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.
9.88 Carat Natural Colombain Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 9.88 Carat Natural Emerald Cabochon and 2.43 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 9ct gold band has two Iines of beaded detail on the outer edges and in between these there is a delicate line of five diamonds. The diamonds measure 3pts each. Made in Birmingha...
Diamond, Gold
Ring with sapphire up to 0.74ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.56ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold ring set with sapphire totaling 0.74ct and entourage brilliant-cut diamond totaling 0.56ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
26373 Tiffany Co 18k Yellow Gold Blue Lapis Lazuli Schlumberger Acorn Cufflinks
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany 18k yellow gold cufflinks weighs 13.4g Natural Blue Lapis Lazuli stones Cufflinks measures 31.7mm long x 11.6mm wide in the front and 9.5mm at the back Cufflinks stamped ''T...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$624Sale Price|20% Off
0.10 Carat Diamond Necklace in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This necklace features 0.10 carat center diamond in 18 karat rose and white gold. The chain length is 17 inch. Chain 17 inch Round Cut Diamonds 0.10carat Diameter:6mm
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Crossover Citrine Cabochon Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This stunning vintage Tiffany & Co. ring, which has a crossover element that centers around an oval citrine cabochon, creates what looks like an eye. The citrine is globelike, wi...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sevillana 18k Yellow Gold Drop Dangle Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Designer: Elsa Peretti Collection: Sevillana Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: T&Co. 750 Peretti Spain Design: Elongated open circular Sevillana drop dangle earrings Measurements:...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tetra Full Pave Black Sapphire Silver Ring
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Inspired by sacred geometries, namely the Star Tetrahedron, this John Brevard statement ring is created in 925 Sterling Silver with 352 pavé round black sapphires at 1.0 -1.5 mm each...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
New Made 18k Gold Horse Shoe Design Natural Diamond Decorated Pendant Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 New Made 18k Gold Horse Shoe Design Natural Diamond Decorated Pendant Necklace In very good condition. Total weight is 4.8...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Aquamarine, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Modern ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with three aquamarine and, between of them, two diamonds. Diamonds 0.17 ct Aquamarine 1.91 ct - 6 mm x 4 mm Total Weight 3.00 gr RF ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold Diamond Accent "K" Initial Charm and Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the understated elegance of this 10K yellow gold bracelet, for an enrapturing shimmer that captures the eye. Central to its delicate cable chain design is a bewit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,820Sale Price|20% Off
GIA-Certified Burma Ruby (1.54 Ct) – Exquisite Oval Cut 7.7×5.8mm Loose Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
This GIA Certified Burma Ruby is a true masterpiece, with a rich and vibrant hue that exemplifies the finest qualities of a truly premium gemstone. Weighing 1.54-carats and measuring...
Ruby
Modern 18 Karat Gold 3.60 Carat Sapphire 0.50 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a modern cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 2010. The piece features: - 1 sapphire, oval cut, 3.60ct, B 6/3, SI - 2 sapphires, fancy shaped cut, TW 0.50ct, B 6/4, SI ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,488Sale Price / item|20% Off
Antique Style Pear Cut Natural Pink Sapphire Signet Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Antique style signet ring showcases a 0.62 carat natural pear cut pink sapphire, set in 14K yellow gold. The sapphire measuring 5 x 4.5 mm, elegantly secured in a smooth bezel s...
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chic Every Day Precious Ruby Pink Sapphire Diamond Rose Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Rose Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 21-RND 57-0,06-6/7A Pink Sapphire 46-RND-0,42 1/2C Ruby 1-0,25 Т(5)/4A Ruby 49-0,6 Т(4)/2C Weight 4,51 grams Size USA 7 W...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,660Sale Price|30% Off
GIA Certified Untreated Jadeite Jade Hinged Bangle Bracelet 14K Gold Clasp
Located in New York, NY
A striking and unusual natural jadeite jade bangle bracelet, composed of two contrasting arc-shaped segments showcasing a rare and visually dynamic color combination. One half displa...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pave Set Diamond Evil Eye Bracelet in 18K White Gold with Blue Sapphire Accent
Located in Jaipur, IN
Crafted in 18K white gold, this contemporary diamond bracelet features a row of bezel-set round diamonds connected by a delicate chain, centered by a pavé diamond evil eye motif with...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Oscar Heyman, Diamond Enamel Gardenia Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Oscar Heyman Gardenia brooch, masterfully rendered in platinum. Pavé-set diamonds form softly contoured petals with exceptional depth and ...
Diamond, Platinum, Enamel
Star of David 18k Gold and Diamond Necklace
By RIMA JEWELS
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful dainty and yet weighty Star of David pendant necklace. A gorgeous 3.5mm white diamond center stone. Sits nicely below clavicle. The Star of David was hand carved from wax ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Open-Back Crystal Necklace with Antique Gold Hands, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Open-Back Crystal Long Necklace, Antique Gold Hands, Circa 1990s. One of the most gorgeous pieces I have. The crystals are set on an antique gold base. There are two gold-t...
Mixed Metal
Vintage KJL Gold Tone Clip-On Dangle Earrings, Circa 1990s
By KJL
Located in New York, NY
Vintage KJL Gold Tone Dangling Earrings. Large dangling front-facing earrings with gold swirly patterns that appear to have some script writing. Tear drops that hang from a round sha...
Mixed Metal
$514Sale Price / item|44% Off
Five Petal Flower earrings studs with amethysts, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Fiver petal flower earrings studs with amethysts in 925 silver with gold plating over. Metal type: 925 silver with 14 gold plating over. Size: 16.5 x 16.5 mm. Weight: 3 g. Central...
Amethyst, Silver
Nina Zhou Yellow Sapphire Diamond Small Cluster Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Like sunbeams captured in gold, these Nina Zhou cluster earrings radiate warmth and brilliance through their marquise-cut yellow sapphires and center-set natural diamonds. Each gemst...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1985 Garnet Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Vintage Ear-Clip Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering oval shaped garnets measuring 9.0 x 7.0 mm - transparent vibrant orange in color Bezel set in yellow gold with a grooved puffy frame surround accented by notch details Bise...
White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Rare Rouleaux 18K White Gold Onyx, Ruby And Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of Cartier's celebrated Rouleaux collection, this 18K white gold ring showcases the maison's mastery of geometric design and exceptional gemstone craftsmanship. Th...
Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Multi-Strand Faux-Gray-Marble Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin choker-beaded necklace features an oversized multi-strand design with assorted faceted beads in black and white, with a faux-marble ...
Stunning VAN DER BAUWEDE Geneva Magnum Commander Diamond Chronograph – Cal. 25
Located in Antwerp, BE
MAGNUM COMMANDER SET WITH DIAMONDS, BRAND NEW!!!! WITH BOX & WARRANTY PAPERS MOVEMENT: quartz, caliber 25 FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds, date, chrono functions CAS...
Diamond, Silver
$392Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Tiny Stud Earrings with 0.30ct Marquise Emeralds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Perfect for curated ears and layered looks, these 14K Yellow Gold Ball Point Tiny Earrings feature a bezel-set matched pair of marquise-cut emeralds totaling 0.30 carats. Designed es...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Tanisa Nahata Diamond 1.05ct. Bangle in 18Karat White Gold.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Made by nature over a period of time and under great pressure, diamonds are a beautiful reminder that all things great take time. There is a reason why diamonds are a girl’s best fri...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Angela Cummings 18 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ear Clip Vintage Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Star Ear Clip Earrings, circa 1982. Designed by the acclaimed Angela Cummings, these striking earrings feature a bold s...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Hoop Earrings 8 Carat G VS Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Video: Video Link Detailed Description: 8 Carat Diamond Hoop Earrings 14K White Gold G VS Clarity DESCRIPTION: Elevate your elegance with these stunning 8-carat diamond hoop earrings...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$5,480Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Handmade 36" Long Link Necklace with Eight Large Red Carnelians
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Handmade Statement Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Red Carnelian 36 Inches Make a bold luxury statement with this exceptional handmade 18K yellow gold long-link necklace, fea...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Untreated Jadeite Jade Heart Pendant Diamonds 14K Gold GCS Certified
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A beautifully carved and polished natural jadeite jade heart pendant displaying soft translucent apple-green tones with attractive richer emerald-green mottling. The jade has a fine ...
Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold
$1,327Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Diamond Star Pendant Necklace, Modern Design, USA
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday elegance or special occasion look with this delicate 18K white gold star pendant necklace. Crafted in luxurious 18K white gold (stamped 18K, 750 on the clasp al...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$50,970Sale Price|20% Off
33.36 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 33.36-carat diamond in a graceful pear cut. It is framed by diamond accents for added contrast. Crafted i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat Gold 2.91 Carat Diamond and Pink Sapphire Half Band Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
Delve into the realm of opulence with our 18 Karat Gold 2.91 Carat Diamond and Pink Sapphire Half Band Ring – a captivating embodiment of luxury and refinement. Crafted with meticulo...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
CGL Certified 2.24 Carat, SI-2, Natural Fancy Deep Orangish Pink Diamond Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a CGL Certified Natural 2.245 Carat Fancy Deep Orangish Pink Diamond and 1.30 Carats Diamond accents Ring set in Platinum and 18 Karat Pink Gold. Diamonds ...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Platinum
Diamonds, 18 Karat Rose Gold Tennis Necklace.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant tennis necklace in 18 kt rose gold structusre studded with diamonds. Diamonds 3.19 Total Weight 11.20 gr RF G RAGO RK.GIGG80 For any informations, feel free to contact t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$350Sale Price / item|50% Off
Seascape with yacht earrings with carnelian and Mother of pearl
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with carnelian and sea sailing boat, yacht drawing. Handmade sea, ocean yacht Shell Earrings with carnelian. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrings. ...
Carnelian, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
Rolex Platinum Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New Orleans, LA
Model: Cosmograph Daytona Movement: Self-Winding Caliber 4130 Circa: 2010s Case: 40mm Case Material: Platinum Dial Color: Ice Blue Complications: Chronograph, Tachymeter Scale Delivery Contents: Original Box, Papers, Hang Tag This platinum Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona...
Platinum
26662 David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Titanium Cable Bar Pendant Box Chain Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
18k yellow gold Titanium pendant necklace weighs 20.6g Pendant measures 47mm(w bail) x 9.1mm wide Box chain necklace is 20'' long Box chain measures 1.7mm wide Lobster clasp Neckla...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Titanium
Bulgari 1980's Multi-Gem 18K Gold Vintage Passo Doppio J-Hoop Ear-Clip Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed a j-hoop style earrings grooved with link-style "Passo Doppio" motif Centering bezel set round shaped tourmaline cabochons Measuring 5.0 mm - transparent medium pink in colo...
Citrine, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
26855 Cartier Tank Divan 38mm 18k White Gold Pave Diamond Quartz Watch WA301356
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
The strap is aftermarket, everything else is original Reference # WA301356 Serial Number # 2614997425CD 18k white gold watch weighs 72.3g Watch case measures 38mm x 30mm ORIGINAL ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Givenchy Herringbone Chain Bracelet with Logo Clasp, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
1980s Vintage Givenchy herringbone chain bracelet in gold plate. This vintage bracelet features a flat, wide herringbone chain with a statement d...
Gold Plate
Set in 18K Gold, Paraiba Cabochon, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba & Multi Sapphires Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba Cabochon is 9.19...
Diamond, Sapphire, Paraiba, 18k Gold
18KT Gold Italian Curb-Link Bracelet
Located in Braintree, GB
A substantial Italian bracelet in 18KT yellow gold, formed as a broad line of polished curb links with a strong, clean profile. The links are tightly articulated and sit closely toge...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 1980's Multi-Gem 18K Gold Platinum Vintage J-Hoop Ear-Clip Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as j-hoop style earrings comprised of platinum surmounts and graduated bezel set gemstones Diamonds weigh approximately 1.12 carats total G color with VS2 clarity and bead s...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.80 Carats F/VS1 Heart Diamonds Pavé Band Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This elegant ring features a GIA Certified 1.50 carat Heart Shape diamond, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and beautifully defined romantic si...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$68Sale Price|20% Off
1.21 carats Light Blue Aquamarine Cushion Cut Natural African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.21 carats Dimensions 7.09x5.75x4.01 mm Treatment none Origin Africa Clarity SI Shape cushion Cut fancy This beautiful 1.21 carats Light Blue Aquamarine gemstone, me...
Aquamarine
Genuine Giant Blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal Sleeping Beauty Turquoise large beaded 20 inch long necklace with extremely rare and finest quality Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in an exceptional large size. Finished with spa...
Turquoise, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger 18K Gold Green Enamel Bangle Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
An uncommon masterpiece by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Green Vitreous Paillonné Enamel bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1990. Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumber...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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
Modern Abstract Two Tone Cuff Bracelet With Flush Set Diamonds In Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt Gold :7.8gms, Diamonds :2.16Cts, Silver:34.23gms,"
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.00 Carat Natural Round Diamond Tennis Line Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.00 Carat Natural Round Diamond Tennis Line Bracelet Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 10.6 grams Diamond: Approx. 3.00 CTW G-H VS natural round diamonds Length: 7...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 22K Gold Iron Hair Comb by Angela Cummings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
A vintage Tiffany & Co. 22 karat yellow gold damascene* lacquered striped iron hair comb created by Angela Cummings, circa 1980. The comb is signed "© T&CO." The dimensions a...
Metal, 22k Gold
Onyx Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Modern Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K White Gold Onyx & Diamond Ring featuring a striking contemporary design with a center row of twelve round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat total weigh...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Full Eternity Ring 1/3 Carat Natural Set in 18K White Gold
Located in Grantham, GB
18ct White Gold 1/3 Carat Diamond Full Eternity Ring Set in Platinum 14x Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Carat 0.35 Clarity SI Colour DEF Size L 2.5mm Band Width 3.11 Grams Full UK ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 35 Carat Pave Oval Link Diamond Chain Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Absolutely stunning this is a must have diamond bracelet. Made in 18K Yellow Gold munted with round brilliant cut diamonds of 35 cttw. Style: Opel Link Pave Set Diamond Quality: F-G...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tudor Fastrider Ducati Chronograph, Reference 42000
Located in Braintree, GB
A Tudor Fastrider Ducati automatic chronograph, reference 42000, with a striking red and black dial. The 42mm stainless steel case houses an automatic chronograph movement with thre...
Other
Baguette and Round Diamond Octagonal Cluster Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
These sophisticated diamond stud earrings are meticulously crafted in 18K white gold and adorned with 0.63 carats of natural diamonds. Featuring an elegant octagonal silhouette, the ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold