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.
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage Paris 2000's
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spike Cuff Bracelet Blue Enamel Vintage 2008 Double Chain Made in Paris Gunmetal Plated Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is constructed from gunmetal-plated brass and...
Silver Plate, Brass, Enamel
Transparent Lucite Bracelet Bangle with Multicolor Metallic Thread Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Lucite bracelet bangle has a domed shape and is comprised of transparent acrylic injected with metallic thread inclusions in multicolor tones. The metallic threads spar...
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
$672Sale Price / item|60% Off
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval cabochon ruby silver, gold ring. Ruby solitaire. Plain ruby ring. Oval cabochon cut ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plat...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,015Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Handmade Opal Gemstone Tennis Necklace in 16 inch 925 Silver Strand
Located in New York, NY
This necklace features opal totalling 14.34 carats, bezel set in 925 sterling silver. Each gemstone is bezel set and linked in a linear design, allowing fluid movement. Measuring 16 ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Floating Pearl 14k Gold Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Floating Pearl Earrings are made of solid 14k gold with 7mm freshwater pearls. The original model was inspired by objects found in nature and was created based on several seashells ...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Richard Kerr Dangle Red and Black Crystal Jeweled Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these fancy clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. They feature an oversized dangle shape with a bead and an asymmetric...
Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Necklace for Donna Karan, 1986
Located in New York, NY
Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Necklace For Donna Karan 1986. this is an original necklace created for a Donna Karan Spring 1986 runway show, comprised of Wabi Sabi colors and component...
Brass
$552Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,166Sale Price / item|50% Off
Octagon amethyst ring for men in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Solid Gold Round Amethyst Ring For Men's. Mens Solid Gold Amethyst Ring. Octagon Cut Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - ame...
Topaz, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
$490Sale 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
Modern 18 Karat Gold 11.00 Carat Colourful Sapphire Tennis Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a modern design tennis bracelet crafted in 18K gold. Circa 2000. The piece features 43 sapphires: - square cut - TW 11.00ct - purple red-red purple PR-RP 3/3 - bluish purp...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$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
$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
Van Cleef & Arpels Kashmir Sapphire Ring, 8.45 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
Among the most coveted gemstones in the world, Kashmir sapphires represent the height of rarity and beauty, and this extraordinary Van Cleef & Arpels ring displays one of the finest ...
Sapphire
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings, Modern Design, 2.16ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold entourage stud earrings set with a central ruby up to 2.16 ct and an entourage of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.46 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The front...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Verdigris 2x1 Block Bracelet 1983
Located in New York, NY
Architecture and organic forms are wed in this chunky block bracelet that is oxidized brass. Using hard edge and graphic shapes that connect with rivets...
Brass
Platinum Three-Stone Ring with 0.95ct Sapphire & 0.20ct Diamonds, USA
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate life's most meaningful moments with this elegant platinum sapphire and diamond three-stone ring. At the center rests a brilliant round-cut natural sapphire weighing approxi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Marco Bicego Jaipur 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Dangle Drop Earrings
By Marco Bicego
Located in Baltimore, MD
Marco Bicego Jaipur 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Dangle Drop Earrings Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 4.34 grams Length: 1.7 inch Width: 6 - 11mm Signed: Marco Bicego Made in Italy ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Paraiba Tourmalines & Diamonds "Butterfly" Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Paraiba Tourmaline "Butterfly" Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Paraiba Tourmaline is 1.35 carat...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 2.74 carat, Aquamarines & Diamonds Band Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 2.74 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.17 c...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti 102440 Stainless Steel Diamond Dial & Bezel Women's Watch
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bulgari Serpenti Stainless Steel Diamond Bezel Watch Designer: Bulgari Collection: Serpenti Style: One-Twirl Wrap Around Watch Case Material: Stainless Steel Bezel: Factory Diam...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver and 18k Yellow Gold Button Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Elevate classic menswear with this refined pair of Tiffany & Co. two-tone button-motif cufflinks—an understated yet distinctive accessory that reflects timeless design and impecc...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$746Sale Price / item|60% Off
Vintage style pearl 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl 14k gold engagement ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - pearl, button shape, white color, 4.5 mm, cultivated, freshw...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,129Sale Price / item|40% Off
Amethyst 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 14k gold earrings. Purple gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones amethyst, purple, pear cut,8x6mm side gemstone...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek Trio of Interchangeable Resin Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek trio of interchangeable resin pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic set is designed with three interchangeable large scale resin pendants The large resin pendants r...
Gilt Metal
$700Sale 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
$756Sale 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
Ring with sapphire and marquise shaped diamonds up to 0.24ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold ring set with a central sapphire totaling 0.80ct and two marquise-cut diamonds totaling 0.24ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 – EU. 17.5(55) detailed description:...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$466Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Peridot and Amethyst Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yello...
Amethyst, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with Coral - 13.1 grams - 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k ear clips set with coral detailed description the top of the ear clips is 1.1 cm high and 1.3 cm wide weight 13.1 grams set with - 2 x 1.3 cm - 1.3 cm half cylinder cut cora...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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
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
MARKDOWN GIA Certified, 6.44 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Oval Shape
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
GIA Certified 6.44-Carat Natural Sapphire – Blue – Oval Shape This stunning 6.44-carat natural sapphire is a true statement piece, perfect for high-end jewelry enthusiasts or collec...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage, Daniel S. Rine Bangle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage, Daniel S. Rine Bangle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold. Daniel S. Rine was an American jeweler known for high-quality vintage 14K yellow gold jewelry. He was particularly active in...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with coral and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.03ct 18k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold stud earrings set with coral and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.03ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the stud/pendant are 8.6 mm long by 7.7 m...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
$488Sale 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
$875Sale Price / item|50% Off
Heart garnet ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Heart garnet ring in 14k gold. Heart shape engagement ring. 1ct heart garnet ring. Solitaire heart ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - gar...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Christian Dior Gold Tone Blue Crystal Dome Clip On Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of dome clip on earrings designed by Christian Dior in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated, features dark blue, icy blue and clear crystals. Signed: “Chr. Dior” (shown ...
Mid Century Modern Akoya and Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Omega Back Cluster Earrings
Located in Towson, MD
These estate 14 karat yellow gold Akoya pearl and diamond floral cluster earrings are a charming and beautifully executed example of mid century inspired fine jewelry design, present...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$348Sale Price / item|50% Off
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings, Fields with flowers painting.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with topazs, fields of flowers drawing. Blue and yellow flowers. Handmade flower themed Shell Earrings with opal. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrin...
Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$526Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Water lily earrings. Citrine earrings. Citrine flower earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November bir...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold
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
Ladies Patek Philippe Twenty 4 in White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This crisp, ladies 18K white gold Patek Philippe Twenty 4 wristwatch is a fashionable and impressive timepiece. This is model 4910/G20-010 with factory diamonds and Patek Philippe o...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Opal beads bracelet and 18k gold lock with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.84ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.84 ct – F/G – VS/SI – on a pink opal bead – 20 cm long Detailed description The bracelet is 20 cm long and 9.5 mm wide....
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet, topazs earrings silver, gold. Topaz, garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemston...
Garnet, Topaz
Boucheron Serpent Boheme Toi et Moi Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Sz 7
By Boucheron
Located in Feasterville, PA
A stunning Boucheron ring from the Serpent Bohème collection, capturing elegance and symbolism since 1968. This ring is crafted from rich 18k yellow gold, featuring Boucheron’s sign...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,328Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.19ct Bold Pear-Cut Emerald & Diamond Toi et Moi Dome Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This dome ring showcases a 1.19 carat pear-shaped emerald set in 14k yellow gold. The emerald measuring approximately 7 x 5 mm, paired beautifully with a 0.25 carat oval diamond meas...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Cartier Panthère Necklace, crafted in 18k white gold, epitomizes the maison's iconic feline motif. The Panthère collection, a hallmark of Cartier's design legacy, showcases the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
$464Sale 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
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
$28,500
Cartier Tank Louis Watch
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Model: Tank Louis Movement: Quartz Case: 24 mm Case Material: 18K yellow gold Dial Color: Cream Redefining one of the most recognizable watch designs ever created, this Cartier Tank...
18k Gold
$513Sale 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
Niessing 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with Azurite & 1.10ct Diamonds
By Niessing
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with azurite and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.10 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description The front of the ring is 3.0 cm w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Untreated Jadeite Jade Heart Pendant Diamonds 14K Gold GCS Certified
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A beautifully carved and polished natural jadeite jade heart pendant displaying soft translucent apple-green tones with attractive richer emerald-green mottling. The jade has a fine ...
Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage Sterling Silver Multi Strand Wire Choker Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
This vintage Tiffany and Co. sterling silver necklace is composed of thirty individual sterling silver wires joined together at a barrel clasp, creating a sculptural, multi strand ch...
Sterling Silver
Antique German Dresser Jar H. Behrnd 800 Silver Cut Crystal Glass / 617gr
Located in SE
Fine German faceted crystal glass and Silver vanity powder or dresser jar made in Germany in ca. early 1900s with hallmarks of Jeweler Hermann Behrnd, Dresden, active since 1870 as C...
Crystal, Silver
$760Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 6 CT Canary Kunzite Gemstone & Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These dazzling 6 carat Kunzite and diamond stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and feature a pair of emerald cut kunzites measuring approximately 10 x 8 mm. The soft yel...
Diamond, Kunzite, Silver, Sterling Silver
$6,750Sale Price|25% Off
1.30cttw. Ruby & White Diamond Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specification: Stone: Ruby Stone Cut: Oval Ruby Weight: 1.3 ctw Ruby Color: Red Secondary Stone: White Diamond Secondary Stone Cut: Mixed Diamond Color: White Metal: 18k White Gold T...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Love Classic Bracelet — 18K Rose Gold, 4 Diamonds, Size 17
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier Love bracelet exemplifies refined elegance with its distinctive design. Crafted in 18k rose gold, it features four brilliant-cut diamonds, bezel-set and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold