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.
Angela Caputi Gilded and Rootbeer Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature an oversized, dangling, donut-like design in a translucent root beer swirl color, with gilded metal...
Earrings with aquamarine and single cut diamonds up to 0.36ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold earrings set with aquamarine and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.36ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by 1.0 cm wide ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Victoria Mixed Cluster Drop Pendant in Platinum, 2.12 ct tw
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Tiffany & Co pendant, crafted in platinum, embodies sophistication and brilliance. Featuring a vine-form drop with marquise, pear, and round diamonds, this piece showcases a har...
Diamond, Platinum
Francoise Montague Resin Clip Earrings Dangle Fuchsia Pink Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
These clip-on earrings by Cilea Paris for designer Francoise Montague are stunning. The pieces feature a dimensional hand-made dangle-drop shape in fuchsia pink-colored resin shaped ...
Cartier Fox Trot Diamond Drop Earrings — 18k Yellow Gold, 1980s Vintage
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Introducing the Cartier Fox Trot 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings – a harmonious blend of elegance and subtlety, perfect for the refined jewelry connoisseur. These exquisite earrings...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Forever Platinum Natural Diamond Half Band Ring 3MM
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Forever Platinum Natural Diamond Half Band Ring 3MM Metal: Platinum Weight: 4.26 grams Width: 3mm Size: 5.75 (US) Diamonds: 0.56 CTW F-G VVS natural round diamonds ...
Diamond, Platinum
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ring with Natural Rock Crystal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Elegant ring featuring a natural oval rock crystal in a smooth cabochon cut. The transparent stone softly reflects the light and highlights the clean, minimal beauty of the design. T...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Silver
Crystal Cubic Zirconia Necklace Bracelet Earrings and Ring Ensemble
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Luxurious Radiant Shimmering 2-Color Cubic Zirconia Crystal, Necklace Bracelet Earrings and Ring Unique Statement Ensemble. Intricately Hand-crafted and Hand set wi...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Silvorra Art Deco Style Bezel Set Cubic Zircon Faceted Tennis Bracelet in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This understated cubic zirconia tennis bracelet showcases a continuous line of mixed cut gemstone in sleek bezel settings, creating a refined geometric silhouette with exceptional br...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. 14 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Locket Pendant Charm
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. 14 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Locket Pendant Charm Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 4.96 grams Dimensions: 16 x 16.5mm Bale opening: 5mm Signed: Tiffany & Co. 585 ITALY LDD ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Cartier Double C Vintage Diamond 18k Tri-Color Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Tri-Color Gold Diamond Ring Crafted from 18k Multi-Tone Gold Featuring Pavé-Set Diamonds on Interlocking C's Hallmarks: Cartier, 750, 50 Size: US 5.25 / EU 50 Weight: 5....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Aphrodite Goddess Two-sided Coin Pendant Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Greek Goddess Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Aphrodite Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. A beautiful two-sided Aphrodite goddess coin pendant crafted in st...
Gold, Silver
Tennis bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.00ct 18k gold 19.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold tennis bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 4.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - 17 cm long detailed description: the bracelet is 17 cm long by 5.7 mm wide and 3.3 m...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$250Sale Price|50% Off
Sterling Silver 2.40ct Squared Deep Red Garnet 3 Stone Ring, Size 6.75
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A clean, modern three‑stone design in polished sterling silver, set with 2.40 carats of square‑cut garnets. The larger center stone delivers a rich, wine‑red focal point, framed by t...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Hermès Clic H Narrow Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel & Yellow Gold
By Hermès
Located in Baltimore, MD
Hermès Clic H Narrow Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel & Yellow Gold Metal: Gold plated and black enamel Size: GM, M/L, 17cm Width: 12mm Retail: $810 USD TD F35002684
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Boucheron Serpent Boheme Toi et Moi Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Sz 7
By Boucheron
Located in Feasterville, PA
A stunning Boucheron ring from the Serpent Bohème collection, capturing elegance and symbolism since 1968. This ring is crafted from rich 18k yellow gold, featuring Boucheron’s sign...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Courreges Paris Cobalt Blue Acrylic Lucite Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Courrèges
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Courreges Paris Lucite or acrylic resin bangle bracelet features an important cuff design in a transparent cobalt blue color with a cone shape. The piece is signed on t...
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé Circle & Turquoise Earrings, 2.45ct
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic 14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Turquoise Briolette Earrings Make an elegant statement with these sophisticated 14K yellow gold diamond and turquoise dangle earrings, combini...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Bracelet
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design. Crafted in polished 18K yellow gold, this bracelet exudes sophistication and time...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sanalitro Milano Acrylic Resin Cuff Bangle Bracelet with Pastel Silk Scarf
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sanalitro Milano Lucite Cuff Bracelet – Abstract Collection, 1991 Designed by renowned Italian artist Massimo Sanalitro, this stunning cuff bracelet is a bold statement piece from hi...
Solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 1.91ct 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond total 1.91ct – K/L – SI/Pique1 - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 8.4 mm wide an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Maillon Panthere 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Experience the refined elegance of the Maillon Panthere earrings by Cartier, crafted in 18k yellow gold with brilliant diamonds. The polished gold links, inspired by the Panthere de...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. Cube Torque Sterling Silver Choker Necklace
By Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Cube Torque choker necklace. In sterling silver. Designed by Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. Suspended from a black cable choker necklace Tiffany & Co. Fully hallma...
Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Tapered Baguette Yellow Sapphire Pin Brooch 0.70 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
This refined pin brooch features a precise large tapered baguette-cut yellow sapphire of approximately 0.70 carats set in solid 14K yellow gold. The warm, sunny hue of the sapphire i...
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Bracelet 7 Flowers Large Model Diamond 18k Yellow
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Bracelet is a radiant expression of floral elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted in polished 18K yellow gold, this bracelet showcases seven heart-petaled bl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 1970s Rock Crystal Gold Long Necklace by Carlo Weingrill
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bulgari necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, embodies elegance and contrast. Featuring a heavy curb chain interspersed with carved rock crystal beads, this piece showcases a ha...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
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
Goossens Paris Modern 24K Gold Rock Crystal Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Oversized necklace from the Coeur Précieux collection. Rock crystal heart oversized mounted on a worked chain. A precious symbol of the House, the beating heart of Goossens. Rock cry...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass, 24k Gold
Rare Substantial Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Pyramid Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Seaman Schepps 18K yellow gold Pyramid bracelet 20th Century Provenance: Estate of a prominent New York socialite This rare, stunning...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 4.23 carats, natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 4.23 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$508Sale Price / item|44% Off
Custom Initials Cufflinks – Personalized Monogram Cufflinks for Men
Located in Istanbul, TR
Custom Initials Cufflinks – Personalized Monogram Cufflinks for Men. Bespoke Initial Cufflinks. Custom Letter Cufflinks. Crafted in solid sterling silver plus white gold plating ove...
Gold Plate, Silver
John Galliano Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Gold Flakes Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking John Galliano Lucite bangle bracelet showcases the designer's bold and unmistakable aesthetic. Expertly crafted from transparent acrylic resin, the substantial, sculptu...
Set in 18K Gold, 5.52 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.52 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$515Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette floral design earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Gold leaf earrings. Citrine earrings. Citrine flower earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November bir...
Citrine, Topaz, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver
Bulgari 1950's 7.05 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Wide Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide band ring centering three old mine cut diamonds prong set east to west Weighing approximately 1.95 carats total - I color with VS2 clarity Flanked by bezel set bag...
Diamond, Platinum
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
925 Silver Two Stone Emerald Diamond Halo Open Cuff Bangle Bracelet Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This sparkling open cuff bangle bracelet is crafted in 925 Sterling Silver and showcases 9.12 carats of emerald cut natural emeralds, beautifully accented by a 0.19 carat diamond hal...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$460Sale Price|20% Off
GUCCI Italy Sterling Silver Sleek Bamboo Style Pendant Necklace 21st C
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
GUCCI Italy sterling silver bamboo design pendant necklace 21st c The sleek unisex necklace is designed with an elongated sterling silver bamboo shaped pendant; suspended from a lo...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum, 1.00ctw GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Introducing the Cartier Platinum Diamond Stud Earrings – a definitive expression of elegance and precision, perfect for the discerning jewelry aficionado. These exquisite earrings em...
Diamond, Platinum
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Custom Initials Men’s Ring with Baguette Peridot in Silver, Gold.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Your Initials Ring for Men— Personalized with Baguette Peridot. Custom Initials Baguette Peridot Ring in Silver. A personalized men’s ring crafted in silver 925 plus 14k gold platin...
Peridot, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,584Sale Price|20% Off
Slack Signed 14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Cat Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate whimsical luxury with this charming Slack signed 14K yellow gold Emerald and Diamond Cat Brooch, a beautifully crafted designer piece that blends playful artistry with time...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Shopping Bag Charm Pendant Sterling Silver Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A charming vintage Tiffany & Co. pendant crafted in sterling silver and finished in the House's signature Tiffany Blue enamel, rendered as a miniature version of the iconic Tiffany s...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Modern band ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 4.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 7.5 mm wide and 5....
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Grosse Gold Tone Textured Bow Brooch, Germany, 1964
By Grosse
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage statement brooch. This brooch is such a versatile piece and ideal for adding a finishing touch to any your outfits to elevate them to the next level, made by Gros...
Gold Plate
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet Box & Papers Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 11.6 grams Gemstone: Mother o...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Margot de Taxco Enamel & Sterling Silver Figural Snake Choker or Collar Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Mexican sterling silver & enamel necklace. In the form of a green-scaled snake or serpent. By Margot de Taxco (Margot van Voorhies Carr). Pattern no. 5554. These coll...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$506Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
14k Yellow Gold Coral Cocktail Ring, Cabochon Cut, Netherlands, 1990
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with coral - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description The top of the ring is 3.3 cm wide and 1.0 cm high. Ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58). The...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow 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...
$527Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle oval amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Silver Drop Earrings. Elegant vintage-style earrings with oval amethys...
Topaz, Amethyst, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Cartier Trinity Vintage Hoop Earrings — 18K Tri-Color Gold, Yellow, White &
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
18k Multi-Tone Gold hoop earrings with interlocking design. Cartier Trinity. Diameter: .82" Weight: 9.4 grams Hallmarks: Cartier, 750, Serial Accessories: Our Gift Box Cond...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Fairfax, VA
This classic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet is crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with black onyx. The bracelet showcases the Maison's iconic Alhambra motif, pairin...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$456Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Diamond Pave Butterfly Silhouette Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Embrace a sense of graceful beauty with this Diamond Pave Butterfly Silhouette Necklace. Expertly crafted in polished 14K white gold, the pendant features a delicate, open-wing butte...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 1.79 carat, Multi Sapphire & Diamond "Paperclip" Dangle Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires "Paperclip" Dangle Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 1.79 carats. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Pomellato Peridot Champagne Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking Pomellato creation, showcasing Italian elegance and bold gemstone artistry. Crafted from warm 18k yellow gold, this ring features a vibrant 3.84 carat peridot. The cushio...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with single cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring with single cut diamond total 0.50ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 5.3 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Fred of Paris Chrysoprase Cabochon 18k Gold Cocktail Ring Size 6
Located in Feasterville, PA
A sophisticated Fred of Paris Gold Cocktail Ring showcasing timeless elegance. This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring features a captivating 7ct chrysoprase cabochon, exuding a tranqui...
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Skull Ring Open Vintage Distressed Memento Mori Platinum Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Ring Open Vintage Distressed Memento Mori Platinum Plated J Dauphin Vintage 2010 Double Skull Ring Platinum Plated Brass New York Archive Design...
Platinum, Brass
$215Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Sterling Silver 2.19ct Oval Sky-Blue Topaz Signet Band Ring, Size 7.5
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Vintage sterling silver signet ring set with a bright 2.19‑carat oval Sky Blue Topaz in a smooth bezel. The gemstone shows crisp, watery brilliance, paired with a solid, rounded silv...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver