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.
A 1990s High Quality Costume jewelry Gilt metal Italian Bracelet
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exceptional 1990s vintage Italian statement bracelet perfectly captures the bold glamour and high-end craftsmanship of late 20th-century European costume jewelry. Meticulously c...
Gilt Metal
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
Modern Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Egyptian Lotus Flower Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. This yellow gold pendant of Egyptian origin features a domed design stylized as a lotus flower. The design is enameled in light blue, navy blue, and ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Bvlgari Bulgari B.Zero1 Design Legend Rose Gold White Ceramic Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Baltimore, MD
Bvlgari Bulgari B.Zero1 Design Legend 18 Karat Rose Gold White Ceramic Pendant Necklace Metal: 18k rose gold Weight: 13.2 grams Chain: Approx. 18 inches (adjustable to 14.60-17.70 in...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Line Vautrin Talosel Asymmetric Brooch with Multicolor Mirrors
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Line Vautrin designed this stunning geometric Talosel brooch in the 1960s. The rare piece is encrusted with colorful multicolor mirrored glass in a modernist dimensional shape. Shard...
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald & Rose Cut Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 2.26 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pair of Danish Modern Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Salt and Pepper Shakers # 627
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare pair of Georg Jensen sterling silver salt and pepper shakers. Model No. 627. Designed by Ove Brobeck. A rare and fine pair! Date: 20th century Overall Condition: They a...
Sterling Silver
Modernist Sterling Silver, 14K Gold, Onyx, Garnet Cable Bracelet by David Yurman
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
This modernist cable bracelet by David Yurman is a striking example of his signature style, seamlessly blending sterling silver, 14K gold, and an elegant arrangement of gemstones. De...
Citrine, Garnet, Onyx, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vhernier Chrysoprase Diamond 18 Karat Gold Palloncino Balloon Brooch
By Vhernier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized balloon terminating with articulating white gold ribbon tails Featuring pear-shaped crystal quartz cabochon measuring 20.0 x 17.0 mm Transparent colorless - ba...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage David Yurman Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Golden Citrine and Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage 18K yellow gold David Yurman cocktail ring is set with one large, faceted golden citrine weighing approximately 19.00ct. In the center. Flanking the citrine on each sid...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.09 Carat Natural 'AAA' Tanzanite and Diamond Pendant Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pendant featuring a 4.09 Carat Natural Tanzanite and 0.66 Carat Diamonds Made in Platinum. Tanzanite's name was given by Tiffany and Co after its only known source: Tanza...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
Elizabeth Locke 1980's 19 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hammered Dome Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a tall domed yellow gold form Featuring a hammered texture throughout Stamped for 19 karat gold With maker's mark for Elizabeth Locke Circa: 1980s Ring Size: 6 1/4 and si...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Coral Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring Size 5 EU 49
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Style: Coral & Diamond Band Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 49 128369 Gemstones: Coral and diamonds Diamonds: Approximately 0.06 carats total wei...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou 2.14 ctw Turquoise & Diamond Cluster Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A radiant tribute to natural geometry, these Nina Zhou cluster earrings showcase vibrant turquoise stones arranged like star-petaled blossoms, each anchored with a twinkle of natural...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980's 6.55 Carat Blue Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Grooved Unisex Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round bullet-shaped sapphire cabochon weighing approximately 6.55 carats total Semi-transparent medium blue in color and bezel set With a pierced and deeply ridged galler...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.74 Carat Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Great Neck, NY
GIA certified 2.74 carat cushion Pink Sapphire Origin from Madagascar Strong pink color Two Trapezoid diamonds weighing .48 carats total Set in 18k white gold ring
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$499Sale Price|20% Off
1.7Ct Madagascar Ruby Pendant with Natural Diamond Accent: Solid 14K Gold, 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning Madagascar ruby pendant necklace. Featuring a magnificent 1.7 carat natural ruby in a classic 8x6mm cut, this piece radiates deep c...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds K18 Rose Gold Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in 台東区, JP
An elegant Happy Diamonds pendant necklace by Chopard, masterfully crafted in 18 karat rose gold. The iconic open-heart design features Chopard’s signature floating diamond, which mo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Exceptional 21.56ct Untreated Lagoon Tourmaline, Afghanistan, AAA+ Investment
Located in Viena, Viena
lagoon coloured as it occurs with a 21.56 ct Paraiba tourmaline, only purer (98% purity, 1 kl. flag) and with extreme luminosity, a lagoon / lagoon (color blue green or green blue) u...
Tourmaline
3.09 Carat Mozambique Ruby - Cushion Cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 3.09 carat Mozambique ruby — an ideal size for a refined ring or pendant. Rubies are known as the king of gems. This stone comes from the Montepuez mines and was purchased through...
Ruby
18K Gold 0.86ct Blue Sapphire & 0.07ct Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A beautifully balanced three‑stone ring crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, centered with a 0.86ct oval mixed‑cut sapphire displaying a deep greenish‑blue hue—a color profile strongly ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings, 1.42 Carats, 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Classic solitaire studs: a single round brilliant diamond in each ear, held in a four-prong basket that lifts the stone off the lobe and lets light enter from every side. The brillia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,734Sale Price|20% Off
1.89 Carat Natural Pear & Round Diamond Geometric Choker in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
"What catches the eye first on this choker isn't a cluster of stones but the empty space at its center — two pear-shaped diamonds set at the open front, angled toward each other but ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.10 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.10 carat Dimensions 11.0x8.0x5.8mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion AG309 This exquisite 4.10-carat natural bluish-green tourmaline captiva...
Tourmaline
Rachel Koen Diamond Chai Pendant Round Cut 18k Yellow Gold 0.02Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Rachel Koen Chai Pendant crafted in 18K yellow gold with a distinctive textured finish, accented with approximately 0.02 cttw round-cut diamond. The pendant weighs approximately 3.14...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Stainless Steel with Custom White Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "...
Stainless Steel
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fluted Link Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
The David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Link Bracelet is a stunning piece of fine jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted from 18K yellow gold with a fluted link des...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Diamond Band Vintage Platinum Ring Half Hoop Mixed Cuts
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Tiffany & Co mixed cut diamond band crafted in platinum. Four round brilliant cut diamonds are estimated at 0.08 carats, with three emerald cut diamonds estimated at...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Natural Emerald Drop Earrings 1.50 Ct Oval Emerald DangleEarring
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Natural Zambian Emerald Drop Earrings – 1.50 Carat A refined expression of elegance, these drop earrings showcase the timeless beauty of natural Zambian emeralds, ce...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Square-Cut Amethyst Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Square-Cut Amethyst Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring. Contemporary Amethyst and Silver Designer Ring. A bold statement ring crafted from ssilver with gold plating and set with a s...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,007 / item
Square-Cut Garnet Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Square-Cut Garnet Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring. Contemporary Garnet and Silver Designer Ring. A bold statement ring crafted from ssilver with gold plating and set with a strik...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Square-Cut Citrine Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Square-Cut Citrine Architectural Silver Cocktail Ring. Contemporary Citrine and Silver Designer Ring. A bold statement ring crafted from ssilver with gold plating and set with a str...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Cartier Santos Dumont Palladium Metal Black Composite Ballpoint Pen Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and refined, this authentic Cartier Santos-Dumont ballpoint pen showcases the Maison’s iconic aviation-inspired design. Featuring a brushed palladium-finish cap, a sleek blac...
Palladium
$1,889Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Opal, Sapphires, Peridots 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal, sapphires, peridots, topazs 14k gold ring. Genuine opal ring. Opal 14k gold cocktail ring. Multicolor gold ring. Metal: 14 karat gold. ...
Topaz, Black Opal, Sapphire, Peridot, Opal, 14k Gold
$1,585Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Brilliant Ring with invisible Cutting 0.70 ct 0.20 ct looks like one big
Located in Viena, Viena
invisible Setting a great possibility gemstones without setting to see, so you get a composite surface, which acts like a large gemstone, 44 raspberry-colored ruby carrees total ca. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage David Yurman 14K Yellow Gold Cable Hoop & Dangle Earrings
By David Yurman
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
A distinctive pair of vintage David Yurman 14K yellow gold cable hoop and dangle earrings, stamped 14K and D. Yurman behind the posts of each earring, weighing 23 grams. The round ho...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,000,793Sale Price|20% Off
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
Rolex Day-Date 18248 18K Gold Presidential Bark, Diamond Dial Watch c.1991
By Rolex
Located in Ocala, FL
Crafted in 1991, this Rolex Day-Date reference 18248 is an iconic expression of luxury, fashioned entirely in solid 18-karat yellow gold and fitted with the renowned President bracel...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.14 Carat Red and Yellow Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Stackable Bands
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of stackable bands is versatile and can be worn separately or with other jewelry as well as this stack. There are 11 Multi Colored Sap...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,700 / item
14k Gold Bezel Cabochon Gemstone Statement Ring
Located in Missoula, MT
A celebration of color, light, and intention — this ring features five luminous 5mm cabochon gemstones, each bezel set to create a smooth, harmonious flow around the band. Ruby, aqua...
Sapphire, Ruby, Peridot, Citrine, Aquamarine, 14k Gold
$756Sale Price / item|30% Off
Vintage Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring. Art Deco Moissanite wedding ring. Antique style moissanite halo ring. Bezel set moissanite ring. Three 3 moissanite statement ring....
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Solid Yellow Gold Butterfly Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Genuine 14K Gold diamond charm pendant. This particular yellow gold butterfly pendant has small diamonds paved on it, no dull or milky diamonds here, they are all super sparkly and e...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Buckle Ring 9k Yellow Gold Wide Band Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage buckle ring crafted in 9 karat yellow gold. The stylish buckle ring features a charming scrolled design. Currently a size 10 1/2 ...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Hardy 18K Yellow Gold and Diamonds Saddle Ring.
By John Hardy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Iconic craftsmanship. Sculptural presence. Effortless luxury. A bold and beautifully executed piece from John Hardy, this 18K yellow gold saddle ring embodies the brand’s signature ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,050Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Floral Cluster Ruby and Diamond Mini Stud Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A Dainty Fusion of Color and Elegance Add a pop of vivid color to your everyday look with these 14K Yellow Gold Floral Cluster Stud Earrings, showcasing Burmese rubies and natural g...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
CHOPARD 18K White Gold Diamond Watch, Circa 1970s-1980s, 1.50ct
By Chopard
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant Chopard jewelry watch in 18-karat white gold, featuring a round case enhanced by a bezel set with 66 brilliant-cut diamonds framing a unders...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Steel 18k Gold Cuff Ring Vintage Sz 6 Band Signed Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels steel & 18k yellow gold cuff ring (circa 1990s). The stylish cuff ring highlights a steel center bordered with an undulating 18k yellow gold design. The...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Natural Heart-Cut Emerald and Diamond Ring, 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Sometimes the shape says what you want the gift to mean. A green heart sits within sweeping, crossed lines of white gold in this emerald and diamond ring, combining a familiar symbol...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
A Natural Round Tanzanite of 5.35 carat
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, discovered in 1967 and found exclusively in a small mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its limited geographic ...
Tanzanite
Van Cleef Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Lucky Alhambra Between the Finger Ring
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and unique ring featuring a tiger's eye butterfly and a mother-of-pearl quatrefoil. The butterfly's wings are crafted from a single stone, showcasing chatoyant bands that...
Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Atlas 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
An elegant pair of vintage Tiffany & Co. Atlas hoop earrings, beautifully crafted in polished 18K yellow gold and platinum. Each sculptural hoop is accented across the front wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bvlgari Double Circle 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Bvlgari Style: Double Circle Pendant Necklace Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Bvlgari 750 Origin: Italy Design: Interlocking dual open circle pendant symbolizing uni...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 9.2 grams 18k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to . 2.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 9.25 - EU.19.25 (61) detailed description the top of the ring is 2.1 cm wide weight...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
10.47 Carat Sphene/Titanite With Diamond Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This is a simple yet stunning design by Austy Lee, created for sphene enthusiasts. It features a beautiful and clean emerald-cut sphene (Titanite), elegantly held by a golden claw to...
Diamond, Other, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Skull Lighter Case Holder Memento Mori Gun Metal J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Lighter Case Holder Memento Mori Gun Metal Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Lighter Case is a rare archive object, handcrafted in Paris in 2008 and finished in ruthenium platin...
Brass
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Emerald Green Acrylic Lucite Star Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso designed those stunning oversized acrylic Lucite clip-on earrings. The star shape features a dimensional layer with a bright, emerald green color and a mir...
Ming's Mid-Century 14K Gold & Multi-Color Pearl Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold & pearl brooch. By Ming's. In 14 karat yellow gold. Set with 15 high quality pearls with a fine luster in white, grey, and pink tones. With a pin and safe...
Pearl, 14k Gold
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
25.01 Carats Cushion cut Aquamarine Tennis Bracelet Sterling Silver Grandma Gift
Located in New York, NY
25.01 Carats Cushion cut Aquamarine Tennis Bracelet in sterling silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural aquamarine, weighing 25.01 carat. It measures 7.25 inches long in length....
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century 18k Gold, Enamel, and Ruby Italian Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Italian cocktail ring. In 18k gold. With a navette shaped head decorated in blue guilloché enamel and prong-set to its cente...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel