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.
Vintage deLillo Gold Tone Necklace with Red Beads, Circa 1970s
By deLillo
Located in New York, NY
Vintage deLillo Gold Tone with Red Dangling Beads Circa 1970s. This gorgeous necklace features an additional chain in the back, allowing you to adjust the length to sit closer to the...
Mixed Metal
0.32 Carat Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 0.32 Carat Natural Paraiba Tourmaline and 0.58 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Paraiba Tourmalines were only discovered 30 years ago in the Bra...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
Heavy 18k ladybug Brooch - Vintage estate Italian collar brooch - enamel animal
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful Italian Ladybug brooch. This 18k yellow gold animal is set with 11 small but bright brilliant cut diamonds, which combine for approx 0,05 ct. A warm red ti...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1980s ‘Toi-et-Moi’ Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Gold Ring.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Featuring a cabochon-cut sapphire approx. 1.80 ct and an emerald of approx. 1.10 ct, set with twenty-four modern brilliant-cut diamonds approx. 0.25ct in total. Ring size us 6, L½, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold Diamond Accent "L" Initial Charm and Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the understated elegance of this 10K yellow gold bracelet, for an enrapturing shimmer that captures the eye. Central to its delicate cable chain design is a bewit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Double Ram Ruby Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable vintage bracelet by renowned Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis, masterfully crafted in richly textured 18K yellow gold. This bold and highly sculptural design features two o...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ikuo Ichimori Paris Clip-On Dangle Earrings, Circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ikuo Ichimori Paris Drop Earrings, Circa 1970s. These gorgeous earrings were acquired in Paris several years ago from one of my favorite contacts. They are so special. I have...
Mixed Metal
$6,734Sale Price / item|22% Off
South Sea Pearl Drop Diamond Earrings 1.90 Carats 18K
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold earrings featuring four South Sea Pearls measuring 11-13 MM flanked with numerous diamonds weighing 1.90 Carats. Color G-H Clarity SI
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Pair of 18K Yellow Gold Tiffany Bands with Cabochon Rubies and Sapphires
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This tailored pair of vintage Tiffany & Company matching 18K yellow gold bands, set with fine quality natural rubies and blue sapphires, are an unusual offering from the maker. The ...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnet, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Garnet and Topaz A striking pair of garnet a...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Fire of Agni Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Fire of Agni Earrings are part of the FŪRINKAZAN Collection designed by acclaimed jeweler Austy Lee. This exquisite series showcases a variety of captivating color options to sui...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Cartier 2904 La Dona 18k Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch In Stock
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier 2904 La Dona 18k Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch Brand: Cartier MPN: 2904 Case Material: 18k Rose Gold Case Size: 22.5mm Dial: White Dial with Roman Numeral Hour Marker...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Richard Kerr Pink and AB Jeweled Roses Clip-on Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr created these spectacular, eye-catching clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are composed of his trademark pavé crystals. The pieces feature a highly dimensional rose-sha...
$136Sale Price|20% Off
5.90 Carat Natural Loose Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
WEIGHT 5.90 carats DIMENSIONS 12.9 x 10.0 x 7.1 mm CLARITY Eye Clean SHAPE Cushion CUT Custom Cushion ORIGIN Brazil TREATMENT None This 5.90 Carat Natural Loose Amethyst...
Amethyst
Hermes Paris Vintage 18k Yellow Gold French Necklace
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Hermes Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Braided Necklace. Crafted from 18k yellow gold, this necklace exemplifies the luxury and exquisite craftsmanship synonymous with Hermes. Weighing...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 3408 Mechanical Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960s. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 3408. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is Stai...
Stainless Steel
Minimalist 14k Yellow Gold Bezel Set Diamond Solitaire Ring Everyday Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This is a minimalist 14k yellow gold ring featuring a round brilliant-cut diamond in a bezel setting. The diamond is securely encased in a smooth gold rim, allowing for a sleek, mode...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Braintree, GB
An elegant Edwardian ruby and diamond pendant necklace, with a fine platinum chain and a pendant in 18KT yellow gold and platinum. The openwork pendant is set with square cut rubies ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,507Sale Price|20% Off
Every Day Yellow 14k Gold Bangles Bracelet for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Bracelet Yellow Gold 14K Same Bracelet in White Gold Available Weight 10,74 grams Size 19 cm With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva-based jew...
Gold, 14k Gold
2.48 Carat 10x8 Medium Green Colombian Emerald - Oval Cut May Birthstone Gem
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stone: Emerald Weight: 2.48-carats Shape: Oval Cut Clarity: Semi-Transparent Luster: Good Color: Green Measurements: 9.78mm x 7.90mm x 5.48mm Geographic Origin: Colombia Treatment: N...
Emerald
1.53Ct Oval Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant featuring an 1.53 carat oval cut aquamarine set in 14k yellow gold half bezel. Accented by a round brilliant-cut diamond 0.02 carats in a bezel setting above th...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$504Sale Price|20% Off
5.00 Carat Natural Loose Light Color Aquamarine Cushion Cut Pakistan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.00 carat Dimensions 10.6x9.2x7.6mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 5.00 carat natural light-colored aquamarine offers a beautiful...
Aquamarine
Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Serpent Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This large and dramatic silver brooch is commanding in its appearance. What a statement it makes on a winded coat or jacket. the sensuous and iconic style of...
Sterling Silver
$12,187Sale Price|35% Off
Emerald Cut Diamond 5.53cts. Eternity Ring Set in 14k White Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone: EMERALD CUT DIAMOND DIAMONDS: 21 PCS carat total weight: 5.53 CARAT TOTAL WEIGHT color: G clarity: VS1 brand: NONE metal:14K W...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural 17.95 Carat Heart Yellow Sapphire Gemstone Bracelet 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Item Code :- SEBR-41435 (14k) Gross Weight :- 12.64 gm 14k Yellow Gold Weight :- 9.05 gm Yellow Sapphire Weight :- 17.95 carat Bracelet Length :- 7 Inches Long Customization Availab...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 4mm Bead Bracelet in 18K Gold-16.5CM
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Delicate and vibrant, this exquisite bracelet showcases genuine Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads sourced from Arizona’s renowned Sleeping Beauty mine. Known for their vivid, u...
18k Gold
$508Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval garnet silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval garnet silver, gold ring. Garnet solitaire. Plain garnet ring. Diamond cut garnet ring. Garnet engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating o...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
10K Yellow Gold 1/10 Cttw Diamond Paperclip Charm Adjustable Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Infuse your ensemble with a sprinkle of shimmering elegance with this exquisite 10K yellow gold bracelet, masterfully crafted to embrace the whimsical allure of a chic paperclip char...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold with Orange Sapphire and Diamond Ring by Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
An exquisite 18K Yellow Gold Ring featuring a stunning 8.17-carat Orange Sapphire and 1.48 carats of dazzling diamonds. This luxurious piece is designed to captivate and enchant, mak...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pear Cut Blue Sapphire Minimalist Solitaire Ring Everyday Wear
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring features a 0.74-carat pear-cut blue sapphire, securely nestled in a sleek bezel setting. Crafted from 14K yellow gold, its clean lines and polished finish highlight...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
ANGELA CUMMINGS Sculptural Clip-On Earrings In 18Kt Gold With Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
Clips-on earrings designed by Angela Cummings. This is a very rare and beautiful pair of clips-on earrings created by Angela Cummings at her atelier in New York City, back in the 19...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$3,532 / item
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
$71,456Sale Price|20% Off
21.95Ct Certified SI/H Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
21.95Ct Certified SI/H Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry Featuring a continuous line of round brilliant-cut diamonds, this tennis bracelet offers a clean, symmetric...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$13,780Sale Price / item|20% Off
Oval Cluster Natural Zambian Emerald Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Diera, AE
A refined blend of timeless elegance and contemporary styling, this necklace is crafted in premium 18K white gold and adorned with natural Zambian emeralds and brilliant natural diam...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.25 Carat Natural Loose Sea Foam Color Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.25 carats Dimensions 8.3x7.3x6.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 3.25 carat natural sea foam tourmaline displays a beautifully ref...
Tourmaline
1.34 Carat Tsavorite Garnet Cushion Cut Platinum Ring with Bullet Diamonds
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare and collector caliber, one of a kind tsavorite garnet and diamond three stone ring handcrafted in platinum, centering a vivid 1.34 carat natural cushion cut tsavorite. Tsavori...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Tsavorite, Platinum
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, 24.91 carats, Yellow Sapphires & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Yellow Sapphire Chandelier Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Yellow Sapphires is 24.91 carats. The Yellow Sap...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
A & Furst 18 Karat RG Bracelet, 159 Carat Semi Precious, Sapphires and Diamonds
By A & Furst
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Antonini for A & Furst , third generation jewelers from Valenza ,Italy. This amazing 18 karat rose gold bracelet is from their signatu...
Citrine, Diamond, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Gold Tone Diamante Red Buckle Cuff Bracelet, Circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone Diamante Red Buckle Bracelet Circa 1940s. This stunning bracelet has a raised center in the shape of a buckle. The clasp has diamantes on either side. This has the ...
Mixed Metal
$471Sale Price / item|50% Off
Baguette topaz half eternity silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Baguette topazes half eternity ring silver, gold. Silver ring with topaz. Minimalist baguette topaz mens, unisex ring. Semi-eternity ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over ...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Angela Caputi Black and Gilded Resin Disk Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin and metal clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with black resin geometric elements contrasted with an important metallic coate...
Art Deco Inspired 6.68 Carat Ruby and Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Inspired 6.68 Carat Ruby and Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Weight: 6.68 carats Diamond Weight: 0.88 carats total (0.50 round brilliant, 0.38 baguette)** ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$680Sale Price|20% Off
8.90 Carat Loose Pinkish Red Garnet Pair Stone Heart Cut Natural Tanzanian Gems
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.90 carat Dimensions 9.3x11.2x6.5 To 9.5x10x6.4 mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Heart NA This 8.90-carat natural Garnet pair features two be...
Garnet
Seal Charm Bracelet Circa 1890s-1990s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A charming bracelet from the late 20th century featuring gold seals from the Victorian era. This curb link padlock bracelet holds fifteen unique seals of various gold carat, gemstone...
Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Citrine, Onyx, Quartz, Turquoise
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold 4MM Cable Classic Citrine Bangle Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Classic Citrine Bangle Bracelet Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Weight: 13.17 grams Width: 4mm Size: Fits up to a 7 inch wrist Signed: ©D.Y. 750 ...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 5 Ct D Color Flawless Clarity Heart Shape Solitaire Diamond XX-N
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This extraordinary GIA Certified 5.00 carat Heart Shape diamond is graded D color and Flawless clarity, representing the pinnacle of diamond rarity and purity. Classified as Type IIa...
Diamond
$1,766 / item
14k gold ring with opal cabochon: Crescent Moon Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Crescent Moon Ring Opal. Half moon opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Meta...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
$308,000Sale Price|20% Off
8.03 Carat GIA Certified Oval Brilliant Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
A true statement of elegance and grandeur, this extraordinary platinum ring showcases a breathtaking 8.03 carat oval brilliant diamond accompanied by GIA Report #6525755493. Graded G...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Elegant South Sea Pearl Pendant with Diamond Accents in 18K White Gold
Located in Kowloon, HK
Discover the elegance of our handmade South Sea pearl pendant, expertly crafted in 18K white gold with stunning diamond accents. This timeless piece features a simple yet classic des...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,532 / item
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings 14k gold. Topaz, garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets. Weight: 5 gr Metal: 14k gold Central gemstone: garnet, octagon cut, 2 ct each...
Garnet, Topaz, 14k Gold
$4,240Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, carved Aquamarine, Mozambique Rubies & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby & Aquamarine Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the carved Aquamarines is 18.70 carats. The weight of ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,104Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Bulgari B.zero1 Stainless Steel Bangle Watch with Mother-of-Pearl Dial
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A chic and elegant timepiece from Bulgari’s iconic B.zero1 collection, this bangle watch embodies the maison’s fusion of Italian design and Swiss watchmaking. Movement: Quartz App...
Steel, Stainless Steel
14K Yellow Gold 1.8Ct Pear Cut Emerald Station Chain Necklace Fine Jewelry Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant station necklace in 14K solid yellow gold showcases 1.8 carats of pear-cut emeralds, each measuring 3x2 mm and meticulously bezel-set for a sleek, modern look. Arranged ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.11 cts Certified Oval Muzo Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful oval muzo emerald and diamond halo ring, with a center gemstone weighing 4.11cts and certified by CD and MUZO. The ring, which is mounted in platinum and 18K yellow gold,...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
14K White Gold 0.41 CT Natural Baguette Diamond Channel-Set Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Jaipur, IN
Architectural cool, diamond discipline — these 14K solid white gold huggie hoops feature continuous channel-set natural baguette diamonds along their full visible arc. Step-cut geome...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
$2,413Sale Price|25% Off
New Made 14k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Decorated Moon Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 New Made 14k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Decorated Moon Pendant Necklace In very good condition. Total weight is 4.7 gram...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unique green and yellow gems flower earrings studs silver, black rhodium
Located in Istanbul, TR
Green lab emerald Yellow Lab Sapphire Flower Stud Earrings in Black Rhodium Sterling Silver. These unique flower stud earrings are crafted in sterling silver with a dramatic black r...
Yellow Sapphire, Emerald, Rhodium, Silver
20.63 Carat SI/H Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Choker Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Celebrate this festive season with a touch of pure brilliance. Our 14K gold diamond choker necklace is more than jewelry — it’s a statement of timeless elegance. Handcrafted in soli...
Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct and ruby 18k gold 8.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.80ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is 9.8 mm wide ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold