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.
Archival Boucheron 18k White Gold Sapphire Amethyst Diamond Noctua Owl Ring
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Hailing from the highly coveted and now-discontinued Animaux de Collection by the legendary High Jewelry Maison Boucheron, Paris, this magnificent 'Noctua' (La Chouette) owl ring in ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold. Elegant Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. Floral design pearl earrings. A refined pair of drop earrings crafted in...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
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
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
Cartier Classic LOVE Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cartier Classic LOVE Bracelet, Size 16. An enduring icon of luxury jewelry, this authentic Cartier LOVE Bracelet features the coveted early screw system, a ha...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
80s Portuguese Vine Leaf Ring 19k Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Band Sz 8.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage leaf vine ring crafted in 19k yellow gold (circa 1980s). 3 marquise cut sapphires measure 3mm x 1.5mm. Diamonds total an estimated 0.09 carats (estimated at H-I col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
$466Sale 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
Akoya Cultured Pearl Opera Necklace 8.5–8.9mm Diamond and Gold Clasp Enhancer
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial and versatile Akoya cultured pearl opera necklace, composed of 82 well-matched pearls measuring approximately 8.5–8.9mm, offering a refined balance of scale, symmetry, ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
$489Sale 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
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
$699Sale 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
Pearl Woven Lace Choker with 18k Plated Faceted Beads
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pearl Woven necklace adorned by 18k Yellow Gold Plated - Silver Faceted "Disco" beads. Four strands of Pearls, Graduating in size, are woven together into a column like design. The P...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Sword Opal Pendant Necklace by J Dauphin, Vintage Silver Chain, 2018
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sword Opal Pendant Necklace Vintage Silver Chain Designer J DAUPHIN This pendant was manufactured in the United States in 2018, the chain in Bali 2008. The hardware configuration...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Bronze
Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 24.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.9 cm long and 8.7 mm wide. Weight: 24.0 grams Set w...
Diamond, 18k 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
Nina Zhou 5.05ctw Butterfly Aquamarine Diamond Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Nina Zhou 5.05ctw Butterfly Aquamarine & Diamond Drop Earrings are designed with a sense of lightness and motion, capturing the graceful spread of butterfly wings in midair. Pear...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.10ct 18k gold 4.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a sapphire and a brilliant-cut diamond of 1.10 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.8 cm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$962Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring. Art deco style ruby ring in 14k gold. Art nouveau style ring. Oval cabochon ruby ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g. depends from siz...
Peridot, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with sapphire up to 1.30ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold marquise ring set with sapphire up to 1.30ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.30ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5(58) detailed description: The top o...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Natural Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Natural Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings GIA report numbers: 5231334520, 2231897767 Diamonds: 1.12 H SI2 round brilliant natural diamond, 1.10 H I1 natural ...
Diamond, White Gold
Lugano 6.88 carat Paraiba tourmaline diamond 18K white gold necklace
By Lugano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional Lugano necklace is a captivating contemporary jewel, centered by a heart shape Paraiba tourmaline weighing an impressive 6.88 carats. The center stone offers the viv...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$755Sale 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
Antigona Paris Gilt Metal and Blue Resin Bird Brooch
By Antigona
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antigona Paris designed this stunning giant bird brooch. The dimensional shape boasts a giant bird. The bird's wings are in satin-finished gilded metal, complemented by a translucent...
Gilt Metal
$490Sale Price / item|50% Off
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3 gr Gemst...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
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
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage Paris 2000's
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage 2008 Parisian Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is engineered with a 54 mm interior diameter. Handcrafted in...
Brass, 18k Gold, Silver Plate
$519Sale 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
$503Sale 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
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.48ct 18k yellow gold 8.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant cut diamonds 1.48ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17(53) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.5 cm wide Weight 8.6 grams ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Double Loving Heart' Band Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver ring. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Designed by Paloma Picasso. From the 'Double Loving Heart' series. Fully marked to the shank. Simply wonde...
Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 2.78 carat, 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 2.78 carats. The Emerald is completely nat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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
Set in 18K Gold, Paraiba Cabochon, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba & Multi Sapphires Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba Cabochon is 9.19 carats....
Diamond, Sapphire, Paraiba, 18k Gold
Toi et Moi Pink Sapphire & Pave Diamond Open Ring 1.3ct in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Toi et Moi ring features 1.3 carats of natural pink sapphires, set in 14k white gold. The pear-cut sapphire measuring 5.8 x 4.8 mm and an oval-cut 5.7 x 4.6 mm, beautifu...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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
$1,064Sale Price|24% Off
36.15 Carat Natural Loose Baby Pink Kunzite Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 36.15 carat Dimensions 20x16.4x13.4 mm Treatment Heater Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This exquisite 36.15 carat natural baby pink kunzite disp...
Kunzite
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
Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.35 carat - H color with SI1 clarity Set with tri-split prongs in a square form head and flanked by pierced buckle motif...
Diamond, Platinum
$513Sale Price / item|44% Off
Bezel Set Oval Opal Wide Matte Band silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bezel Set Oval Opal Wide Matte Band ring silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Opal . Oval Pinky Ring for Men. ...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Emerald & Diamonds "Kissing" Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Emerald "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Morganite is 5.90 carats. The w...
Morganite, Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$466Sale Price / item|60% Off
Garnet and amethyst silver earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet and amethyst 14k gold earrings. Red and purple gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: silver + 14k gold plate Weight: 4 gr Gemstones amethyst, pu...
Amethyst, Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver
$962Sale Price / item|44% Off
Sapphire and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Blue sapphire and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring. Art deco style sapphire ring in 14k gold. Art nouveau style ring. Oval cabochon sapphire ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g. d...
Peridot, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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 ...
18k Gold
$419Sale Price / item|55% Off
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, blue gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Earrin...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
Pomellato Garnet 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 6 3/4
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Symbolic of Craftsmanship and Innovation. Set with a Round Step-Cut Garnet Accented by 18K Yellow Gold. Brand: Pomellato Size: 6 3/4, Resizeable Weight: 12.5 grams Hallmarks: P...
Citrine, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 4.87 Carat Lucida Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Crafted in platinum by the esteemed American house of Tiffany & Co., this exceptional ring showcases a magnificent Lucida cut diamond weighing 4.87 carats, graded I color and VVS2 cl...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, 1980
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare estate Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW diamond double sphere east west 18K yellow gold and platinum cocktail ring 20th Century This fabulous double sphere diamond ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,677Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Onyx Diamond Clip-On Door Knocker Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably chic, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings showcase a striking interplay of color and form. Suspended from diamond-accented hoops totaling 0...
Diamond, Turquoise, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Circlet Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum PT950 — 26 Diamond Pavé
Located in Plantation, FL
A classic and elegant pair of Tiffany & Co. Circlet stud earrings crafted in platinum (PT950), one of the most iconic designs from America’s foremost luxury jeweler. Each earring fea...
Diamond, Platinum
$583Sale 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
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
$513Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Bezel Garnet Ring for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Garnet for Men silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Garnet. Oval Pinky Ring for Men Metal: 9...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$874Sale Price / item|50% Off
Heart topaz ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Heart topaz ring in 14k gold. Heart shape engagement ring. 1ct heart topaz ring. Solitaire heart ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size...
Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Paraiba, Pink Sapphire & Diamond Toi et Moi Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba Tourmaline & Pink Sapphire Toi et Moi Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba Tourmal...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Paraiba, 18k Gold
Chanel Silvered Metal and Acrylic Bracelet Bangle with Heavy Chain Design
By Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking and highly collectible example of Chanel's avant‑garde jewelry design, this rare Paris‑made bracelet marries bold sculptural presence wi...
Metal
Christian Lacroix Amethyst and Yellow Jeweled Heart Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These gorgeous Christian Lacroix Paris clip-on earrings feature an important resin dangling shape with an abstract flower and heart adorned with clear crystal rhinestones. The pieces...
Silver Plate
$503Sale Price / item|70% Off
Peony flower ring with opal
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peony flower ring with opal. Silver flower ring with opal. Opal cabochon ring. Nature inspired jewelry. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3.5 gr depends from size G...
Opal, Gold Plate, 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 Gold Tone Six Strand Chain Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone 6 Strand Chain Necklace, Circa 1980s. This piece is a closet hanger until you see it on. I saw a Chritian Dior choker almost the same that was magnificent and this...
Mixed Metal
Christian Lacroix Colorful Crystal and Silk Jeweled Floral Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris floral jeweled brooch features a dimensional flower shape with gilt metal framing all textured and ornate with multicolor crystal rhinestones. S...
Gilt Metal