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.
$534Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Persephone Garnet Coin Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Greek Goddess Persephone Coin Pendant. Persephone Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Persephone Goddess Necklace with Pomegranate Symbol A beautiful two-sided Persephone goddess coin pendant crafted in sterling silver with rich gold plating. One side features a detailed raised portrait of Persephone...
Garnet, Gold, Silver
Crystal Zirconia Tiara Crown Marquise Design Statement Headband
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Luxurious Semicircular Radiant Shimmering Crystal Tiara Crown Head Ornament. Intricately Hand-crafted and Hand set with an array of Sparkling Crystal Zirconia. Wow!...
Crystal
$435Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Round Zircon Chevron Tennis Bracelet in 7 Inch Sterling Silver Strand
Located in New York, NY
This shimmering bracelet showcases sparkling round zircon gemstones, crafted in 925 sterling silver. Designed in a contemporary chevron inspired tennis style, each shimmering round z...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
1980s Vintage Christian Dior Gold Tone Blue Crystal Dome Clip On Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of dome clip on earrings designed by Christian Dior in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated, features dark blue, icy blue and clear crystals. Signed: “Chr. Dior” (shown ...
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Disc Pendant Oval Link Necklace 17 In
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Disc Pendant Necklace, featuring Peretti’s signature sculptural round disc suspended from an elongated oval-link chain. Crafted ent...
Sterling Silver
$250Sale Price|50% Off
Sterling Silver 2.40ct Squared Deep Red Garnet 3 Stone Ring, Size 6.75
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A clean, modern three‑stone design in polished sterling silver, set with 2.40 carats of square‑cut garnets. The larger center stone delivers a rich, wine‑red focal point, framed by t...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 9.05 carats Morganite, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Ruby Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 9.05 carats. The weight of the Ru...
Diamond, Morganite, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,584Sale Price|20% Off
Slack Signed 14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Cat Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate whimsical luxury with this charming Slack signed 14K yellow gold Emerald and Diamond Cat Brooch, a beautifully crafted designer piece that blends playful artistry with time...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Solid Gold Large Retro Virgin Mary Charm, French Vintage rectangle Religious
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning French mother Mary charm. This lovely pendant depicts a praying virgin Mary. This big medallion is crafted in 18 ct yellow gold and hallmarked with a French...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman 7mm Sterling Silver, Citrine, & Diamond Classic Cable Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver, citrine, and diamond cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. In the 'Classic Cable' pattern. Each terminal with a band of pave-set diamonds and ...
Citrine, Diamond, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 8.23 carats, natural Nigerian Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.97 carats. The trapeze Emerald is complete...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$521Sale Price / item|44% Off
Flower design Amethyst Earrings Studs with Colorless Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Floral Amethyst Earrings in Gold with Enamel Flowers and Sparkling Stones. Floral Amethyst Cocktail Earrings Silver, gold. Elegant Floral Amethyst Earrings. These earrings feature a...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Cleopatra Collar Necklace 14k Yellow Gold 16" Fringe Choker Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage 'Cleopatra' fringe necklace crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1980s). The choker length collar necklace sits nicely at the nape of the neck, graduating from 1/4 to...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Natural Aquamarine Gemstone 925 Silver Ring With Diamond Studded Shank
Located in New York, NY
This shimmering ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a 0.72 carat natural oval aquamarine as its captivating centerpiece. Sparkling diamond accents totaling 0.15 carats...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Classic Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant piece is a classic 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace. It features a continuous, flexible strand of round brilliant-cut diamonds, each meticulously held in a tradit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Black & White Pearl Sautoir Lariat with Diamonds
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Pearl Sautoir / Lariat by Marina J. Jewelry. This 'Art Deco' inspired piece is made of all cultured Black & White Pearls woven together into a lace like column. The Whit...
Diamond, Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
$272Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Sterling Silver Domed Cluster Ring with Round Cut Multisapphires
Located in New York, NY
This striking 4.17 carat round cut multisapphire cocktail ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver. The gemstones are artfully clustered to create a vibrant dome of color, showcasing a...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 66.46ct Total
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a vibrant statement with these spectacular 14K yellow gold turquoise and diamond clip-on earrings, expertly designed to showcase the timeless beauty of natural turquoise in a bo...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage David Yurman Sterling Silver & Blue Topaz Infinity Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & topaz ring. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. From the 'Infinity' series. With a prong-set cushion cut blue topaz. Marked to the shank. Together ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Sterling Sapphire Band Ring Size 7.5 Elsa Peretti
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful band ring is a product of Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. It is sterling silver with a genuine sapphire. Measurements: 2.5mm wide Size: 7 1/2 Marks: Tiffany & Co, 925...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Zambian Emerald and Spinel 18K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
This minimalistic pendant showcases a rare and captivating emerald and spinel celebrated for its remarkable natural colour transition and distinctive character. Carefully selected fo...
Emerald, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Knot Stud Earring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glossy 9ct gold superbly tied in a knot make the most stylish design for these earrings. Knot Diameter: 15mm Height From Ear: 9mm Weight: 3.8g
Gold
1990s Modern Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet 7 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, mod style cuff bracelet is sterling silver. The face of this cuff measures 7/8 of an inch at its widest point and tapers down to 3/8 of an inch. It has an inner circu...
Sterling Silver
Edouard Rambaud Paris Mat Finish Gilded Metal Sun Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning sun brooch created by French designer Edouard Rambaud, Paris. The piece features a carved and textured design with a gilt metal in mat finishing. The brooch has a security...
Gilt Metal
14K Solid White Gold Diamond Ring with Ruby
Located in Naples, NY
I ship all my products from the USA! Not my handwork! I'm selling my used CIRARI Ruby and Diamond ring! I bought it about 3 years ago on Gemshoping TV. At that time I wore white go...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Courreges Paris Cobalt Blue Acrylic Lucite Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Courrèges
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Courreges Paris Lucite or acrylic resin bangle bracelet features an important cuff design in a transparent cobalt blue color with a cone shape. The piece is signed on t...
Francoise Montague Gold Swarovski Crystal Charm Necklace, 18 Inches
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Beautiful charms in different size of Swarovski Crystals in purple, pink and clear set on gold with A show stopper! A collector’ piece. Francoise Montague took over the De Saurma j...
Crystal, Gold
Earrings with sunstone and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.09ct 18k gold 2.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sunstone and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.09ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 1.5 cm long by 4.4 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Panthère Ruban Stainless Steel Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Panthère Ruban watch crafted in stainless steel, featuring the collection’s distinctive integrated bracelet design and an elegant ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,150Sale Price|50% Off
18K Gold 0.70ct Squared Emerald & 0.10ct Diamond Channel Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A sleek study in symmetry and saturated color, this 18k gold channel‑set band ring features a vibrant procession of ten square‑cut emeralds (0.70 carats total) punctuated by two squa...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K Egyptian light solid yellow gold Scarab charm - good luck amulet - Beetle
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 karat solid yellow gold and depict a magnificent scarab, in ancient Egypt,...
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Oval Checkerboard Faceted Prasiolite Diamond Albion 18KYG/SS Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
David Yurman Albion Prasiolite & Diamond Ring crafted in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold, featuring a large oval checkerboard-faceted prasiolite gemstone accented by sparklin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire Briolette & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphires stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 7.16 carats. The weigh...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Tag Chain Link Charm Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Tag Chain Link Charm Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 34 grams Length: 7.5 inches Signed: Tiffany & Co. 925 SD F35002495
Weiss c.1960s Square Rhinestone Brooch
By Weiss
Located in Alford, MA
Weiss rhinestone brooch, c.1960s, of square shape arranged in a square within a square, each composed of rectangular stones on all sides centering square crystals at the corners and ...
Crystal
c1990 Vintage Tiffany & Co X Ring 18k Yellow Gold Band Sz 5 Signed Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co 'X' dome ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1990). Dating to 1990 the low domed band is a classic! Crafted in buttery 18k yellow gold the ring is...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$540Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle oval amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Silver Drop Earrings. Elegant vintage-style earrings with oval amethys...
Topaz, Amethyst, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
0.34 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful band ring featuring 0.34 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmalines and 0.60 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Paraiba Tourmalines were only discovered 30 year...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
$534Sale Price / item|44% Off
Athena Wisdom Coin Two-sided Necklace Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Athena Wisdom Coin Pendant. Aphrodite Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Athena Owl Coin Pendant Necklace. A beautiful two-sided Athena wisdom coin pendant crafted in sterli...
Gold, Silver
Earrings with emerald up to 5.00ct and diamonds up to 5.00ct 18k gold 16.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ear clips set with emerald up to 5.00ct and brilliant and marquise cut diamonds up to 5.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip ar...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arples Vintage Alhambra Mother-Of-Pearl 18K White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K White Gold Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Mother-of-Pearl Earrings. These iconic earrings feature the maison’s signature Alhambra clover motif, beautifully crafted in 18...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold with silver ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75ct – G/H – SI – ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5(55) Detailed description the top of the ring ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso 18k Gold & Citrine Cabochon Olive Leaf Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Tiffany gold and citrine earrings. By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each earring with a bezel-set citrine cabochon and with a ol...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire & Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphire is 1.06 c...
Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Betty Cooke Midcentury Modern 14 Karat Gold Coin Pearl Necklace
By Betty Cooke
Located in Towson, MD
This Betty Cooke necklace pairs cultured coin pearls with sculptural 14 karat gold, a hallmark combination from one of American modernism's most influential studio jewelers. Betty Co...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.65ct 18k gold 7.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.65 ct – G/H – VS/SI – Ring size US 5.25 – EU 16 (50) Detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-shap...
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Burmese Jadeite & Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee contemporising traditional jadeite into sculptural, avant‑garde wearable art, these Jadeite Earrings transform heritage craftsmanship into a bold, modern statement. At the...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver Bolo Bracelet with 6.05ct Amethyst Cross
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful bracelet is sterling silver with a bolo style, adjustable closure. It features a stunning cross created from 11 emerald cut 4x6mm amethyst gemstones estimated to be 6....
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Resin Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Pink and Glitter Abstract Pattern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior bracelet bangle features an acrylic resin or Lucite statement piece with a neon hot-pink background and an abstract pattern in black, gray, and hot pink...
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in University Place, WA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Arno Alhambra family, crafted in 18k white gold and set with a cluster of four round brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a quatrefoil patter...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jean Louis Scherrer Paris Gilded Jeweled Bangle Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Jean Louis Scherrer Paris link bangle bracelet features a geometric shape in shiny metal, adorned with resin cabochons in transparent turquoise blue color. The security...
Tiffany & Co. 1837 Element Sterling Silver Cuff Bangle
Located in New York, NY
A modern sterling silver cuff bracelet from Tiffany & Co.’s iconic 1837 collection. The openwork design features raised plaques engraved “T&CO.,” “1837,” and “925,” framed by...
Sterling Silver
Rare Substantial Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Pyramid Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Seaman Schepps 18K yellow gold Pyramid bracelet 20th Century Provenance: Estate of a prominent New York socialite This rare, stunning...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men’s Black Onyx Ring with Arabic Calligraphy Design
Located in Istanbul, TR
Arabic Calligraphy Black Onyx Signet Ring for Men. Men’s Black Onyx Statement Ring with Arabic Ornament. Kufic Arabic Calligraphy Men’s Black Onyx Ring...
Onyx, Silver
$527Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Citrine briolette earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November birthstone earrings. Vintage style citrine earrings. Art deco silver earrings...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet Box & Papers Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 11.6 grams Gemstone: Mother of pearl Length:; 7.5 inches Retail: ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Gingerbread Man Charm Pendant in Silver with Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A whimsical Tiffany & Co. charm pendant designed in the form of a gingerbread man, crafted in sterling silver and accented with blue enamel. The playful silhouette is enhanced by...
Silver, Enamel
14KT Rose Gold Teardrop Dangle Earrings with Honeycomb Filigree Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
The primary feature is a pear or teardrop-shaped drop element with an intricate honeycomb or open-work filigree pattern. Small, round diamonds are set within the structure and at the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
3.05 Carat Natural Burmese Rubies and Diamonds Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful bracelet made in Platinum featuring 3.05 Carats Natural Burmese Rubies and 1.69 Carats Natural Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Set in 18K white Gold, 3.39 carat Rubellite, Pink Opal & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite & Pink Opal Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubellite is 3.30 carats. The weight of ...
Diamond, Opal, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold