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.
Cocktail ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 14k gold 6.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds, up to approx. 2.00ct - K/L - VS/SI - ring size US 6.0 - EU 16.5(52) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.8 cm wide and...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,144Sale Price / item|55% Off
Citrine 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 14k gold earrings. Yellow gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: citrine, yellow color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gem...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long Detailed description The beads are in various sizes, approximately 6 mm to 9 mm. Weight: 49.5 grams With - 115 x 6 mm ...
Coral, Silver
Ring with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.1 mm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Robert Leed Morris Wabi Sabi Collection, Giant Verdigris Pebble Earring, 1986
Located in New York, NY
The Wabi Sabi theme of soft pebbles, gives way to many Verdigris earrings which were a ground breaking color for jewelry that Robert Lee Morris launched in 1981 with Calvin Klein. Th...
Brass, Other
$593Sale Price / item|65% Off
1.5 ct pear peridot silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear peridot silver, gold. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating o...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, Tanzanites, Mozambique Rubies & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Ruby Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites are 5.68 carats. The Tanzanites a...
Diamond, Ruby, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with chalcedony nd single cut diamonds 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold necklace with pendant set with green chalcedony and single cut diamond up to 0.22ct - F/G - VS/SI - 50 cm long detailed description the necklace is 50 cm long and 0.7...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 14k Gold
$524Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silver, gold carved flower earrings studs with citrines and topazs
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold carved flower earrings studs with citrines and topazs. 3 petal flower earrings. Blue topazs earrings. Flower earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Metal: silver 925 ...
Citrine, Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Cartier Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold Interlocking Double Band Ring Sz 7
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A captivating Cartier Vintage Double Band Ring, embodying timeless elegance. Crafted in France circa 1994, this ring features two substantial interlocking bands, one in 18k yellow g...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rainbow Sapphire and Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
The perfect pastel rainbow gemstone bracelet, methiciously handknotted and finished with a gold clasp. A stunning bright colored mix of precious gemstones around your wrist! This bea...
Citrine, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Turquoise, Larimar, 14k Gold...
$471Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Peridot and Amethyst Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yello...
Amethyst, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Modern Glam 2.04ct Lemon Topaz Diamond Clover Cocktail Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This clover cocktail ring showcases a 2.04 carat lemon topaz set in 14K Yellow gold. The gemstone measuring 9.5 x 9.5 mm, secured in a classic prong setting. Delicate pave-set diamon...
Topaz, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Moissanite Toi et Moi Heart Pear Ring 925 Silver Duo Ring Unique Women Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite Toi et Moi Heart Pear Ring 925 Silver Duo Ring Unique Women Ring. "You And Me Ring" Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Cl...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,413Sale Price / item|55% Off
Snake design 14k gold engagement Emerald ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Snake design 14k gold engagement ring. Marquise emerald gold ring. Open ended, adjustable emerald ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - e...
Topaz, Emerald, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Chantal Thomass Jeweled Bracelet Pearl and Red Cabochons
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely French Designer Chantal Thomass Paris jeweled link bracelet features gilded-metal carved and domed elements, all paved and ornate with half-pearl-like and ruby-red caboch...
Gilt Metal
$471Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pink, rose quartz cabochon ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with pink rose quartz cabochon. Rose quartz statement ring. Cocktail pink quartz ring. Birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends fro...
Quartz, Gold, Sterling Silver
Retro 10K White Gold Trillion Cut Sapphire Diamond Ring Size 10
Located in Webster, SD
This stunning retro ring is 10k white gold. It features 4mm synthetic sapphires and diamond accents. The face of this ring measures 7/16 of an inch north to south. Size: 10 Marks: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold
2.90ct Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Ring CERT 18k Gold Sz 6.25 Wide Band Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural Ceylon (no heat) sapphire ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1980s). Natural sapphire measuring approx. 10.0 x 7.0 x 4.8mm (approx. 2.90ct). The sapphire is in ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$494Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ring with aquamarine cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with aquamarine cabochon. Aquamarine statement ring. Cocktail aquamarine ring. March birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from ...
Aquamarine, Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,059Sale Price / item|40% Off
Sapphire, Amethyst 14k Gold Earrings Studs.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst, Sapphire 14k gold earrings studs. Purple, blue gemstones earrings. Material: 14k gold. Weight: 2.3 gr. Size Earrings: 10x16.6mm Central stones: Natural Sapphire - 2 piece...
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
$588Sale Price / item|75% Off
Amethyst cocktail ring, gold, silver
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst cocktail ring, gold, silver. Amethyst statement ring. Unique design amethyst ring. Massive amethyst ring. Material: 925 silver + 14k gold plated Weight: 5 gr depends from s...
Amethyst, Gold, Silver
Set in 18K Gold & Rhodium, Spinel, Sapphires, Amethyst & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Spinel, Sapphires, Amethyst Three-Stone Cocktail Three stone Ring set in 18K Gold with Blue Rhodium. The weight of the Spinels is 12.30 c...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, 18k Gold, Rhodium
$381Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Christian Dior gold plated chain necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Christian Dior chain necklace. Gold plated metal, the chain is a nice long length that can easily be wrapped over twice and is designed with a lovely fancy rope t...
Gold Plate
1990s Modern Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet 7 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, mod style cuff bracelet is sterling silver. The face of this cuff measures 7/8 of an inch at its widest point and tapers down to 3/8 of an inch. It has an inner circu...
Sterling Silver
Pomellato Vintage 18k White & Yellow Gold Bangle Suite
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Pomellato bangle suite exemplifies refined Italian goldsmithing and modern design. Crafted in solid 18k white and yellow gold, it showcases a harmonious contrast...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Monique Vedie Line Vautrin Student Green Talosel Stud Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Monique Vedie (1924-2021) Resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a charming round domed stud shape with a carved, striped design, complemented by a beautiful transl...
1.28 Carat Natural Santa-Maria Aquamarine and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.28 Carat Natural Santa Maria color Aquamarine and 0.73 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Aquamarines have been prized gems throughout human hi...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Christian Lacroix Amethyst and Yellow Jeweled Heart Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These gorgeous Christian Lacroix Paris clip-on earrings feature an important resin dangling shape with an abstract flower and heart adorned with clear crystal rhinestones. The pieces...
Silver Plate
Sapphire and Ruby Alternating Eternity Band Ring, 2.20 Carats Yellow Gold 14K
Located in Brunswick, ME
Indulge in the vibrant harmony of this one-of-a-kind eternity band, meticulously handcrafted by the Emeralds Maravellous design team. 14k yellow gold, this 3.4mm band features an alt...
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$942 / item
Topaz solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Topaz Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Topaz Ring. Baguette Cut Topaz Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weig...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Bulgari Diagono Automatic Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Classic Bulgari Diagono Automatic Stainless Steel case and bracelet ladies wristwatch. The name Diagono is inspired by the Greek agon, or competition. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Genuine Ruby Bolo Bracelet Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bolo bracelet is sterling silver. It was made for Kay by Chuck Clemency. It features 7 oval cut, 4x5mm ruby gemstones. The bracelet is adjustable from 5 to 9 inches. ...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 6.00 Carats Multi-Shape F/VS1 Diamonds Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This extraordinary statement ring features GIA Certified multi-shape diamonds totaling 6.00 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for their exceptional brilliance and dist...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Black Pearl & Solid 14k Yellow Gold Chandelier Earrings
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning pair of Earrings by Marina J. This pair is made with Iridescent Black Pearls and Solid 14k Yellow Gold wiring and hooks. A Baroque Pearl with a beautiful iridescent luster s...
Black Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$763Sale Price / item|70% Off
Oval cabochon amethyst 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon amethyst 14k gold ring. Amethyst solitaire. Plain amethyst ring. Diamond cut amethyst ring. Amethyst engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weig...
Amethyst, Topaz, 14k Gold
$753Sale Price / item|60% Off
Vintage style pearl 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl 14k gold engagement ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - pearl, button shape, white color, 4.5 mm, cultivated, freshw...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
14K Solid Yellow Gold Butterfly Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Genuine 14K Gold diamond charm pendant. This particular yellow gold butterfly pendant has small diamonds paved on it, no dull or milky diamonds here, they are all super sparkly and e...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
AAA White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace, 14K Gold Clasp, 18" Length
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a yellow gold clasp measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yellow gold clasp. ...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Marina J. Pearl and 18k Yellow Gold Plated Woven Bracelet
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Pearl Woven Bracelet by Marina J. This bracelet is made with multi sized Pearls and Faceted 18k Yellow Gold Plated beads all intricately woven together into a tight column li...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Ring with Madeira citrine up to 2.50ct and single cut diamond 18k gold 11.6 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with citrine and single cut diamonds. 0.10ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5(55) detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.1 cm wide by...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
$971Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring. Art deco style ruby ring in 14k gold. Art nouveau style ring. Oval cabochon ruby ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g. depends from siz...
Peridot, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Black Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Black Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 1.43 carats. The Emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
$494Sale Price / item|50% Off
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3 gr Gemst...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$678Sale Price / item|60% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring. Ruby solitaire. Plain ruby ring. Oval cabochon cut ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 9.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a central sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond totaling 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Flower design Amethyst Earrings Studs with Colorless Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Floral Amethyst Earrings in Gold with Enamel Flowers and Sparkling Stones. Floral Amethyst Cocktail Earrings Silver, gold. Elegant Floral Amethyst Earrings. These earrings feature a...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$508Sale Price / item|70% Off
Peony flower ring with opal
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peony flower ring with opal. Silver flower ring with opal. Opal cabochon ring. Nature inspired jewelry. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3.5 gr depends from size G...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Nina Zhou 8.48ctw Blossoms Aquamarine Moonstone Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Nina Zhou 8.48ctw Blossoms Aquamarine, Moonstone, Diamond & Freshwater Round Pearl Drop Earrings present a refined interpretation of the Blossoms motif, combining gentle color wi...
Moonstone, Turquoise, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, Aquamarine, Yell...
Vintage Gold Tone Six Strand Chain Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone 6 Strand Chain Necklace, Circa 1980s. This piece is a closet hanger until you see it on. I saw a Chritian Dior choker almost the same that was magnificent and this...
Mixed Metal
KIESELSTEIN-CORD ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
KIESELSTEIN-CORD 18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 6.5 – EU 17(53) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Cabochon Rock Crystal Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Rock Crystal Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Rock Crystal Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Rock Crystal Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$471Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Amethyst. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Amethyst Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yello...
Amethyst, Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
Citrine and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine earrings in 14k gold. Dangle citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-sh...
Citrine, Topaz, 14k Gold
Vintage Hoorsenbuhs 18K Rose Gold Classic Tri-Link Chain Ring
By Hoorsenbuhs
Located in New York, NY
Bold and instantly recognizable, this authentic Hoorsenbuhs Classic Ring is crafted in luxurious 18 karat rose gold and features the brand’s iconic interlocking tri-link motif. The s...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & 18K Gold Hook & Eye Buckle Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver and gold ring. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with 18 karat yellow gold elements. With a stylized hook and eye catch. Marked to the shank. Simply wonde...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, 1.50 carats, natural Diamonds modern Band Bridal Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Diamonds is 1.50 carats. The Diamonds are of VVS -...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$471Sale Price / item|60% Off
Garnet and amethyst silver earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet and amethyst 14k gold earrings. Red and purple gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: silver + 14k gold plate Weight: 4 gr Gemstones amethyst, pu...
Amethyst, Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 5.48 carats, Zambian Emeralds & Diamonds Cocktail Cluster Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Cluster Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emeralds is 5.48 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Sterling Gemstone Cabochon Bracelet 7.75 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous estate bracelet is sterling silver. It features cabochon cut garnets, citrines, peridot, amethysts and pink tourmalines. Measurements: 3/8 of an inch wide, 7 3/4 weara...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver