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.
Vivid Lagoon Tourmaline Diamond 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
This exceptional ring is crafted in radiant 18-karat white gold and crowned with a truly rare treasure: a lagoon colored Tourmaline of extraordinary beauty. Its vibrant tiffany mint ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Eternity ring with oval cut sapphire up to 6.30ct 18k rose gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold alliance ring set with a sapphire totaling 6.30 ct - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed description The ring is 4.1 mm wide and 4.5 mm high. Ring size US 7.25...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
3.16 Carat F/VS1 Marquise & Round Diamonds Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These classy stud earrings feature Marquise Shape and Round Brilliant Cut diamonds totaling 3.16 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for their exceptional brilliance and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Organic Form Diamond Sterling Silver Rosa Maria Statement Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Hand hammered silver signet ring with a crown of rose cut icy yellow diamonds by Lebanese designer Rosa Maria Provenance: estate sourced from the collection of a noted NYC psychiatri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Natural Turquoise Door Knocker Earrings 0.58 CTW
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these bold yet refined door knocker earrings, crafted in luminous 14K yellow gold and accented with 0.58 carats of sparkling diamonds. At the hea...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Tiffany & Co. Sapphire Cabochon Cigar Band Ring
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the 1970’s, this 18k gold vintage Tiffany & Co. ring is a simple, wide cigar band with a central natural blue cabochon sapphire. The sapphire is a saturated dark blue; when...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, 1980
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare estate Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW diamond double sphere east west 18K yellow gold and platinum cocktail ring 20th Century This fabulous double sphere diamond ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$986Sale Price / item|44% Off
Sapphire and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Blue sapphire and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring. Art deco style sapphire ring in 14k gold. Art nouveau style ring. Oval cabochon sapphire ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g. d...
Peridot, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Augis 18-Karat Gold Libra Zodiac Plaque Pendant All Gold
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A sophisticated and rare vintage astrological treasure from the acclaimed House of Augis. This exceptional plaque pendant, meticulously crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, feature...
Gold, 18k Gold
3.80 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.80 carat Dimensions 8.9x7.2x6.7mm Treatment None for Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 3.80 carat Natural Pink Kunzite is a beautifully crafted gemston...
Kunzite
$502Sale Price / item|50% Off
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3 gr Gemst...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Dangle earrings with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.22ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with amethyst and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.22ct – G/H - VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earrings are 2.0 cm high by 8.1 mm wid...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,121Sale Price / item|35% Off
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones peridot, olive green, ova...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold
Necklace of pearl 18k gold claps with brilliant cut diamond up to 2.20ct 46.8 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp with white gold intermediate pieces set with brilliant cut diamonds total 2.20ct - F - VS - on a pearl necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: The total le...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Flower Ring Size 52 (6)
Located in Boca Raton, FL
An exquisite expression of refined elegance, this Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole ring is crafted in 18 karat rose gold and designed in the coveted eight-flower motif, creating a bold...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ring with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 15.0 grams 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with amethyst and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI- ring size US 9 - EU 19 (60) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
10K White Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This stunning retro ring is 10k white gold. It features 4mm synthetic sapphires and diamond accents. The face of this ring measures 7/16 of an inch north to south. Size: 10 Marks: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold
Genuine Ruby Bolo Bracelet Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bolo bracelet is sterling silver. It was made for Kay by Chuck Clemency. It features 7 oval cut, 4x5mm ruby gemstones. The bracelet is adjustable from 5 to 9 inches. ...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 4.00 carat, natural Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Pendant Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Pendant set in 18K White Gold. The weight of the pear shaped Diamond is 4.00 carats. Other Diamonds weight is 0.20 carat...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
2.85 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Engagement Ring with Diamonds
Located in McKinney, TX
Brilliant 14 karat yellow gold sapphire & diamond engagement ring. Featuring one oval-cut sapphire weighing 2.85 cts., accented by twelve full-cut diamonds weighing a total of 0.35 ...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
2000s Hermès Paris 925 Silver Collier de Chien Ring
By Hermès
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a “Collier de Chien” ring designed by Hermès in 2000s. The piece is crafted in 925 hallmark silver. Signed (see photo gallery) Comes in an original box. The condition of th...
Silver
$516Sale Price / item|70% Off
Peony flower ring with opal
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peony flower ring with opal. Silver flower ring with opal. Opal cabochon ring. Nature inspired jewelry. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3.5 gr depends from size G...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Diamond Daisy Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim’s 18k Gold Diamond Daisy Ring showcases a radiant cluster of diamonds arranged in a bold floral silhouette, set in her signature matte-finished gold. The split shank adds ba...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$478Sale Price / item|60% Off
Garnet and amethyst silver earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet and amethyst 14k gold earrings. Red and purple gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: silver + 14k gold plate Weight: 4 gr Gemstones amethyst, pu...
Amethyst, Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
Panthère de Cartier Black Lacquer Tsavorite Garnet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A bold and iconic design from Cartier, this Panthère de Cartier ring is crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold and showcases the maison’s legendary panther motif. The sculptural panthe...
Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 2.00 Carat Natural Round Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Platinum 2.00 Carat Natural Round Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 2.86 grams Diamonds: Approx. 2.00 CTW H-I SI round natural diamonds Size: 7 (US) Width: ...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,078Sale Price / item|40% Off
Sapphire, Amethyst 14k Gold Earrings Studs.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst, Sapphire 14k gold earrings studs. Purple, blue gemstones earrings. Material: 14k gold. Weight: 2.3 gr. Size Earrings: 10x16.6mm Central stones: Natural Sapphire - 2 piece...
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Inside-Out Hoop Earrings with Sapphires & Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate a classic silhouette with a modern, high-luxury update. These 14K yellow gold inside-out hoop earrings feature a sophisticated twist-lock prong setting, showcasing baguette-c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
12.28 Carat Purple Spinel & Pink Diamond Ring, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A masterwork of contemporary high jewellery, the Purple Swirl Ring captures the hypnotic beauty of fluid dynamics in precious form. At its heart lies a magnificent 12.28‑carat cushio...
Pink Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
lack Opal Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold – 85ct Natural Opal
Located in Chatsworth, CA
A breathtaking expression of luxury and rarity, this black opal and diamond heart pendant necklace showcases an extraordinary large cabochon-cut natural opal, radiating mesmerizing f...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
GIA Certified Natural Emerald &Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Cluster Platinum Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Natural Colombian Emerald and diamond three stone Ring This Colombian emerald has a beautiful combination of color and tone. The emerald is 70% primary green color with a medium inte...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Hoop Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These delicate hoop earrings feature rare Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise from Arizona’s now-closed Sleeping Beauty mine, celebrated for its pure, vibrant robin's egg blue color wi...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Bulgari Diagono Automatic Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Classic Bulgari Diagono Automatic Stainless Steel case and bracelet ladies wristwatch. The name Diagono is inspired by the Greek agon, or competition. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
18K Yellow Gold, Red Jasper & Diamond Egypt Scarab Ring by Silvia Furmanovich
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Striking and symbolic, this captivating ring by renowned designer Silvia Furmanovich showcases her signature blend of fine craftsmanship and cultural inspiration. Inspired by ancient Egyptian motifs, the “Egypt Scarab Ring...
Diamond, Jasper, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold U-Shape Hoops w/Champagne and White Diamonds by Audrius Krulis
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
18K Yellow Gold U-Shape Earrings by Audrius Krulis are an elegant fusion of modern design and refined craftsmanship. Measuring 3/4" in length, each earring features three sparkling c...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. by Paloma Picasso 18 Karat Gold and Citrine Cocktail Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Zurich, CH
Striking 18 karat yellow gold and citrine cocktail ring by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co., 1980s. Sculpted cocktail ring entirely crafted in 750 yellow gold and bezel-set with...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard Platinum .77TCW Diamond Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard platinum six diamond necklace Romantic, timeless, classic. Diamonds: Brilliant full cut, approximately .77 TCW, 6 diamonds Marks: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Silvorra Modern 2.55ct Emerald & Ruby Inlay Bypass Silver Ring Wedding Gift
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 925 sterling silver ring showcases a graceful, flared design centered around a luminous 8x6 mm oval natural emerald. Curved shoulders on either side are channel-set with...
Emerald, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier Panther Panthère Yellow Gold & Silverium Emerald Pearl Bracelet Vintage
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A striking and highly collectible design from Cartier, this vintage Panthère bracelet is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and silverium, featuring five elegant strands of luminous pea...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$431Sale Price / item|55% Off
Peridot 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot 12 MM Huggie Earrings, green gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Earri...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings, 2.80ct Rubies
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold stud earrings set with rubies up to 2.80 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.00 ct – H/I – Pique Detailed description: The stud earrings are 1.9 cm long and 1.7 c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Union of Color and Timeless Craftsmanship Infuse your ensemble with a regal pop of color through this Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet. Featuring 15 oval-...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Modern Pear Cut Aquamarine Solitaire Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These minimalist aquamarine stud earrings feature two pear cut aquamarine gemstones prong set in 925 sterling silver. Each light blue gemstone measures approximately 3 x 5 mm, with a...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silvorra 1.14CT Modern Minimalist Heart Cut Aqaumarine 925 Silver Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These elegant stud earrings feature 1.14 carats of heart shaped aquamarine, set in 925 sterling silver. Each gemstone, measuring approximately 6 × 6 mm, is cut into a soft heart shap...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silvorra Minimalist March Birthstone Aquamarine Stud Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and feature two pear shaped aquamarine gemstones. Each stone measures approximately 3 × 5 mm, showcasing a soft, light blue ton...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
18k Aquamarine pendant, 25 carats, 18k basket setting
Located in Cohasset, MA
Emerald cut 18k Aquamarine 25 carat pendant. 18k basket setting with jumping.
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Silvorra Everyday 925 Silver Minimalist Heart Shaped Aquamarine Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These delicate stud earrings feature 0.41 carats of heart shaped aquamarine, set in 925 sterling silver. Each gemstone, measuring approximately 3 × 4 mm, is beautifully cut into a so...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
$897Sale Price / item|42% Off
Art-deco style moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style moissanite 14k gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring. Delicate ring. Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Metal: 14k gold Central stone: moissanite Cut: round Weight:...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$526Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Solitaire amethyst ring. Amethyst silver, gold ring. Amethyst statement ring. Amethyst cocktail ring. Metal type: 925 silver + 14k gold plating Weight: 4 g depends from size Gem...
Amethyst, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Pristine Vintage Ladies White Gold Piaget Watch Marquise Diamond & Emerald Bezel
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This distinctive and beautiful 18K white gold vintage ladies Piaget cocktail watch, offered by the formidable watchmaker in the early 1980's, is perfect in every respect. A round white bark finish dial with black baton hour markers is surrounded by a bezel of twelve alternating marquise cut diamonds and fine quality Colombian emeralds. The words Piaget and Swiss are visible on the dial. Total approximate diamond weight is 1.15ct of overall H color and VS1 clarity. Emeralds are vibrant and have a total weight of approximately 1.00ct. The integral, Piaget bark...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Evil Eye Ring with Diamonds 18 Ct Gold Handmade
Located in London, GB
A modern talisman handcrafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, centred by a vivid natural Colombian emerald and framed within Leto Lama’s sculptural eye motif. Hand-engraved sunburst lines...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
$478Sale Price / item|50% Off
Red garnet cabochon ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with garnet cabochon. Red garnet statement ring. Cocktail garnet ring. Birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size. Gemston...
Garnet, Gold, Sterling Silver
$559Sale Price / item|25% Off
Art-deco style moissanite silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style moissanite silver, gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring. Delicate ring. Two moissanite ring. Weight: 3.5 g. depends from size Metal: 925 silver plust 14k gold pla...
Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ring with princess and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.56ct 18k gold 6.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with princess and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.56ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.5 - EU 16 (50) detailed description The top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Genuine Emerald and Pink Topaz 14K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite octagon-shaped pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. At its heart shines a radiant emerald-cut pink topaz, ce...
Emerald, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$746Sale Price / item|40% Off
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold. Flower gold earrings. Pear ruby earrings. Red flower earrings. 14k solid gold Size: 10 x 7 mm. Total weight:...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Fancy Green Yellow 4.63ct Oval Center Diamond Platinum & 18K YRingellow
Located in Derby, NY
A rare natural fancy green-yellow diamond takes center stage in this sophisticated engagement or anniversary ring. The 4.63-carat oval center stone showcases exceptional color satura...
Diamond, Platinum
$581Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Opal saturn ring. Opal cosmic ring. Metal stamp: 1...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with ruby up to 2.40ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold stud earrings set with ruby 2.40ct and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description The stud earrings are 1.0 cm long by 8.3 mm wide wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$839Sale Price / item|40% Off
Pear peridot east west ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear peridot east west ring. Peridot solitaire ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Main stone peridot Color: green to oliv...
Peridot, 14k Gold