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.
$611Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Rich Green Emerald Ring in 925 Sterling Silver-Handmade Gemstone Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Green Emerald Gemstone Ring in 925 Sterling Silver – Rhodium Plated Elegant Handmade Jewelry Piece 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Emerald ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 13.07 Grams 💍 RING SIZE: 11 ...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$68Sale Price|20% Off
1.21 carats Light Blue Aquamarine Cushion Cut Natural African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.21 carats Dimensions 7.09x5.75x4.01 mm Treatment none Origin Africa Clarity SI Shape cushion Cut fancy This beautiful 1.21 carats Light Blue Aquamarine gemstone, me...
Aquamarine
Vintage 18K Gold Lamassu Men’s Signet Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold signet ring depicts the Lamassu, an Assyrian deity that dates back to around 960 - 935 B.C. The Lamassu has the body of a bull or lion, the head of a human, and the win...
Gold, 18k Gold
Francoise Montague Memory Wire Wrap Bracelet with Swarovski Crystals
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Memory silver wire wrap bracelet with clear Swarovski crystal rondelles from Francoise Montague. Fits most wrists both large and small and is easy to take on and off. Francoise Mont...
Crystal, Silver
$540Sale Price|40% Off
Gold Sculptural Chain Cuff Skull Bracelet Crystal Enamel Gold Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Chain Cuff Skull Bracelet Crystal Enamel Gold Vintage 2008 Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this rare archival cuff bracelet is a collectible statement p...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Naimah, French Bulldog Whistle Pendant Necklace, Black Enamel
By Naimah
Located in Istanbul, 34
Introducing our exquisite French Bulldog Whistle Pendant Necklace, a stunning piece of jewelry that combines elegance, functionality, and a touch of whimsy. Handcrafted with meticulo...
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$512Sale Price|44% Off
4.65 Carat Natural Loose Peachy Pink Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.65 carat Dimensions 11.3x9.1x6.8mm Treatment Heart Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 4.65 Carat Natural Loose Peachy Pink Tourmaline is a radiant ge...
Tourmaline
$324Sale Price|20% Off
2.26 carats Blue Aquamarine Stone Marquise Cut Natural African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.26 carats Dimensions 15.0x6.0x5.2 mm Treatment none Origin Africa Clarity VS Shape Marquis Cut Faceted This 2.26 carat blue aquamarine is a stunning natural gemstone ...
Aquamarine
Nina Zhou 4.30 ctw Morganite, Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Cluster Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Nina Zhou 4.30ctw Morganite, Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Cluster Earrings are composed with a sense of openness and light, allowing each stone to stand on its own while remaining p...
Diamond, Morganite, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$982Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine 14k Gold Ring, Genuine Citrine Ring, Citrine Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 14k gold ring. Genuine Citrine ring. Citrine gold ring. Oval Citrine ring. Citrine, diamonds, emerald 14k gold ring. Flower design ring. Gemstone engagement ring. Citrine coc...
Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Citrine, 14k Gold
7.76 Carat Fancy Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Step into the world of fine jewelry artistry and join Austy Lee's Ikhor Collection, where each piece is a bold statement of creativity and charm. The "Golden Rain Red Thunder" earrin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,304Sale Price / item|20% Off
3.35 Ct Emerald Cut Sapphire & Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring in 14K 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 14K yellow gold. The sapphire measures approximate...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. T Bar Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Modern and elegant, these 18 karat yellow gold T Bar drop earrings from Tiffany & Co. feature a sleek, linear design accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
$45,600Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Flame Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
These exceptional Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Flame earrings are a masterclass in mid-century jewelry artistry, expertly crafted in a so...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Oscar De La Renta Gold-Tone Faux Turquoise Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Oscar De La Renta Gold-Tone Faux Turquoise Dangle Earrings, circa 2000s. These earrings are so bold and smart-looking. They look like branches, with faux turquoise placed he...
Mixed Metal
$6,032Sale Price / set|20% Off
Real 5.31 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Dangle Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 5.31 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Robert Lee Morris Large Gilded Spiral Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This dramatic coil of matte 24k gold plated on brass, is an iconic Robert Lee Morris style, it is his unique vocabulary of forms that are all family members to the organic movement. ...
Gold Plate, Brass
18K White Gold 1.20ct Oval Vivid Green Tsavorite & 0.23ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Elegant 18k white gold tsavorite and diamond ring featuring a 1.20ct vivid green oval tsavorite in a refined four‑prong setting. The gem shows bright, lively color with natural fine ...
Tsavorite, Garnet, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier La Dona Citrine 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring w/Papers Size EU 51 / US 5.5
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: La Dona Band Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 51 NZ3078 Gemstones: Natural citrine approximately 9.5mm long × 9mm wide Meas...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Rainbow Moonstone & Zircon Tennis Bracelet in 925 Silver Gift for her
Located in New York, NY
Featuring 8.7 carats of natural oval rainbow moonstones adorned by 2.53 carats of sparkling zircon, this handcrafted tennis bracelet is crafted in 925 sterling silver. The bracelet s...
Moonstone, Zircon, Rainbow Moonstone, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. 1960's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Knot Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a a stylized knotted rope necklace Comprised of curving grooved bar links Featuring twisted knot stations With high polish finish Completed by concealed clasp closure wit...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Double Soleste Round Shape 3ct Tanzanite Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking piece from Tiffany's Soleste collection. At the center sits an approximately 3.15ct round tanzanite of exceptional deep violet-blue saturation, set in a four-prong platinu...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
Marco Bicego 18 Karat Yellow Gold & Diamond Disc Circle Pendant Drop Necklace
By Marco Bicego
Located in Baltimore, MD
Marco Bicego 18 Karat Yellow Gold & Natural Diamond Disc Circle Pendant Drop Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 15.8 grams Pendant: 36 x 39mm Diamonds: 0.12 CTW F-G VS natural...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Floral Brooch 5.00 Carats F–G VS Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional vintage diamond floral brooch, masterfully crafted in richly textured 18 karat yellow gold, designed as a sculptural blossoming flower with naturalistic leaves and ste...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$765Sale Price / item|22% Off
Moissanite 14k gold eternity ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Moissanite 14k gold eternity ring. Diamond cut moissanite ring. Full eternity gold ring. Moissanite gold ring. Round moissanite ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.7 depends from size G...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Halfway Eternity Band 1.81 Carats Emerald Cut East-West set in Platinum, Size 6
By ADA Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A modern expression of refined luxury, this emerald cut diamond halfway band brings a sleek, contemporary feel to a timeless diamond ring design. Crafted in platinum, the band featur...
Diamond, Platinum
Bulgari French 1970's 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage J-Hoop Ear-Clip Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as j-hoop form earrings with fluted segments Alternating with yellow and white gold With high polish finish Completed by hinged omega backs Stamped with French hallmarks for...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Atlas Ladies Wristwatch in 18K Yellow Gold - Swiss Quartz
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless Tiffany & Co. ladies wristwatch from the iconic Atlas collection, crafted in 18K yellow gold. Case-back is stamped Tiffany & Co. and some numbers. Featuring the ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$83,449Sale Price|20% Off
9.90 Carat Zambian Emerald 25.75 Ct SI/H Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite choker is handset with 9.90 carats Zambian emerald and 25.75 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the lat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,965Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Topaz Drop Earrings 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Topaz Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Topaz Drop Earrings 14k gold. Topaz Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings. Weight: 5 gr Me...
Topaz, 14k Gold
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
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Signet Ring for Men with Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art Deco Signet Ring for Men with Topaz, silver, gold. Rectangular Topaz Ring for Men. Men’s Topaz Signet Ring. Vintage Pinky Ring, Gift for Him Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold pla...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Chanel Rare Coco Mademoiselle Campaign Necklace 2011 Keira Knightley Collectors
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible Chanel necklace created for the iconic “Coco Mademoiselle” 2011 advertising campaign featuring Keira Knightley, directed by Joe Wright an...
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Three-Stone Ring with 0.95ct Sapphire & 0.20ct Diamonds, USA
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate life's most meaningful moments with this elegant platinum sapphire and diamond three-stone ring. At the center rests a brilliant round-cut natural sapphire weighing approxi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Studio Rêves Golden Blossom Diamond Dangling Earrings in 18K Gold
By Studio Rêves
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
A graceful tribute to flowers in full bloom, the Golden Blossom Diamond Earrings are designed with delicate floral branches that seem to sway with natural elegance. Luminous rosecut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
Bulgari 1980's Multi-Gem 18K Gold Vintage Passo Doppio J-Hoop Ear-Clip Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed a j-hoop style earrings grooved with link-style "Passo Doppio" motif Centering bezel set round shaped tourmaline cabochons Measuring 5.0 mm - transparent medium pink in colo...
Citrine, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co Platinum 2.00ct G VS1 Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An icon of enduring elegance, this Tiffany & Co. platinum three-stone engagement ring embodies timeless sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship. Designed in the classic Tiff...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1.32 Carat Natural Marquise & Emerald Cut Diamond Open Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Most eternity-style bands settle into a single, repeated rhythm. This one breaks that rhythm deliberately, and the payoff is a ring with real architectural presence. A continuous lin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.60 Carat Mexican Fire Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring by Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Centered on a vibrant 6.60 carat Mexican fire opal, this striking ring displays a rich orange body color enlivened by flashes of green and subtle play-of-color that shift beautifully...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Diamond Half Band, 14 Karat Gold Diamond Wedding Band, Diamond Stackable Ring
Located in Austin, TX
Diamond bands are a classic jewelry staple! Every woman wants one and every women deserves one. This diamond band has round brilliant diamonds going 1/2 around the entire ring. The d...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 1.66 carats Yellow Sapphire & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Yellow Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Yellow Sapphire is 1.66 carats. The Yellow Sa...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Mother Of Pearl Shell 14k gold Stud Earrings with moissanite.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Natural mother-of-pearl 14k gold studs earrings. Handmade Shell Earrings with moissanite. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrings Mother of pearl beach earrings. Mothers Earrings. Gift fo...
Pearl, 14k Gold
2.50 Carat Oval Aquamarine Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This elegant 14 karat white gold ring showcases a stunning approximately 2.50-carat oval aquamarine as its centerpiece, radiating a serene icy blue hue. Flanking the aquamarine are 1...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, White Gold
$531Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone:...
Amethyst, Topaz
$536Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pear topaz silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine silver, gold earrings. Yellow gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: citrine, yellow c...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver
David Yurman Solari Pearl Bracelet Sterling Silver and Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in Fairfield, CT
David Yurman Solari Pearl Bracelet Sterling Silver and Diamonds This elegant bangle bracelet features David Yurman’s signature twisted sterling silver design, finished at each end w...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
TJD 0.07 Carat Natural Diamond 14 Karat Gold Fleur-de-Lis Heart Pendant Necklace
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
A dazzling look for a day or evening, this heart pendant makes a brilliant addition to her wardrobe. These pendants are studded with 34 single cut natural diamonds in pave and prongs...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Mixed Metal
Australian Lightning Ridge Black Opal 18K White Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A delicate sparkling graduated Australian Lightning Ridge Black opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted, finished with an 18K white gold clasp. All stones are hand carved for an ext...
Black Opal, Opal, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Panjshir neon Emerald Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold, 2.13 ct
Located in Viena, Viena
real emeralds make you happy, here a noble pendant decorated with diamonds in halo style, a fine emerald (oiled) approx. 2.13 ct, intensive color quality, AAA+, light natural inclusi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
La Triomphe Tear Drop Lapis and Round Brilliant Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pendant
By La Triomphe
Located in New York, NY
This stunning necklace was hand crafted by the esteemed French jewelry atelier, La Triomphe, circa 1970. It features a teardrop lapis circumscribed by textured 18k yellow gold resemb...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Moissanite Toi et Moi Heart Pear Ring 925 Silver Duo Ring Unique Women Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite Toi et Moi Heart Pear Ring 925 Silver Duo Ring Unique Women Ring. "You And Me Ring" Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Cl...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Givenchy Paris High-Gloss Gunmetal Chains and Studs Cuff Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Atlanta, GA
Make a bold statement with this exceptional Givenchy Paris bangle bracelet, a rare and striking example of brutalist design. Crafted in high-gloss gunmetal, the important cuff showca...
Brass
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, 2.14 carats natural Zambian Emerald & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K Gold White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 2.14 carats. The Emerald is completely natural, wit...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$44Sale Price|20% Off
0.73 carats Petroleum Quartz Stone Faceted Natural Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 0.73 carats Dimensions 5.3x7.3x4.4 mm Treatment none Origin Pakistan Clarity included Shape Kite Cut custom precision This exquisite 0.73 carat Petroleum Quartz gems...
Quartz
18K White Gold Deep Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Sapphire Ring is gorgeous and a deep Blue color. It is surrounded by Brilliant cut Diamonds. This comes with a certificate with the total weight being 4.35 carats. This Sapphi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
10K Two-Tone Gold 2.0 Cttw Baguette Diamond Channel Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the decadence of the 10K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Bracelet, where expert craftsmanship meets timeless elegance. This piece features a lustrous interplay of white and...
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with coral 14k yellow gold 8.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with coral - 45 cm Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 1.4 mm wide. The pendant measures 4.0 cm high and 2.4 cm wide. To...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou 5.72ctw Moonstone Diamond Double Blossom Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou Moonstone Diamond Flower Blossom Earrings in 14k Gold epitomize elegance and natural beauty. These earrings feature luminous moonstones, renowned for their ethereal glo...
Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou Ocean Life 90ctw Aquamarine, Topaz & Pink Sapphire Collar Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Crafted with light blue aquamarine and topaz, symbolizing the immense power and energy of the sea, and pink sapphire, representing lives and hope, each gemstone is uniquely shaped to...
Aquamarine, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,084Sale Price / item|65% Off
Flower design 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Flower design 14k gold engagement ring. 1 ct topaz gold ring. Casual topaz ring. Round topaz ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - topaz 1...
Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold