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.
41.91 Carat Natural SI/H Diamond Five Strand Necklace 18K White Gold Jewelry
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
There are pieces of jewelry that accessorize an outfit — and then there are pieces that become the occasion itself. This five-strand diamond cascade necklace belongs firmly in the se...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Tag Chain Link Charm Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Tag Chain Link Charm Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 34 grams Length: 7.5 inches Signed: Tiffany & Co. 925 SD F35002495
Francoise Montague Gold and Crystal Memory Wire Choker Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Memory wire necklace that stretches to fit any neck size. Lays perfectly and is chic and subtle! By Francoise Montague. Brass dipped in gold. 5" across & 16" around. Stretches as n...
Crystal, Gold
Christian Dior Resin Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Pink and Glitter Abstract Pattern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior bracelet bangle features an acrylic resin or Lucite statement piece with a neon hot-pink background and an abstract pattern in black, gray, and hot pink...
18K yellow gold pair of abstract, organic-shaped gold earrings with central pear
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 karat solid yellow gold pair of pearl earrings. This beautiful pair is set with two natural pearls. They are set in a basket of wires forming the petals of a flow...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with citrine and brilliant cut diamond sup to 0.26ct 18k gold 4.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with citrine and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.26ct – F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.0 cm high by 8.1 mm wide ...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Burmese Jadeite & Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee contemporising traditional jadeite into sculptural, avant‑garde wearable art, these Jadeite Earrings transform heritage craftsmanship into a bold, modern statement. At the...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Yellow Gold
Floating Pearl 14k Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Floating Pearl 14k Gold Ring is a luxurious fine jewelry piece made of solid 14k gold with 10mm freshwater pearl. Inspired by surrealism, this statement piece is designed to ‘float’...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Modern Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Diamond White Butterfly Pendant Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a butterfly pendant necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. The piece is crafted in 18K white gold. It features diamonds. Circa 2010. Signed VCA (for Van Cleef & A...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
80s Vintage Tiffany & Co Dog Charm Bracelet Bone Links Sterling Silver 7.5"
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Tiffany & Co dog themed charm bracelet crafted in sterling silver (circa 1980s). A hard to find and wonderfully whimsical vintage Tiffany & Co charm bracel...
Silver, Sterling Silver
14k Yellow Gold Bees of Malia Pendant – Minoan Amulet, Greek Revival Jewelry
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely 14k yellow gold pendant. This lovely pendant is a replica of the Minoan Bees, also known as the Bees of Malia. The pendant is hallmarked with a 585 mark and u...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
5.95 Carat Natural Loose Green Peridot Cushion Cut from Pakistan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.95 carat Dimensions 11.2x9.9x7.7mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion AG153 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment portfolio wi...
Peridot
GIA Certified 18.66 Carat Natural Unheated Star Sapphire Ring Center Stone
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional GIA-certified natural star sapphire commands attention with its impressive 18.66-carat weight and captivating celestial phenomenon. Cut as an elegant oval double caboc...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,200Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold Tear Drop South Sea Pearls & 0.20ct Diamond Floral Motif Earrings
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Elegant 18k white gold earrings featuring six tear‑drop South Sea pearls (approx. 9.3mm each) arranged in a soft, sculptural cluster. A 0.20ct diamond floral motif adds sparkle and s...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Industrial Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Chain Studded Vintage Piece Ruthenium
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Chain Studded Vintage Piece Ruthenium Palladium Mesh Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in b...
Brass, Palladium
14KT White Gold Elegant Pavé Diamond 6.98 Cts Bangle Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated bangle bracelet features a stunning, continuous array of brilliant round-cut diamonds set in a shimmering pavé arrangement. Crafted in warm 14K white gold, the sle...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.60 Carat I I2 Naturural Marquise Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 3.60 Carat I I2 Naturural Marquise Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 6247003148 Diamond: 3.60 carat I I2 natural marquise shaped "laser drilled" diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A delicate sparkling graduated Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted, finished with an 18K gold clasp and a diamond bead. All stones are hand carved for...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.18ct 18k gold 3.6 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with amethyst and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.18ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 1.0 cm wide by 2.5 cm high ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
David Yurman Metro Silver 18K Cable Pavé Diamond Station Bracelet 6mm - Small
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
A clean and classic David Yurman Metro Collection cable bracelet in sterling silver, finished with a central pavé diamond station framed in 18K yellow gold. The twisted cable design ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Oval London Blue Topaz and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sophisticated and striking, this London Blue Topaz Halo Ring is a masterclass in elegant contrast. At its center lies a captivating, deep-sea-toned oval-cut London Blue Topaz, secure...
Blue Topaz, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 15.63 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and important, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 15.63 carats. The Emerald is complete...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Signed John Hardy Sterling Silver Woven Mesh Cuff Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. With a hook and loop closure to the exterior. Marked to the interior. Simply wonderful Hardy design! D...
Sterling Silver
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5.32ct Blue Star Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the beauty of one of nature's most fascinating optical gemstones with this elegant 14K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring, featuring a GIA Certified 5.32 Carat Natural Blue Star ...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari Diagono Scuba Stainless Steel Watch SCB38S
By Bulgari
Located in Baltimore, MD
Bvlgari Bulgari Diagono Scuba Stainless Steel Watch SCB38S Metal: Stainless steel Strap: Rubber Case: 40mm Dial: Black Movement: Automatic Model: SCB38S Serial: L89** TDD F35002286
Steel, Stainless Steel
Tiffany & Co. Vintage Round Curved 18k Yellow Gold Post Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Round Curved Post Earrings Material: 18k Yellow Gold Measurements: Approximately 19.5 mm long × 22 mm wide × 6.5 mm high Weight: 14.9 grams Hallmarks: Sta...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k yellow gold ring with coral - 4.5 grams - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53)
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with coral - 4.5 grams - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.2 cm wide by 7.6 mm high weight : 4.5 grams ring ...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Beaded Open Heart Double Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiating charm and delicate craftsmanship, this beaded open heart ring is a beautiful expression of modern romance. Cast in polished 14k yellow gold (hallmarked 585), the ring featu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$521Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazs. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Me...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$2,392Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Ceylon Sapphire Cufflinks, 15.75 Carats, Handmade
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
These refined 14K yellow gold double-sided cufflinks are set with exceptional Ceylon cabochon sapphires weighing a total of 15.75 carats. Each sapphire, bezel-set in alternating oval...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.65ct 18k gold 7.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.65 ct – G/H – VS/SI – Ring size US 5.25 – EU 16 (50) Detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-shap...
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Blue Sapphire, Emerald & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire & Emerald "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 8.19 carats. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
PRICE TO SELL- NO OFFER, 20.55 ct Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 20"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 20.55 carat natural diamond tennis necklace crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This classic piece features round brilliant-cut white diamonds, meticulously set in a tim...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century 14K Gold, Wedgwood Jasperware Cameo, and Diamond Brutalist Cocktail
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, jasperware, and diamond cocktail ring. In 14 karat yellow gold. Set with a Wedgwood jasperware cameo bead with a bezel-set diamond to its center in a Mid-Centu...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Cartier Trinity 18k Tri-Color Gold Pendant Necklace 17"
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Trinity Style: Pendant Necklace Material: 18k Rose, Yellow, and White Gold Pendant Measurements: Approximately 11.9 mm round × 3.8 mm wide Weight: 8.7 gram...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Heart Form Woven Lacticework Brooch w/ Cabachon by Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This stunning brooch by Tiffany & Co. exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of mid-century design. Rendered in rich 18K gold, the piece is shaped into a heart form and featu...
18k Gold
Angela Caputi Saffron and Turquoise Flower Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin clip-on earrings, boast an oversized dangling-drop design with floral elements. The earrings feature three large, intricately carved...
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 18k gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.60 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 6 – EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 4.1 mm high...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Marina J. Black & White Pearl Sautoir Lariat with Diamonds
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Pearl Sautoir / Lariat by Marina J. Jewelry. This 'Art Deco' inspired piece is made of all cultured Black & White Pearls woven together into a lace like column. The Whit...
Diamond, Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
1980s Vintage Christian Dior Gold Tone Blue Crystal Dome Clip On Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of dome clip on earrings designed by Christian Dior in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated, features dark blue, icy blue and clear crystals. Signed: “Chr. Dior” (shown ...
Set in 18K Gold, 18.83 carats, Tourmaline Cabochon & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline Cabochon Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmaline Cabochon is 18.83 carats. Th...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earrings with sapphire and briulliant cut diamonds up to 5.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ear clips set with sapphire up to 6.00ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 5.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clips are 3.0 cm by 2....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Trinity 18 Karat Tri Color Gold Band Ring Classic Model Size 49 (5)
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Trinity Medium Model Ring, an iconic design composed of three smoothly interlocking bands crafted in 18K yellow, rose, and white gold. Each individual band measures approxima...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,425Sale Price|52% Off
18K White Gold 0.36ct Round Cut Emerald & 0.33ct Diamond Channel Set Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This 18k white gold channel‑set band ring features a harmonious sequence of 0.36 carats of round‑cut emeralds and 0.33 carats of round‑cut diamonds, each stone selected for brightnes...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$534Sale Price / item|44% Off
Athena Wisdom Coin Two-sided Necklace Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Athena Wisdom Coin Pendant. Aphrodite Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Athena Owl Coin Pendant Necklace. A beautiful two-sided Athena wisdom coin pendant crafted in sterli...
Gold, Silver
0.79 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Pendant Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning pendant necklace featuring a 0.79 Carat Emerald and 0.41 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds have alw...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$618Sale Price / item|40% Off
Art Deco Style Pearl and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle pearl earrings. Cocktail earrings with pearls, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Pearl and Topaz A striking pair of pearls and ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in University Place, WA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Arno Alhambra family, crafted in 18k white gold and set with a cluster of four round brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a quatrefoil patter...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Giant Aquamarine 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary aquamarine ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a giant hand-cut aquamarine that shimmers with breathtaking bri...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Francoise Montague Green Floral Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling resin clip-on earrings for French Jewelry designer Francoise Montague. The floral-inspired, handmade, artisanal shape featu...
GIA Certified Natural Emerald &Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Cluster Platinum Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Natural Colombian Emerald and diamond three stone Ring This Colombian emerald has a beautiful combination of color and tone. The emerald is 70% primary green color with a medium inte...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Set in 18K White Gold, 1.47 carats, Tanzanite & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 1.47 carats. The Tanzanite is resp...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Introducing a stunning 14K Yellow Gold Ring that perfectly captures timeless elegance and vibrant true Persian blue (Robinson eggs) color. This ring features a natural Sleeping Beaut...
Turquoise, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 6 Carat Cabochon Emerald 0.35 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 emerald, oval cabochon cut, 6.00ct, vslbG 5/4, P3 - 4 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 0....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald and Diamond Halo Signet Style Statement Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This bold emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring a richly hued oval cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm at the center. Accented by sparkling w...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings with 1.75ct Oval Sapphires & Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Sleek, sophisticated, and timelessly elegant—these 14K yellow gold drop earrings showcase two richly hued oval sapphires measuring 7x5mm and totaling 1.75 carats. Framed by a cascade...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$458Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Trio Round Diamond Circle Eternity Drop Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace is a modern take on a classic silhouette. The "Y" shape is specifically designed to elongate the neckline, making it a favorite for pairing with V-neck outfits or eveni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$533Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage inspired rose Quartz and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Rose Quartz Ring with Topazes. Rose Quartz and Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural rose quartz cabochon set within ...
Quartz, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Christian Lacroix Gilt Metal Lace Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris pendant necklace features a stylized knitting lace design in gilded metal, textured throughout and topped with the iconic "CL" logo. The long gi...
Gilt Metal
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Evil Eye Ring with Diamonds 18 Ct Gold Handmade
Located in London, GB
A modern talisman handcrafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, centred by a vivid natural Colombian emerald and framed within Leto Lama’s sculptural eye motif. Hand-engraved sunburst lines...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold