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.
De Grisogono Frog Ring Amethyst Tsavorite Diamond 18K Rose Gold
By de GRISOGONO
Located in Monaco, MC
De Grisogono Frog Ring in 18K rose gold, set with a cushion-cut amethyst center stone flanked by two sculptural frogs pavé-set with tsavorite garnets and accented with brilliant-cut ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Tsavorite, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 4.08 Carat Natural Untreated Sapphire Ring Made In Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a GIA certified 4.08 Carat Natural Unheated Sapphire and 0.38 Carats of Natural Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability -...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$14,160Sale Price|20% Off
2.05ct Radiant Cut Fancy Yellow SI2 GIA Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A captivating expression of color and brilliance, this elegant three-stone engagement ring centers on a GIA-certified 2.05-carat Radiant Cut Fancy Yellow diamond with SI2 clarity. Th...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage St. John Crystal Collar Necklace, Baguette Design, Circa 1990s
By St. John
Located in New York, NY
Vintage St John Crystal Collar Necklace Circa 1990s. A classic necklace collar with baguettes that make up a domed and rounded necklace. Now, I...
Mixed Metal
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond & Gemstone Evil Eye Chain Link Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond & Gemstone Evil Eye Chain Link Bracelet Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.79 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.36 CTW G-H SI round natural diamonds Ge...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace with turquoise beads and 18k gold 92.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold clasp with turquoise beads necklace with gold spacers - 40 cm Detailed description The necklace consists of 6 rows of turquoise beads, each with gold spacers. Three by th...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
AAA Vintage Akoya Pearl Beaded Necklace, 6.5mm, 14kt Gold Clasp, Japan
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA vintage-style white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a 14kt gold clasp measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yellow...
Tiffany & Co. Signed Platinum Mens Wedding Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Tiffany & Co. signed men's wedding band, expertly crafted in platinum 950. This distinguished 6mm wide ring is designed for the modern gentleman, providing a refined and sophisti...
Platinum
$400Sale Price|50% Off
Skull Ring Sculptural Double Finger Ring Gold Plated Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Ring Sculptural Double Finger Ring Gold Plated Vintage Designer: J Dauphin Size: This has two rings. Us Size 5 1/2 J Dauphin, founded...
Gold Plate, Brass
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duetto Diamond 18K Rose Gold Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant and timeless, this Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duetto is crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold and features the iconic reversible case design. This sophisticated timepiece offers t...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Ring with brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 0.86ct 14k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with white and blue brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.86ct – F/G, blue - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5 – EU 15.75(49) Detailed description the top of the ring is...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Opal Diamond Necklace, 14k Gold, 1 Carat Opal Diamond Halo Pendant w Cable Chain
Located in Austin, TX
This blue opal pendant has a halo of diamonds around it and is set in a beautiful lush 14 karat gold yellow gold cable chain. This is an amazing brig...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
E.HABAN 18k gold lock with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct on pearl necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
E. HABAN 18k white gold clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct – F/G – VS/SI – on a pearl necklace – 55 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 55 cm long and 7.6...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$440Sale Price|20% Off
1.20 Carat Natural Loose Bright Red Spinel Stone Trillion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.20 carat Dimensions 6.5x6.1x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Trillion This 1.20 Carat Natural Loose Bright Red Spinel Stone is a captivatin...
Spinel
Vintage Purple Glass Choker Necklace with Diamante Accents, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Diamante Emerald Shape With Purple Choker Circa 1980s. This piece is so unique. It features eight pieces (a lucky number) of purple glass, surro...
Mixed Metal
Kai Gloria 2ctw AAA-grade Oval Aquamarine Ring in 14K Solid Gold
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A luminous oval aquamarine sits at the center of this design, its clear sky-blue tone offering a sense of calm and quiet brightness. Set in smooth 14K yellow gold, the bezel setting ...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$102Sale Price / item|50% Off
Handcrafted Cushion Black Onyx Solitaire Unisex Ring in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This Handcrafted Cushion Cut Black Onyx Solitaire Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these solitaire ring to make a statement with your look. These solitaire ring create a spark...
Onyx, Silver, Sterling Silver
Earrings with marquise shaped diamond up to 1.00ct 18k gold 2.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire stud earrings set with marquise-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earring is 9.6 mm by 4.0 mm wide Weight 2....
Diamond, 18k Gold
MIKIMOTO K18 Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl Crescent Moon Pendant Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in 台東区, JP
An elegant pendant necklace by MIKIMOTO, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and featuring a lustrous approximately 5.0 mm Akoya cultured pearl. The sculptural crescent moon motif showca...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Picture Locket Ring 14k Yellow Gold Sz 8 Oval Secret Compartment Opens Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish picture locket ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The oval shaped ring is a wonderful sentimental piece. The locket opens to reveal two sections that can accommodate a picture or keepsake. The low rise ring...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k gold lock with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds with pearl necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold clasp set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.36ct – F/G – VS/SI on a pearl necklace – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 ...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Minimalist Baguette-Cut Tsavorite & Diamond Pave Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This minimalist ring showcases a striking 0.2 ct emerald-cut natural tsavorite, set in in 14K yellow gold. The tsavorite measuring approximately 4 x 2.5 mm in size, securely set in a...
Diamond, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jean Paul Gaultier Paris 2010 Couture Collection Extra-Wide Bangle Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare, gorgeous Jean Paul Gaultier Paris resin bangle bracelet features an ethnic-inspired design. The ten spacer bands, in translucent light yellow, are linked with metal wire a...
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Beaded Open Heart Double Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiating charm and delicate craftsmanship, this beaded open heart ring is a beautiful expression of modern romance. Cast in polished 14k white gold (hallmarked 585), the ring featur...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,900Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 1.07ct Oval Ruby & 0.24ct Baguette Diamond Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A striking 18k white gold fine band ring showcasing a vivid 1.07‑carat oval orangish‑red ruby, accented by six baguette‑cut diamonds totaling 0.24 carats. The ruby’s rich, fiery hue ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Audemars Piguet Survivor Black PVD Watch 2616510.00.A002CA.01
Located in Feasterville, PA
Black PVD-coated titanium watch with a robust 42mm case. Features a distinctive octagonal bezel with exposed screws. Black textured dial with luminescent hour markers and hands. Incl...
Titanium
Vintage Multi Color Beaded Quartz Bracelet - 14K Clasp - 7.5" Long - Circa 1990
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage 8.0 mm. round multi color quartz beaded bracelet - featuring a continuous single strand of 23 semi precious gems (green, purple, red, white, black and yellow quartz colors) -...
Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond 2 Row Mosaic Eternity Band
Located in New York, NY
Diamond 2 Row Mosaic Eternity Band Made in Platinum With pave on the baskets ,all around round diamonds Diamonds totaling: 3.37ct Size 6
Diamond, Platinum
Boucheron Quatre White Edition Bangle Bracelet
By Boucheron
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Make a style statement with the Quatre White Edition bracelet on your wrist. Here the Clou de Paris in white Hycream luminates and contrast with the Grosgrain in yellow gold and the...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$360Sale Price|20% Off
4.80 carats Pinkish Red Umbalite Garnet Cushion Cut from Africa
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.80 Dimensions 9.9x9.2x6.2mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity VVS Shape Cushion Cut Fancy Cushion NA This stunning 4.80 carat pinkish-red Umbalite Garnet, sourced fro...
Garnet
$1,647Sale Price / item|30% Off
Pear ruby 14k gold dangle earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear rubies 14k gold dangle earrings. 14k solid gold studs. Red gemstone earrings. Pear ruby statement earrings. Tear drop ruby earrings. By Daizy Jewellery. Metal type: 14kt solid...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond Bean Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Born from the brilliant collaboration between the legendary Tiffany & Co. and the iconic designer Elsa Peretti, this exquisite necklace hails from the celebrated Bean® collection...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.00ct 14k gold 13.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold stud earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 4.00ct – H/I – Pique1 detailed description: The dimensions of the stud are 3.0 cm long by 8.6 mm wide Weig...
Diamond, 14k Gold
From $876Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.78 Ct Multi-Color Princess Cut Sapphire Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring featuring princess cut multi sapphire totaling 2.78 carats, set in 14k yellow gold. Each sapphire measures approximately 2 mm and is arranged in a continuous rainbo...
Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$823Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear garnet 14k gold open ended ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear garnet 14k gold ring. Garnet gold ring. Genuine garnet ring. Open ended ring. Adjustable gold ring. January birthstone ring. Metal: 14 k gold Weight: 3 g. depends from size Se...
Sapphire, Garnet, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$2,351Sale Price / set|20% Off
0.94 Ct Natural Diamond Pear & Marquise Bow Stud Earrings 14k White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Delicate. Luminous. Unmistakably enchanting — these 0.94-carat natural diamond butterfly wing bow stud earrings are the fine jewelry embodiment of feminine grace. Crafted in 2.03 gra...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with sapphire 2.00ct and brilliant cut diamond 0.50ct 3.5 gram 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with sapphire up to 2.00ct and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.50ct N - VS/SI - rm 18(57) Detailed description the top of 8.0 mm wide ring size US 7.75 - EU...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Glowing Indicolite Tourmaline 1.80 Carats Emerald Cut Loose Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.80 carats Dimensions 11.4 x 5 x 3.5 mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity SI (Slightly Included) Shape Octagon Cut Emerald Discover a stunning piece of Pakistan...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Ring 18k Gold Platinum Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Oscar Heyman diamond & ruby ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. Six round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.20 carats (estimated at F-G col...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Kai Snake Protection Emerald-Cut 2.03ctw Aquamarine & Diamond East-West Ring
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Kai Snake Protection Emerald-Cut 2.03ctw Aquamarine & Diamond East-West Ring captures attention with its cool blue aquamarine, set horizontally in an elegant east-west style....
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxurious 18K & 24K Gold Cuff with Greenland Rubies & Diamonds by Victor Velyan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Indulge in the elegance of this extraordinary bracelet, a masterful creation by the renowned designer Victor Velyan. This opulent piece features a stunning array of Greenland rubies,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 24k Gold
Mid-Century 4.55 Carat Black Opal and 1.5 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A fab Mid Century Australian black opal and diamond ring. With a fabulous play of color, flashing between electric blue and green, this captivating cocktail ring is smartly surrounde...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Pristine Vintage Ladies Yellow Gold Oval Piaget Wrist Watch with Diamond Bezel
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This pristine, vintage 18K yellow gold Mid-20th Century ladies Piaget watch with integral Piaget 18K gold band, appears to be in almost new condition. It's clear that it's previous o...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ming's Carved Tiger White Jade Pendant 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone: white jade Pendant Height: ~0.55 inches Pendant Measurements With Bail: 1.95" x 0.80" Stamped: "...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
$941Sale Price / item|69% Off
Citrine 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct citrine 14k gold engagement ring. Citrine gold ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.2 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - citrine 1 ct, round brilliant cut, yellow color ...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Onyx & Pave Diamond Ball Beaded Bracelet
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"Silver:17.52g Diamond:17.04cts Onyx 95 cts" Ball size-10mm-11mm Cross Length-38mm Cross width:26.95mm
Diamond, Onyx, Silver, Gold
20.20ct Fancy Vivid Pink PearSshape Earrings (Treated Color) Natural Diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Natural diamond (earth-mined), certified by GIA/IGI – color permanently enhanced by the HPHT process; not a laboratory-grown diamond. The diamond in this jewelry piece is a natural ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$470Sale Price / item|50% Off
Baguette moissanite half eternity silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Baguette moissanite half eternity ring silver, gold. Silver ring with moissanites. Minimalist baguette moissanites mens, unisex ring. Semi-eternity ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gol...
Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Garnet and Seed Pearl Vintage Ring, Size 7, Unisex
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vintage ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a rich garnet center stone accented by two delicate seed pearls. Weight: 3.0 grams. Ring Size: 7. The setting showcases cl...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Jarin Art Deco Diamante Flower Bracelet Circa 2000s
By JARIN
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Jarin Art Deco Diamante Flower Bracelet Circa 2000s. So stunning. Looks like a Japanese garden. There are bars of pave which have black enamel on top of them, and then there...
Mixed Metal
1.40 Ct Natural SI/GH Diamond Floral Cluster Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Inspired by the symmetry of a blooming flower, these handcrafted stud earrings feature an elegant cluster of pear and emerald-cut natural diamonds arranged in a balanced floral compo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Mother Of Pearl Shell 14k gold Stud Earrings with moissanite.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Natural mother-of-pearl 14k gold studs earrings. Handmade Shell Earrings with moissanite. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrings Mother of pearl beach earrings. Mothers Earrings. Gift fo...
Pearl, 14k Gold
$1,032Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Blue Sapphire & Diamond Wavy Half-Eternity Band Ring in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant half-eternity band features 9 round cut blue sapphire totaling 0.45 crats, set in 14k white gold. The sapphires measure approximately 2.2 mm each and are securely set in...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage huge gold glass modernist designer runway brooch
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with glass • vintage designer runway brooch MEASUREMENTS • 2 3/4" by 2 1/4" CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wea...
Gold
70s Kunzite Square Ring Sz 6.5 Heavy Band Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish kunzite square band in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Kunzite measures 13mm x 11mm (estimated at 6 carats). The kunzite is in very good condition and free of cracks or...
Kunzite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
60s Vintage Woven Dome Ring 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6 Fine Cocktail Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage woven dome cocktail ring (circa 1960s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. With a tightly woven rope design the domed ring is a feast for the eyes! The cocktail ring m...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chrome Hearts Cross Symbol Diamond 22 Karat Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: Authentic Chrome Hearts bracelet crafted in luxurious 22K yellow gold and accented with brilliant natural diamonds throughout. Featuring the brand’s iconic cross symbol ...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1988 Heart-Shaped Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold – 1.96 Carats Total
Located in BILBAO, ES
Bold. Romantic. Unmistakably 1980s. This striking vintage ring from 1988 captures the confident glamour of late 20th-century fine jewelry. At its center sits a beautifully cut 1.02 ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
John Hardy Sterling Silver & Multi-Gemstone Lava Fire Curb Link Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & gem set curb link bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. In the (now retired) 'Lava Fire Link' pattern. Pave-set with round cut iolite, blue topaz, ...
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver