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.
Vintage French Cartier Nouvelle Vague High Polish 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This dynamic and interesting Nouvelle Vague ring is a somewhat unusual offering from this venerated house. Consisting of one continuous ribbon of high polish, 18K yellow gold that wr...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier French Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Double C Entrelaces Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide band with a pierced and grooved double C motif Bead set throughout with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.44 carat total - G color with VS2 cla...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.07 Carat Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 0.07 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and 0.27 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Paraiba Tourmalines were only discovered 30 years ag...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal 17 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and fine Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine high grade Robinson Egg Blue turquoises from the sle...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$657Sale Price / item|25% Off
Teddy bear earrings studs in 14k gold.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Teddy bear earrings studs in 14k gold. Puffed Gummy Pear Statement earrings with lab rubies. Love Care Symbol Gold earrings. Cute bear studs. Heart ruby studs. Metal: 14k gold Earr...
Ruby, 14k Gold
80s Vintage 0.75ct Diamond Necklace 18k Yellow Gold 16" Choker Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond necklace crafted in 18 karat & 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1980s). Mixed cut baguette and round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.75 carats (...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 1970's Sterling Silver Vintage Collar Bone Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a silver collarbone motif necklace with open terminals Featuring a sinuous minimalist design with collarbone contours Completed by rounded terminals Tested with partial s...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Gucci Toggle Bracelet
By Gucci
Located in Venice, CA
This unusual take on a curb link bracelet is made by Gucci circa the 1980’s. The curb link is both elongated and squared off for a bold, edgy look with a lot of presence on the wrist...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold Angela Cummings Bow Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional 1984 necklace designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co., crafted entirely in 18K yellow gold. The necklace is composed of a continuous series of sculptural bows, e...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.24ct Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, Modern Design
Located in Edina, MN
Bold and unforgettable, this exquisite ring centers on a remarkable 4.24 carat diamond, radiating brilliance and commanding attention from every angle. Flanked by baguette diamonds t...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Snake Scale Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Liquid Geometry, the essence of the work of Robert Lee Morris, is exemplified in these softly dangling earrings. Polish silver, the individual sections are linked with a rivet and create a flowing flexible moving earring that catches the light like diamonds. Clip on earrings, these are handmade and extremely lightweight, The design concept came from a body of work that Robert did for Donna Karan when she was working at Ann Klein, and the snake scale...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Lucida 0.48 Carat Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Tiffany & Co. Style: Lucida Serial Number: 23642875 Metal: Platinum PT950 Size: 4.75 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 0.48 cts Diamond Shape: Cut Corner Square Diamond Color & C...
Diamond, Platinum
Bvlgari B-Zero Three Row Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring Size 52 (US 6)
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
An iconic expression of modern Italian luxury, this 18K yellow gold Bvlgari B.Zero1 diamond band features the collection’s signature architectural design in a bold three-row silhouet...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Cambodia Blue Zircon 18.54 Carat Loose Gemstone – Large Faceted
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Blue Zircon from Cambodia, weighing an impressive 18.54 carats. Renowned for its dazzling brilliance and vivid blue color, this exceptional gemstone is a true collector's pie...
Blue Zircon
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 Birmingham, 1953. Ring Size...
Gold
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful and simple Diamond cluster ring set in 18k white gold. The diamond weight is 1.14 carats and net gold weight is 6.592 carats. The ring dimension in cm 1.1 x 1.1 x 2.4 (LX...
Diamond, Gold
$515Sale Price / item|45% Off
Lotus gold ring with citrine silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus gold ring with citrine silver, gold. Lotus flower ring. Floral ring. Pear citrine ring. Weight: 3.5 g. depends from size Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Central sto...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Sutra 18KT WG Mesh Bracelet 33.54Ct Blue Saph 21.80Ct Pink Saph 8.68Ct Diamond
By Sutra Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 18 karat white gold mesh cuff bracelet by Sutra. This incredible bracelet is set with 33.54 carats of oval blue sapphires and 21.80 carats of oval pink sapphires. Round brilliant diamonds 8.68 carats join the colored stones in this flexible mesh cuff bracelet. The bracelet measures 1.25" in width and 7" in length. Stamped Sutra 18K
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,920Sale Price|20% Off
12.57 carats, Zambian Emeralds & Rose Cut Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style Emerald Chandelier Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald Cabochons is 12.57 carats. The Emer...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$1,889Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Blue Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz earrings 14k gold. Dangle topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with topaz, Gold Drop Earrings with blue topaz and topaz. A striking pair of topaz and colorless topa...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Navy Blue and White Resin Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin choker necklace features chunky carved pebble beads with a central round domed bead with crystal rhinestones spacers, and works on na...
Vintage 10K Gold Bismark Chain Necklace
Located in Venice, CA
The Bismark chain dates back to 19th century Germany and consists of flat, woven, interlocking links braided together to form a fluid and versatile chain. This older design has a tim...
10k Gold
1.52 Carat Vibrant Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Ring set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring AIGS Certified 1.52 Carat Natural Padparadscha Sapphire and 0.45 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum
$600Sale Price|20% Off
2.10 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Pink Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.10 carat Dimensions 8.2x6.6x4.6mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 2.10 carat Natural Purplish Pink Spinel is a captivating gemstone...
Spinel
OCEAN CURRENTS - Natural Santa Maria Aquamarine set in Designer Earrings in 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some earrings soothe the senses. Ocean Currents moves with the calm rhythm of water and sky. Ten luminous aquamarines — 5 Oval Cuts (4.29 cts) 5 Pear Cuts (4.67 cts) each chosen...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
La Nouvelle Bague 18KT Rose Gold, Burgundy Enamel and .59 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat rose gold bracelet is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, marrying the classic with the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Francoise Montague Paris Green and Pink Talosel Resin Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Francoise Montague Paris Talosel resin clip-on earrings feature an exquisite leaf shape with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a beautiful flamingo pink tr...
Nina Zhou 6.12ctw Natural Turquoise Diamond Double Blossom Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Unveil the enchanting allure of Nina Zhou's 6.12ctw Natural Turquoise Diamond Cherry Blossom Earrings, meticulously crafted in sumptuous 14k yellow gold. These exquisite pieces of je...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Diamond Duet Double Band Stackable Ring in 14K Gold, MADE TO ORDER
Located in Austin, TX
This lovely diamond band has two gorgeous detailed rows of diamonds! Accented by lovely 14 karat yellow gold, this ring is an amazing fashion band and stackable band! Treat yourself ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage GUCCI Quartz 2700.2.L Watch. Gucci Ladies Bangle Gold Tone Wristwatch
By Gucci
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Gucci Watch. 2700.2.L Reference number. Gold Tone Condition: New battery. Details: 20mm round Case
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra watch. 18k Gold VCA HH75210 Clove Black Dial.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Van Cleef & Arpels Watch Alhambra Collection ref. HH75210 VCARD21900 18k Yellow Gold Case. 18k Yellow Gold Original VCA Buckle. Original VCA Band Condition: New Battery ins...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Cartier Watch. Must de Cartier Vendome Round Argent Vermeil Brown ladies
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Must de Cartier Vendome Rare Brown Mystery Dial Circa 1990s Argent Vermeil 925 Case (18k Gold Plate.) Condition: Little visible wear. New Leather band. New battery install...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Ladies Piaget Watch with Lapis Dial, Sapphires and Diamonds for a Small Wrist
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This tasteful and distinctive vintage ladies 18K yellow gold, modern round brilliant cut diamond and sapphire cocktail watch with integral 18K gold Piaget bark...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster SPEEDKING 4220 SS and 9k Bezel. Engraved
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster SpeedKing 4220 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Cap Custom Engraved with Ornate Design Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1960 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather ba...
9k Gold, Stainless Steel
Bvlgari, 18K Gold Tourmaline Diamond Divas Dream Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent Bvlgari Divas’ Dream High Jewellery necklace in rose gold, centering a 4.95-carat cabochon rubellite beneath a 0.64-carat brilliant-cut diamond. Radiating fan motifs ar...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14k Gold Eight Diamond Band Ring Made in Italy by Oltremare Gioielli
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Indulge in exquisite Italian craftsmanship with our bespoke Diamond Gold Band by Oltremare Gioielli. Handcrafted to perfection, this made-to-order ring is available in 14k gold, ador...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$240Sale Price|20% Off
1.89 carats Emerald Stone Emerald Cut Natural Gemstone from Afghanistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.89 carats Dimensions 11.5x5.0x4.0 mm Treatment none Origin Punjsher, Afghanistan Clarity VVS Shape octagon Cut emerald This stunning 1.89 carat emerald stone, meti...
Emerald
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6144 1950s Stainless Steel Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - New mainspring. Ready To go. Stainless Steel Gold plated. Some is wearing off. ref.6144 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1...
Stainless Steel
18k Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This 18k yellow gold necklace features a strand of Tahitian pearls in a softly varied palette of silver, champagne, mauve, and warm bronze tones. The pearls have a rounded form with ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Emerald Thick Engagement Band Mens 1.75 Ct Zambian Emerald HandmadeBand
Located in Jaipur, IN
This 14K yellow gold emerald engagement band is a bold and luxurious statement ring featuring approximately 1.75 carats of natural Zambian emeralds in a sophisticated combination of ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Handcrafted 18-karat white gold ring with a vivid ruby and pavé diamonds
Located in Pignola, IT
A handmade 18-karat white gold ring with a modern and refined design, adorned with a vivid 6-carat ruby and a pavé setting of diamonds totaling 0.80 carats, which lend depth, brillia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Metro Diamond Cross 18k Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Collection: Metro Material: 18k rose gold Hallmarks: Tiffany & Co. Au750 Gemstones/Diamonds: Natural diamonds Necklace Length: Approximately 16" Pe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$480Sale Price|20% Off
2.35 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Blue Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.35 carat Dimensions 7.6x7.0x5.9mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 2.35 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Blue Tourmaline features a beautif...
Tourmaline
Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Ring. Genuine VCA Lapis Lazuli 18k YG Ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef Arpels Ring 18k Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Pear Cut Cabochon Condition: Good condition. Details: Size 3 5mm by 8mm Lapis Lazuli 4grams Hallmarked correctly VCA and s...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Carat White Gold Flower Ruby and Diamond Invisible Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
The top quality ruby which make in invisible setting. We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years. The invisible is a highly tech...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$510Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Green Onyx Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Green Onyx Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Green Onyx Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Green Onyx Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earring...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,030Sale Price / item|40% Off
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with aquamarine. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) -aquamarine 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, b...
Aquamarine, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Natural 3.00 Carat Diamond Tennis Line Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat White Gold Natural 3.00 Carat Diamond Tennis Line Bracelet Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 9.7 grams Length: 7 inches Diamonds: 61 round natural diamonds approx. 3.00 CTW H-I ...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Marco Bicego Pavé Diamond Small Drop Earrings in White Gold
By Marco Bicego
Located in London, England
A stylish pair of vintage Marco Bicego pavé diamond small drop earrings set in 18k white gold.
Each earring features two irregular teardrop motifs, pavé-set with rou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mattia Cielo Volcano 18K White Gold Diamond Carbon Fiber Earrings
By Mattia Cielo
Located in Westport, CT
A pair of beautiful Volcano earrings by designer Mattia Cielo. These earrings feature 18K white gold and modern black carbon fiber, finished with a sleek, elongated silhouette measur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.01 Ct Natural Heart Diamond Heart Solitaire Ring, 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
"A heart-shaped diamond of about two carats is claw-set on a slender polished band, a single upright prong holding the cleft so the lobes stay crisp. The plain shank keeps the silhou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral Onyx Black Jade Multi Strand Torsade Bead Necklace
Located in South Pasadena, CA
1970s Coral Onyx Black Jade Multi Strand Torsade Bead Necklace. The 1970s Coral Onyx and Black Jade multi-strand torsade bead necklace is a work of art. The large clasp is set with...
Coral, Onyx, Black Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cuban Chain Necklace
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold 1.5mm cuban link necklace. Length is 20 inches with spring clasp. Finished weight is 4.8 grams.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage ‘Ballerina’ White Gold Ring with Precious Sapphire & Diamonds, c. 1975
Located in Berlin, DE
Madagascar Vintage ‘Ballerina’ White Gold Ring with Precious Sapphire & Diamonds, c. 1975 We have never been able to offer a sapphire as marvellous as this one before: Its deep blue...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Diamond 1.50 Carat Three-Stone Ring Round and Baguette Diamond Custom Ring
Located in Austin, TX
The stunning traditional three stone diamond engagement ring is a classic design! With a GIA certified round brilliant diamond set in the center. The center diamond is flanked by a t...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Choker Necklace Banana-Choco and Black Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in a banana-and-milky-chocolate swirl color with black contrast. Her color...
Genuine Persian Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Gold Diamond Necklace, 305 carat
Located in GOES, NL
An Extraordinary "Tiffany blue" Turquoise Masterpiece A regal giant 19.5 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare Turquoises with the sought after "Persian Turquoise color...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,089Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau–Inspired Topaz and Pearl Botanical Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Sculptural Leaf Topaz and Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold. Botanical Topaz Ring with Freshwater Pearl in 14k Gold. A delicate nature-inspired ring crafted in 14k yellow gold, featurin...
Freshwater Pearl, Topaz, 14k Gold
GIA-Certified 7.02ct Zambian Emerald & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Exuding timeless luxury and unparalleled sophistication, this GIA-certified emerald and diamond three-stone ring serves as a breathtaking statement piece for fine jewelry collectors ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Estate De Grisogono Allegra 4 Carat Diamond Intertwined Hoop Earrings
By de GRISOGONO
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
From one of the most daring jewelry houses of recent decades. De Grisogono was founded in Geneva in 1993 by Fawaz Gruosi, known in the industry for working with black diamonds and fo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold