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.
$481Sale Price|20% Off
Classic 14K Yellow Gold Oval Blue Topaz V-Shaped Solitaire Gold Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
A stylish yellow gold ring featuring a striking oval blue topaz center stone in a graceful V-shaped setting. Its clean, elegant design makes it a beautiful choice for everyday wear o...
Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with pearl and single cut diamonds. 0.32ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: the size of the earring is 3.0 cm high by 8.0 mm wide Total weight 4.5 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Melody Rose Gold Large Circle Pendant Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Melody Rose Gold Large Circle Pendant Drop Necklace Metal: 18k rose gold Weight: 15.88 grams Pendant diameter: 38mm Chain: 28 inches Retail: $5,030 USD
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 22 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glossy 22ct gold band. Perfect for a wedding band or just a simple everyday piece. Hallmarked London 1968. Please note there are arthritic beads on the inside of the band which do ma...
Gold, 22k Gold
Floating Gem Cross Necklace with Antique Diamond and Blue Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Floating Gem Cross is an exquisite jewelry piece, featuring 1.28 carats old european cut diamonds, and .58 carat blue sapphires, set in 14k gold. This beautiful pendant necklace has...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Oval Turquoise Rock Crystal & Diamond Earring Dangles in 14 Karat Gold Turquoise
Located in Austin, TX
These 14kt yellow gold, adorable turquoise and diamond earrings are bold and beautiful! With a genuine piece of natural turquoise set under a faceted clear quartz gemstone. The clear...
Diamond, Turquoise, Crystal, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Vendome Gold Tone Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
By Vendome
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Vendome Gold Tone Narrow Choker Circa 1980s. The pattern resembles a loop. It is .25" thick. This is the kind of piece that you never know yo...
Mixed Metal
$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
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Orange & Yellow Sapphires & Diamonds "Butterfly" Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Orange & Yellow Sapphires Stud Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Yellow sapphires is 1.00 carats. The...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$672Sale Price / set|20% Off
1.11 CTW Natural Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These stud earrings feature 1.11 carats of natural oval blue sapphires, set in 14K white gold. Each measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm secured in classic prong settings, beautifully a...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Pavé Bangle Bracelet, 5.10 Carats Round Brilliants 24.4g
Located in Plantation, FL
An elegant and substantial 18 karat white gold diamond pavé hinged bangle bracelet, set with approximately 5.10 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. The bracelet features full pav...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$640Sale Price|20% Off
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut From Afghanistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 8.6x5.7x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 1.65 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Color Tourmaline showcases a rich...
Emerald, Tourmaline
14K Yellow Gold Paperclip Necklace 18" #24809
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Paperclip Necklace Sleek and modern, this 14k gold paperclip necklace offers effortless style with its clean, elongated links. A timeless piece thats's perfect for l...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$409Sale Price / item|55% Off
Amethyst 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 12 MM Huggie Earrings, purple gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Ear...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
$63,336Sale Price / item|20% Off
32.03 Carat SI Clarity GH Color Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEN-52718 Gross Wt. :- 70.53 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 64.12 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 32.03 Ct. ( SI Clarity & GH Color ) Necklace Length :- 16 Inches Long ✨ Cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Signed Vintage Cartier 18K White Gold Script Logo Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Cartier script ring. In 18k white gold. Spelling out in script around the circumference of the band "Cartier". Fully hallmarked to the interior. Simply great design from C...
18k Gold, White Gold
$148Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Aurora Borealis Crystal Burst Statement Earrings, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 1" in diameter - Aurora Borealis iridescent crystals - Silver tone hardware - Clip on earring backs - Circa 1950s - Estate acquired - Excellent vinta...
Hemmerle Munich Bracelet and Ring and 21 ct Santa Maria Color precious Aquamarin
By Hemmerle
Located in Viena, Viena
A stunning pair of bracelet and ring, created in Munich Germany by the jewelry house of Hemmerle, back in the 1990's. Hemmerle jewelry pieces are rare and very hard to find. The cr...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Diamond High Jewelry Watch
By Bulgari
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Masterfully crafted by the artisans of Bvlgari Switzerland in 18k white gold, this extraordinary timepiece hails from the rare and highly coveted limited-production Serpenti Seduttori High Jewelry...
Diamond, 18k Gold
French 18kt Yellow Gold Cross with Fleur de Lys Motif
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Chain not icluded French 18kt Yellow Gold Cross with Fleur-de-Lis Motif This elegant French cross pendant is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and distinguished by its refined decora...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,484Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.53 Carats Pear Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
A timeless expression of elegance, this handcrafted solitaire ring showcases a breathtaking 1.53-carat natural pear-cut diamond as its captivating centerpiece. The graceful teardrop ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$608Sale Price|24% Off
2.07 Carat Certified Natural Loose Red Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burma Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.07 carats Dimensions 7.72x7.07x4.80 mm Treatment None Origin Burma Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion AG276 This exquisite 2.07-carat certified natural red spinel captivates ...
Spinel
18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Circle Pendant Necklace 23 Inches
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
dd a touch of effortless sophistication to your jewelry collection with this stunning 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Circle Pendant Necklace. Showcasing a beautifully polished turquoise c...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$590Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Solitaire Oval Cut Peridot Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a refreshing pop of color to your jewelry collection with this elegant Oval-Cut Peridot Solitaire Pendant. Meticulously crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, the necklace features...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
26629 Tiffany & Co Platinum 1.08ct H VS2 Round Diamond Engagement Ring 4.75
Located in Chicago, IL
Center round diamond weighs 1.08ct Diamond has laser inscription ''T&Co.T03130280'' Diamond is H color VS2 clarity Ring size 4.75 (this ring can be resized) Stamped ''TIFFANY & C...
Diamond, Platinum
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
3.50 ct GIA Certified Sapphire & Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
A captivating 3.50-carat GIA-certified cushion-cut sapphire ring, featuring a vibrant blue hue, flanked by two GIA-certified shield-cut diamonds. The diamonds, totaling 0.60 carats, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$919Sale Price / item|44% Off
Green onyx multicolor ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Green onyx multicolor ring in 14k gold. Green onyx oval cabochon ring. Green gemstone cocktail ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g, depends on size Gemstone: Green onyx, color - gree...
Amethyst, Citrine, Onyx, Topaz, 14k Gold
Cartier Watch. Must de Cartier Champagne Dial Vendome Round Argent 590003 30mm.
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Must de Cartier 30mm Vendome Unisex. Please refer to Photos on a Male and Women's Hand. Champagne Dial with Roman numbers Sapphire Cabochon Crown. ...
Sapphire, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
26726 Tiffany & Co Platinum 5.03ct F VS1 Heart Shape Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Platinum ring weighs 5.9g Heart shape diamond weighs 5.03ct Diamond crown inscription ''T&Co.U08270215'' Diamond is F color VS1 clarity All round pave side diamonds, total weight ...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,880Sale Price / item|20% Off
3.35 Ct Emerald Cut Sapphire & Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant three-stone engagement ring features 1 natural emerald-cut blue sapphire totaling 3.35 carats, beautifully set in rich 18K yellow gold. The sapphire measures approximate...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou 19.3ctw Turquoise Moonstone Diamond Cherry Blossom Bracelet
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A bracelet where every bloom tells a story—this Nina Zhou Cherry Blossom design pairs vivid turquoise with ethereal moonstone in a dance of color and light. Each petal is shaped from...
Diamond, Moonstone, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.08 Carats Natural Emeralds and Diamonds Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning bracelet featuring 8.08 Carats of Emeralds and 2.09 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds have always b...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
10K Yellow Gold and Ruby Dome Ring Vintage
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 10K Yellow Gold and Ruby Dome Ring. Ring features a softly textured domed design with fourteen round cut rubies. The red stones are scattered across the face in an organic ar...
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990s Tiffany & Co. Dogwood Flower Brooch in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. Dogwood flower brooch set in 18k yellow gold, circa 1990s.
A Tiffany creation depicting a flower in an all-gold design on a scale that...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.07 Carat Untreated Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring set in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 1.07 Carat Natural, Untreated (No Heat) Ruby and 0.29 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit mean...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Jarin Art Deco Diamante Flower Bracelet Circa 2000s
By JARIN
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Jarin Art Deco Diamante Flower Bracelet Circa 2000s. So stunning. Looks like a Japanese garden. There are bars of pave which have black enamel on top of them, and then there...
Mixed Metal
$45Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage silver tone modernist designer runway clip on earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • silver tone • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1 3/8" by 3/4" CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ❤️❤️ ...
Silver
Vintage 18K Gold Roberto Coin Star Pendant
By Roberto Coin
Located in Venice, CA
If you’ve ever known you deserved a gold star, and you need to self-appoint, this vintage 18k gold Roberto Coin pendant is a classic take on the form. It is a simple, geometric cut o...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier 18K White Gold Diamond "C" 20.65cttw Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent Cartier C de Cartier diamond necklace crafted in 18K white gold, showcasing the Maison's signature C motif in an elegant, fully diamond-set design. The necklace featur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jazz Double Row Diamond Platinum Dangle Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Collection: Jazz Style: Double Row Diamond Dangle Earrings Material: Platinum Gemstones: Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.40 carat Measurements...
Diamond, Platinum
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
John Iversen Patinated Bronze Maple Leaf Brooch, Modern Design, USA
By John Iversen
Located in New Hope, PA
John Iversen created this stunning Maple Leaf brooch from a real fallen maple leaf which gives the piece such a realistic appearance. You can see all of the veins of the leaf in the...
Bronze
Kai Flora Blossom Amethyst and Pink Tourmaline Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Kai's Flora Solid Gold Diamond Natural Amethyst and Pink Tourmaline Toi et Moi Double Flower Blossom Ring is an exquisite embodiment of nature's beauty and the symbolism of love. Thi...
Diamond, Amethyst, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Graff Snowflake Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold
By Graff
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Graff necklace, crafted in 18k white gold, embodies a dedication to the diamond's brilliance and architectural elegance. At its core is a 0.71ct round brilliant diamond, prong-s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
70s Vintage Frog Ring Heavy 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Eyes 8.5 Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage frog ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Two diamonds are estimated at 0.08 carats (0.16 carats total estimated weight). The diamonds are estimated ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k White Gold Anelia Double Band Diamond Ring Size 50 (US 5.5)
By Cartier
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Stunning, authentic Cartier 18k White Gold Anelia Double Band Ring featuring a brilliant bezel-set solitaire diamond. This is a rare, retired vintage masterpiece from the Maison, per...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Aquamarine, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Modern ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with three aquamarine and, between of them, two diamonds. Diamonds 0.17 ct Aquamarine 1.91 ct - 6 mm x 4 mm Total Weight 3.00 gr RF ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Juste un Clou Classic Torque Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Designed for Cartier New York in the 1970s, the Juste un Clou Classic Torque Necklace transforms a simple, everyday nail into an audacious and iconic piece of high jewelry. This 18k ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.82 Carat Natural Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Pendant Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pendant necklace featuring a 0.82 Carat Natural Paraiba Tourmalines and 0.41 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Paraiba Tourmalines were only discovered 30 years...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
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
Silvorra 33.25 Ct Oval Tanzanite Wedding Tennis Necklace in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Featuring 33.25 carats of oval cut tanzanite, this regal tennis necklace showcases a continuous row of luminous blue violet gemstones set in 925 Sterling Silver. Each 4 x 6 mm oval t...
Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Hermès: Wide vintage Boucle Sellier Ceinture Silver Bracelet, Paris, c. 2000
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
An Icon of French Design Wide Hermès Boucle Sellier Ceinture Bracelet in Silver, Paris, c. 2000 Hardly any other Parisian fashion house has had such a lasting impact on the fusion ...
Silver
$3,226Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Diamond Floral Cluster Ring, 1.13ct Marquise & Pear, 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
An elongated marquise diamond gives this ring its graceful center, with pear-shaped diamonds gathered like leaves at either side. The outline feels personal and botanical, while the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Natural Round Brilliant Diamond Bezel Set Stackable Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Natural Round Brilliant Diamond Bezel Set Stackable Ring Style: Narrow Stackable Diamond Band Material: 18K Yellow Gold Design Details: Features natural round bril...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,064Sale Price / item|35% Off
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones peridot, olive green, ova...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold
26608 Tiffany & Co Platinum 1.01ct H VS1 Lucida Diamond Engagement Ring Band 6
Located in Chicago, IL
Platinum ring weighs 5.1g Lucida diamond weighs 1.01ct Diamond H color VS1 clarity Diamond has laser inscription ''Lucida™'' Ring size is 6 (this can be resized at any Tiffany store...
Diamond, Platinum
XL 18K Vintage zodiac pendant - Aquarius - 18 karat solid yellow gold Star sign
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this vintage charm depicting an Aquarius, the eleventh astrological sign in the zodiac. This Constellation Star Sign Pendant is associated with the birth dates between 22...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Citrine Cabochon 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 5
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Citrine Cabochon Ring Material: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstones: Citrine Ring Size: US 5 Weight: 8 grams Hallmarks: Stamped Tiffany & Co. 750 Italy This Tiffan...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring - ESSENCE Collection *
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Espressione pura di eleganza contemporanea, questo anello della Collezione Essence è realizzato in oro giallo 18kt e si distingue per il suo design pieno, morbido e avvolgente. Le li...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold