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.
Necklace and hartshaped pendant with brilliant cut diamonds 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with a pendant set with brilliant cut diamonds 1.50ct - F/G - VS - 45 cm long detailed description the necklace is 45 cm long and 1.0 mm wide the pendant ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,068Sale 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
$890Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear emerald and pearl 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald engagement ring. Pear emerald ring. Emerald vintage style ring. Wedding gold ring with emerald. Metal type: Gold Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 gr. depends from size. Ce...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,187Sale Price / item|50% Off
Octagon amethyst ring for men in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Solid Gold Round Amethyst Ring For Men's. Mens Solid Gold Amethyst Ring. Octagon Cut Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - ame...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.19ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with pendant set with pearl and single-cut diamond 0.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide. The ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
1.70 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.707 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and 0.71 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds h...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1990s Vintage Lalique Gold Tone Crystal Ondine Cocktail Ring
By Lalique
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage Ondine cocktail ring designed by Lalique in 1990s. It is crafted in base metal and is gold plated. The piece features crystal. Signed with “Lalique”. Comes in an o...
Cartier Juste un Clou Classic Model 18k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Sz 16
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet in Yellow Gold. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this bracelet embodies the transformation of an ordinary nail into a piece of fine jewelry. The design feat...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum & 1.05 Ct. Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage eternity band ring. In platinum. With 30 channel set round single cut diamonds (1.05 TCW ±) set around the circumference. Accompanied by a GEMLAB (Gemological Appr...
Diamond, Platinum
18K Gold Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Zig-Zag Scribble Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
These iconic, bold lyrical Tiffany & Co. earrings were designed by Paloma Picasso in 1983 as part of her scribble collection, inspired by the street art of NYC. The zig-zag shape...
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$540Sale Price|44% Off
Wave Design Garnet and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet Wave Ring with Topazes. Garnet and Topaz Wave Ring. Garnet and Topaz Ring with Wave Motif. Graceful and sculptural, this ring features a luminous 7 mm garnet framed by a flow...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Monique Vedie Line Vautrin Student Green Talosel and Mirror Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Monique Vedie (1924-2021) Resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a stylized geometric flower shape with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a beautiful li...
Fleur de Lis Chandelier Earrings studs with citrine in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Fleur de Lis Earrings with citrine and colorless topazes. Vintage Inspired Statement Earrings. Weight: 4.5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemst...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Angela Caputi Black and Gray Floral Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these sophisticated made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces boast a black contrast with a warm gray color. The dimensional, dangling, carved resin bl...
$890Sale Price / item|50% Off
Heart topaz ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Heart topaz ring in 14k gold. Heart shape engagement ring. 1ct heart topaz ring. Solitaire heart ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size...
Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Vintage Tubogas Diamond Choker Tri Color 18k Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 2023 This vintage choker necklace is finely crafted in 18k multi-tone gold. The necklace features the distinctive Tubogas design, showcasing intertwining bands of yellow, whit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.90ct Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Ring CERT 18k Gold Sz 6.25 Wide Band Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural Ceylon (no heat) sapphire ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1980s). Natural sapphire measuring approx. 10.0 x 7.0 x 4.8mm (approx. 2.90ct). The sapphire is in ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
De Grisogono Diamond Cocktail 18k White Gold Ring
By de GRISOGONO
Located in Feasterville, PA
A symphony of circles, light, and luxury. This striking De Grisogono creation captivates with an intricate design of intertwined circles, each pave set with 3 carats of round brilli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Leto Lama Three Emeralds Snake Ring 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
Three Emeralds Snake Ring A snake band of 18-carat yellow gold winds around the finger like molten light, its form culminating in three vivacious emeralds that glimmer green hues wi...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,080Sale Price / item|65% Off
Flower design 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Flower design 14k gold engagement ring. 1 ct citrine gold ring. Casual citrine ring. Round citrine ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - c...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.17 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 1.17 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 2235928458 Diamond: 1.17 carat E VS1 Emerald cut natural diamond Accent diamonds: Appro...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Genuine Pink Rose Quartz Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary pink rose quartz pendant set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a 7-carat hand-cut pink rose quartz that shimmers with...
Quartz, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
RIng with brilliant and baguette shaped diamonds up to 3.40ct 18k gold 6.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold ring set with a central brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.20 ct - N/O - VS/SI - and taper and baguette-cut diamonds up to 1.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 1.50 carats, natural Diamonds modern Band Bridal Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Diamonds is 1.50 carats. The Diamonds are of VVS -...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$522Sale Price / item|44% Off
Split Shank oval sapphire engagement silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Split Shank oval sapphire engagement silver, gold ring. Vintage Style Oval sapphire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval sapphire. Oval Pin...
Sapphire, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Monique Vedie, Line Vautrin Student Resin Clip Earrings Pistachio Flower
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Monique Vedie resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a daisy-shaped design with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a textured pattern in glittering pistach...
$6,750Sale Price|25% Off
1.30cttw. Ruby & White Diamond Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specification: Stone: Ruby Stone Cut: Oval Ruby Weight: 1.3 ctw Ruby Color: Red Secondary Stone: White Diamond Secondary Stone Cut: Mixed Diamond Color: White Metal: 18k White Gold T...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. GIA Certified 4.31 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined and timeless three-stone ring by Tiffany & Co., showcasing an exceptional natural emerald of impressive presence and rich green color. At the center sits a 4.31 carat ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$427Sale Price / item|55% Off
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, blue gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Earrin...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
$513Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Oval cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
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
Set in 18K Gold & Rhodium, Spinel, Sapphires, Amethyst & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Spinel, Sapphires, Amethyst Three-Stone Cocktail Three stone Ring set in 18K Gold with Blue Rhodium. The weight of the Spinels is 12.30 c...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, 18k Gold, Rhodium
$979Sale 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
Pomellato M'ama Non M'ama 18k Rose Gold Onyx Diamond Bracelet
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This elegant bracelet embodies symbolic emotion and Italian craftsmanship. Crafted in polished 18k rose gold, it features a slender open bangle design, effortlessly l...
Black Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$475Sale 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
Earrings with pink opal and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with pink opal and brilliant cut diamonds. 0.30 ct - G/H - VS/SI detailed description the size of the earring is 2.8 cm long by 8.0 mm wide weight: 3....
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
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
$534Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear Peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot silver, gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: peridot, green col...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold, Silver
$513Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring. Opal solitaire. Plain opal ring. Oval cabochon cut opal ring. Opal engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Necklace, pendant with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with an entourage pendant set with emerald and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.00ct - H/I - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the length of the neckl...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$1,154Sale Price / item|55% Off
Peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot 14k gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: peridot, green color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gemst...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold
18k bicolor gold clasp with pink opal beads necklace - 62.9 grams 65 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold clasp with pink opal beads necklace - 65 cm Detailed description The necklace is 65 cm long, with opal coral beads ranging from 5.4 mm to 1.4 cm. The clasp measur...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
French Vintage 18K Creoles - 18 karat solid yellow gold faceted hoop earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale are these absolute beauties dating back to the 1950's. This pair of faceted orangy yellow gold hoops are crafted in 18 karat solid gold and marked with a French eagle head. ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$801Sale Price / item|55% Off
Heart ruby ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Heart ruby ring in 14k gold. Heart shape engagement ring. 1ct heart ruby ring. Solitaire heart ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - ruby 6x...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Diamond Pave 18K White Gold Classic Model Size 18 Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Love bracelet crafted in luxurious 18K white gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. This classic model of Cartier’s iconic Love bracelet features the mai...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
Cartier Juste un Clou Nail Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Juste un Clou pendant necklace crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and accented with brilliant natural diamonds. Part of Cartier’s iconic Juste un Clou collection, this desi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave 18 Karat Rose Gold Earrings
Located in Tysons, VA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. Featuring the maison’s iconic clover-inspir...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Skull Bone Cuff Chain Bracelet Palladium
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Skull Bone Chain Cuff Bracelet by J Dauphin is a rare vintage piece from 2008, handcrafted in Paris and originally featured in Vogue, reflecting the br...
Brass, Palladium
Silvorra 925 Silver Elegant Tennis Necklace with Opal Gemstone Jewelry for Women
Located in New York, NY
This graceful tennis necklace is crafted in 925 sterling silver and adorned with 63 natural opal gemstones, each carefully shaped in a classic oval cut measuring 3X5 mm. The opals di...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$979Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring. Art deco style ruby ring in 14k gold. Art nouveau style ring. Oval cabochon ruby ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g. depends from siz...
Peridot, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Lanvin Dangle Clip-on Earrings Gilded Metal and Brown Poured Glass
By Lanvin Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
These rare, elegant Lanvin Paris clip-on earrings feature a long dangling shape with carved gilt metal beads complimented with cocoa-brown poured glass beads in a graduated shape. Th...
Gilt Metal
Chain Necklace Glitter Enamel Light Blue Pink Studs Made in Paris J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Paris Palladium Plated Chunky Stud Chain Necklace Blue Pink Enamel Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Palladium Stud Chain is a rare architectural statemen...
Palladium, Brass, Enamel
$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
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
$522Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round 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 (central s...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Cartier Love Diamond Pave Thin Small 18K White Gold Size 17 Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Love bracelet crafted in elegant 18K white gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. This thinner version of the iconic Love bracelet showcases Cartier’s ce...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$475Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Peridot and Amethyst Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yello...
Amethyst, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver