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.
GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Pigeon's Blood Red Burmese Ruby Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring set in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and 0.54 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamonds, Rubies, 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing pendant necklace in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with flowers of rubies and a central diamond. Diamonds 1.60 ct Rubies 0.80 ct Total Weight 7 gr RF *CORA K.GACA For...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Pear Emerald & Baguette & Round Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, timeless, and brilliantly crafted, these 14K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings offer exceptional sophistication with a contemporary silhouette. Gracefully suspend...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.14 Carat Natural Vivid Green Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 2.14 Carat Natural Emerald and 0.65 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds have a...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant modern ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby and,laterally, three rows of diamonds for each side. Diamonds 0.35 ct Ruby 0.97 ct - 7 mm x 5 mm Total W...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Baltic Hand Knotted Cognac Amber Necklace - 28" Long - 83 Grams - Circa 1950
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage Baltic cognac amber bohemian style beaded necklace - hand knotted raw freeform beads - no closure (slips over the head and neck) - featuring 79 graduated beads to the thick w...
Amber
$297Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald and Diamond Halo Split Shank Bypass Ring in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This refined emerald and diamond open bypass ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver. Featuring a vivid oval cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm alongside a delicate round em...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 18k Solid Yellow Gold Cherub Pendant: Augis Angel Charm, French Hallmark
By A. Augis
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 karat solid yellow gold Augis cherub pendant. This cute charm depicts a cute baby angel leaning on its elbows and hands, dreaming of joy and love. Thanks to the m...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Percussion Pectoral on Wire Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A very early Robert Lee Morris Necklace, this design if silver tubing, balls, coils and coconut shell, is very iconic of the first decade of Morris' designs. Created originally in th...
Sterling Silver
18k yellow gold cufflinks set with jade – 5.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold cufflinks set with jade – 5.2 grams Detailed description: The front of the cufflink is 1.3 cm wide Total weight 5.2 grams set with - 2 x 1.3 cm round-cut jade c...
Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Shell with Silver Mount – Luiz Ferreira
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Natural Shell with Silver Mount – Luiz Ferreira Portugal, 20th century Decorative natural shell mounted in sterling silver (925/1000) by Luiz Ferreira, combining organic form with r...
Silver
$2,328Sale Price / item|20% Off
7.46ct Natural Turquoise Diamond Fine Bracelet Crafted in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This tennis bracelet showcases a 7.46 ct vibrant oval turquoise, set in 18k yellow gold. Each turquoise measuring 3.5 × 4 mm and beautifully complemented by 0.284 ct of round 1.5 mm ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$60Sale Price|20% Off
1.69 Carats Bluish White Aquamarine Stone Trilliant Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.69 carats Dimensions 8.30x8.25x5.2 mm Treatment none Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape triangular Cut trilliant This exquisite 1.69 carat bluish-white aquamarine ge...
Aquamarine
Padlock Customizable Paperclip Chain with Locket, 14k Yellow Gold, Love Locket
Located in Austin, TX
Paperclip chains meet personalization! This paperclip chain and charm design allows you to completely customize a look that fits YOU perfectly. The chain design has two open rings in...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
LANVIN Paris Rare Mod Large Scale Resin Pendant Necklace & Earrings c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek mod rare large scale resin enamel striped pendant choker necklace c 1970s The large scale resin enamel striped rectangular pendant is suspended from a slinky sinu...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Nina Zhou 5.54 ctw Blue Turquoise Diamond Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Nina Zhou's 5.54 ctw Blue Turquoise Diamond Line Drop Earrings, crafted in luxurious 14k yellow gold, offer a breathtaking display of elegance and style. These earrings feature stri...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
$3,039Sale Price / set|20% Off
2.01 Carat Blue Sapphire 0.61 Carat SI/H Diamond Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Item Code :- SEE-19893 Gross Wt. :- 3.89 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 3.37 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 0.61 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Blue Sapphire Wt. :- 2.0...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.00 Carats E VVS1 Marquise Bypass Toi Et Moi Ring 18K White Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This exceptional engagement ring features two GIA Certified Marquise Shape diamonds totaling 3.00 carats, each weighing 1.50 carats, graded E color and VVS1 clarity. Designed in an e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Full Heart Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Vintage Small Full Heart Pendant Necklace. This timeless and elegant design features the iconic Full Heart pendant measuring approximat...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Organic Shape MADE TO ORDER
Located in Austin, TX
This organic Boulder blue opal is one of the most intense color that this gemologist has every seen. Hand selected to be designed in this incredible ring! We accented the opal with ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari BZero 18 Karat Rose Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet New Box & Papers
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Bvlgari B.Zero1 cuff bangle bracelet is crafted in radiant 18K rose gold and showcases the iconic spiral design inspired by Rome’s Colosseum—a bold symbol of modern Italian styl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural 6.69 Ct Zambian Emerald 7.80 Ct Diamond Drop Earrings 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted in luminous 18K White Gold, these exceptional drop earrings showcase the timeless beauty of natural Zambian emeralds framed by a dazzling halo of natural diamonds. The rich 6...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.45ct 14k gold 4.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.45ct - F - US - ring size US. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53) detailed description top of the ring is 6.8 mm wide weigh...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k 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
Handmade 18K Yellow Gold Large Orb Drop Earrings with Natural Rose-Cut Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
These striking handmade earrings deliver bold scale and refined sparkle. Solid 18K yellow gold forms large, sculptural orbs that drop a full 3.25 inches, creating graceful movement a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Cut 7.91 Ct Certified Diamond Dangle Earrings 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Pear Cut 7.91 Ct Certified Diamond Dangle Earrings 18k White Gold These exquisite three-stone drop diamond earrings, designed to embody timeless elegance and refined brilliance. Craf...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé Black Onyx Turquoise Door Knocker Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold, refined statement with these 14K yellow gold leverback earrings, designed with striking large black onyx circle drops and additional turquoise door knockers suspended fr...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.55 Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.55 Carats Natural Colombian Emerald and 0.87 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emer...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Dramatic Mid-20th Century Gold Turquoise & Diamond Brooch/Pendant 2 3/4 Inches
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The 1960's and 1970's were a time of big cars, big fashion statements, big hopes, and big jewelry too. This well crafted, large, and dramatic, American made 18K yellow gold, diamond ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
3.04 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
An elegant expression of classic gemstone jewelry, these handmade stud earrings feature a beautifully matched pair of natural blue sapphires totaling 3.04 carats, chosen for their ri...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina J. Black & White Pearl Sautoir Lariat with Diamonds
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Pearl Sautoir / Lariat by Marina J. Jewelry. This 'Art Deco' inspired piece is made of all cultured Black & White Pearls woven together into a lace like column. The Whit...
Diamond, Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
GIA Certified 5.00 Carats Heart & Pear Diamonds Toi Et Moi Ring 18K White Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This exceptional Toi Et Moi ring features two GIA Certified diamonds totaling 5.00 carats, composed of a 2.50 carat Heart Shape diamond paired with a 2.50 carat Pear Shape diamond. C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A rare Vintage Alhambra necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This exceptional piece features the Maison's iconic Alhambra motif s...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
La Nouvelle Bague 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds and Green Enamel
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 18 karat yellow gold bracelet is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite enamel work, marrying the class...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Portuguese Carriage Charm 19k Yellow Gold Pendant Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage mid century carriage charm crafted in 19k yellow gold (circa 1980s to 1960s). Crafted in Portuguese 19k yellow gold, the beautiful storybook carriage is won...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.56 Carat Natural Diamond Cluster Statement Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Inspired by the beauty of blooming flowers, this extraordinary diamond cluster ring is expertly handcrafted in luxurious 18K white gold and adorned with an impressive 6.56 carats of ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.40ct 18k gold 16.0 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.40 ct – F/G – VS/SI – 16.0 grams Detailed description: The earrings are 3.2 cm long and 2.2 cm wide. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k yellow gold necklace with coral links – 31.7 grams – 70 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with coral links – 31.7 grams – 70 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 70 cm long and 4.8 mm wide Total weight: 31.7 grams Set with: - 24 x 1.1...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Inlay Stacking Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Inlay Stacking Band Ring Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.17 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.07 CTW G-H SI round natural diamonds Size: 52 (6 US) Widt...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.04 Carat Natural Untreated Burmese Star Ruby and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a 3.04 Carat Natural Unheated, Burmese Star Ruby and 1.21 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the Kin...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
$1,848Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.89 Carat Ruby & Diamond Half- Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This eternity band ring features 2.89 carats of natural rubies, set in 14K Yellow Gold. Each ruby measuring 5 x 3 mm and secured in a sleek channel setting, accented by 0.16 carats o...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Universal Geneve 12494 Compax. 18k YG Universal Chrono Mechanical Vintage Watch.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Vintage Universal Geneve Compax Chrono Watch Ref 12494 Circa 1949-1951 18k Yellow Gold Case EXCELLENT CONDITION for the age. Original Dial. Condition: Winds up and Keeps t...
Stainless Steel
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
$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
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Ring 18k Gold Steel Flex Sz 9 Estate Snake Jewelry
By Bulgari
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Bulgari Serpenti tubogas ring crafted in 18k rose gold & steel (circa 1980s) Diamonds total an estimated 0.10 carats (estimated at G-H color and VS1-2 clarity). The stee...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Steel
Vintage Christian Dior “DIOR” Charm Necklace 20 Inches
Located in New York, NY
A Nod to Iconic French Style and Logo-Inspired Glamour Make a statement with this vintage Christian Dior necklace, featuring four individual charms spelling “D-I-O-R”. Suspended from...
Base Metal
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 9ct gold band has two Iines of beaded detail on the outer edges and in between these there is a delicate line of five diamonds. The diamonds measure 3pts each. Made in Birmingha...
Diamond, Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver, 18K Gold, & Hematite Cabochon Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver, gold, and hematite pendant necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with 18 karat yellow gold elements. With a central bezel-set hematite caboch...
Hematite, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Morganite, Ceylon Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganites & Pink Sapphires Drop Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganites is 5.09 carats. T...
Diamond, Morganite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.02 Carat Natural, Untreated, Pigeon Blood Ruby & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pendant made in Platinum featuring AIGS Certified 1.02 Carat of Natural Untreated, Pigeons Blood Ruby and 0.41 Carats Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sa...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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
Cartier 1970's 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Unisex Curb Link Chain Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a squared yellow gold curb link chain One side is topped with white gold Completed by concealed clasp closure With hinged figure eight safety Stamped for 18 karat gold Nu...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.25 Ct Natural Diamond Eternity Band Ring 18K White Gold Wedding Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Timeless elegance meets exceptional craftsmanship in this stunning natural diamond eternity-style band. Handcrafted in luxurious 18K white gold, this sophisticated ring showcases a c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.50 Carat E VVS2 Square Emerald Diamond Half Bezel Ring 18K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This refined ring features a GIA Certified 1.50 carat Square Emerald Cut diamond, graded E color and VVS2 clarity, selected for its crisp step-cut facets and exceptional purity. Set ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning VAN DER BAUWEDE Geneva Magnum Commander Diamond Chronograph – Cal. 25
Located in Antwerp, BE
MAGNUM COMMANDER SET WITH DIAMONDS, BRAND NEW!!!! WITH BOX & WARRANTY PAPERS MOVEMENT: quartz, caliber 25 FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds, date, chrono functions CAS...
Diamond, Silver
Antique 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This band is plain and modelled in glossy 9ct gold. It could be worn as an every day ring or a classic wedding ring. Made in Birmingham England. Ring Size: Y or 12 Band Width: 7mm ...
Gold
Cartier Diamond Trinity Rolling Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic expression of elegance and symbolism, this Cartier Trinity diamond wedding band ring is masterfully crafted in 18K tri-color gold, blending yellow, white, and rose gold int...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,299
18K Gold Cobra Earrings
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Earring Diameter: 1.00" x 0.38" Total Weight: 3.7 Grams Stamped: "K18" Condition: Preowned, excellent
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Chanel Camelia 18k White Gold Diamond Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Chanel
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Chanel Camelia ring, showcasing the maison’s iconic floral motif in 18k white gold. This ring features an intricate Camelia flower design, a signature symbol in Chanel’s collectio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20K Yellow Gold, Medium Diamond & White Enamel Hamsa Pendant by Buddha Mama
By Buddha Mama
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Discover the timeless beauty and meaningful symbolism of this exquisite Buddha Mama Medium Hamsa Pendant, masterfully handcrafted in 20K yellow gold and adorned with 2.89 carats of b...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel