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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: 1980s
Style: Modern
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Papers, Box, And Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1988 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Stainless Steel

David Webb Woven Gold Band Ring
Located in Darnestown, MD
Beautifully made wide woven gold band by David Webb. The entire ring is hammered 18 karat gold. Twisted rope top and bottom flanks rectangular arched links. The ring is half an inch ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Impressive Marquise Shaped 1.85ct approx. Diamond Cluster Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of an eye-catching Marquise Shape, this Cocktail Ring is pave-set with finest quality Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds of rather impressive size, totaling 1.85ct approx. Colour: F, C...
Category

1980s Australian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Purple Amethyst Yellow Gold Ring Size 6.5
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
10KT Gold Purple Amethyst Double Round Stone Ring This beautiful ring has two bright beautiful amethyst round stones set in 10 kt gold. Would make a beautiful right hand ring or eng...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, 10k Gold

Double Pearl Yellow Gold Ring Size 6.5
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
10 KT Double Pearl Ring Vintage This beautiful ring has two round pearls set in 10 kt. gold. Would make a beautiful right hand ring or engagement ring. The front measures 10.1 mm an...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

10k Gold

Iconic Chanel heart clip-on earring, made of black ebony sign. 2CC8
Located in Stuttgart, DE
These are the most wanted vintage CHANEL wood heart clip-on earring! Very rare and iconic ear clips with a large faux pearl, hanging from it a larg...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate, Gilt Metal

Chanel ear clips by Maison Gripoix with large pearls attached, signed 2CC8
Located in Stuttgart, DE
An extraordinary ear clip designed by Victoire de Castellane for Chanel in 1984. The flower is handmade of pured liquid glass with 17 small leaves in four different colors: purple, m...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate

Vintage Carita Paris Gold Tone Bracelet Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Carita Paris Gold Tone Bracelet Circa 1980s. This is such a beautiful and well made bracelet. There are round links that are hammered and inside are flowers with a disc of ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

1980 Bulgari Trombino Diamonds Burma No Heated Ruby Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Ring made of 18 kt. white gold with diamonds and ruby signed Bulgari. This iconic design is made in the 1940s, thus was born one of Bulgari's most historic creations: the Trombino r...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Papers, Box, And Original Dial circa, 1988
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1988 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Stainless Steel

14kt Yellow Gold Herringbone Chain, 20 Inches, Italian Made, 5.2mm, Milor, 11 gr
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
14kt Yellow Gold Herringbone Chain, 20 Inches, Italian Made, 5.2mm Wide, Milor. This Italian-made 14kt yellow gold herringbone chain is an exquisite piece of jewelry that exudes eleg...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Julius Cohen 1980s 18k Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
From designer Julius Cohen, circa 1980s, 18 karat yellow gold blue sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. This ring is crafted with a center 41.78 carat oval shape double cabochon cut n...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold

1987 Marina B. Yellow Gold Stell Heart Shaped Clip-on Earrings
Located in Rome, IT
Orecchini in oro giallo 18 kt. e acciaio firmati Marina B. Questi iconici orecchini disegnati a forma di cuore sono perfetti per ogni occasione. 1987 Peso: gr. 45.70 Orecchini clip-...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Inga-Britt "Ibe" Dahlquist. Modernist neck ring in sterling silver.
Located in bronshoj, DK
Inga-Britt "Ibe" Dahlquist. Modernist neck ring in sterling silver. The pendant is shaped like a bird. Visby 1984. Hallmarked. Perfect condition. Neck ring: Diameter 13.0 cm. Pendant...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fabrice Paris Brass and Copper Pin Brooch Water Lily Leaves
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely floral pin brooch was designed by Fabrice, Paris, and features an oversized brass and copper water lily leaves design with dimensional hand-raised and carved detailing. T...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Brass, Copper

18ct Gold Diamond Umbrella Brooch, E. Wolfe & Co, 1988
Located in Glasgow, GB
An E. Wolfe & Co. novelty brooch, masterfully created in 18ct gold. This charming umbrella-shaped brooch boasts a unique combination of matte and polished finishes. Its handle is int...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Gold Tone Heavy Link Bracelet Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone Heavy Link Bracelet Circa 1980s. This bracelet has large and very substantial squares. Two are shiny gold and three are hammered gold tone. They close tightly wit...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Papers, Box, And Original Dial circa, 1988
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1988 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Stainless Steel

3.20 Carats Sapphire Diamonds 18 Carats Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Paris, FR
Yellow gold ring centred by an oval-cut sapphire set with two troïdias diamonds. Estimated weight of the sapphire : 3.20 carats Total estimated weight of diamonds: 0.30 carats Dim...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier London Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
A beautiful vintage Cartier ruby and diamond cluster ring set in 18k yellow gold. The piece is centrally set with a vibrant oval cut ruby which is four-claw set securely. The ruby h...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

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

Christian Dior 1980s Runway Murano Art Glass Extra-Long Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This spectacular one-of-a-kind Christian Dior runway couture necklace boasts an extra-long multi-strand shape with a dangling tassel. The piece is built with hand-blown Murano art-glass beads and complemented with gilt metal carved spacers. This necklace was made for a Dior runway show in Paris in the 1980s as a prototype and was never turned into a ready-to-wear piece. The quality of each large carved bead is gorgeous, with gold application and tutti frutti glass...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

Kaso Lucite Clip Earrings Dangle Green and Orange Donut
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknigt designed those stylish Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. The pieces boast a massive donut dangling shape with a geometric design. The mirrored textured ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Pop Art Extra-long Shoulder Duster Multicolor Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Do you think you have seen extra-long shoulder duster earrings? Well, check out these! Spectacular Italian designer studio Lucite or Resin dangling clip-on earrings. The extra-long s...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Tiffany 18k Yellow Gold Black Jade Polka Dot Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
1980s oval dome shape earrings in 18k yellow gold inset with black jade to create a positive/negative design. French style hinged clip backs with pierced posts. Underside marked “Tiffany & Co. 750 Hong Kong”. This is an original design of Angela Cummings. Cummings joined Tiffany...
Category

1980s Hong Kong Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Francoise Montague Clip Earrings Brown Resin with Brass Studs
Located in Atlanta, GA
French jewelry designer Francoise Montague Paris hand-crafted these lovely clip-on earrings in the 1980s. The round domed shape boasts a cocoa brown resin with a stylized flower orna...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Brass

Rolex Mens Datejust 36mm 18k Yellow Gold & Steel ICED 1.75ct Diamonds Black Dial
Located in Pleasanton, CA
This is a Rolex Datejust 36mm with jubilee band. This watch is 2Tone, which means it's made up of both 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel. We have also beautifully set 1.75ct worth ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel

Vintage MAZ Turquoise Shell 14k Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Maz
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage retro Shell Motif gold rap design clip-on earrings for all sea lovers! The brand MAZ is characterized by its high-quality shell-style designs. Crafted in 14 K Yellow gold, ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Turquoise, 14k Gold

Kaso Extravagant Multicolor Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight created these stunning dangling chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. These extravagant pieces feature a dimensional shape with geometric dangling drop charms and multicolor mirror-textured patterns. The dangling earrings boast electric orange, lime green, yellow, fire orange, magenta red, and amethyst purple colors with glitter mirror...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Kalinger Paris Gold and Purple Resin Jeweled Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Kalinger Paris ornate clip-on earrings feature a Baroque resin with a gilt metal coating fan shape, topped with a giant purple grape carved resin-shaped cabochon and com...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

Kaso White Frosted and Mirror Effect Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso designed these stunning lucite clip-on earrings. The giant donut dangling shape with a geometric design features dimensional multilayer Lucite with inclusi...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Dangle Lucite Clip Earrings Fuchsia, Orange and Yellow Glitter Sun
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Italian designer studio Lucite or Resin dangling clip-on earrings feature an oversized stylized sun design shape with an incredibly playful and glittering textured pat...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage Maltese Cross Imitation Pearl Cabochon Black Enamel Gold Brooch
Located in Sausalito, CA
Add a touch of glamour to your outfit with this stunning vintage black and gold Maltese cross brooch. The intricate design features black enamel and a center imitation pearl cabochon set in yellow gold-plated metal. The brooch is a statement piece of designer fashion jewelry that exudes classic elegance and haute couture style. This vintage brooch is perfect for anyone who loves statement jewelry and appreciates unique pieces that are hard to find. Size: 2" X 2". Weight: 28.9 grams. Markings: Unmarked. Attributed to Benedikt NY...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel

Faux Tortoise Shell Resin Wide Cuff Cut Out Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful wide cuff faux tortoise shell resin bracelet is so perfect to welcome in the seasons of 2023/ 2024.. This also looks great against white for more resort wear and warme...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage Christian Dior Chunky Curb Chain Necklace, 1980s
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1980s Christian Dior textured curb chain necklace in gold plate. This necklace features chunky links with a unique diamond-patterned textu...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Kaso Orange and Green Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings Cactus and Sun
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight designed those stunning massive Lucite dangling clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. Do you feel the hot wind and the burning sun? It's the call of the arid des...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

1980s 18k Yellow Gold Oval Knot Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
From the Eiseman Estate Jewelry Collection, circa 1980s, 18 karat yellow gold oval knot ring. This ring is crafted with a large, knotted design in the center of the band. This ring a...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage Gucci Car Wheel 18K Gold Cufflinks
Located in Firenze, IT
An elegant pair of vintage gold car wheel cufflinks, signed Gucci, mounted in 18K gold, stamped 750, Italy, circa 1980. Two-sided finely engraved car wheel design featuring a movable...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Mercedes Robirosa Gilt Metal Medallion and Chain Link Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Mercedes Robirosa Paris link bracelet features an antique gilt metal multi-chain design with a massive shape and is complemented by two large carved medallions. The bra...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

Fred Paris 18k gold asymetric gold bangle
Located in London, GB
This 1980s Fred Paris bangle is made of polished 18k gold. The bangle is part of a set with a ring which is listed separately on 1stDibs.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Ungaro Paris Ornate Gilt Metal Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stylish Emanuel Ungaro Paris couture clip-on earrings feature a gilt metal domed rounded shape with a geometric carved pattern and satin finish texture. Each piece is signed wi...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

Chanel 80s Vintage Oversized Statement Earrings w/ Coral Gripoix Glass Cabochons
Located in McKinney, TX
- Gold plated - Each earring measures 2" in diameter - Gripoix glass cabochons - Clip-on earring backs - Made in France - Circa 1980s - By Chanel (signed on verso) - Excellent vintag...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Chantal Thomass Dangle Clip Earrings Gilt Metal Matelassé and Tassel
Located in Atlanta, GA
These elegant French designer Chantal Thomass Paris clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with gilt metal quilted diamond shape fittings that complement a tassel. The pieces are marked on the underside with the company logo...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

Rolex Two Tone Oysterquartz Men's Watch w/ Gold Dial 17013 1986 FULL LINKS
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Rolex Two Tone Oysterquartz Men's Watch w/ Gold Dial 17013 1986 Model #17013 Serial #89110XX Year: 1986 Stainless Steel Round Case w/ Fluted 18k Yellow Gold Bezel 36 mm in Diameter (37 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Length = 43 mm Lug-to-Lug Width = 24 mm Thickness = 12 mm Gold Rolex Dial...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Colombian Emerald Briolette Drops Diamond Pave Princess Necklace
Located in Fairfax, VA
950 Platinum, 30cts Emeralds, 6cts Dia. 1980s estimated origin Very Rare Colombian Emerald Shapes CERTIFICATE by C. Dunaigre Switzerland
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vintage Retro Massive Black White Resin Clip Long Dangle Drop 3-1/4 Earrings 80s
Located in Sausalito, CA
These extra large vintage earrings are a stunning addition to any jewelry collection. The black and white resin material gives them a retro feel, while the geometric shape and long d...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Natasha Stambouli 24K GP Chalcedony Garnet Opal Maltese Cross Brooch Pin
Located in Sausalito, CA
This exquisite brooch pin by Natasha Stambouli showcases a haute couture Etruscan revival style cross design, adorned with semi-precious stones in vibrant multicolor hues. The piece ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Chalcedony, Garnet, Opal, Gold Plate

Fred Paris 18k gold 1980s asymetric ring
Located in London, GB
This Fred Paris 18k polished gold asymmetric ring was made circa 1980s. It is part of a set with an asymmetric bangle which is listed separately on 1stDibs.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Mauboussin Nadia ring with 0.8 carat centre diamond
Located in London, GB
This vintage Mauboussin Nadia ring is a design that the company still produces today. Made from 18k gold, it is inlayed with carved mother of pearl and has a centre diamond of 0.8 ca...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Alexis Lahellec Pink Resin Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These exquisite Alexis Lahellec Paris resin clip-on earrings feature a flower-shaped gilt metal-coated resin framing topped with powder pink flower petals. Each piece is signed on th...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Rolex 18Kt & Steel Datejust Quick Setting Calendar and an Original Dial 1985
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1985 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diamet...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Trifari Gold Tone Large Faux Pearl Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Trifari Gold Tone Large Faux Pearl Bracelet. Such a Classic piece. Wear alone or mixed with others. Always looks in style. A Classic Pea...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Gold Tone and Diamante Sun Flower Earrings, Circa 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone and Diamante Sun Flower Earrings, Circa 1980's. These are well made and substantial earrings The earrings have a dome of the diamante in the center. All the petals ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Vintage Givenchy Herringbone Chain Bracelet with Logo Pattern, 1980s
Located in London, GB
1980s Vintage Givenchy herringbone chain bracelet with ingrained 4G logo pattern in gold plate. This vintage bracelet features a flat, wide...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Valentino Black and Orange Jeweled Pin Brooch Dangling Cross Charms
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Valentino Garavani couture dangling pin brooch features a large domed carved and see-thru gilt metal medallion topped with a black poured glass ca...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

Monies Statement Necklace White Turquoise and Chrysoprase
Located in Lake Worth, FL
One-of-a-kind stunning statement necklace from the Danish jewelry designer, Monies. Made with large about one inch barrow shape White Buffalo Royston Turquoise and multi strings Chry...
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Jewelry

Bulgari Contemporary Diamond Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Estate Bulgari Contemporary Diamond Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold. The bracelet features approximately 0.85ctw of brilliant round cut diamonds. Flexible open bangle. 6" Diameter 0.25"...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Kate Hines Gold Tone Flower With Drop Leaf Earrings Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Kate Hines Gold Tone Flower With Drop Leaf Earrings Circa 1980s. These are some of the most gorgeous earrings ever and so well made. The top is a r...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Pair of Diamond Set Lion Cufflinks Circa 1980s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
One of a kind pair of diamond set gold lion cufflinks with aero fittings. Diamond: Two brilliant cut diamonds, G colour, VS clarity, estimated tot...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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