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.
14 K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Diamond Halo Cluster Ring Estate Jewelry
Located in London, GB
14 carat Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Diamond Halo Cluster Ring Estate Jewelry. The pearl is surrounded by a sparkling halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds, creating a classic cluster ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Chaumet Paris 18K Yellow Gold Gemini Zodiac Pendant Necklace
By Chaumet
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Chaumet Gemini pendant, expertly crafted as a freeform yellow gold medallion, features a richly textured, organically rippled surface. At its center, the Gemini twins are depict...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst Pebble Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
An iconic Verdura Pebble bracelet crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, designed with a single line of glowing oval amethyst cabochons displaying vivid ...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Purple Stone and 9 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This a gorgeous round stone, and large which is sure to be a show stopper! The stone is purple but also has navy blue and all different tones running through it. The setting is kept ...
Gold
Genuine Arizona Turquoise and Sapphire Bead Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Embrace yourself with blue sparkling gemstones that create a seabreeze around your neck. The facetted shapes of the stones enhance this necklace’s beauty, with precious stones featur...
Turquoise, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Stephen Webster Crystal Haze Butterfly earrings opalescent blue, black diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
From the Crystal Haze collection are these Butterfly Cuff Earrings set with Black Opalescent and Quartz Crystal Haze and Black Diamond Pavé. Come and try them on! Inspired by noctur...
Crystal, Black Diamond, Quartz, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Akoya Pearl Dangly Diamond Earrings 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Earring Dimensions: 18mm x 5.7mm Total Weight: 1.3 Grams Diamond Count: 2 brilliant cut Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS Tot...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$49,600Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 12.00cttw 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage Tiffany & Co. bracelet rendered in 18K yellow gold, showcasing an intricate nugget-inspired design that feels both organic and sculptural. The surface is composed ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$571Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethyst, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethyst and Topaz. Elegant vintage-in...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Diamond Portuguese 19.2 Karat Yellow Gold 1980s Floral Cocktail Bracelet
Located in Lisbon, PT
Vintage Diamond Floral Bracelet, Portuguese 19.2 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1980s. An elegant vintage diamond bracelet crafted in Portugal during the 1980s, executed in the country's ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950's Diamond Sapphire Platinum Pansy Flower Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional pansy flower centering a prong set round brilliant cut diamond Weighing approximately 0.20 carat - fancy greenish yellow in color with VS2 clarity Featuring...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Effy Diamond Compass Pendant Necklace in 14 Karat Gold with Mother-of-Pearl
By Effy
Located in North Miami, FL
Inspired by navigation, adventure, and timeless style, this striking Effy compass pendant necklace combines fine craftsmanship with distinctive design. The circular pendant features ...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold
Vintage Bulgari Astrale Cerch Diamond Necklace in White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Bulgari Astrale Cerchi diamond necklace set in 18k white gold.
The necklace features circular openwork motifs set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, formin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,407Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Ring Band, 4 Row Ring, 14 Karat White Gold, Stack, Fashion, Modern
Located in Austin, TX
This stunning beautiful white gold band dripping with four rows of diamonds provides a look that is very classic and modern at the same time! This ring is very fashionable and can ad...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Nefertiti - Royal pendant - 18 karat solid yellow gold charm - good luck amulet
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this unique and powerful Egyptian charm which is one of our new favourites! It is crafted in 18 ct yellow gold and depict the magnificent queen Nefertiti, a Queen in anci...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.49 Carat SI/H Round Brilliant Cut Graduated Diamond Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 7.49 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$63Sale Price|20% Off
1.85 Carats Loose Citrine Stone Trillion Cut Natural Natural Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.85 carats Dimensions 8.75x8.72x5.51 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loupe clean Shape Triangular Cut Trilliant This exquisite 1.85 carat citrine gemstone, s...
Citrine
Vintage 70s Nugget Ring 24k Gold Diamond 14k Stacking Band Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage nugget & diamond ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (the gold nuggets are 24k gold). One estimated 0.10 carat round brilliant cut diamond is set int...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.25 Carat Blue Sapphire 3.18 Carat SI/H Diamond Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
2.25 Carat Blue Sapphire 3.18 Carat SI/H Diamond Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold features diamond chain with blue sapphire heart set in center making a chain bracelet. Sapphire is belie...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 3.4 mm high...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Pomellato Sirene 18k Rose Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring Sz 6
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Pomellato ring, crafted in 18k rose gold, featuring pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds. Ring size 6 Brand: Pomellato Metal Purity: 18k Color: Rose Main Stone: Diamond Size: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.17 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 0.17 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and 0.29 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Paraiba Tourmalines were only discovered 30 years ag...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
Nina Zhou Heart Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Tennis Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Embrace timeless romance and radiant elegance with the Nina Zhou Heart Aquamarine Sapphire DIamond Tennis Necklace. This stunning piece showcases a delicate arrangement of heart-shap...
Aquamarine, Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Aqua and Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sitting proud at the centre of this wonderful cluster ring is a sparkling aqua stone. Around the 5 1/2ct aqua stone sit a halo of smaller diamonds each measuring approximately 4pts e...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Purple Spinel Ring with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents in Solid 14K Gold, 7x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural purple spinel glows in a rich grape-purple at the centre of this solid 14K white gold ring, accented by six earth-mined diamonds. Spinel is completely untreated and prized ...
Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Necklace with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 5.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with brilliant-cut diamond total approx. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI – 50 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 50 cm by 0.7 mm wide the dime...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Topaz Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Topaz Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings. Weight: 5 g...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with morganite up to 6.50ct and diamond up to 0.30ct 18k gold 13.2 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ear clips set with morganite and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 4.1 cm long by 1.4 cm wi...
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold
$252Sale Price|20% Off
10.30ct Natural Ametrine Loose Gemstone, Baguette Cut from Bolivia
Located in Bangkok, TH
Exquisite Natural Ametrine Loose Gemstone, Available for sale at wholesale price natural high quality 10.30 Carats Loupe Clean Clarity Natural Ametrine From Bolivia. Product Informa...
Amethyst
$353Sale Price / item|40% Off
Personalized Family Portrait Pendant - custom any photo or picture pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Personalized Portrait Pendant, Family portrait pendant, Memorial Gift, Necklace For Women, Silver 925, carved mother of pearl. Custom any photo, picture or message pendant! You sen...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
18k gold lock with single cut diamonds up to 0.10ct on a coral bead necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold lock set with single-cut diamonds up to 0.10ct – F/G – VS/SI on a coral bead necklace – 1.00 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 100 cm lon...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Chanel Camelia Ring. Genuine CHANEL 18k 750 Camelia Onyx Chalcedony Ring.
By Chanel
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Chanel Ring Black and White Camelia Collection Details: Onyx and White Chalcedony carved twin flowers Diamond Paved leaves. 5.75 ring size 51 6.8grams total Please ask ...
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
$384Sale Price / set|20% Off
Emerald Flower Everyday Stud Earrings for May Born in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Flower Everyday Stud Earrings in 18K Gold to make a statement with your look. You shall need studs earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings create a sparkl...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Modernist 14 Karat Gold and Smoky Quartz Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine large modernist 14k gold and smoky quartz cocktail ring. With a large faceted pear shaped smoky quartz prong set in a 14 karat ...
Quartz, Gold
Emerald-Cut Emerald & Trapezoid Diamond Platinum Ring, 2.69ct AGL
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking statement ring showcases a magnificent 2.69-carat emerald-cut emerald, boasting a vivid and captivating green color as verified by an accompanying AGL report. Crafted i...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Niessing 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with Azurite & 1.10ct Diamonds
By Niessing
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with azurite and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.10 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description The front of the ring is 3.0 cm w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.20 Carat Natural Loose Parti Sapphire Stone Oval Cut Madagascar's Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.20 carat Dimensions 9.2x7.7x5.0mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval This 3.20 carat natural Parti Sapphire from Madagascar showcases a captivati...
Sapphire
Guy Ellia 18 Karat Gold Time Space Quantieme Perpetual Calendar Watch, #2/200
By Guy Ellia
Located in New York, NY
This is a VERY RARE timepiece, #2/20 produced 18 KT Rose Gold Quantieme Perpetual Calendar Reference #OR TSP 2388 QP Manual Wind Exhibition front,back and side Day, month,date & moon phase 43 hour power reserve 46.8 mm Made in Switzerland Charcoal grey crocodile strap with 18karat rose gold buckle...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Horse Charm Pendant 14k Yellow Gold Animal Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage horse charm crafted in 14k yellow gold. The sweet charm features a trotting horse set within a circular mount. The piece...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier LOVE 18k White Gold Classic Model 10 Diamond Size 16 Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier LOVE 18k White Gold Classic Model 10 Diamond Size 16 Bangle Bracelet *Rhodium plating needs to be redone* Designer: Cartier Collection: LOVE Style: 10 Diamond Bracelet M...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Twilight Ethiopian Opal Necklace, Titanium and 24K Gold Inlay by Zoltan David
By Zoltan David
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Embrace the ethereal beauty of the Twilight Ethiopian Opal necklace, a mesmerizing creation by the visionary Zoltan David. This extraordinary piece featur...
Opal, 24k Gold, Stainless Steel, Titanium
2.21 carat Diamond Earrings, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Product Details: Diamond - 116 pcs - 2.21cts 18K White Gold Dimension of Earrings: L52.3 x W20.4 x D5.6 mm Including 18K Ear Nuts with hood for maximum support Stamped Hallmarks: AU...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald engagement ring. Oval emerald ring. Emerald gold ring. Emerald vintage style ring. Natural emerald ring. Classic emerald ring. May birthstone emerald ring. Wedding gold ring ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
Bvlgari Monete 18kt Gold Earrings with Diamonds, 4th Century Coins.
By Bulgari
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Two ancient coins from the 4th century BC. Light and Dark. One female and one male. The woman Opuntia - 360-350 ac, the man Olyntnos 432 - 348 ac. The earrings measure 17,8 x 18,7mm,...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tigers Eye and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This tigers eye stone is truly mesmerising. They give the classic brown colour with fine stripes of darker brown running through it. The setting is modelled in 9ct gold. Hallmarked L...
Tiger's Eye, Gold
Ebony beads bracelet with Tahiti pearl and silver bead
Located in Boostedt, SH
This bracelet is made of black Ebony sandalwood beads combined with a Tahitian pearl and silver beads. Black cotton coated elastic band. Meaning: Tah...
Pearl, Silver
Vintage Christian Fish Ichthys Buckle Bangle Bracelet Mexican Silver 6.5"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, vintage Ichthys bangle bracelet is sterling silver with brass buckle and loop. Measurements: 5mm wide, 2 by 2 1/2 inches in diameter, adjustable from 6 1/2 to 7 inches...
Silver, Brass
Silvorra 5.06 Carat Midnight Blue Sapphire & Diamond Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 925 sterling silver, this elegant floral cluster ring showcases nine natural oval cut blue sapphires totaling 5.06 carats, accented by 0.13 carats of sparkling round diamo...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline Cabochon Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Hamburg, DE
An exquisite bracelet crafted from 18K white gold, featuring seven mesmerizing Paraiba tourmaline cabochons totaling 38.83 carats. These exceptional Paraiba tourmalines are from old ...
Tourmaline, Paraiba, White Gold
$1,147Sale Price / item|35% Off
Ruby vintage style 14k gold ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval ruby ring. 14k gold ring with ruby. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size. Gemstones: Ruby: oval cut, 1 ct, red color, transparent. Other stones: Topazs: round brill...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Braid Rope Stack Ring, 14K Gold Braided Stackable Band, LR4910
Located in Austin, TX
This lovely band has a beautiful braided design! Accented by the lovely 14 karat yellow gold, this ring is an amazing fashion band and stackable ba...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$35,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Rare Rouleaux 18K White Gold Onyx, Ruby And Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of Cartier's celebrated Rouleaux collection, this 18K white gold ring showcases the maison's mastery of geometric design and exceptional gemstone craftsmanship. Th...
Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,400Sale Price|50% Off
Brutalist Cuff Nut Bolt Bracelet Statement Silver Plated Paris J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist Cuff Nut Bolt Bracelet Statement Silver Plated Paris J Dauphin Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this heavy archival cuff bracelet is a collectible stateme...
Brass, Silver Plate, Silver
Cartier Juste un Clou 18K White Gold Classic Bracelet with Diamonds, Size 15
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet redefines elegance with its innovative design. Crafted in 18k white gold, it transforms a common nail into a statement of luxury. The Juste un C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
4.28Ct Zambian Emerald Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold Curb Chain
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant showcases a single octagon-cut Zambian emerald weighing approximately 4.28 carats, masterfully set in 14K yellow gold. The emerald, measuring about 11 x8 mm, is ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Sky Blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
This may be the one of a kind sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise bracelet, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on this beauty! This very rare form of turquoises continue to be a f...
Turquoise
Sky Blue Aquamarine Kyanite & Diamond Woven Silver Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this exquisite Aquamarine, Kyanite & Diamond Yellow Gold Vermeil Bracelet, a refined piece designed to add effortless sophistication to any jewelr...
Diamond, Kyanite, Aquamarine, Silver
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Gun Metal Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Statement Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Gun Metal Mesh Studs Designer: J Dauphin Cuff Bracelet with Mesh and Studs in Gunmetal Rhodium Plating, 3" Height, Made in Paris, 2008 Cuff brac...
Rhodium, Brass
IGI Certified 1.15 Carat Paraiba and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Prepare to be mesmerized by a gemstone that feels as if it were plucked from a dream. This IGI-certified Cuprian Tourmaline Ring is a radiant homage to the "holy grail" of the gem wo...
Diamond, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.28ct 14k and 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with an 18k yellow gold pendant set with brilliant-cut and single-cut diamonds up to. 1.28ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description necklace is 45...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold