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Modern Jewelry

MODERN STYLE

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.

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Period: 20th Century
Style: Modern
Italian Designer Anthracite Gray Lucite Necklace Flower and Pearl
By Manoa2
Located in Atlanta, GA
This impressive transparent anthracite gray Lucite or Plexiglass bib choker necklace was crafted by Italian designer Manoa2 (Milano 1980 - 1985). The collar shape has a large curved ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage 9k yellow gold trace chain necklace, curb link
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish vintage 9ct gold trace chain such as this is the perfect accompaniment to your favourite small lockets, pendants and charms. It is a sturdier trace chain with a boxy curb ...
Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Jewelry

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Statement Earrings With Emerald Glass Cabochons By Paolo Gucci, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.25" x 1.1" - Gold plated - Emerald green-colored glass cabochon accents - Clip on earr...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Rolex 31mm Oyster Perpetual Ladies Steel Smooth Blue Arabic Dial Watch Ref 67480
Located in Pleasanton, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Watch Pre-owned w/ Original Box & Paper 100% Authentic Authenticity Card Condition - (Excellent Condition) - See Pics Watch Reference - 67480 Model - Oys...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Jewelry

Materials

Steel

Judith Hendler Acrylic Lucite Neck Ring Necklace, 1980s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Judith Hendler designed this fabulous "piece of art" choker necklace in the 1980s. It has the iconic Acrylic or Lucite (also known as Acri-gem) neck tube ring, and from it are elegan...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Rolex Two Tone Zephyr
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Zephyr / Reference 1038/1008 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt. & Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1968 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Di...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Cabochon Pink Tourmaline Ring Square Cocktail Estate 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6 Maz
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish Maz pink tourmaline ring crafted in 18k yellow gold. Cabochon cut pink tourmaline measures 13mm diameter. The tourmaline is in very good condition and free of cracks or chi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Jewelry

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tiffany & Co Earrings c1990 Signature X Cross Sterling Silver 18k Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed vintage Tiffany & Co 'X' cross signature earrings, crafted in sterling silver & 18 karat yellow gold. The cross earrings feature 18k yellow gold rope d...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

1995 Tiffany & Co. Basket Weave 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring, Size 8
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Tiffany & Company vintage band ring features a unique basket weave design that adds texture and dimension to the band. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold with meticulous attention to de...
Category

1990s Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Dramatic 52 Inches 3 Strand Cultured Pearl, Colored Stone & Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very out of the ordinary and stylish 52 inch long, three strand Japanese Akoya salt water cultured pearl lariat necklace is punctuated at 2 1/4 inch intervals by round Green 10m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Jewelry

Materials

Chrysophrase, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold

Lacey White Floral Murano Glass Bead Choker Necklace, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 15" length - White flower Venetian glass lampwork beads - Gold tone bead ca...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Thunderbird Bezel Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern Diamonds 18k White Gold Earrings
Located in MADRID, ES
Modern earrings from the 20th century, crafted in 18k white gold and adorned with diamonds. With a weight of 3.1 grams and a size of 1 cm x 1 cm, these earrings exude contemporary el...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Modern 18 Karat Gold Amethyst 0.21 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, LT
This is a stunning pair of stud earrings crafted in 18K white gold. The piece features 2 oval amethysts. The gems are paired with diamonds: - 8pcs., round brilliant cut, 0.11ct, RW-...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Platinum 2 Carat Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Venice, CA
This Vintage eternity band contains 18 sparkling diamonds prong set in platinum. The band has a raised scalloped carriage that gives the band a substantial feel and holds each diamon...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Signed Trifari Goldtone Carved Faux-Jade Ring Size 6 1/2
Located in Easton, PA
Goldtone carved resin faux-jade ring with inside sizer. Marked "Trifari." Size 6 1/2 at the largest, but can be worn if your finger is smaller. Measures: Measures: 5/8 inches tall b...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Black Lucite Pear Brooch With Rhinestone Details By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - Gold plated - 2.7" x 1.6" - Black lucite - Clear crystal accents - By Kenneth Jay Lane (signed on verso) - C...
Category

1990s American Modern Jewelry

18KT White Gold and Blue Topaz Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Modern band ring crafted in 18 karat white gold. The band features 3 square emerald cut blue topaz stones set in 18 karat yellow gold wide bezels. The band measures 14mm in width and...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Jewelry

Materials

Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18KT "La Moderne" 1.94CT Diamond Ring, Box & Papers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels "La Moderne" diamond ring is crafted 18KT yellow gold, and contains one 1.54CT round brilliant center diamond paired with two tapered baguette diamon...
Category

1990s French Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.75 Carat Diamond Huggie Earrings in 18Karat White Gold
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Designed in 18 karat white gold, ensuring durability and a timeless appeal, these lovely diamond earrings are quite beautiful. The centerpiece of these earrings is the dazzling disp...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1980s Kutchinsky diamond bangle
Located in London, GB
This striking Kutchinsky bangle from 1980s consists of a total of 13.34 carats F colour VVS clarity diamonds. A beautiful addition to any collection to be worn day and night.
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Double Head Lion Ring
Located in New York, NY
Step into the world of timeless elegance with this vintage David Webb 18k yellow gold double head lion ring. Featuring two majestic lions facing each other, this ring exudes strength...
Category

20th Century American Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

SAL Swarovski Golden Bow Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stylish Swarovski gold-tone metal bow brooch with pavé-set clear crystals laid out on one band. Marked S.A.L. (Swarovski American, Ltd.) on the back of brooch. This mark wa...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate

Scintillating Vintage Gold, Diamond, Golden and Blue Sapphire Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This life like characterization of a dragonfly in flight is lavishly embellished with over 130 round faceted golden and blue sapphires as well as a number of round brilliant cut diam...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier "Golden Helmet" Textured 18KT Yellow Gold Diamond Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Cartier “Golden Helmet” textured band is crafted in 18KT yellow gold with an embellishment of sparkling round diamonds, F Color VS Clarity, which add dimension and flash to this...
Category

1990s French Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald big Cat Ring 18 kt White Gold 0.25 ct beautifully designed
Located in Viena, Viena
an emerald big cat ring in 750 white gold, partially gold-plated, beautifully designed with lots of zirconia setting for a lot of bling, with carre-shaped emerald in beautiful color ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

1995 Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vannerie Basket Weave Link Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Tiffany & Company Vannerie basket weave link bracelet is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and sophistication. Inspired by the intricate artistry of woven baskets, this necklace fea...
Category

1990s American Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Representative 2.50 ct Emerald Diamond Ring of a special kind 18 kt 22x23 mm
Located in Viena, Viena
Italian way of life, a representative emerald diamond ring of a special kind, looks beautiful on the hand, 32 full-cut diamonds set in leaf-shaped settings totaling approx. 0.40 ct, ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Lapis Lazuli Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Lapis, emerald, and diamond cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat white gold. The cocktail ring features a cabochon lapis lazuli gemstone, 52 round brilliant cut diamonds, and a row of e...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Signet Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 18K yellow gold and Turquoise ring. It depicts an oval shaped cabochon Turquoise stone mounted in gold bezel setting. The Turquoise’s width and length is 0.4 and 0.5 inche...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Jewelry

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Multi-Strand Seed Pearl and Diamond Clasp Bracelet Circa 1990s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This beautiful bracelet features sixteen strands of fine quality seed pearls. To complete the bracelet, it is secured by an 18K white gold diamond set ‘bow’ slider pearl clasp. Diam...
Category

1990s Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Austria Orange Crystal Brooch & Earrings Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an Austria orange crystal brooch and earrings set. The concave checker board pattern brooch has orange crystals prong set on heavy gold plated metal. Marked Austria on clip-o...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Reversible 3 Row Wide Band Style Ring with Rubies, Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This expertly crafted ring gives the illusion of being an all around band with the outer two rows of diamonds flanking the inner row of square cut bright red rubies or square cut ric...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Elizabeth Locke Onyx Necklace Pendant
Located in Darnestown, MD
Beautiful pear shaped onyx pendant by Elizabeth Locke. It can be worn on any number of necklaces but came with the onyx beads necklace listed as item LU13322796422. The pendant meas...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Jewelry

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Blue Enamel Diamond Banana Clip-On Earrings 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany Co France Jean Schlumberger Lozenge Earrings In 18Kt With Blue Enamel. Rare earrings designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. This pair has been created at the prest...
Category

20th Century French Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel

Jade Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Jadeite Mid Century Cocktail Fine Jewelry 6.75
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage jade ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Jade measures 14mm x 10mm. The jade is in good condition and free of cracks or chips. Six diamonds...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Jewelry

Materials

Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Parentesi Tubogas 18 Karat Yellow Gold Steel Bangle
Located in Rome, IT
18-karat yellow gold and steel bracelet signed Bulgari. This bracelet belongs to the iconic Parentesi Tubogas collection. The bracelet is flexible and can be worn with any wrist size...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Vintage 18k Gold and Diamond Equestrian Bypass Bangle Bracelet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely vintage 18k yellow gold hinged bangle bracelet features two well detailed equestrian heads bypassing each other. This type of bypass bracelet is truly a perennial favorit...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1995 Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vannerie Basket Weave Link Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Tiffany & Co. 1990s Vannerie link bracelet is a classic piece that embodies the elegance and sophistication of the era. Crafted from high-quality 18 karat yellow gold, this brace...
Category

1990s American Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

Late 20th Century Enamel & Diamond Ring Circa 1990s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This is a stunning enamel and diamond late 20th century ring. Crafted in 18k white gold, featuring bead set diamonds in scrolls and motifs. A four claw centre setting with an oval sh...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Late 20th Century Solid Gold Padlock Bracelet Circa 1980s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A beautiful solid yellow gold, rounded open curb link bracelet, secured by a heart shaped padlock with keyhole and fitted with a safety chain. Stamped with makers mark ABJ and hallma...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

18ct Gold Intaglio Signet Ring with Diamonds, 1919
Located in Glasgow, GB
An 18ct yellow gold signet ring, featuring the intaglio arms of The Burgh of Buckhaven, Methil and Innerleven (Scotland). The ring is adorned with transitional cut diamonds totaling ...
Category

1910s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Castlecliff Gold Cream and Gray Cuff Bracelet Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Castlecliff Gold Cream and Gray Cuff Bracelet Circa 1980s. This is a spectacular bracelet and is very art deco looking. It can be worn as a cuff but can also be worn far up...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Rolex Datejust Midsize Ladies 31mm 18k Gold & Steel Gold Dial Watch Ref: 68273
Located in Pleasanton, CA
Rolex Datejust 31mm Watch Pre-owned w/ Original Box & Card 100% Authentic Authenticity Card Condition - (Great Condition) - See Pics Watch Reference - 68273 Model - Datejust Dial Co...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Chanel Gold Pendant with Large Crest Medaillon, France, 1990s
Located in Denia, VC
Large unique CHANEL crest medallion in gilt gold metal on a large chain with crest links in gold metal. This lovely finely chiseled pendant necklace, the entire pendant being chisele...
Category

1990s French Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

Ring with ruby and diamonds 14k bicolor gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14 kt bicolour gold ring set with ruby ​​and brilliant cut diamonds. 0.10 ct - F/G - SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25(54) detailed description: the top of the ring is 6.2 mm wide ...
Category

1990s Dutch Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond Half Hoop Earrings with Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant and exciting half hoop 18 karat gold earrings that have 9 carats of diamonds. The stones are F-G color; VVS - VS quality. In addition, they are studded with cabochon rubies, ...
Category

1990s Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Givenchy Herringbone Chain Bracelet with Logo Clasp, 1980s
Located in London, GB
1980s Vintage Givenchy herringbone chain bracelet in gold plate. This vintage bracelet features a flat, wide herringbone chain with a statement d...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Gold Tone Long Link Chain with Dangling Opening Fob Circa 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone Long Link Chain with Dangling Opening Fob Circa 1980's. This great piece has an opening fob that has a silver squirrel inside that dangles inside the bob which is ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

c1976 Vintage Heart Wedding Bell Pendant Large Charm 9k Gold UK Hallmarks
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage heart pendant crafted in 9k yellow gold (circa 1976). With a wedding bell to the center of the large heart, the romantic piece celebrates one of life's big milest...
Category

1970s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Leaf Climber Earrings By Crown Trifari, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.1" tall - Gold plated - Clip on earring backs - By Crown Trifari (signed on clips) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good vintage cond...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Tiffany & Co. Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Link Choker Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Tiffany & Company diamond link necklace is a breathtaking piece of jewelry that epitomizes elegance and luxury. Crafted with exquisite craftsmanship, this necklace features a se...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Pink Kunzite and Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The fabulous large kunzite is cut to really show off the sparkle and colour of the stone and is set in a simple claw setting and sits up high on the 14 carat yellow gold ring. The sh...
Category

1960s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Gold

1970s Diamond Open Heart White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970s diamond open heart white gold pendant necklace. The 1970s Diamond Open Heart White Gold Pendant Necklace is a timeless piece of jewelry that captures the essence of elegance a...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Green Agate and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous signet ring holds a deep green agate in a smooth gold setting. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Stone Dimensions: 9x7mm Weight: 2.4g
Category

1970s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Gold, 9k Gold

Vintage 1950s Signed Boucher Goldtone & Pave Rhinestone Heart Clip Back Earrings
Located in Easton, PA
Early 1950s textured goldtone pave clear rhinestone clip back earrings. Marked "Boucher" with inventory number "5370." Measure: 1 inches tall by 13/16 inches wide. Condition: Very go...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Peridot and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous bright peridot stone is surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds. The peridot measures 1ct and the diamonds total 25pts. The ring is modelled in 18ct white gold. Ri...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, White Gold

18ct Gold Carnelian Signet Ring, 1958
Located in Glasgow, GB
An 18ct yellow gold signet ring, unengraved, set with a carnelian. Hallmarked by the London assay office, marked '18' for 18 carat gold, with date letter 'C' for 1958. • Period: Mid...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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