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.
$746 / item
Pearl and Gold Necklace by Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
This freshwater pearl necklace features an arrangement of mixed sizes, shapes and subtly varying tones of freshwater pearls for a fresh and modern effect. The pearls range in tone from pale blush to cream and in size from 4mm to 8mm in diameter. The necklace is finished with a solid 9 karat gold...
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Pair Hans Hansen Danish Modern Sterling Silver Cufflinks Model no 642
By Hans Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Mid-Century Modern cufflinks. In sterling silver. By Hans Hansen. Model no. 642 With a button head, a fixed curved post, and a hinged catch. Simply a wonderful ...
Sterling Silver
2.00 Carat Natural No-Heat, Heart Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a 2.00 Carat Natural No Heat Ruby and 0.98 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of Gems. Earl...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Sterling Silver Floral Shoulder Purse, 20th Century Design
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage shoulder purse is crafted in solid sterling silver (S925) and showcases an elaborate all-over floral motif, with finely carved flowers adorning the body and bas...
3.20 Carat Natural Loose Parti Sapphire Stone Oval Cut Madagascar's Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.20 carat Dimensions 9.2x7.7x5.0mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval This 3.20 carat natural Parti Sapphire from Madagascar showcases a captivati...
Sapphire
$288Sale Price|20% Off
Perfect Indicolite Tourmaline Stone 2.25 Carats Tourmaline Stone for Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Perfect Indicolite Tourmaline Stone, available for sale at wholesale price, natural high-quality, 2.25 carats Loose certified tourmaline gemstone ...
Tourmaline, Indicolite
2.80 Carat Natural Oval-Cut Emerald and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 2.809 Carat Natural Emerald and 0.18 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds have ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.45 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Yellow Gold Jacket Spider Web Earrings
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 1.45 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.4 Carat Chrome Diopside Tennis Bracelet Sterling Silver 7.75"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bracelet is sterling silver. It features 21 oval cut, 4x5mm chrome diopside gemstones with an estimated carat total weight of 8.40. This bracelet measures 4mm wide and...
Sterling Silver
Purple Sapphire Round Ring with Natural Diamond Halo: Solid 14K Gold, Round 4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural purple sapphire sits at the center of this round ring, encircled by a sparkling halo of diamonds in solid 14K yellow gold. Untreated and richly violet, its regal hue is rar...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Garnet and 9 Carat Gold Serpent Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning ring featured two snakes that are wrapped around each other to create this ring. The serpents have a round cut garnets on top of each of their heads. Modelled in 9ct go...
Garnet, Gold
Chanel Camelia Lucky Charm 18k White Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Chanel
Located in Feasterville, PA
A sophisticated Chanel Camellia Diamond Lucky Charm Ring, embodying timeless elegance and artistry. Crafted from luxurious 18k white gold, this ring features Chanel’s signature moti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
7.9Ct Blue Zircon Ring with Natural Diamond Halo: Solid 14K Gold, Cushion 11x9mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A large Cambodian blue zircon glows electric blue at the center of this cushion ring, wrapped in a brilliant halo of diamonds in solid 14K white gold. Prized for its dazzling fire, t...
Diamond, Blue Zircon, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.6Ct Purple Sapphire Ring with Natural Diamond Halo: Solid 14K Gold, Oval 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural purple sapphire glows at the heart of this oval ring, wrapped in a brilliant halo of diamonds and set in solid 14K white gold. Untreated and softly romantic, its rosy color...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
6Ct Star Ruby Cabochon Ring with Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, Oval 10x8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A rich red star ruby cabochon reveals a shimmering six-rayed star across its dome in this striking ring, accented with diamonds in solid 14K rose gold. The ruby is fissure-filled to ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Nina Zhou Aquamarine Diamond Blossom Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings in Yellow Gold
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A delicate symphony of gemstones and pearls, these Aquamarine Diamond Blossom Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings are a breathtaking blend of elegance and versatility. Each earring features ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$321Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Christian Dior gold tone diamante logo pendant necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Christian Dior logo pendant necklace. Gold tone metal, the pendant is made up from a chunky little C and D both studded ...
Gold Plate
0.90 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Earrings
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18 karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 0.90 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Gold Tone Hoop Earrings Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone Hoop Earrings Circa 1980s. You didn't know you needed these earrings until you tried them on. They are not giant in size, but they are a giant in punch. Very chic...
Mixed Metal
7.2Ct Peridot Ring with Earth Mined Diamond Halo: Solid 14K Gold, Oval 13x10mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A large natural peridot from Arizona pours fresh lime-green light through this oval ring, encircled by a brilliant halo of diamonds in solid 14K white gold. Untreated and beautifully...
Peridot, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$463Sale Price / item|60% Off
Moonface earrings studs with multicolor gemstones
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ascending Opal Moonface earrings. 925 silver ring multicolor lab gemstones earrings studs. Crescent Moon Earrings.A delicate gold earrings with a crescent moon design and a white opa...
Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Natural 1.31 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Pear Diamond Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 1.31 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tsavorite Garnet Ring with Natural Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, 8x4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural tsavorite garnet from Tanzania glows green in a marquise silhouette, framed by diamonds in this estate-style ring of solid 14K yellow gold. Untreated and vividly colored, t...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamond sup to 1.80ct 18k gold 8.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a 1.80 ct brilliant-cut diamond - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 4.75 - EU 15.5 (49) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.3 cm wide. Ring size ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$509Sale Price|20% Off
4.65 Carats Parti Sapphire Stones 7 Piece Gemstones Lot from Madagascar
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.65 carats No of pieces 07 Treatment heated Origin Madagascar Clarity VVS This stunning lot consists of 7 multi colored sapphire gemstones with a total carat weight of...
Sapphire
$347Sale Price / item|50% Off
Blue Flowers Painted Mother of Pearl Earrings with Topaz Briolette
Located in Istanbul, TR
Forget-Me-Not Mother of Pearl Earrings Topaz Briolette Drop earrings Blue Flowers Painted Mother of Pearl Earrings with Topaz Briolette Unique painted mother of pearl earrings. Th...
Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold 9.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 9 - EU 19(60) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 7.0 mm high. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
SI Clarity HI Color Multi Shape Diamond Fine Dangle Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Embrace the allure of luxury with these exquisite Multi Shape Diamond Fine Dangle Earrings, a dazzling addition to your fine jewelry collection. Crafted in 18 Karat White Gold, these...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
42.19 Carat Oval Ruby 27.96 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 42.19 carats ruby gemstone and 27.96 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the la...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Panther Bracelet
Located in PARIS, FR
Discover the timeless allure of this 18K yellow gold panther bracelet, a striking piece of fine craftsmanship that embodies elegance and strength...
Yellow Gold
Boucheron Kaa Diamond Snake 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 5
By Boucheron
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Boucheron ring, crafted in 18k white gold, featuring a sinuous snake design adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds. Ring size 5 Brand: Boucheron Hallmarks: Boucheron, 750, Unique ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire and Turquoise Beaded Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
The perfect spring/ summer "confetti" gemstone bracelet, methiciously handknotted. A composition of colorful and playfull precious gemstones around your wrist! This beauty is made ...
Opal, Pink Sapphire, Agate, Amazonite, Amethyst, Chalcedony, Chrysophras...
Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Exceptional Factory Original Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Solid Gold & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
2.61 Carat Natural Oval-Cut Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 2.61 Carat Natural Emerald and 1.36 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds have a...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, 10.40 carats Zambian Emerald & Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, statement style, Emerald Cocktail Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the pear shaped Emerald is 10.40 carats. ...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unique 14k White Gold Bracelet with diamonds in brilliant cut 5.07 ct.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Unique bracelet with diamonds in brilliant cut. We present an exceptional bracelet decorated with numerous diamonds with a total weight of approximately 5.07 ct. These stones have b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Small Vine Earrings by Rina Limor
By Rina Limor
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
These 18K yellow gold diamond vine earrings by Rina Limor capture a modern interpretation of nature with a distinctly fashion forward edge. Designed with flowing organic lines, the v...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou Lily of the Valley 3.26ctw Moonstone Peridot Diamond Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Inspired by the graceful arch of lily of the valley stems, these earrings blend botanical form with fine craftsmanship. Six pear-cut rainbow moonstones shimmer with blue iridescence,...
Diamond, Moonstone, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Pearlized Cocoa Brown Resin Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Angela Caputi resin choker necklace, made in Italy, features a multi-strand design in lovely pearlized cocoa brown with black contrast. The flat, slightly domed, oval peb...
Christofle by Taher Chemirik Sterling Silver Link Chain Tag Necklace
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
A striking sterling silver link necklace designed by Taher Chemirik for Christofle, showcasing a bold, modernist aesthetic. The piece features elongated oval links with a smooth, min...
Sterling Silver
2.02 Carat Round Cut Diamond Earrings 18K White Gold Classic Solitaire Studs
Located in Diera, AE
Timeless and elegant, these natural diamond stud earrings are crafted in 18K white gold and designed to showcase the enduring beauty of round brilliant-cut diamonds. Featuring a tota...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Santa Maria Aquamarin Brilliant Pendant 3.80 ct Platinum 0.87 ct Rare Color
Located in Viena, Viena
Santa Maria Aquamarine in beautiful quality ca. 3.80 ct, AAA+, brilliant and cut very good, oval in step-cut, in halo style enclosed by full cut brilliants total ca. 0.87 ct, TW (fin...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
2.21 carat Diamond Earrings, 18K White Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Product Details: Diamond - 116 pcs - 2.21cts 18K White Gold Dimension of Earrings: L52.3 x W20.4 x D5.6 mm Including 18K Ear Nuts with hood for maximum support Stamped Hallmarks: AU...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Yellow Gold Ring set with Mystical Black Jade
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This classic 18K yellow gold and jade ring, designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., possesses the very organic, sculptural and sensual feel that characterizes her bold designs. T...
Jade, Black Jade, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1960 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Fluted Ear-Clip J-Hoop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as fluted j-hoop forms Featuring high polish finish Completed by hinged omega backs Stamped for 14 karat gold Numbered and fully signed for Tiffany & Co. Circa: 1960s Me...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ciner Chunky Link Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Chunky Linking Pieces Choker Necklace Circa 1980s. This is one of the classic necklaces from the 1980s that stands out with its distinctive...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Moss Agate and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This wonderful moss agate stone has marbling of deep green and amber colour running through. Surrounding the stone there is a rope twist frame and si...
Agate, Gold
$228Sale Price|20% Off
1.00 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.00 carats Dimensions 6.9x5.1x3.8 mm Treatment none Origin Afghanistan Clarity VVS Shape Octagon Cut Emerald The 1.00 carat Bluish Green Tourmaline stone, meticulousl...
Tourmaline
Moissanite 2Ct Stud Earrings Unisex 925 Sterling Silver.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite 2Ct Stud Earrings Unisex 925 Sterling Silver. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Clarity: D Color & VVS1 Clarity. Hall...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,852Sale Price / item|20% Off
18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Textured Spiral Ring Handmade Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SER-211200A Gross Wt. :- 6.19 gm 18k Yellow Gold Wt. :- 6.19 gm Ring Size :- 7 US & All size available Customization Available We offer full customization s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$26,251Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold 6.94 Ct Two Tone Pear Cut Diamond Statement Bracelet
Located in Diera, Dubai
18K White Gold 6.94 Ct Two Tone Pear Cut Diamond Statement Bracelet features mixed cut diamonds set in prong settings in a shape of a leaf in an open style. One side in yellow gold a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
8.80 Carat Natural Diamond Charm Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Elegant and distinctive, this 14-karat yellow gold bracelet is adorned with an impressive 8.80 carats of natural diamonds arranged in delicate marquise and pear-shaped motifs. The gr...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18.00 ct CS Rose Quartz and Diamond Drop Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Rose Quartz and diamond drop necklace mounted in 18K white gold. The pendant sports a 18 Ct Rose Quartz gemstone Cabochon drop, suspended from a pave set diamond floral c...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alexis Lahellec Paris Silver Plate Resin Brutalist Link Stretch Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Alexis Lahellec Paris designed this stunning brutalist link bracelet. The rare stretch piece features silver plate metal-coated resin carved elements in a modernist flair. Each point...
Silver Plate
Nina Zhou 4.84 ctw Aquamarine & Diamond Cherry Blossom Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
These stunning earrings capture the essence of springtime, featuring intricate designs inspired by the graceful cherry blossom. Artfully crafted, they showcase a harmonious blend of ...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 11.00 carats, natural Diamonds Chandelier Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold. The weight of the natural Diamonds is 11.00 carats. The Diamonds are of VVS -...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Necklace with Tahiti pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.89ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace with a teardrop-shaped Tahitian pearl and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.89 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 40 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 40 cm long a...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Natural 13.04 Carat Diamond Three Strand Wedding Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Natural 13.04 Carat Diamond Three Strand Wedding Necklace 14K White Gold features three layers of diamonds, cascading around the neckline. Each layer is meticulously arranged with ma...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Kai Gloria 1.80ctw 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
$506Sale Price|20% Off
4.25 Carats Teal Sapphire Stones 6 Piece Gemstones Lot from Madagascar
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.25 carats No of pieces 06 Treatment heated Origin Madagascar Clarity VVS This stunning lot consists of 6 multi colored sapphire gemstones with a total carat weight of...
Sapphire