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.
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Round Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed rounded gold band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a cylindrical or round-edged form. Marked to the shank. Simply wonderful Tiffany design!...
Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Complications Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Rose Gold Watch 5524R
Located in Baltimore, MD
Patek Philippe Geneve Complications Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Rose Gold Watch Box & Papers 5524R-001 Model: 5524R-001 Case: 42mm Movement: Automatic Complications: GMT/World Time, ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Necklace of pearl 18k gold claps with brilliant cut diamond up to 2.20ct 46.8 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp with white gold intermediate pieces set with brilliant cut diamonds total 2.20ct - F - VS - on a pearl necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: The total le...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Gold Brooch by George Lenfant for Hermès, Paris c. 1965
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
La Bécasse d'Or Vintage Gold Brooch by George Lenfant for Hermès, Paris c. 1965 A delicate moment seems to have been captured in gold: a snipe, light and lively, spreads its wings a...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Christian Lacroix Paris Silver Plate Jeweled Cuff Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare sculptural Christian Lacroix Paris bracelet bangle features a silver-plate cuff shape with a multi-wire design, ornate with larger metal ropes on the sides. It is embellish...
Silver Plate
$600Sale Price / item|40% Off
Art Deco Style Pearl and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle pearl earrings. Cocktail earrings with pearls, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Pearl and Topaz A striking pair of pearls and ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$594Sale Price / item|44% Off
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with garnet briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with garnet briolettes. Lily flower earrings. Garnet earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Delicate flower threader earrings crafted in silver wi...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Emerald, Orange and Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Orange & Yellow Sapphire Cocktail Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 3.12 carats. The E...
Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Victoria Diamond Cluster Bracelet
Located in London, England
A stunning vintage Tiffany & Co. Victoria diamond mixed cluster bracelet set in platinum, circa 2022.
From Tiffany & Co.'s celebrated Victoria collection, the bracelet...
Diamond, Platinum
$553Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired pink quartz and colorless topaz drop earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pink quartz earrings silver, gold. Dangle pink quartz earrings. Cocktail earrings with pink quartz, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with pink quartz and Topaz. Elegan...
Quartz, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
MONTH-LONG SALE, 15.50 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 20"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
MAGNIFICENT, 15.50 cts Natural diamonds tennis necklace average H-VS,SI natural diamonds 3.4 mm wide 20 inch long Style: Tennis Necklace Finish: High Polish Shine: Excellent
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Perlee 3 Row Ring, Size 48
Located in Houston, TX
A modern Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Pearls Of Gold ring, 3 rows set in 18K yellow gold. Accompanied by the certificate of authentication, original receipt, and box. Dated: 2018. S...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Plus qu'hier et moins que demain - Authentic Augis pendant
By A. Augis
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this "Plus qu'hier et moins que demain" love token. This love medallion of all love medallions was first created by the famous Lyon jeweller Alphonse Augis. He based this...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Fabrice Paris Silvered Metal Geometric Brooch with Agate Stone Cabochons
By Fabrice
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fabrice, Paris designed this stunning geometric brooch. The rare piece features a massive open donut design with a high-gloss silvered metal frame composition embellished with carved...
Agate
Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate Flower Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold Necklace with Delicate Floral Elegance. Crafted from 18k white gold, this necklace embodies the luxury and poetic artistry synonymous with Van Cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Freshwater Pearl and SeaShell Multi Strand Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite multi-strand freshwater pearl choker is designed to captivate. A breathtaking blend of shimmery gray, black, and smoky pink rice seed pearls creates a luminous, sophis...
Freshwater Pearl, Silver Plate
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.70ct 18k gold 7.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with five brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.70ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75(56) detailed description: The top of the ring is 4.8 mm wide R...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Massive Petroleum Blue and Black Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in petroleum blue color with a black contrast. Her color matching is alway...
Genuine Pink Rubellite Tourmaline and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Rubellite Tourmaline pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold. At its heart shines a deep pink Rubellite tourmali...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Rubelite, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$507Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazs. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Me...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$553Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired green onyx and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style green onyx earrings silver, gold. Dangle green onyx earrings. Cocktail earrings with green onyx, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with green onyx and Topaz. Elegant vi...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Bvlgari Monete 18K Yellow Gold Ancient Greek Coin Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Monete Necklace. Crafted with historical reverence, this necklace embodies Bvlgari's fusion of ancient artistry and modern elegance. The substantial curb-link...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$507Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with Amethystes cabochon. Contemporary Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Earrin...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond Sz M
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring in 18k rose gold, embodying sleek sophistication and timeless design. Crafted in 18k rose gold, the ring features a continuous coil of articulated scal...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
CLEARANCE EVENT, 9.15 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 19"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 9.15 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 17-inch chain. p...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 3.39 carat Rubellite, Pink Opal & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite & Pink Opal Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubellite is 3.30 carats. The weight of ...
Diamond, Opal, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Guy Laroche Dangle Gilt Metal Clip Earrings with Emerald Green Resin Tear-Drop
By Guy Laroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
These spectacular Guy Laroche Paris clip-on earrings feature a massive dangling shape in gilded metal, carved, see-through, and textured, adorned with emerald green glitter-resin tea...
Gilt Metal
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
$1,328Sale Price|20% Off
18kt White Gold Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings from OGI Ltd Estate
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and versatile, these preowned 18kt White Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings embody refined luxury with a modern edge. Measuring approximately 0.50" in length and weighing 4.9 grams to...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage inspired rose Quartz and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Rose Quartz Ring with Topazes. Rose Quartz and Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural rose quartz cabochon set within ...
Quartz, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Tiffany & Co. Gingerbread Man Charm Pendant in Silver with Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A whimsical Tiffany & Co. charm pendant designed in the form of a gingerbread man, crafted in sterling silver and accented with blue enamel. The playful silhouette is enhanced by...
Silver, Enamel
$512Sale Price / item|77% Off
Octagon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Garnet 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 sto...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 18.66 Carat Natural Unheated Star Sapphire Ring Center Stone
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional GIA-certified natural star sapphire commands attention with its impressive 18.66-carat weight and captivating celestial phenomenon. Cut as an elegant oval double caboc...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$726Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Rose Gold Teardrop Dangle Earrings with Honeycomb Filigree Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
The primary feature is a pear or teardrop-shaped drop element with an intricate honeycomb or open-work filigree pattern. Small, round diamonds are set within the structure and at the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Colombian Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring GIA Certified Vintage
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, featuring an approximately 2.50 carat vibrant color natural Colombian emerald accompanied by a GIA certifi...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$507Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold. Green 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...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
8.65 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 8.65 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 16-inch chain. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso 18k Gold & Citrine Cabochon Olive Leaf Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Tiffany gold and citrine earrings. By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each earring with a bezel-set citrine cabochon and with a ol...
Citrine, 18k Gold
$500Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Emerald Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Emerald Ring. Baguette Cut Emerald Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating ...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Blue Sapphire, Emerald & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphire & Emerald "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 8.19 carats. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 15.63 carats, Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and important, modern style, Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 15.63 carats. The Emerald is complete...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer Signature Alex & Lee Multi Gemstone and Cord Statement Necklace OM910
By Alex & Lee
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Designer Signature Alex & Lee Beautifully Hand-crafted Multi-Shape Multi-Gemstone Statement Bib Necklace. Featuring Cuprite, Earth Bronze Cord. Hand Dyed Knotte...
Multi-gemstone, Vermeil
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Mozambique Ruby, Morganite & Diamond Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Ruby Stud Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ruby is 2.80 carats. The Rubies are nat...
Diamond, Morganite, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose 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
Vintage 18K solid yellow gold Taurus zodiac enamel pendant - Star sign charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 karat solid gold Leo charm with enamel details - Red star sign with white stars and black constellation - Italian made vintage pendant For sale is ...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Toi et Moi Round and Princess moissanite RIng Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Square and Round cut Moissanites Toi et Moi Ring. Two-Stone Statement Ring. Asymmetrical Toi et Moi Ring with Moissanites. Moissanite Ring with Wide Sculptural Band A sculptural Toi...
Gold, Gold Plate
Vintage Gucci sterling silver dangle earrings, interlocking G
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish pair of vintage Gucci sterling silver dangle earrings with interlocking GG logo symbol. A classic and timeless design from the early 2000s, they feature a stylised GG styl...
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
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
$507Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold. Blue Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
3.40 Carat Total Weight GIA Fancy Vivid Yellow Emerald Cut Three Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Specifications List Craftsmanship & Provenance: Handcrafted in the USA by Abe Mor Master Jewelers Center Stone: GIA-Certified Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow Emerald Cut Diamond (Excepti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Openwork Butterfly Diamond Gold Charm
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly charm in 18k yellow gold, featuring openwork wings with polished struts. Adorned with six round diamonds along the body. Slightly angled design. Pre-owne...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Tiffany & Co. Star Padlock Charm Pendant Sterling Silver with Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A charming vintage Tiffany & Co. pendant crafted in sterling silver, modeled as a miniature padlock with an openable shackle and a cut-out window framing a Tiffany Blue enamel star a...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$512Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Peridot Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Peridot Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Peridot Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Peridot Ring in Gold Over Silver. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plat...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
GIA Certified 3.60 Carat I I2 Naturural Marquise Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 3.60 Carat I I2 Naturural Marquise Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 6247003148 Diamond: 3.60 carat I I2 natural marquise shaped "laser drilled" diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Purple Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and purple sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Ceylon Pink Sapphires, Tourmaline & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires & Tourmaline Cocktail Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires 14.31 carats. The Pin...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold