cluster Earrings Platinum Gold French
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Royal Blue oval sapphire and round brilliant-cut diamond cluster clip-on earrings in platinum and 18kt white gold, French import marks, 1950s/1960s. Each of the earrings features an oval sapphire of a royal blue color in an open-back claw setting, surrounded by two tiered rows of similarly-set round brilliant-cut diamonds of an incredible sparkle. These jewels are secured to reverse with a post and omega clip fitting. Sapphires: 2 stones; 5.50 carats (approximately 12.83 x 9.23 x 5.64 mm) and 5.33 carats (approximately 12.59 x 8.87 x 5.79 mm); roval mixed-cut; royal blue color (assessed). Diamonds: estimated 11 carats in total; F-H color (assessed); VVS-VS clarity (assessed). French control mark “mascaron” (used 1926-present) for imported platinum; French hallmark “owl” (used 1893-1984) for imported gold. Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.0 cm. Gross weight: 25.8g. This item is in good condition, with marks and scratches consistent with general age and wear. Antique, period and vintage pieces, both signed and unsigned, are being offered as worn. Unless otherwise stated, all weights and quality factors have been graded as mounting permitted and using classic gemology and standard gemological equipment and might slightly differ from the assessments provided by other gemologists. Assessments related to period of manufacture or geographic origin of gemstones are expert opinions and may differ from the assessments provided by other professionals. Colors in the pictures/videos might slightly differ from the colors in real life. When certificated stones are being offered, the certificate or report will be mentioned. For additional information or clarification, please get in touch and our in-house team of expert GIA Graduate Gemologists and Registered Appraisers/Valuers will be happy to help. Upon request, every item sold by Espadim 1985...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet signet is modelled in 9ct gold and has a face with the initials 'ALC' engraved into it. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1957. Ring Size: W or 11 Face Dimensions: 13x12mm We...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This lovely gold band holds three rubies measuring 10pts each either side of the central ruby there are diamonds which measure 3pts each. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Band Width: 6mm We...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Longines 14k Gold Watch Tropical Patina
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A beautiful and rare Longines watch, ca' 1953. 14C yellow gold, reference # 6518 with mechanical manually wound movement, screw case back, caliber 23ZS. ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Eight Row Crystal Rhinestone Cocktail Bracelet, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 7.5" length - 1.5" width - Silver tone - 8 rows of prong set clear crystal rhinestones - Baguette crystal rhinestone accent on clasp - Hidden push clasp with s...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

18 Karat Gold Platinum Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold, platinum, diamond and ruby cocktail ring from the 1950s. Of bombé design, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, the dome featuring a checkerbo...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Boris Aurealis Vintage Crystal Clip On Earrings by Vogue
Located in North Miami, FL
These ever so chic and gorgeous hues of the designer Vogue vintage prong set clip on earrings have the crystal Boris Aurealis. They are signed and will g...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Natural Baroque Pearl Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Kendal, GB
A remarkable mid-Century cluster ring adorned with three large natural baroque pearls with a bright lustre that shimmers beautifully across their irregular surface. They’re complemen...
Category

1950s European Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k and Platinium Band Ring, Set with a Line of Diamonds, Around 1950
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
Ravissante bague en or 18 carats de forme jonc bombée, stylisée de fils d’or. Le centre est orné d’une ligne de diamants de taille brillant, poids total des ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This half eternity band holds 25points worth of shimmering diamonds. The stones are set within the smooth 9ct white gold band. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 2.5mm Weight: 1.8g
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18k Cocktail Ring « Ball Model » Set with Diamonds, Around 1960
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
Élégante bague en or 18 carats à décor d’une boule sertie de diamants. Cette superbe monture est faite de fils d’or soutenant une ligne de diamants en serti ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage French Star Shaped Earrings Yellow Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Star Shaped Earrings Yellow Gold 18 Karat These beautiful volume star earrings are a must-have addition to your high quality jewellery collection. The earrings feature screw-on but...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Gold-filled, Yellow Gold

Eterna Eternamatic Centenaire Vintage 1950's 18K Yellow Gold Mens Watch
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A beautiful and rare, time capsule Eterna 18k gold watch with matching 18k gold bracelet. Original box, hang tag, very good/excellent condition-unpolished, inside case free of jewelers marks...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

WesternGermany 1950s CherryRed MoldFacetedBead FlowerClasp DoubleStrand Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Stamped "Western Germany" on the gold-tone underside of its box clasp, this double-strand necklace with cherry-red beads and decorative clasp features the reflective glossy faceted s...
Category

1950s German Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, Gilt Metal, Mixed Metal

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Brooch by Sterlé Paris
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold, platinum, ruby and diamond brooch, by Sterlé, Paris, circa 1950s Delightful, drop-shaped clip brooch/pendant, composed of twisted and polished 18 ka...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

2.15 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Semi Eternity Band Ring
Located in Rome, IT
2.15ct of vibrantly sparkling diamonds set in an elegantly simple modern band. Seven bright white and eye clean diamonds cover the face of the ring in dazzling sparkle. Excellently c...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Baguette Crystal Choker Necklace Flower Tassel By Alfred Philippe Trifari, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Extremely rare, hard to find piece - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 15" length with 2.75" tassel drop - Silver Trifarium plated - Cle...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Double Buckle Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous gold band was made in the 1940’s and is extra large and chunky! The double buckle detail is paired with fine engraving which is all around the band. Made in Birmingham,...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Vintage 22 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Simple gold bands make the classic wedding band or can be worn as a stylish everyday wear ring to stack or wear alone. Modelled in 22ct Gold and made in London, England. Ring Size:...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This half eternity band also has ornate shoulders that mimic the look of two diamonds. The diamonds in this band total approx 70pts and are bright and sparkly. Made in Birmingham, En...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Dusty Pink Moonglow Thermoset Oversized Panel Bracelet, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 8" length - 2" width - Dusty pink moonglow Thermoset lucite - Gold tone - Fold over clasp closure - Circa 1950s - Estate acquired - Good vintage condition
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage bracelet by Miriam Haskell USA, large false baroque pearls, 1950s
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A very flexible bracelet that wraps around the wrist like a band. It consists of movable links, each connected to a large, beautiful baroque pearl. It's comes from the 1950s USA and ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Base Metal, Gilt Metal

Vintage Diamond, Platinum and 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The setting and the shoulders of this three stone ring are modelled in platinum and the rest of the ring is modelled in 18ct yellow gold. The three sparkly diamonds are set in illusi...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Diamonds Circular Vintage Pendant
Located in Sežana, SI
Refined circular pendant made of 18K rhodium-plated white gold. It consists of 20 "old European" cut natural diamonds and 4 deep blue sapphires. Total weight of diamonds ct. 1.60 app...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mario Buccellati 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Bracelet, 1950s
Located in Zurich, CH
Delicate and elegant 18 karat yellow and white gold bracelet by Mario Buccellati, 1950s. Masterfully handcrafted in 18 karat gold, this filigree link bracelet is composed of finely textured, matt-finished yellow gold grape leaves...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Two-Tone Rose Gold Fluted Band
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14 Karat Two-Tone Rose Gold Ring Band. The ring features a rose gold base with a smooth shiny finish and a fluted white gold center for added sparkle. Stamped on the inside of the 3....
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Rose Gold, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Smokey Quartz and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The smokey quartz stone in the ring is large and gorgeous! It is deep in colour and held by simple claws and perched upon a fancy openwork gallery with swirl detail. The ring is mode...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Quartz, Gold

Pink Gripoix Glass Gilded Scroll Brooch and Earring Set By DeNicola, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Brooch measures 3.25" x 2.5" - Earrings measure 2" drop - Gold plated - Pink poured Gripoix glass and ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sapphire and diamond platinum engagement ring circa 1950. DETAILS: GEMSTONES: one round, faceted blue sapphire weighing approximately 1.11 carats. DIAMONDS: two tapered baguettes t...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Aqua Blue Crystal Cluster Climber Earrings By Eugene Schultz, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.25" tall - Vivid aqua blue crystal rhinestones and art glass beads - Silver tone - Cli...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Silver Pocket Knife Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Finland
Located in Orimattila, FI
Silver Pocket Knife Helsinki Olympic Stadium Finland Shells in silver. Helsinki Olympic Stadium. Probably made for the 1952 Olympics. Silver 813h T...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Silver

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The square cut emeralds in this ring are beautiful and bright and measure 5pts each. Either side of the row of emeralds which are set in a scalloped setting are two rows of diamonds....
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Vintage Engraved Platinum Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The engraving on this band features a flower and leaf motif. It is very fine detail and quite subtle. The band is modelled in platinum and would be perfect as a wear alone ring or a stylish wedding...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Platinum

Gilded Swirl "Celestial Fire" Choker Necklace By Sarah Coventry, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 17" total length, can be adjusted down using hook clasp along chain - .75" wide curls - Gold plated - ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The chunkiness of this ring is fabulous! The main panel and the shoulders are delicately engraved to give a textured surface. At the centre of the main panel is a small diamond set w...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Vintage Amethyst and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The style of this ring is stunning and classic. At the centre of this piece sits a 70pt amethyst which has wonderful sparkle and around this stone there is a halo of diamond points s...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold

Sapphire "Jeweleaf" Maple Leaf Brooch By Alfred Philippe For Crown Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Rare, hard to find design - 2.5" x 2" - Rhodium plated (silver tone) - Clear and Sapphire blue-colored glass crystal baguettes - Clear Diamanté pavé - Designed by Alfred Philippe for Crown Trifari...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Gia 6.59ct Natural Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Ring
Located in New York, NY
Make a sparkling statement with this unique and impressive Mid-20th Century 18k Gold RUBELLITE Tourmaline and Diamond Ring. The Rubellite is NATURAL, luscious 5.39ct r shape Triangu...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Smokey Quartz and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The smokey quartz stone in the ring is large and gorgeous! It is deep in colour and held by simple claws and perched upon a fancy openwork gallery with swirl detail. The ring is mode...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Quartz, Gold

Vintage Grecian Gold Plated Metal With Red And Black Enamel Cuff Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautiful vintage Grecian cuff bracelet is a combination of red and black enamel set against gold plated metal with chain and link work. It is fro...
Category

1950s Greek Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel

Vintage Garnet and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set within this glossy 9ct gold ring is a gorgeous deep red cabochon garnet. The shoulders and setting are wonderfully ornate. Ring Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/2 Stone Dimensions: 10x8mm ...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Garnet, Gold

Mid-Century 14K Gold Moi Et Toi Diamond Ring by Sarkin
Located in Venice, CA
This is a stunning Mid-Century bypass ring by New York Jeweler David Sarkin. Also know as a Moi et Toi ring romantically named for you and me. The two pear-shaped mounts intersect l...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Gilded Mythical Merhorse Figural Brooch With Faux Jade Belly By Kramer, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Extremely rare, hard to find piece - 2.6" x 2" - Gold plated - Faux jadeite green resin "jelly belly" ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage Crystal Rhinestone Scalloped Choker Necklace with Tear Drop, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 15" total length, can be adjusted down using hook clasp along chain - 1.5" drop - Round, marquise and tear drop crystal rhinestones - Silver tone - Hoo...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Coral Seed Bead Floral Stick Pin By Stanley Hagler, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 3.25" x 1.5" - Gold plated - Coral-colored seed beads and cabochons - Hat pin / stick pin - By Stanle...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage Amethyst and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This glossy and bright purple amethyst stone is surrounded by a frame of thick and thin twists of gold. Modelled in 9ct gold and made in Birmingham, England. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 ...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Gilded Three Dimensional Layered Flower Figural Brooch By Hobé, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 2" diameter - .75" depth - Gold plated - Cross hatch texture - Floral design - By Hobé (signed on ver...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Badminton Themed Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This fun pendant features two badminton rackets crossed over with fine detail. The sweetest part of this pendant is that where the chain is linked is model...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Sapphire "Jeweleaf" Maple Leaf Earrings By Alfred Philippe For Crown Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Rare, hard to find design - Each earring measures 1.1" x .9" - Rhodium plated (silver tone) - Clear and Sapphire blue-colored glass crystal baguettes - Clear Diamanté pavé - Clip on earring backs - Designed by Alfred Philippe for Crown Trifari...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Seguso For Chanel Twisted Blue and Green Glass, Rhinestone Clip On Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely pair of very early vintage clip on Chanel earrings are the dual collaboration of the Italian master glass artist: Seguso and Chanel. They are very early from the 50's or ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage Trifari Diamante Baguette and Round Earrings, Circa 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Diamante Baguette and Round Earrings Circa 1950s. These are made with a bridge of the baguettes going over the rounds and making a 3d look built up. The earrings are marked pat pend...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Gold Round and Baguette Diamond Vintage Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Gold Round and Baguette Diamond Vintage Bracelet This incredible bracelet features round and baguette diamonds set all throughout the piece. Apprx. 12 c...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond Flower Head Brooch
Located in London, GB
A vintage aquamarine and diamond flower head brooch, the brooch with round brilliant-cut diamond set domed centre surrounded by four heart sh...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An 9ct gold band makes the perfectly classic wedding band or a great everyday wear piece. Made in London, England. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Band Width: 2mm Weight: 2.46g
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Knot Stud Earring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glossy 9ct yellow and white gold superbly tied in a knot make the most stylish design for these earrings. Knot Diameter: 10mm Height From Ear: 7mm Weight: 0.93g
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This half eternity band holds approx 25points worth of shimmering diamonds. The stones are set within the smooth 9ct white gold band. Ring Size: R or 8 1/2 Band Width: 3mm Weigh...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Knot Stud Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glossy 9ct yellow gold superbly tied in a knot make the most stylish design for these earrings. At the centre of the knot is a diamond point set in an illusion setting. Knot Diamet...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold

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