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.
26233 Tiffany & Co Platinum Round Diamond Flora Flower Halo Engagement Ring 5.5
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany platinum ring weighs 4.2g Center round diamond weighs 0.25ct 8 round halo diamonds and 12 round diamonds on the shank, total weight 0.30ct All diamonds total weight 0.55ct Di...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage HERMES Single Hand Watch. Hermes One Hand Dress Watch.
By Hermès
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Stainless Steel Mens Watch. Single or One Hand Watch with a seconds hand. Circa 1950s Black Dial. Manual Windup Movement Condition: Working condition. ...
Stainless Steel
18ct Yellow Gold Ring, Set With 0.35ct Oval Natural Fine Quality Emerald
Located in London, GB
New made by Jewellery Cave 18ct yellow gold single stone ring, set with oval 0.35ct fine quality natural emerald, The ring is a perfect complement to any ensemble and can be worn o...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Extremely Rare Red Tourmaline 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
* we offer complimentary resizing on all of our rings! Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary bright reddish tourmaline ring set in rich 14-carat matte yellow gold. At i...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
$18,800Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Aquamarines, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamonds modern Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and modern style, Aquamarine & Multi Sapphires Modern Link Bracelet set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarines & Multi Sapphires is 52.63...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.5 ct Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage 1.5 ct Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring. Art Deco Moissanite wedding ring. Antique style Bezel set moissanite ring. Statement moissanite ring. Metal: 14k gold Weigh...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$487Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Orange Spessartite Garnet Cocktail Ring Handmade in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Orange Color Spessartite / Spessartine/ Mandarin Garnet Cocktail Ring in 925 Sterling Silver, Handmade!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Spessartite /Mandarin ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 13.57 Grams...
Garnet, Mandarin Garnet, Sterling Silver
CHRISTIAN DIOR Boutique Vintage Oversized Gold-Tone Crystal Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN DIOR Boutique vintage oversized gold-tone dragonfly brooch embellished with clear crystals. This spectacular vintage Christian Dior dragonfly brooch beautifully reflects t...
Gilt Metal
Men's 14K Yellow Gold over Silver 1 1/2 Ct Treated Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in luxury with our stunning Men's Black and White Diamond Band Ring. This remarkable piece is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold Plated .925 Sterling Silver, creating an intricate ...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow...
Ring with baguette and brilliant cut diamonds 0.60ct, 18k gold 5.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with baguette and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.60ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.25 - EU 16 (50) detailed description: the ring is approximately 1.2 cm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Perpetual Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
26883 Tiffany & Co Platinum 1.20ct I VS1 Round Diamond 6 Prong Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Center diamond weighs 1.20ct Diamond I color VS1 clarity Diamond laser inscription ''T&Co.R08020105'' Ring size 5.5 (this ring can be resized) Ring stamped ''Tiffany&Co. P...
Diamond, Platinum
Lavender Jade Link Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Jade Measurements: each jade cylinder is ~16 mm in length x 3.8 mm width Stone: Lavender Jade Chain Length: 15.5" Jade Width: 3.8 mm...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Necklace in Invisible Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
One heart for life .This is the new collection of "La Fleur Jewels" For this new collection .One part of profit will donate to the hospital for construction and buying the medical de...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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
$312,000Sale Price|20% Off
8.07 Carat GIA G VVS2 Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional three stone diamond ring centered by an impressive 8.07 carat natural emerald cut diamond, certified by the Gemological Institute of America. The center diamond is gr...
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
$680Sale Price|20% Off
5.25 carats Lagoon Green Tourmaline Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.25 carat Dimensions 10.7x8.1x7.7mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Included Shape Cushion Cut Fancy Cushion NA The 5.25 carat Lagoon Green Tourmaline stone, meticulou...
Tourmaline
$1,650Sale Price / item|44% Off
Mens, Unisex Ring with Genuine Emerald
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver Mens Ring with Emerald. Statement emerald ring. Gold signet ring for men with emerald. Emerald gold ring. Unisex ring with Emerald. Natural emerald ring. Everyday ring with e...
Emerald, Silver
Antique German Dresser Jar H. Behrnd 800 Silver Cut Crystal Glass / 617gr
Located in SE
Fine German faceted crystal glass and Silver vanity powder or dresser jar made in Germany in ca. early 1900s with hallmarks of Jeweler Hermann Behrnd, Dresden, active since 1870 as C...
Crystal, Silver
Horse Bit Maxi Gold-Plated and Leather Stirrup Necklace
By Pradera
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Necklace with gold-plated central stirrup and choker with four brown leather strips by Regina Cora Dimensions 46cm Rear chain length 5 cm READY TO SHIP *Shipment of this piece is...
Gold Plate
$280Sale Price|20% Off
1.25 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Pink Burmese Spinel Fancy Cushion Cut Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.25 carat Dimensions 6.6x5.6x4.4 mm Treatment None Origin Burma Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion NA This charming 1.25 carat Natural Spinel features a captivating purplish p...
Spinel
BOUCHERON 18K Gold & Platinum 3.35ct Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring, 1960s
By Boucheron
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptional Boucheron ring crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum, dating from the 1960s, centering an outstanding 1.55-carat Old European-cut diamond, graded H color and VS1 c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari B.zero1 Rose Gold and Diamond Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
This iconic Bulgari B.zero1 bangle exemplifies the house’s mastery of contemporary luxury design. Crafted in 18K rose gold, the bracelet is pavé set with diamonds totaling 11.60 cara...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 9 ct Yellow Gold 0.50 ct
Located in London, GB
A timeless and refined diamond tennis bracelet crafted in 9ct yellow gold, showcasing a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds. Each diamond is individually set within a distincti...
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Star Band Ring by Rossella Ugolini, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
An 18K yellow gold Star Band ring inspired by the bold elegance of 1980s design, crafted in Italy by Rossella Ugolini. This distinctive unisex piece features a sculptural band that g...
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Circle Drop Earrings with Citrine, Amethyst & Blue Topaz
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Colorful Gemstone Statement Earrings 14K Yellow Gold Diamonds Lever-Back Add movement, color, and effortless sophistication to your jewelry collection with these striking 14K Yel...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
2.30ct AIG Certified Natural Vivid Pink Spinel Cushion Cut Loose Tanzania Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.30 carats Dimensions 8.52x6.10x4.84 mm Treatment None Origin Tanzania Clarity VS Shape Cut AG201 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfolio with this...
Spinel
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 18k yellow gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.40ct - F - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 3.6 mm wide wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$760Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 6 CT Canary Kunzite Gemstone & Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These dazzling 6 carat Kunzite and diamond stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and feature a pair of emerald cut kunzites measuring approximately 10 x 8 mm. The soft yel...
Diamond, Kunzite, Silver, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Black Onyx Intaglio Octagon 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 8
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Style: Black Onyx Intaglio Octagon Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: DY 750 Gemstones: Natural black onyx with intaglio carving Design: Octagonal sta...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Vintage Malachite Brutalist Ring High Dome Sz 6.5 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct and elaborate vintage malachite ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Malachite measures 23.5mm x 6.5mm. The malachite ...
Malachite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian 18 karat Yellow and White Gold Ring with Diamonds Snake Design
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This vintage Italian ring is crafted in 18-karat yellow and white gold, sculpted into the sinuous form of a coiled serpent. Its fluid silhouette wraps gracefully around the finger, c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Studio Rêves Celestial Flight Diamond Dragonfly Brooch in Titanium and Gold
By Studio Rêves
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
A radiant expression of movement and light, the Celestial Flight Diamond Dragonfly Brooch captures the elegance of a dragonfly in mid-air. Sculpted in a striking combination of 18k y...
Diamond, White Diamond, Titanium, Gold, 18k Gold
0.10ct Diamond Heart Charm Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These elegant huggie earrings are chic and perfect for adding a touch of sparkle. The design features 0.10-carat round brilliant cut diamonds, accented with a heart charm. Crafted in...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace coral beads with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold clasp set with pearls, brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30ct – F/G – VS/SI and coral engraved with birds and flowers on a 7-strand coral bead necklace - , necklace with...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
$950Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Oval Cut Ruby & Diamond Tennis Bracelet with Silver Infinity Wave Links
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 925 sterling silver, this elegant link bracelet showcases 14 natural oval rubies totaling 6.76 carats, accented by 0.30 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. The gemston...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
1.81 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.81 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire and 1.00 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as w...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Christian Dior Chunky Curb Chain Necklace, 1980s
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1980s Christian Dior textured curb chain necklace in gold plate. This necklace features chunky links with a unique diamond-patterned textu...
Gold Plate
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 8.50 carats, Morganite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 8.50 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.4...
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Francoise Montague Pale Yellow Roses Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning clip-on earrings for French jewelry designer Françoise Montague. The dimensional resin shape features rose flowers in an elegant, pale yellow colo...
$1,129 / item
Vintage Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring. Art Deco Moissanite wedding ring. Antique style moissanite halo ring. 1ct moissanite delicate ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
$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
Nina Zhou Fantasy 6.45ctw Natural Heart Rhodolite & Diamond Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou Fantasy 6.45ctw Natural Heart Rhodolite & Diamond Drop Earrings radiate romance and artistry in equal measure. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, each earring is formed fr...
Diamond, Rhodolite, 14k Gold
$1,350Sale Price|55% Off
18k Gold 0.90ct Oval Blue Sapphire & 0.50ct Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This beautiful engagement band ring boasts a fine oval blue sapphire! The sapphire is an oval cut and is very clear with slight natural inclusions and the deeper color tone akin to i...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Aquamarine 3mm Bead Choker Necklace — 16"
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
This delicate choker features a continuous strand of natural 3mm aquamarine beads strung in solid 14K yellow gold. The soft, watery blue of the aquamarine contrasts beautifully with ...
Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$825Sale Price / item|24% 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
$135Sale Price|20% Off
Faceted Faux Onyx Bead Dangle Earrings By Lewis Segal, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Gold plated hardware - Each earring measures 2" tall - Jet black beads - Clip on earring backs - By Lewis Segal...
Eternity ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 18k gold 9.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor ring set with 1.20ct brilliant-cut diamonds - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description The top of the ring is 7.6 mm wide and 2.3 mm high Ri...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
4.28Ct Zambian Emerald Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold Curb Chain
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant showcases a single octagon-cut Zambian emerald weighing approximately 4.28 carats, masterfully set in 14K yellow gold. The emerald, measuring about 11 x8 mm, is ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Persian Blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamonds 18K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal giant 18 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine and nearly flawless Robinson Egg/ Persian Blue...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carlo Zini Milano Pink Resin Jeweled Dangle Clip-on Earrings
By Carlo Zini
Located in Atlanta, GA
These sophisticated Carlo Zini dangling clip-on earrings feature a long geometric shape with silvered-metal framing, adorned with red, hot pink, and powder pink resin rhinestones and...
Metal
12.49 ct GIA Certified Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite cocktail ring is expertly crafted in platinum, featuring a striking green natural emerald as its centerpiece. The emerald-cut stone captivates with its rich color and ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Diamond & Emerald Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Crafted by the renowned Italian house of Bvlgari, these exquisite earrings originate from the iconic Serpenti Seduttori collection and embody the maison’s legendary fusion of symboli...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Reed Krakoff Gold Tone Knotted Cuff Bracelet, Circa 2000s, 124.6g
By Reed Krakoff
Located in New York, NY
Collectible Reed Krakoff Gold Tone Knotted Cuff Bracelet Circa 2000s. This bracelet is so substantial and well-made. Reed Krakoff didn't produce a large quantity of jewelry during ...
Mixed Metal
$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
$1,708 / item
Blue topaz multicolor ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine multicolor ring in 14k gold. Citrine oval cabochon ring. Yellow gemstone cocktail ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g, depends on size Gemstone: сitrine, color - yellow, oval...
Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
Vintage Ballerina Diamond and Akoya Pearl Brooch Sand Blasted 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k yellow gold Diamond Count: 12 single cut Diamond Carat Weight: 0.08 Akoya Pearl: 5.6 mm largest pearl, rest are 3.2-3.5 mm Diameter: 1.20" long, ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold