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.
Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Essential Pearls Necklace, Modern Design, 16"
Located in Sewickley, PA
Timeless and elegant, this "Tiffany & Co. Essential Pearls Collection" necklace is a classic staple for any jewelry collection. Measuring 16 inches in length, it features luminou...
Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, 32.53 carat Tanzanite cabochon, Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Tanzanite & Emerald Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. the weight of the Tanzanite cabochon is 32.53 carats. The Tanzanite is responsibl...
Diamond, Emerald, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet Classic Model 18K Yellow Gold Size 18
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Love bracelet, classic model, crafted in 18k yellow gold. Authentic and beautiful, this bracelet is a statement of luxury and class. New style screw system. Width: 6.1mm. Siz...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Diadea Diamond Stud Earrings
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of vintage Cartier Diadea diamond stud earrings set in 18k yellow gold.
Each earring features Cartier's distinctive Diadea motif, featuring an open marqui...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$534Sale Price / item|44% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Amethyst and Peridot
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Amethyst and Peridot. Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yellow gold plating over Weight: 4.2 g. depends from size. ...
Amethyst, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
20.23ct Vivid Neon Bluish Green Natural Paraiba Tourmaline NECKLACE 18K White
Located in New York, NY
Among the world’s most coveted colored gemstones, natural Paraiba tourmaline is celebrated for its extraordinary copper-bearing chemistry—responsible for the legendary neon blue-gree...
Diamond, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Statement 6.23-Carats Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in Montréal, CA
Diamond Platinum Statement Brooch with 6.23 Carats, Vintage This vintage diamond platinum brooch is an exceptional statement jewel, masterfully crafted in platinum and set with 6.23...
Diamond, Platinum
Genuine 18k Rolex 3833 Watch. 18k WG Rolex 31mm CELLINI 3833.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Rolex Cellini Wristwatch Just underwent full service. Ready to go. Ref. 3833 Round Circa 1971 1600 Rolex Movement Silver Dial Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechani...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Neon Pink Fluorescent Multi-Strand Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking Angela Caputi made‑in‑Italy resin choker necklace is one of the most surprising and memorable pieces we have ever encountered from the celebrated Italian designer. Craf...
$569Sale Price / item|40% Off
Men’s Topaz Geometric Statement Ring, Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Square-Cut Blue Topaz Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring. Contemporary Blue Topaz and Silver Designer Ring. A bold statement ring crafted from ssilver with gold plating and set with...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
1.72 Carat GIA Certified Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring, Vivid Red, 18K White Gold
Located in Plantation, FL
A refined and elegant ruby and diamond ring centered by a vibrant 1.72 carat natural Burmese ruby, displaying a rich vivid red hue with excellent presence. The oval brilliant-cut ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$60,800Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Soleste engagement ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Tiffany & Co. Soleste engagement ring is finely crafted in platinum and showcases a stunning 2.08 carat oval brilliant cut center diamond, graded G color and VVS2 cl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$768Sale Price|20% Off
5.05 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.05 carat Dimensions 12.9x7.9x6.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald Introducing a stunning 5.05 Carat Natural Loose Lagoon Green Tour...
Tourmaline
Vibrant Citrine 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
* we offer complimentary resizing on all of our rings Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary bright yellow Citrine ring set in rich 14-carat matte yellow gold. At its he...
Citrine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,005 / item
Unisex Oval Cabochon Citrine Signet Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 Sterling Silver Citrine Ring. Unisex Oval Cabochon Citrine Signet Ring. 925 Silver Yellow Citrine Statement Ring. Yellow Rhodium Plated Citrine Ring. Minimalist Natural Citrine R...
Citrine, Rhodium, Silver
$1,005 / item
Unisex Oval Cabochon Amethyst Signet Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 Sterling Silver Amethyst Ring. Unisex Oval Cabochon Amethyst Signet Ring. 925 Silver Purple Amethyst Statement Ring. Yellow Rhodium Plated Amethyst Ring. Minimalist Natural Ameth...
Amethyst, Silver
$1,005 / item
Unisex Oval Cabochon Opal Signet Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 Sterling Silver White Opal Ring. Unisex Oval Cabochon White Opal Signet Ring. 925 Silver White Opal Statement Ring. Yellow Rhodium Plated White Opal Ring. Minimalist Natural Whit...
Opal, Silver
$1,005 / item
Unisex Oval Cabochon Garnet Signet Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 Sterling Silver Garnet Ring. Unisex Oval Cabochon Garnet Signet Ring. 925 Silver Red Garnet Statement Ring. Yellow Rhodium Plated Garnet Ring. Minimalist Natural Garnet Ring for ...
Garnet, Silver
$1,005 / item
Unisex Oval Cabochon Onyx Signet Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 Sterling Silver Green Onyx Ring. Unisex Oval Cabochon Green Onyx Signet Ring. 925 Silver Green Onyx Statement Ring. Yellow Rhodium Plated Green Onyx Ring. Minimalist Natural Gree...
Onyx, Silver
$1,005 / item
Unisex Oval Cabochon Peridot Signet Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 Sterling Silver Peridot Ring. Unisex Oval Cabochon Peridot Signet Ring. 925 Silver Green Peridot Statement Ring. Yellow Rhodium Plated Peridot Ring. Minimalist Natural Peridot Ri...
Peridot, Rhodium, Silver
$1,005 / item
Unisex Oval Cabochon Rose Quartz Signet Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 Sterling Silver Rose Quartz Ring. Unisex Oval Cabochon Rose Quartz Signet Ring. 925 Silver Pink Rose Quartz Statement Ring. Yellow Rhodium Plated Rose Quartz Ring. Minimalist Nat...
Quartz, Rhodium, Silver
$1,005 / item
Unisex Oval Cabochon Topaz Signet Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Ring. Unisex Oval Cabochon Blue Topaz Signet Ring. 925 Silver Blue Topaz Statement Ring. Yellow Rhodium Plated Blue Topaz Ring. Minimalist Natural Blue...
Topaz, Silver
18K White Gold 8.09ct Oval Diamond Tennis Bracelet, Modern Design
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite 18-karat white gold tennis bracelet seamlessly blends brilliant artistry with timeless elegance, weighing approximately 14.69 grams and measuring 6.50 inches in length...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,005 / item
Unisex Oval Cabochon Black Opal Signet Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 Sterling Silver Black Opal Ring. Unisex Oval Cabochon Black Opal Signet Ring. 925 Silver Black Opal Statement Ring. Yellow Rhodium Plated Black Opal Ring. Minimalist Natural Blac...
Opal, Black Opal, Rhodium, Silver
Necklace and Pendant - 14.12 Carat Pear-Shape Emerald and 37.68 CTW Diamonds.
Located in Miami, FL
An extraordinary exhibition of high-jewelry grandeur, this masterfully crafted platinum set pairs an investment-grade, monumental emerald pendant with a breathtaking, fully articulat...
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Wavy Cuff Bracelet 6.5 Inches Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous vintage cuff bracelet is sterling silver. It measures 7/16 of an inch and tapers down to 1/4 of an inch and has an inner circumference of 6 1/2 inches including the 1 1...
Sterling Silver
26655 Tiffany Co Soleste 0.37 D VS2 Cushion Diamond Double Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Center cushion diamond weighs 0.37ct Diamond D color VS2 clarity Diamond has crown inscription ''T&Co.T08090202'' All round side diamond total weight 0.28ct Total carat weig...
Diamond, Platinum
15 Carat Total Diamond Weight Diamond 14 KY Gold Tennis Bracelet GIA Certified
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This elegant bracelet showcases a refined design, featuring a series of 35 GIA certified round, brilliant-cut stones set in a warm yellow gold setting. Each stone is meticulously sec...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Large Gold Mesh Cuff Bracelet 53 Grams Solid Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
New Mesh Designer Bangle Cuff Real Solid 18k Yellow Gold Approx 53 grams Unique Beauty of mesh all made with real gold Modern Design Bold but Elegant ! Width approx 2' Inch Diameter ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
11-12mm Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K Gold, PSL Certified
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.42 ct Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring set in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
A captivating 3.42-carat natural emerald-cut emerald commands attention with its rich green hue. Encircled by approximately 0.95 carats of mixed-cut diamonds, each boasting F/G color...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver 18K Gold 4mm
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Both classic and contemporary, this David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet adds a beautiful touch to any ensemble. Crafted in 925 Sterling Silver with a classic X-motif in the...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Viena, Viena
Most beautiful opal earrings of all time what a firework in opal white, lively, fine translucent full opal cabochon from Ethiopia totaling approx. 2.44 ct, AAA+ set in 750 white gold...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 8.21 carats, Morganite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 8.21 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.1...
Morganite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dazzling Ladies Late 1970's Piaget Watch in 18K Gold w/Oval Diamond Dial & Bezel
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This deftly crafted vintage ladies Swiss Piaget dress watch is both scintillating and elegant. The large oval dial is set with pave single cut diamonds, and the bezel is set with mod...
Diamond, 18k 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
GIA Certified Natural 3.92 Carat Emerald Cut Pink Diamond Type IIA Ring
By HAZAN
Located in New York, NY
A Natural, GIA certified Pink Emerald Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring. No enamel, no paint under the diamonds…..just a gorgeous, blush Natural Pink, hall of mirrors. Set in Platinum an...
Pink Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Rose 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
6.06 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Oval Ruby weighing 6.06 carats Diamonds are .87 carats total Set in 14 karat white gold ring with a yellow cup Ruby is a nice red color and super spready
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond Anchor Necklace 14k Yellow Gold 19" Chain Estate Ocean Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed diamond Anchor pendant & necklace crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Diamonds total an estimated 0.30 carats (estimated at I-J color and VS2-I1 clar...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Diana Inspired 17 Carat Natural Tanzanite Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in רמת גן, IL
nspired by the timeless elegance associated with Princess Diana, this exceptional high jewelry necklace centers on a magnificent 17 carat natural oval Tanzanite displaying a rich roy...
Diamond, Pearl, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Aaron Basha 18k Gold Pink Pig Charm with Diamonds, Modern Design
By Aaron Basha
Located in Sewickley, PA
This Aaron Basha 18k pig charm iis a delightful expression of playful luxury and fine craftsmanship. Rendered in glossy pink enamel, the plump pig is adorned ...
Diamond, 18k 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
Amethyst February Birthstone Diamond Heart Choker 14K Gold by Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
From the "Home Is Where Your Heart Is" Collection Inspired by the feeling of love, comfort, and belonging, the Home Is Where Your Heart Is Collection celebrates the memories, milest...
Diamond, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Enamel
Vintage South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very large and distinctive 18K white gold bypass ring projects beauty and drama in equal measure. Two large light cream rose South Sea Pearls bypass each other at the ends of la...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
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
Angela Caputi Pearlized Cocoa Brown Resin Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Angela Caputi resin choker necklace, made in Italy, features a multi-strand design in lovely pearlized cocoa brown with black contrast. The flat, slightly domed, oval peb...
Ring with baguette and brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.00ct 10k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
10 kt bicolor gold ring set with taper and brilliant cut diamonds 3.00 ct F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5 - EU. 15.75(49) detailed description: the front of the ring is 3.0 cm wide ...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold
Cartier French 2.78ct Diamond Cocktail Ring 18k White Gold Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Cartier ring, epitomizing dynamic elegance and masterful design. Crafted from luxurious 18-karat white gold, this ring features a captivating 1.10-carat round brilliant c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pristine Vintage Ladies White Gold Piaget Watch Marquise Diamond & Emerald Bezel
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This distinctive and beautiful 18K white gold vintage ladies Piaget cocktail watch, offered by the formidable watchmaker in the early 1980's, is perfect in every respect. A round white bark finish dial with black baton hour markers is surrounded by a bezel of twelve alternating marquise cut diamonds and fine quality Colombian emeralds. The words Piaget and Swiss are visible on the dial. Total approximate diamond weight is 1.15ct of overall H color and VS1 clarity. Emeralds are vibrant and have a total weight of approximately 1.00ct. The integral, Piaget bark...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$457Sale Price / item|50% Off
Opal solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Cabochon Opal Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Opal Ring. Round Cut Opal Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$509Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style peridot, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style peridot, topazes dangle earrings silver, gold. Peridot, topazes earrings. Cocktail earrings with peridot. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Cen...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Silver Tone Mesh Wrap Tie Necklace Lariat, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Mesh Wrap Tie Silver Tone Necklace Lariat Circa 1980s. This can be worn in so many ways. I have shown several in the photos. If you're looking for an Elsa Peretti piece th...
Mixed Metal
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Brooch Diamond Pendant 18 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite brooch is handset with 3.73 carats Zambian emerald and 3.20 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the late...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Minimalist 1.08ct Pear-Cut Blue Sapphire & Diamond Stud Earrings 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These stud earrings feature 1.08 carats of natural pear-cut blue sapphires, set in 14K white gold. Each sapphire measuring approximately 6 x 4 mm, secured in classic prong settings....
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980's Gold Plated And Faux Pearl Dangle Clip On Earrings, French
Located in North Miami, FL
This charming pair of 1980's French dangle clip on earrings are gold plated fleur de lis design with heart shaped exterior and faux pearl drop. Says Made In France. Could go day to n...
Pearl, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Modern 0.17ct Diamond Chevron Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking ring features a unique, sculptural design characterized by tapered chevron-style ribs that wrap elegantly across the finger. Alternating bands of high-polish 14K yellow...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermes Kelly Large Mesh Cuff Bracelet 18K Rose Gold
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
Hermès Large Kelly Bracelet in 18k Rose Gold: A Bold Statement of Iconic Design This Hermès large Kelly bracelet is a striking piece, crafted in 18k rose gold with a dense woven gol...
18k Gold, Rose Gold