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.
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Small Bean Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver pendant necklace. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. From the 'Bean' series. Consisting of a large bean shaped pendant suspended from ...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Panthere Jumbo in 18K Gold Factory Diamond Pave Dial & Bracelet Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A Cartier Panthère Jumbo ref. 883969 ladies wristwatch in 18K yellow gold with factory diamond-set pavé dial, diamond-set double-row bezel, diamond-set bracelet links throughout, gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Diamond Platinum Vintage Sixteen Stone X Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a high polished platinum band with "X" motif stations Prong set with round brilliant cut diamonds in between Weighing approximately 1.28 carats total G color with VS1 cla...
Diamond, Platinum
StingHD Italian 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet with Black Stingray, 9.00 Carat
Located in Plantation, FL
Impeccable in every detail, this breathtaking fusion of diamonds, yellow gold, and stingray leather is sure to be remembered. Handcrafted by our master artisans, this bracelet featur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,057Sale Price|55% Off
ICA 18K White Gold 0.75ct Pink Sapphire & 0.15ct Diamond Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A higher end international standard jewelry with amazing unique design and pink sapphire gemstone. Hot pink sapphire though petite offers high brilliance and eye-opening color. Bague...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier 1980's Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Vintage Ballerina Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut diamond weighing approximately 0.93 carat - G color with VS2 clarity Prong set at an angle in yellow gold atop a cluster of round and oval cut rubies Weighing a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,755 / item
Pear Topaz East-West Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear Topaz East-West Ring. Topaz Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g, depends on size. Main stone: topaz Color: light blue to sky blue Cut: pear cut, approx. 1 ct C...
Topaz, 14k Gold
18K Vintage zodiac pendant - Leo - 18 karat solid yellow gold Star sign charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this vintage charm depicting a Leo, the fifth astrological sign in the zodiac. This Constellation Star Sign Pendant is associated with the birth dates between 22 July and...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Amulette XS Pink Opal and Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A stunning vintage Amulette de Cartier XS pink opal and diamond bracelet set in 18k rose gold.
The bracelet features the iconic Cartier Amulette motif. It is centrally set wit...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,755 / item
Pear Amethyst East-West Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear Amethyst East-West Ring. Amethyst Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g, depends on size. Main stone: amethyst Color: purple to deep purple Cut: pear cut, approx....
Amethyst, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Licorice Resin Multi-Strand Caviar Seeds Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, is a resin choker beaded necklace with an oversized multi-strand design with black resin caviar seed beads, complemented by a large black ...
$965Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby and diamonds 14k gold ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby and diamonds 14k gold ring. Oval Ruby gold ring. Ruby diamond halo ring. Red gemstone ring. July birthstone ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size Gemstones: Rub...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
OLE LYNGGAARD Love Bracelet 18 karat yellow and rose gold
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen 18 karat gold Love Bracelet Medium, brushed yellow and rose gold. This 11-link bracelet feels like satin on the skin thanks to the hand-brushed decoration. T...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Cleto Munari Limited Edition 18K Gold and Ebony Cuff Bracelet, 2018
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Ebony bracelet by Italian artist and editor Cleto Munari Made from a single piece of wood, nails and hinge in 18k gold. Width : 6 cm Length : 17 cm approx. Gross weight : 140 g 2018 ...
18k Gold
$1,755 / item
Pear Garnet East-West Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear Garnet East-West Ring. Garnet Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g, depends on size. Main stone: garnet Color: deep red to burgundy red Cut: pear cut, approx. 1...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Emerald Sugarloaf, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Three Stone Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 6.57 carats. The Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire Briolete & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 3.94 carats. T...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Diamond Band Vintage Platinum Ring Half Hoop Mixed Cuts
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Tiffany & Co mixed cut diamond band crafted in platinum. Four round brilliant cut diamonds are estimated at 0.08 carats, with three emerald cut diamonds estimated at...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Men’s Octagon-Cut Garnet Hammered Ring, Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Modern Garnet Ring with Hammered Ring. Geometric Octagonal Garnet Wide Band Ring in Hammered Silver, Gold. A contemporary ring defined by the contrast between organic texture and p...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
Ming's Hawaii Dragon Dome Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 10.1 mm tall Condition: Preowned...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold Diamond Accent "M" Initial Script Style Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the elegance of personalization with this stunning 10K Yellow gold pendant, delicately crafted into a flowing cursive script of the initial "M". This necklace sparkles with n...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Goossens Paris Renaissance Maine Rock Crystal Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Stud earrings from the Renaissance collection. Inspired by the creative and artistic spirit of the eponymous period, the Renaissance collection makes rock crystal and textured metal ...
Rock Crystal
Natural Fancy Color Diamond with Vivid Green Emerald Bridal Ring
Located in Hung Hom, HK
2.8 carat of Vivid Green Emerald with 2.77 carat of natural fancy pink and fancy yellow diamond ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Nina Zhou 5.92ctw Natural Turquoise & Diamond Chandlier Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou 5.92ctw Natural Turquoise Diamond Chandlier Drop Earrings are a stunning testament to timeless elegance and vibrant beauty. These exquisite earrings feature captivating...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
$798Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Gilded Heart Chain Link Statement Necklace/Belt By Edouard Rambaud, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Extremely rare, hard-to-find style - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - 36" total length, can be adjusted down using clasp along chain length - Go...
$480Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Solid White Gold Round Blue Sapphire Eternity Band Ring Dainty Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant full eternity band ring features round-cut blue sapphires totaling approximately 0.53 carats, delicately set in 14K solid white gold. Each sapphire measures about 1.5 mm...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$321Sale Price / item|44% Off
12 MM Sapphire Huggie Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Hoop Earrings with Sapphires. Metal: 925 silver Earring size: The Inner diameter of Earrings: 10MM The Outer diameter of Earrings: 12MM Weight: 2.2. g. Gemstones: Sapphires: 14 pi...
Sapphire, Silver
$468Sale Price / item|50% Off
Baguette citrine half eternity silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Baguette citrine half eternity ring silver, gold. Silver ring with citrine. Minimalist baguette citrine mens, unisex ring. Semi-eternity ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating o...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$600Sale Price|31% Off
3.00 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Tourmaline Fancy Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.00 carat Dimensions 17.8x4.8x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 3.00 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Tourmaline from Afghanistan fe...
Tourmaline
Green Semi Round German Beads Disco Earrings
Located in Monrovia, CA
This is a listing of a pair of earrings. Each earring consist of 1 semi-round translucent blue German vintage glass beads that are first plated with platinum and then plated with 24K...
Gold, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
La Nouvelle Bague 18KT Rose Gold, Burgundy Enamel and .59 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat rose gold bracelet is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, marrying the classic with the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$3,120Sale Price / item|20% Off
Certified 2.3 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Full Eternity Band Ring in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This modern full eternity band ring features 2.3 carats of pear-cut diamonds, set in 18K white gold. Each pear cut diamond measuring approximately 3.5 x 2.5 mm. The diamonds are secu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Harriet Baugnight for Kaso Resin Acrylic Resin Clip-on Earrings with Frog Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
These are the cutest Lucite dangling clip-on earrings Harriet Bauknight designed for Kaso in the 1980s. They feature a lagoon blue Lucite dimensional bead fastening, complemented by ...
Blue Semi Round German Beads Disco Earrings
Located in Monrovia, CA
This is a listing of a pair of earrings. Each earring consist of 1 semi-round translucent blue German vintage glass beads that are first plated with platinum and then plated with 24K...
Gold, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
14KT Rose Gold Small Round Cut Diamond Huggie Hoop Earring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The term "huggee" refers to their petite, close-fitting style, which minimizes the gap between the earring and the earlobe, making them comfortable for all-day wear. Material : 14K...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
11.34 Ct Zambian Emerald 0.99 Ct Natural Diamond Stud Earrings 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
This stud earring features a larger rectangular Zambian emerald than its companion piece, again ringed by a halo of round diamonds that trace the stone's outline. The increased emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Sterling Silver 1.65 Carats Deep Orange Garnet Solitaire Ring, 7.25 US
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A modern study in clean lines and vivid color, this sterling silver solitaire ring showcases a 1.65ct oval deep orange garnet set securely in a full bezel. The gemstone is oriented e...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Ring with single cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 18k gold 4.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring with a single-cut diamond up to 0.25 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) Detailed description The top of the ring is 6.0 mm wide. Ring siz...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.28ct 18k gold 7.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond 0.28 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16.0 (50) detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide by...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mexican Heart Necklace Earrings Suite Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modern Antique
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in one of the finest antique Mexican Silver Necklace and Earrings Suites in a Heart and Flower motif. The Mid Century, Modern Jewels have a wonderful heart and flower motif design in Sterling Silver. The combination of the dramatic design and the stunning silver is gorgeous and the work of a master artisan in the finest tradition of Mexican Silver Jewelry...
Sterling Silver
$1,331Sale Price / set|20% Off
0.17 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Fine Flower Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 0.17 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sonia Rykiel Gilded Metal and Crystal Jeweled Leaves Clip Earrings
By Sonia Rykiel
Located in Atlanta, GA
Renowned French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel designed those stunning clip-on earrings. The pieces feature a dimensional gilt-metal leaf-carved design with texture, topped with extra...
Gilt Metal
John Galliano Clear Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Newspaper Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning John Galliano Paris bracelet is from the 2000 Autumn-Winter "Newspaper" collection. The bangle features an acrylic, or Lucite, chunky sliced shape in transparent light ...
Vintage Signed Logo de Cartier 18K White Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine designer gold band ring. By Cartier. In 18 karat white gold (with a slight yellow tint). In the Logo de Cartier pattern with varying oval cartouches bearing the Cartier log...
18k Gold, White Gold
$520Sale Price|20% Off
7.80 Carat Natural Loose Blue Goshenite Aquamarine Cushion Cut Pakistani Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 7.80 carat Dimensions 12.2x12.0x8.5mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion This 7.80 Carat Natural Loose Blue Goshenite Aquamarine is an exceptio...
Aquamarine
Vintage Anne Klein Couture Gold Tone Long Necklace Circa 1980s
By Anne Klein
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Anne Klein Couture Gold Tone Long Necklace Circa 1980s. This can be worn doubled, tripled, or doubled with the necklace against your neck, as shown by my photos. This neck...
Mixed Metal
Nina Zhou 5.85 ctw Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Illuminate your elegance with these 5.85 ctw Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings, a masterpiece that captures the ethereal glow of moonlight. Featuring luminous moons...
Sapphire, Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.35 Carat Natural No Heat Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring CGL Certified 4.35 Carat Natural, unheated Padparadscha Sapphire and 0.93 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durabilit...
Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum
2000s Hermès Paris 925 Silver Collier de Chien Ring
By Hermès
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a “Collier de Chien” ring designed by Hermès in 2000s. The piece is crafted in 925 hallmark silver. Signed (see photo gallery) Comes in an original box. The condition of th...
Silver
Bvlgari Serpenti Jaeger LeCoultre 18K And Blackened Steel Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
There are watches that tell time, and then there are watches that define an era. This mid-1960s Bvlgari Serpenti belongs firmly in the latter category. Crafted in alternating bands ...
Steel, 18k Gold, Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 9.08 carat Kunzite, Mother of Pearl & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Kunzite & Mother of Pearl Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold &b natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 9.08 carats. The weight of the Mother ...
Diamond, Kunzite, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
A Natural Round Tanzanite of 5.35 carat
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, discovered in 1967 and found exclusively in a small mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its limited geographic ...
Tanzanite
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
$4,035Sale Price / set|20% Off
2.41 Carat SI/H Oval Pear Diamond Stud Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Embrace timeless elegance with our natural diamond stud earrings crafted in solid 18K gold the perfect blend of sophistication, purity, and lasting value. Each earring features handp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cartier Santos Vendome Ronde Model 8191 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Wa
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Cartier Model: Santos Vendome Ronde 8191 Year: 1990s Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 27mm Movement: Quartz Cond...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$158Sale Price|20% Off
Pearl and Black Enamel Button Earrings With Gilt Rope Trim By St. John, 1980s
By St. John
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1" in diameter - Gold plated - Black enamel - Faux pearl cabochons - Clip on earring ba...
$831Sale Price / item|23% Off
Round amethyst & moissanites engagement 14k gold ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Round amethyst & moissanites engagement 14k gold ring. Purple gemstone gold ring. Amethyst vintage style ring. February birthstone ring. Amethyst art-deco ring. Metal: 14k gold Weig...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger 18K Gold Blue Enamel Bangle Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
An uncommon masterpiece by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Blue Vitreous Paillonné Enamel bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1990. Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumberg...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$965Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Sea Horse Pendant with Opal, Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold sea horse pendant with natural opal, emerald and diamonds. Sea Animal pendant. Opal pendant. 14k solid gold Size: 31 x 13.5 mm. Total ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
Erica Courtney 18K Gold, Australian Opal, Paraiba Tourmaline, Diamond Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This stunning necklace created by the illustrious designer, Erica Courtney, showcases the ethereal beauty of 18 Australian Opals, totaling 16.29 carats...
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold