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 Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Starfish Bracelet
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bracelet. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. From the Starfish series. With a safetly link closure. Marked to the the clasp. Simply ...
Sterling Silver
Regal Length Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal length sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace. Fully consisting off genuine turquoises, delicately strung together with solid 14k gold sparkling beads, creating an elega...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rossella Ugolini Anchor Chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini anchor-inspired chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy. Bold Chaine d'Ancre Marine Silver Sterling Necklace, cm 45 in length. 18 inches, grams 41,50. ava...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Platinum & Diamond Pendant Cross 16-inch Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed platinum and diamond pendant necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In platinum. Set with 11 prong-set round cut diamonds throughout. Marked to a tag on the chain. ...
Diamond, Platinum
AAA White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace, 14K Gold Clasp, 18" Length
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a yellow gold clasp measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yellow gold clasp. ...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Signet Ring for Men with Garnet, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art Deco Signet Ring for Men with Garnet, silver, gold. Rectangular Garnet Ring for Men. Men’s Garnet Signet Ring. Vintage Pinky Ring, Gift for Him Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold ...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
18KT Yellow Gold Modern Bezel-Set 0.5ct Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed for both style and functionality, the low-profile bezel setting offers a snag-free finish that is ideal for an active lifestyle. To ensure maximum comfort and security, thes...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Francoise Montague Green Floral Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling resin clip-on earrings for French Jewelry designer Francoise Montague. The floral-inspired, handmade, artisanal shape featu...
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamodns up to 0.20ct 14k gold 11.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with a sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5(55) Detailed description: The top of the ring is oval, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Floating Pearl 14k Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Floating Pearl 14k Gold Ring is a luxurious fine jewelry piece made of solid 14k gold with 10mm freshwater pearl. Inspired by surrealism, this statement piece is designed to ‘float’...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Peridot Birthstone Heart Cufflinks White Enamel 14K Gold by Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
From the "Home Is Where Your Heart Is" Collection Inspired by the feeling of love, comfort, and belonging, the "Home Is Where Your Heart Is" Collection celebrates the memories, mile...
Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Miu Miu Turquoise and Yellow Acrylic Jeweled Bracelet Bangle with Apple Charm
By Miu Miu
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Miu Miu Italy acrylic jeweled bracelet is a cute bangle with a charm. Carved from a transparent acrylic or Lucite material, the piece is paved with crystal rhinestones all aroun...
KIESELSTEIN-CORD ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
KIESELSTEIN-CORD 18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 6.5 – EU 17(53) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Missoni Multi-Strand Multicolor Metal, Lucite and Leather Cuff Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Missoni bangle bracelet, designed by the renowned fashion house. A rare and striking piece, it showcases a cuff shape with a multi-layer design that seamlessly...
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Amethyst Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Amethyst Ring. Emerald Cut Amethyst Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 pi...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long Detailed description The beads are in various sizes, approximately 6 mm to 9 mm. Weight: 49.5 grams With - 115 x 6 mm ...
Coral, Silver
Clear Lucite Bracelet Bangle with Denim Blue Crystal Rhinestones
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Lucite bracelet bangle features a domed shape in a transparent pale yellow color. The bangle is ornate with massive denim blue crystal rhinestones and tiny silver ones. T...
Tiffany & Co. Legacy Aquamarine Diamond 18K White Gold Lariat Drop Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A gorgeous aquamarine and diamond drop necklace from Tiffany & Co., crafted in 18k white gold. The pendant pairs a bezel-set square aquamarine with a graceful pear-shaped aquamarine ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
Purple and Brown Shell Pendant with Diamond and Yellow Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and yellow sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 13.34 carats, Tanzanite & Rose Cut Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Chandelier Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites is 13.34 carats. The Tanzanit...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 5.30 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a GIA Certified 5.30 Carat Natural No Heat, Ceylon Sapphire and 0.86 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
14k Bicolor Gold Link Bracelet with 1.00ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold link bracelet set with old mine cut diamond up to 1.00ct - G/H - SI - 19.5 cm long detailed description: the length of the bracelet is 19.5 cm long by 8.2 mm wide ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Christian Dior Black Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Gilded Hearts
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Dior bracelet features a chunky black acrylic or Lucite bangle with assorted gilded heart designs embedded in the material. The bracelet is engraved on the ed...
Green Jade & Ruby & Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An extraordinary creation from the Ikhor Collection, the Byzantine Violin Flame Earrings by Austy Lee embody the artistry of high jewellery, where musical elegance meets sculptural b...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
$465Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ruby solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Cabochon Ruby Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Ruby Ring. Round Cut Ruby Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$872Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval cab opal ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab opal ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with opal. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - opal 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, colorless. Colorl...
Topaz, Opal, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,162Sale Price / item|50% Off
Octagon peridot ring for men in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Solid Gold Round Peridot Ring For Men's. Mens Solid Gold Peridot Ring. Peridot Cut Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - perid...
Topaz, Peridot, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$872Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval cab pink quarz ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab pink quartz ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with pink quartz. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - quartz 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, pi...
Topaz, Quartz, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$187Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Natural Emerald Octagon Cut Stackable Solitaire Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring features a natural emerald gemstone in a refined octagon shape, secured in a classic four prong setting that allows the vibrant green stone to take center stage. Cr...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Modernist 14K Gold & Citrine Ring with Fluted Motif
Located in New York, NY
Modernist in spirit and elegantly restrained, this American ring centers a richly hued citrine in a sculptural 14K gold setting. The citrine’s warm, golden tones are complemented by ...
Citrine, 14k Gold
$312Sale Price / item|30% Off
Modernist 3.66ct Natural Emerald Bezel Set Solitaire Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This solitaire pendant showcases a 3.66 carat of natural octagon emerald, set in 14K Yellow Gold. The emerald measuring approximately 10 x 8.7 mm, securely set in a sleek bezel sett...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Archival Boucheron 18k White Gold Sapphire Amethyst Diamond Noctua Owl Ring
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Hailing from the highly coveted and now-discontinued Animaux de Collection by the legendary High Jewelry Maison Boucheron, Paris, this magnificent 'Noctua' (La Chouette) owl ring in ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
$1,162Sale Price / item|50% Off
Octagon citrine ring for men in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Solid Gold Round Citrine Ring For Men's. Mens Solid Gold Citrine Ring. Citrine Cut Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - citri...
Topaz, Citrine, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold. Black Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central ...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$465Sale Price / item|50% Off
Sapphire solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Cabochon Sapphire Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Sapphire Ring. Round Cut Sapphire Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold pla...
Sapphire, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1.52 Carat Oval Trillion Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Celebrate life's most meaningful moments with this timeless three-stone diamond ring, handcrafted in solid 18K White Gold. At its center, a brilliant oval-cut natural diamond is beau...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Garnet Bolo Bracelet Stainless Steel
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bolo bracelet is stainless steel. The bracelet features 11 round cut 4mm garnets and is adjustable from 5 to 9 inches. Marks: 316L, S Steel Condition: New/ Never worn
Garnet, Stainless Steel
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Leaf Brooch or Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Italian silver brooch or pin. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a leaf or fern frond. Secured with a pin and safety catch to the reverse. Ful...
Sterling Silver
$517Sale 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
$465Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Garnet and Topaz
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Garnet and Topaz. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Garnet and Topaz Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yellow gold p...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$4,800 / set
Tiffany Bicolor Gold Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Tiffany made earrings in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Alternating diagonally set rows of curved gold rounded bands create something of an abstract leaf design. Clip backs can be c...
18k Gold
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold. Dangle opal earrings. Cocktail earrings with opals. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: opal, oval ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Earrings Vintage Signed
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
A sophisticated and highly collectable pair of vintage earrings by legendary designer Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., showcasing the designer's unmistakable sculptural aesth...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$517Sale Price / item|44% Off
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. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-shap...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Philippe Ferrandis Aqua Baléares Brooch in Aqua and Clear Crystals
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Philippe Ferrandis – The French elegance of high fantasy jewelry Philippe Ferrandis embodies the excellence of the jewel of French designer, combining audacity, refinement and excep...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Pearl necklace with diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold centerpiece set with a pearl, taper, and brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.00 ct – F/G – VS/IS – on a pearl necklace with a silver clasp – 40 cm long Detailed descriptio...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Hermès Glissard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Mother-of-Pearl Quartz Watch
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Hermès Model: Glissard Year: c. 1990s Material: 18k Yellow Gold, Mother-of-Pearl and Leather Dial: Mother-of-Pearl Case Measurement: 20mm Movement: Quartz Weight: 37 Grams Siz...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain
Located in valatie, NY
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain. This high-quality bracelet in 8" is a standard men’s or ladies wrist size. It is characterized by round, interlocking link...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$465Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Amethyst. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Amethyst Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yello...
Amethyst, Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
20th Century 18K Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Signet Ring by ABL
Located in New York, NY
20th Century 18K Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Signet Ring by ABL The fine oval Rhodolite garnet signet gemstone exhibits hidden fire as the pavillion of the gem is facet cut and the ...
Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,058Sale Price / item|65% Off
Flower design 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Flower design 14k gold engagement ring. 1 ct ruby gold ring. Casual ruby ring. Round ruby ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - ruby 1 ct,...
Topaz, Ruby, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$872Sale Price / item|50% Off
Marquise sapphire vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style 14k gold ring. Marquise sapphire and moissanites 14k gold ring. Genuine sapphire ring. Blue sapphire ring. Old style engagement ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.8 gr d...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Diamond Satin Finish 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Link Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This elegant bracelet is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with a sophisticated satin finish and features a beautifully designed series of floral links adorned with sparkling diamonds....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci G ladies rose gold plated wristwatch, Diamond face, watch
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish Gucci G YA125409 ladies rose gold plated wristwatch. This is a bracelet strap watch with a nice sleek and smooth, rose gold plated finish with a chunky retro hoop design l...
Diamond, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Steel
14 Karat Yellow Gold Three-Stone Natural Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Yellow Gold Three-Stone Natural Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 3.41 grams Diamond: Approx. 1.00 carat Marquise I-J SI2 natural diamond Acce...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$604Sale Price / item|35% Off
Emerald solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Emerald Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Emerald Ring. Round Cut Emerald Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,046Sale Price / item|40% Off
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with aquamarine. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) -aquamarine 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, b...
Aquamarine, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
$465Sale Price / item|50% Off
Peridot solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Peridot Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Peridot Ring. Emerald Cut Peridot Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating ov...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Peacock Overtone Black Cultured Pearl Necklace 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Vintage Black Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp in 18K White Gold An elegant vintage necklace composed of lustrous black cultured pearls displaying rich metallic overto...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold