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.
GIA 18k Yellow Gold Natural 5.71 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gia 18k Yellow Gold Natural 5.71 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Ring Material: 18k Yellow Gold Center Diamond Details: GIA Report: 6224668701 Natural :5.71 Ct Emerald Cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Pomellato Peridot Champagne Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Pomellato creation, showcasing Italian elegance and bold gemstone artistry. Crafted from warm 18k yellow gold, this ring features a vibrant 3.84 carat peridot. The cushio...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari Tubogas BB26 2T Stainless Steel and Gold Wristwatch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An iconic Bulgari Tubogas wristwatch crafted in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, this unisex timepiece features a 26 mm case with the si...
Stainless Steel
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Amethyst Cocktail Ring.
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Crafted circa the 1980s through the iconic collaboration between visionary designer Paloma Picasso and the legendary American jeweler Tiffany & Co., this striking ring is fashioned i...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Messika Lucky Move Rose Gold Necklace, Diamond & Mother-of-Pearl
By Messika
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Be seduced by the Lucky Move necklace in pink gold, diamond and white mother-of-pearl. Inspired by talisman jewelry pieces, the Lucky Move Jewelry collection now features ornamental ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$7,440Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald Dangle Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the heart shaped Emeralds is 2.44 carats. Other marquise Emeralds weig...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
3.04 Carat Natural Untreated Burmese Star Ruby and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a 3.04 Carat Natural Unheated, Burmese Star Ruby and 1.21 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the Kin...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Vintage GUCCI Quartz 2700.2.L Watch. Gucci Ladies Bangle Gold Tone Wristwatch
By Gucci
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Gucci Watch. 2700.2.L Reference number. Gold Tone Condition: New battery. Details: 20mm round Case
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Large Estate Diamond 18K White Gold and Blackened Gold Panther Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elegant estate panther ring, diamond set 18K white and blackened gold. Marks: 18K, 750, jeweler's mark, numbered Size 7.5 US 23mm by 14mm Excellent condition The panther epitomizes p...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Cushion Garnet and Diamond Halo Studs, 14K White Gold, January Birthstone
Located in Austin, TX
The details for these gorgeous garnet and diamond earrings are listed below: 1 Set Metal Quality: 14 Karat White Gold Complete Weight: 2.01 Grams Earring Type: Stud Earring Measureme...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,925Sale Price|25% Off
Schoeffel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl and Ring with Green and Orange Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
A deep passion for pearls and unstoppable commitment to this unique jewel is what characterizes the history of Schoeffel. Since founded in 1921 in Germany, the brand has been devoted...
Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,850Sale Price|20% Off
18K Gold New Made Natural Old Mine Cut Diamond And Ruby Decorated Bird Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8.2 grams. Totally is diamond 3.70 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.08 ct. Box is not included. Pleas...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,452Sale Price|30% Off
12.81 Carat Deep Blue Sapphire Tennis Bracelet in 18K White Gold with Bezel Set
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
12.81 Carat Deep Blue Sapphire Tennis Bracelet in 18K White Gold with Bezel Set, each sapphire is hand-selected for its vibrant royal blue hue and expertly cut in sleek emerald shape...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$979Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Oval Emerald, Vintage Inspired Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold emerald ring. Oval emerald ring. Vintage inspired emerald ring. May birthstone ring. Old style inspired emerald ring. Genuine emerald ring. 14k solid gold Total weight: 3 g...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$304Sale Price|20% Off
13.60 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 13.60 carat Dimensions 14.5x14.0x11.2 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 13.60 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst is a magnific...
Amethyst
$1,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.67 Carat Octagon Emerald Solitaire Chain Necklace in Bezel-Set 14k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this Octagon Emerald Solitaire Chain Necklace in Bezel-Set 14k Yellow Gold, showcasing a striking emerald-cut Zambian emerald in a sleek bezel setting. The vi...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.58 Carat Untreated Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring set in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 3.58 Carat Natural, Untreated (No Heat), Mozambican Ruby and 1.07 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in S...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
0.54 ct Oval Natural Diamond in 14k Rose Gold Solitaire Pendant
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
A beautiful 14k rose gold necklace weighing 2.17 grams. This beautiful necklace is 100% unique and a luxury high-end necklace. Specifications: Main stone: 0.54ct oval cut F color VS...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Pear Cut 12.69 Ct Diamond Cuff Collar Choker Necklace for Bride 14K White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Celebrate this festive season with a touch of pure brilliance. Our 14k gold diamond choker necklace is more than jewellery it’s a statement of timeless elegance. Handcrafted in solid...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vannerie Platinum Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Venice, CA
An instant classic, this basket weave ring by Tiffany & Co. exudes class and sophistication. It is encrusted with diamonds bead set into a basket weave pattern with open work, making for a beautiful intricate ring. The eternity band brings incredible sparkle to the hand and is perfect for any occasion; the ring could also be worn as a wedding band. The ring contains 1.25 carats of natural diamonds, each measuring approximately 1 mm. It comes with both the Tiffany & Co. ring box and the turquoise Tiffany...
Diamond, Platinum
Leather Chain Bracelet Silver Plated, Paris - J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Multi-Chain Bracelet Black Leather Antiqued Silver Plated Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Multi-Chain Archival Bracelet is a rare, one-of-a-kind stateme...
Silver, Brass, Silver Plate
$1,150 / item
14 Rose Gold Amethyst Oval Cut Eternity Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 rose gold Amethyst oval cut eternity ring, containing 22 oval cut amethyst of gem qualilty weighing 5.02cts. the ring is a size 7, we can ma...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Set of 3 Cartier Hindu Diamond Rings EU 45 US 3 1/4 Estate 18k Gold Flower Band
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre owned set of 3 Cartier Hindu diamond rings crafted in 18 karat white, rose and yellow gold. Twelve round brilliant cut diamonds (4 per ring) total an estimated 0.36 carats (es...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Georges L'Enfant 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Rollo Link Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a fancy rollo link chain comprised of tightly twisted wire links Displaying a ridged texture throughout Completed by concealed clasp closure Stamped with French hallmarks...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Dior Gilded Flower and Disc Link Necklace or Belt, 2010s
Located in New York, NY
Dior Gilded Flower and Disc Necklace or Belt. Large Flower at top, with lots of discs on links, as follows below. It can be looped at the neck for a choker-like look or worn lower for a longer necklace. Then, it can be looped around the hips or waist to form a belt. Flower is 3.25" W. Discs are 1.33" W. Raf Simons’s tenure at Christian Dior was a masterclass on how to modernize a heritage house...
Mixed Metal
$1,449Sale Price / item|30% Off
Certified Zambian Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace in Solid 14k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Certified Zambian Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace in Solid 14k Yellow Gold showcases a vibrant 0.67 carat Octagon-cut emerald, framed by a delicate halo of 0.14 carat round b...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.54 ct Pear Shape Natural Diamond in 14k Rose Gold Solitaire Pendant
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
A beautiful 14k rose gold necklace weighing 2.2 grams. This beautiful necklace is 100% unique and a luxury high-end necklace. Specifications: Main stone: 0.54ct pear cut, G color VV...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Diamond Three-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This vintage 18 Carat Gold and platinum beauty holds three bright diamonds with a total weight of 50pts and features twisted gold shoulders. Made in London, England. Ring Size: M o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Chopard Ice Cube Diamond Bangle Bracelet 18k White Gold
By Chopard
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Chopard bracelet embodies the intersection of architecture and adornment. Crafted in 18k white gold, the Ice Cube collection, designed by Caroline Scheufele, exe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage GUCCI 1500L Quartz Wrist Watch. Gucci Gold tone LOGO Bangle Watch
By Gucci
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Vintage Gold Tone Gucci Watch. LOGO Dial Model 1500 L Ladies from the 90s. These will be for one special lady. Condition: New battery installed.
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
18K White gold invisible Ruby Flower Brooch
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use the top quality ruby which make in invisible setting.We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years.The invisible is a highly...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14k Big Chunky Italian "HWC" Vintage Yellow Gold Link Bracelet 25.8gr, C. 1980s
Located in New York, NY
An Amazing Italian Vintage Gold Chunky Link 14K Gold Bracelet from 1980s! It's the 1980s. Big hair. Power suits. And a gold bracelet that says, "I have arrived." This vintage Italia...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Siman Tu Faux Freshwater Pearl Choker Necklace, Circa 2004
By Siman Tu
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Siman Tu Faux Freshwater Pearl Strands, Circa 2004. There are seven rows of graduated lengths of pearls in excellent condition. It is well-made and substantial. They are g...
Mixed Metal
GIA Certified 1.20 Carat Internally Flawless Fancy Orangy Pink Diamond Halo Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exceptional ring showcases a GIA-certified 1.20-carat Fancy Orangy Pink cushion-cut diamond, an extraordinarily rare and coveted color admired for its r...
Pink Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and Opal 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glistening opals int his ring are gorgeous deep red rubies. The central ruby measures 30pts and the two smaller stones measure 10pts. The opals measure 2opts each ...
Opal, Ruby, Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k YG Rolex CELLINI 4109 Round Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1976 Rolex 1601 Movement Ref. 4109 Round Cellini Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is 18k ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kai Flora Blossom 3.93 ctw Periot and Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Flora 14K Solid Gold 3.93 ctw Peridot and Aquamarine Cocktail Ring is a radiant embodiment of nature’s beauty and timeless elegance. This exquisite design showcases a harmonious blen...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Atlas 18 Karat White Gold Natural Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Atlas 18 Karat White Gold Natural Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 3.72 grams Pendant: 16.5mm Chain: 16 inches Signed: ©Tiffany & Co. Au950...
Diamond, White Gold
Bulgari “Bvlgari Bvlgari” Tubogas Bracelet with Black Onyx, circa 1980
By Bulgari
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A striking example of Bulgari’s bold 1980s aesthetic, this Bvlgari Bvlgari Tubogas bracelet unites the house’s Roman heritage with the sleek geometry that defined its late-20th-centu...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1983 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Foliate Fancy Link Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of fancy link depicting a minimalist graphic outline of a leaf Featuring a high polish gold finish throughout Completed by hidden clasp With hinged figure eight safety Stam...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.26 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18K White Gold by Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
4.26 carat aquamarine oval three stone diamond ring in 18K white gold by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. Centered by a luminous aquamarine with a crisp ocean-sky blue tone, this ring ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Whit...
$2,784Sale Price / item|20% Off
GIA Certified Natural Ruby and Marquise Diamond Ring in 14K Solid White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This natural round ruby ring is set with marquise diamonds and round brilliant cut diamonds in 14K solid white gold, creating a refined design that feels both elegant and timeless. T...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Elastic Ring Set – 2mm Beads Set of 2
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate set of two 18K yellow gold elastic rings features ultra-fine 2mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each ring is meticulously handcrafted with alternating tiny br...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Vintage GUCCI 1500L Quartz Wrist Watch. Gucci Silver Black Dial Bangle Watch
By Gucci
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Vintage Silver Tone Gucci Watch. Black Dial Model 1500 L Ladies from the 90s. These will be for one special lady. Condition: Excellent condition. New battery installed.
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
GIA Certified 1.07 Carat No Heat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 1.07 Carat Natural No Heat Burmese Ruby and 0.97 Carat Diamond accents. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit m...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Gold Tone Hammered Swirl Necklace, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Hammered Gold Tone Swirl Shape Necklace Circa 1980s. This is another one that looks great on, but may not have curb appeal; however, it ga...
Mixed Metal
18k Yellow Gold Buddha Coral Pendant, Mediterranean Origin, 10.8g
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold pendant with coral in the shape of a buddha detailed description: dimensions of the pendant are 3.5 cm long by 2.5 cm wide Weight: 10.8 grams set with: - 1 x 1.8...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Amethyst 9 Carat Gold Bangle
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite bangle. Set with nine Amethyst stones which total 4.4ct. In between all of these gorgeous stones are pairs of diamond points, each diamond measures 1pt. All modelled in ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold, Diamond, Blue Sapphire and Tsavorite Earrings
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
These Cellini Jewelers earrings feature a Kaleidoscope of white diamonds, and blue sapphires which are set within a green tsavorite concave shaped earring. Set in 18 karat white gold...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Ladies 2633 Dainty 1970s Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Rolex Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970 Dainty 16mm Case. Rolex 1400 Movement Ref. 2633. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is 18k 750...
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Twist Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set within one of the 9carat gold bands which twist around one another there are nine round cut diamonds which total approximately 30pts and are set in square shaped settings. Ring...
Diamond, Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Large Oval Link Necklace, 16"
By David Yurman
Located in North Miami, FL
David Yurman Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Large Oval Link Necklace, 16" Description: This David Yurman large oval link necklace combines the designer’s signature cable motif with bo...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$522Sale Price / item|44% 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
Nina Zhou 5.92ctw Pink Morganite Diamond Double Blossom Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Elegance and femininity come together in the Nina Zhou's 5.92ctw Pink Morganite Diamond Double Blossom Drop Earrings. Each earring showcases 10 pear-shaped, blush-pink morganites, k...
Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Nina Zhou Celestial Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Unveil the enchanting glow of the Nina Zhou Celestial Opal Diamond Cluster Ring, a masterpiece that captures the ethereal beauty of opals and the brilliance of diamonds. Crafted in l...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.12 Carat Tsavorite Garnet Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring by Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare and vibrant 2.12 Carat Tsavorite Garnet and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, handcrafted for collectors, connoisseurs, and lovers of fine gemst...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Tsavorite, Platinum
$119Sale Price|20% Off
Mother of Pearl Flower Necklace With Gemstone Beads By Lee Sands, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 21" length - 3.25" x 3.5" focal area with pink and green mother of pearl inlay - Dyed turquoise and pink jade b...
Effy 14k Yellow Gold Watercolors Gems & Diamond Ring Size 5.5
By Effy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite authentic Effy ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and features a vibrant watercolor-style arrangement of multicolored gemstones accented with sparkling natural d...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Line Vautrin Geometric Talosel and Blue Mirrors Brooch
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Line Vautrin Talosel geometric brooch is encrusted with clear and blue mirrored glass, featuring iridescence in a tridimensional, modernist shape. The rare piece was cr...
$6,498Sale Price / item|20% Off
Serpent Yellow 18K Gold White Diamond Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
RING 18K Yellow Gold Yellow Diamond 1.16 Cts/57 Pcs
18k Gold