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.
$527Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine cocktail ring silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Solitaire citrine ring. Citrine silver, gold ring. Citrine statement ring. Citrine cocktail ring. Metal type: 925 silver + 14k gold plating Weight: 4 g depends from size Gemstones...
Citrine, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$539Sale Price / item|77% Off
Octagon Citrine Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Citrine Ring Silver, Gold. Black Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central st...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$899Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear ruby and pearl 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby engagement ring. Pear ruby ring. Ruby vintage style ring. Wedding gold ring with ruby. Metal type: Gold Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 gr. depends from size. Central gemsto...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Cilea Paris Dijon Mustard Resin Dangle Floral Clip Earrings
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these exquisite clip-on earrings. These dimensionally dangling artisanal resin earrings feature a textured pattern and a glossy finish in a floral theme. The lov...
Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Union of Color and Timeless Craftsmanship Infuse your ensemble with a regal pop of color through this Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet. Featuring 15 oval-...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$534Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring st...
Amethyst, Topaz
Ring with sapphire and diamonds up to 0.70ct 18k gold 4.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with sapphire up to 0.60ct and baguette and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.70ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25(54) detailed description: the f...
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
$777Sale Price / item|70% Off
Oval cabochon opal 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon opal 14k gold ring. Opal solitaire. Plain opal ring. Diamond cut opal ring. Opal engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2 gr depends fro...
Opal, Topaz, 14k Gold
$777Sale Price / item|70% Off
Oval cabochon peridot 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon peridot 14k gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2...
Peridot, Topaz, 14k Gold
Nanis Reverse double-face ring with blue diamonds and topaz
By Nanis
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Playful elegance in every twist Discover the magic of the Nanis Reverse double-face ring, crafted in luxurious 18-karat gold and adorned with a dazzling mix of natural gemstones in ...
Blue Diamond, Green Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with ruby up to 2.40ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold stud earrings set with ruby 2.40ct and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description The stud earrings are 1.0 cm long by 8.3 mm wide wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$582Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Opal saturn ring. Opal cosmic ring. Metal stamp: 1...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$748Sale Price / item|40% Off
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold. Flower gold earrings. Pear ruby earrings. Red flower earrings. 14k solid gold Size: 10 x 7 mm. Total weight:...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k 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
$635Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and peridots
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal: 14k Gold (tested) Weight: 2.2 g depends fro...
Opal, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,079Sale Price / item|23% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon. Starburst Opal Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Starburst Opal Ring. Vintage style opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with oval opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$841Sale Price / item|40% Off
Pear peridot east west ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear peridot east west ring. Peridot solitaire ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Main stone peridot Color: green to oliv...
Peridot, 14k Gold
$641Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 g depends from s...
Opal, Mandarin Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Aquamarine pendant, 25 carats, 18k basket setting
Located in Cohasset, MA
Emerald cut 18k Aquamarine 25 carat pendant. 18k basket setting with jumping.
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Bold Silver Oval Link Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
The bracelet has a vivid appeal with its large 1 1/2 inch high oval links. It has what is called "the look", a stylish fashionable accessory for every day wear, be it office or dinne...
14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Natural Turquoise Door Knocker Earrings 0.58 CTW
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these bold yet refined door knocker earrings, crafted in luminous 14K yellow gold and accented with 0.58 carats of sparkling diamonds. At the hea...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Black and Gold Resin Dangle Clip-on Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with black geometric elements contrasted with an important faceted bead in black and gold...
$748Sale Price / item|40% Off
Starburst Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Starburst Stud Earrings. Rainbow opal earirngs. 14k gold earrings. Vintage/Old Style opal earrings. Ethiopian opal earrings. October Birthstone jewelry. 14k solid gold Size: 12 x 8 ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$647Sale Price / item|60% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot. Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Gemstone Citrine: Color...
Citrine, Peridot, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold U-Shape Hoops w/Champagne and White Diamonds by Audrius Krulis
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
18K Yellow Gold U-Shape Earrings by Audrius Krulis are an elegant fusion of modern design and refined craftsmanship. Measuring 3/4" in length, each earring features three sparkling c...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$534Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style citrine, topazes earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine, topazes earrings silver, gold. Citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: c...
Citrine, Topaz
Marcel Boucher Mod Lucite Chrome Wrist Watch ca 1970
Located in University City, MO
Marcel Boucher Mod lucite chrome women's wrist watch ca 1970 The futuristic design combines a circular lucite disc that frames the black watch dial The...
Stainless Steel
Goossens Paris Emerald Green Rock Crystal Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Emerald green rock crystal necklace set in 24k plated brass from Goossens Paris. A timeless theme that sees its colors change with the seasons. Each rock crystal stone is hand-dyed...
Rock Crystal, Emerald
Vintage Augis 18k Gold Guardian Angel Medal Charm 16mm Signed French Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A charming vintage French guardian angel medal crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold by the prestigious jeweler Alphonse Augis. This delicate pendant features a beautifully detailed ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Silvorra Elegant 3.16 ct Natural Multi-Gemstone Floral Cocktail Ring for Women
Located in New York, NY
This statement ring from Silvorra is meticulously crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring a vibrant floral cluster of 35 natural ruby, emerald and blue sapphire gemstones in mixe...
Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling...
$1,082Sale 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
$479Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ring with citrine cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with citrine cabochon. Citrine statement ring. Cocktail citrine ring. October birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size. G...
Citrine, Gold, Sterling Silver
Silvorra 925 Silver Open Wave White Enamel Ring with Multicolor & White Zircons
Located in New York, NY
This modern Silvorra ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver and designed in an open wave for a chic, stacked look. The top wave band is coated in smooth white enamel and dotted with ...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Diamond Link 14K (Custom) Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Diamond Link Chain Bracelet is crafted in polished 14K yellow gold and features a bold, modern link design with a refined diamond-accent centerpiece. The elongated gold links cr...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Fancy Green Yellow 4.63ct Oval Center Diamond Platinum & 18K YRingellow
Located in Derby, NY
A rare natural fancy green-yellow diamond takes center stage in this sophisticated engagement or anniversary ring. The 4.63-carat oval center stone showcases exceptional color satura...
Diamond, Platinum
$575Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon: Crescent Moon Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Crescent Moon Ring Opal. Half moon opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Meta...
Opal, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$527Sale Price / item|44% Off
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
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
Tiffany & Co. 1983 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Foliate Fancy Link Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of fancy link depicting a minimalist graphic outline of a leaf Featuring a high polish gold finish throughout Completed by hidden clasp With hinged figure eight safety Stam...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bakelite Bracelet Bangle Red Tea Amber
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning red tea amber marble Bakelite bracelet bangle features an oversized wide domed shape. The intense red tea marble tone has honey amber cloudy swirling and transparency. ...
lack Opal Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold – 85ct Natural Opal
Located in Chatsworth, CA
A breathtaking expression of luxury and rarity, this black opal and diamond heart pendant necklace showcases an extraordinary large cabochon-cut natural opal, radiating mesmerizing f...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Vintage Dior logo script clip on earrings, silver tone metal
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous pair of vintage Christian Dior logo script design clip on earrings. Large oversized silver tone metal dome or disc shaped earrings with the Dior logo written all over th...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
$623Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear ruby opend ended 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear ruby adjustable 14k gold ring. Ruby engagement ring. Ruby gold ring. Ruby vintage style ring. Natural ruby ring. Classic ruby ring. July birthstone ruby ring. Wedding gold ring ...
Ruby, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Pink Opal Diamond LOVE Heart Necklace in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious Pink Opal Necklace is ready to wear! This pendant charm has a naturally carved pink opal heart in the middle that is surrounded by small diamonds! Absolutely simple and st...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mercedes Robirosa Style Gilded Metal Clip Earrings with Glass Cabochons
Located in Atlanta, GA
These Ultra-chic dangling clip-on earrings have a design reminiscent of Mercedes Robirosa's work. The earrings are a stunning example of baroque style, with a massive construction th...
Gilt Metal
Estate 10K Infinity Necklace 16 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous necklace is 10k yellow gold. It features an infinity sign pendant. The pendant measures 3/4 of an inch. The necklace is 16 inches. Marks: Turkey, MA, 10K Condition: ...
10k Gold
Pristine Vintage Ladies White Gold Piaget Watch Marquise Diamond & Emerald Bezel
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This distinctive and beautiful 18K white gold vintage ladies Piaget cocktail watch, offered by the formidable watchmaker in the early 1980's, is perfect in every respect. A round white bark finish dial with black baton hour markers is surrounded by a bezel of twelve alternating marquise cut diamonds and fine quality Colombian emeralds. The words Piaget and Swiss are visible on the dial. Total approximate diamond weight is 1.15ct of overall H color and VS1 clarity. Emeralds are vibrant and have a total weight of approximately 1.00ct. The integral, Piaget bark...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Emerald and Pink Topaz 14K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite octagon-shaped pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. At its heart shines a radiant emerald-cut pink topaz, ce...
Emerald, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. by Paloma Picasso 18 Karat Gold and Citrine Cocktail Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Zurich, CH
Striking 18 karat yellow gold and citrine cocktail ring by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co., 1980s. Sculpted cocktail ring entirely crafted in 750 yellow gold and bezel-set with...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.16 Carat F/VS1 Marquise & Round Diamonds Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These classy stud earrings feature Marquise Shape and Round Brilliant Cut diamonds totaling 3.16 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for their exceptional brilliance and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$635Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and pearl
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 g depends from s...
Opal, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso 925 Sterling Silver Strand Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
A Tiffany & Co. necklace from the Paloma Picasso collection, crafted in sterling silver with cultured freshwater pearls. It features an 18-inch strand design with soft peach-tone...
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
Bvlgari 1990's 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Vintage Parentesi Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of fitted yellow gold and stainless steel geometric segments Displaying the signature Parentesi motif Featuring flush open terminals With high polish finish Stamped with It...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$665Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with oval opal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with oval opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 g depends f...
Opal, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century 18K Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Signet Ring by ABL
Located in New York, NY
20th Century 18K Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Signet Ring by ABL The fine oval Rhodolite garnet signet gemstone exhibits hidden fire as the pavillion of the gem is facet cut and the ...
Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.00 Carat F/VS1 Cushion Diamond East-West Bezel Necklace 18K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant necklace features a GIA Certified 3.00 carat Cushion Cut diamond, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and softly rounded geometry. Th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with princess and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.56ct 18k gold 6.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with princess and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.56ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.5 - EU 16 (50) detailed description The top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 4.22 carat Tourmaline & Baguette Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmaline is 4.22 carats. The combined Diamonds w...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
$479Sale Price / item|50% Off
Red garnet cabochon ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with garnet cabochon. Red garnet statement ring. Cocktail garnet ring. Birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size. Gemston...
Garnet, Gold, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K yellow Gold, Pink Sapphires, Tsavorites & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Pink Sapphires & Tsavories Dangle Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 8.02 carats. The Pink Sapphir...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold