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.
$493Sale Price / item|50% Off
Peony flower ring with garnet, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peony flower ring with garnet, silver, gold. Golden Peony Ring. Floral peony ring. Blossoming Peonies Ring. Vintage Style Floral Nature Engagement Ring Metal: silver 925 plus 14k g...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k pink gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k pink gold earrings set with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the size of the earring is 2.6 cm long by 7.0 mm wide weight: 3.7...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald & Diamond Cerastes Necklace with Gold Chain, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Golden Cerastes Necklace is a breathtaking creation that fuses myth, artistry, and modern elegance. Inspired by the legendary serpent of Greek mythology, the cerastes—ren...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
$1,045Sale Price / item|40% Off
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with aquamarine. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) -aquamarine 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, b...
Aquamarine, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1970's 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hinge Lock Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a band ring centering a working hinged hook lock Flanked by split shoulders with grooved shank Stamped for 14 karat gold Circa: 1970s Ring Size: 7 1/2 and sizable Measure...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Style Pearl and Moissanites Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle shell pearl earrings. Bow Pearl Drop Earrings with Moissanites in Gold Plated Silver. Floral Bow Pearl Earrings...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Bezel Black Opal Ring for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Black Opal Cabochon for Men silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Black Opal. Oval Pinky Ring ...
Black Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold 10.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU 17.25(54) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.4 cm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Blank Tiffany & Co. Heart Tag Charm
Located in Venice, CA
This is a blank Tiffany & Co. 18k gold charm, an iconic piece reminiscent of a luggage tag shaped like a heart. This version of the iconic heart tag charms was designed to allow you ...
18k Gold
$1,129Sale 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
Floating Gem Cross Necklace with Antique Diamond and Blue Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Floating Gem Cross is an exquisite jewelry piece, featuring 1.28 carats old european cut diamonds, and .58 carat blue sapphires, set in 14k gold. This beautiful pendant necklace has...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
$662Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Elegant Tennis Necklace with Opal Gemstone Jewelry for Women
Located in New York, NY
This graceful tennis necklace is crafted in 925 sterling silver and adorned with 63 natural opal gemstones, each carefully shaped in a classic oval cut measuring 3X5 mm. The opals di...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$517Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with rose quartz briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with pink quartz briolettes. Lily flower earrings. Pink quartz earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Metal: silver 925 + 14k gold plating over W...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Silver
14KT White Gold Luxurious 5-Row Diamond 10.03 Cts Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking piece features five rows of brilliant, round-cut diamonds meticulously set in a classic 14K white gold band. The high-polish finish creates a beautiful reflection, whil...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
Blancpain Villeret Triple Calendar Moonphase Automatic Steel Gold, 1989
By Blancpain
Located in PARIS, FR
BLANCPAIN Villeret Triple Calendar Moonphase – Ref. 6595-1318 Elegant Blancpain Villeret Triple Calendar Moonphase ref. 6595-1318, sold on October 14, 1989 and preserved in remarkab...
Gold, Steel
Vintage Platinum & 1.05 Ct. Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage eternity band ring. In platinum. With 30 channel set round single cut diamonds (1.05 TCW ±) set around the circumference. Accompanied by a GEMLAB (Gemological Appr...
Diamond, Platinum
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
$501Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon opal silver, gold ring. Opal solitaire. Plain opal ring. Oval cabochon cut opal ring. Opal engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Contemporary Onyx Bar and Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Towson, MD
A commanding estate cocktail ring, this 14 karat yellow gold, black onyx and diamond statement piece is a study in bold geometric refinement. The elongated rectangular bar of jet black onyx measuring an impressive 19.85 by 4.93 millimeters dominates the face of the ring. Its mirror polished surface catches the light with a deep, lacquer like gleam set beautifully against the warm luster of solid 14 karat yellow gold. The black onyx bar is set vertically, creating a dramatic elongating effect on the finger that is unmistakably in the spirit of the modernist jewelry movement of the 1970s and 1980s, when bold geometric forms and graphic contrasts between stone and metal were hallmarks of fine jewelry design. Flanking the onyx on each shoulder are three single cut round diamonds per side, six stones in total, totaling approximately 0.06 carats, graded I color and I1 clarity. Their bright sparkle provides a luminous counterpoint to the deep black stone at center. The mounting features a refined split shank, adding architectural interest and lending the ring a visual lightness that balances the substantial face. The piece weighs 5.5 grams and is currently size 6.75. An ideal choice for collectors of vintage modernist jewelry...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brutalist Sculptural Cuff Bracelet Vintage 2008 Paris Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist Sculptural Gold Plated Cuff Bracelet World on Fire Archival Statement Jewelry Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this rare archival cuff bracelet is a collec...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
Cartier LOVE Two Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant Link Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier LOVE Pendant necklace crafted in 18 karat rose gold, featuring the iconic LOVE collection design accented with two round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.03 ca...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Stephen Webster 18K White Gold Diamond Murder She Wrote Crystal Haze Ring
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Stephen Webster Crystal Haze 18K white gold diamond ring. Intense sapphire blue lapis and natural clear quartz gemstone in the Crystal Haze technique pioneered by Stephen Webster in the mid 1990's. The innovative process bonds the two gemstones, producing a striking magnifying effect which enhances the color of the underlying precious gemstone. Madonna wore a Crystal Haze ring to the party of the premiere of her film, The Next Best Thing and the press picked up the edgy, glamorous style making it a must-have accessory. Jennifer Lopez, Pink and Christina Aguilera...
Crystal, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,787Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Bezel-Set Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated 14K Yellow Gold Tennis Bracelet features a continuous row of brilliant-cut diamonds, each meticulously secured in a bezel setting. Unlike traditional Bezel setting...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxurious 14K Yellow Gold Malachite Bead Drop Earrings with Pave Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your look with these sophisticated 14K yellow gold drop earrings featuring rich natural Malachite bead drops and sparkling pave diamonds. Handcrafted in warm 14K yellow gold,...
Diamond, Malachite, Gold, 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
$516Sale 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
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Onyx Door Knocker Earrings with Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably on-trend, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings make a striking statement. Designed with large oval turquoise and black onyx links, the inter...
Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Multi-Row Chain Link Donut Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Multi-Row Chain Link Donut Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 42.78 grams Length: 7.5 inches Pendant: 24mm Width: Approx. 16mm OR...
Sterling Silver
$697Sale Price / item|40% Off
Baguette Emerald 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald engagement ring. Baguette emerald ring. Emerald gold ring. Emerald vintage style ring. Natural emerald ring. Classic emerald ring. May birthstone emerald ring. Wedding gold r...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
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
$752Sale 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
Giant Estate Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a large size. This necklace features genuine high grade genuine turquoises from the sleeping ...
Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.00ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 3.4 mm high...
Diamond, 18k Gold
11mm Natural Amazonite Bead Stretch Bracelet – 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This vibrant stretch bracelet features hand-selected 11mm natural Amazonite beads with rich turquoise-green tones and delicate white veining. Each bead is smoothly polished to highli...
Amazonite
18Kt White Gold White Diamonds Hoop Earrings by Rossella Ugolini Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
18Kt White Gold 0,30 ct White Diamonds Hoop Earrings by Rossella Ugolini Made in Italy. Handcrafted Hoop earrings made in 18k karats white gold featuring 0.30 carats white diamonds b...
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 8.54 carat Emeralds & 9.76 carat Tanzanites modern Hoop Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Tanzanite Hoop Earrings set in 18K Gold & Blue/Green Rhodium. The weight of the Emeralds is 7.54 carats. The Emeralds are compl...
Emerald, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Bulgari Celtica Ring Multi Color Gems Arch Design
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Original Bulgari Celtica Ring Has multi color Gemstones Amethyst, Citrine, Tourmaline and Topaz. tapered gold arched Design stones size are approx 10 x 5 mm open size flexibl...
18k Gold
$464Sale 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
Set in 18K Gold, 10.84 carat Tanzanite, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Ruby Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 10.84 carats. The Tanz...
Diamond, Ruby, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
$375Sale 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
$5,300 / item
14k Gold Pavè Yellow Sapphire Lemon Necklace
Located in Missoula, MT
Crafted in solid 14k gold, the lemon silhouette shimmers with pavé-set yellow sapphires, each stone reflecting the vibrant glow of citrus at its ripest. A symbol of optimism and ener...
Peridot, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Ring with sapphire, taper and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a sapphire up to 1.50 ct, brilliant-cut and taper-cut diamond up to 1.00 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.5(55) Detailed description: The t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$487Sale 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
Virgin Mary Necklace Multi Medal Paperclip Chain Silver Plated Blue Enamel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Multi Medal Paperclip Chain Silver Plated Blue Enamel Vintage Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage charm necklace features an assembly of mixed-material religious m...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Silver Plate, Enamel
Certified Madagascar Pink Sapphire, Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional pink sapphire and diamond cluster drop pendant necklace crafted in solid 18 karat gold, centring on a GCS London certified natural Madagascar pink sapphire weighing ap...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 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
$464Sale Price / item|50% Off
Opal solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Cabochon Opal Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Opal Ring. Round Cut Opal Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Chanel Camelia 18k White Gold Diamond Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Chanel
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Chanel Camelia ring, showcasing the maison’s iconic floral motif in 18k white gold. This ring features an intricate Camelia flower design, a signature symbol in Chanel’s collectio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.15ct 14k gold 6.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold entourage ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.15ct - G/H, F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: top of the ring is 1.6 cm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Giant Rainbow Gemstone Necklace with 14K Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Embrace yourself with sparkling gemstones that capture the colours of the rainbow! The facetted shapes of the stones enhance this necklace’s beauty, with precious stones featuring fa...
Fire Opal, Turquoise, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Opal, Lapis Lazuli,...
Cartier Trinity Triple Gold Ring - size 56
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size : 56cm Cartier Trinity Ring: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance and Emotion First introduced in 1924 by the legendary French jeweler Louis Cartier, the Cartier Trinity Ring...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$580Sale 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
14K Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Accented Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Make a bold, symbolic statement with this captivating Snake Bypass Ring. Expertly cast in warm 14K yellow gold, this piece features a fluid, serpentine design that gracefully coils a...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 3.93 carats Tanzanite & Rose Cut 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 Tanzanites is 3.93 carats. The Tanzanites are respo...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Massive Black and Orange Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in apricot orange color with a black contrast. Her color matching is alway...
GIA Certified 10.12 Ct Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Plantation, FL
A commanding three-stone ring centering a GIA-certified 10.12-carat oval Ceylon (Sri Lankan) sapphire, framed by a pair of bright half-moon diamonds in a clean platinum mount. The c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Skull Crossbones Lighter Case Ruthenium Gunmetal Accessory J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruthenium Gunmetal Skull and Crossbones Lighter Case Archival Rock n Roll Jewelry Accessory Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this rare archival lighter holder is a c...
Brass
Bulgari 1980's Multi-Gem 18K Yellow Gold Steel Vintage Tubogas Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stainless steel tubogas style cuff with grooved segments and three yellow gold stations Grooved and each centering a bezel set bullet cabochon - citrine, peridot, and p...
Citrine, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel