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.
$546Sale Price / item|44% Off
Peridot Huggie Drop Earrings, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Hinged Hoop Peridot Drop Earrings. Elegant Huggie Hoop Earrings with Natural Peridot. Elegant long drop earrings with peridots. Weight: 4 gr Size: aprox - 52-54 mm long. Metal: si...
Topaz, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.97ct 18k yellow gold 3.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18 kt yellow gold row ring set with brilliant cut diamonds. 0.97 ct - J/K - SI/piq - ring size U.S. 4 - EU. 15(47) detailed description: the top of the ring is 3.6 mm wide by 3.5 m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 15.83 carats, Kunzite, Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Emerald Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 15.83 carats. The weight...
Diamond, Emerald, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Panthère de Cartier Double Headed Panther Ring, Size 54
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A striking vintage Panthère de Cartier double-headed panther ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is designed as two opposing panther heads wrapping around the finger, s...
Garnet, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.35ct 18k gold 22.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace set with brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 4.35ct - F/G - VS/SI - 44cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 44 cm long by 2.8 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Tanzanite & Diamonds modern Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ethiopian Opal & Tanzanite Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 9.67 carat...
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$520Sale 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
70s Gemstone Diamond Cigar Band 14k Yellow Gold 15mm Wide Ring Sz 6 Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish gemstone & diamond cigar ring (circa 1970s to 1980s) crafted in 14k yellow gold. 28 diamonds total an estimated 0.14 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). Squ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
$667Sale Price|25% Off
Natural Ruby Bead & 14K Yellow Gold Choker Necklace 16 Inch Gemstone Statement
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this elegant Natural Ruby Bead Choker Necklace, beautifully crafted with vibrant 4mm natural ruby beads accented by polished 4mm 14K yellow gold ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold 18” Baby Curb Link Chain
Located in Venice, CA
This vintage 14k gold chain is a great option for a simple chain for swapping out charms and pendants. It consists of a sweet, baby curb link and has a nice spring ring clasp. It off...
14k Gold
$520Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Citrine and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine earrings silver, gold. Dangle citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Citrine and Topaz A striking pair of citr...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K White Gold, 1.47 carats, Tanzanite & 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 Tanzanite is 1.47 carats. The Tanzanite is resp...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.45ct 18k white gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a 0.45ct brilliant-cut diamond - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 4.3 mm wide. Ring size US 6.5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Silvorra Contemprory 1.78CT Oval Cut Blue Topaz Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
A refined pair of 1.78 carat oval cut blue topaz stud earrings crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Each earring features a vibrant oval blue topaz measuring 5 x 7 mm, with 2 gemstone pie...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$568Sale 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
Angela Caputi Pearlized White and Black Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Handcrafted in Italy, this beautiful Angela Caputi resin necklace features a pearlized white tone with black contrast. The rare choker features chunky, domed pebbles in a pearl-imita...
1951 Rolex Precision 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Bracelet Watch Original Rolex Box
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1951 Rolex Precision 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Bracelet Watch with Original Rolex Box An elegant vintage Rolex Precision ladies wristwatch dating to circa 1951, crafted in solid 18K y...
Yellow Gold
Estate ABL 18K Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Signet Ring
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
Antique Unisex Gold Brooch with Intricate Design, Circa 19th Century
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant 14K white gold pin brooch featuring a geometric Asscher-shaped diamond halo surrounding a round natural emerald (0.35 ct). The halo is set with round diamonds totaling 0.15 c...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gilt Metal
$520Sale 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
$215Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Sterling Silver 2.19ct Oval Sky-Blue Topaz Signet Band Ring, Size 7.5
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Vintage sterling silver signet ring set with a bright 2.19‑carat oval Sky Blue Topaz in a smooth bezel. The gemstone shows crisp, watery brilliance, paired with a solid, rounded silv...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold 5.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.30ct – J/K – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75(56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Australian White South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings, 11-12mm, 18K Gold Lab-Grown D
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K rose Gold Ladybug Pendant, Good luck bracelet charm, 1970
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this vintage ladybug charm pendant crafted in 18 Karat solid pinkish yellow gold. This small hollow charm is hallmarked with a 750 mark and an Italian makers mark from be...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Vintage Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Sculptural Dangle Pierced Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of signed vintage 1980's Robert Lee Morris gold plated dangle earrings are pierced. They are tiered and sculptural with an elegance and edge They pivot with slight movement...
Gold Plate
Earrings with sapphire 1.75ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.54ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with sapphires up to 1.75 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.54 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.7 cm long and 5.2 mm wide....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$520Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Peridot and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold. Dangle peridot earrings. Cocktail earrings with peridot, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Peridot and Topaz A striking pair of peri...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$520Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz earrings silver, gold. Dangle topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with topaz. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-shaped ...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Ladies Ebel Beluga Wrist Watch in 18K Yellow Gold w/Diamond Bezel & Dial
By Ebel Beluga
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage ladies 18K yellow gold Ebel Beluga watch is certain to be a perennially cherished jewel. This model watch was manufactured in Switzerland from 1985 through 1997. It is e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Francoise Montague Gold Swarovski Crystal Charm Necklace, 18 Inches
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Beautiful charms in different size of Swarovski Crystals in purple, pink and clear set on gold with A show stopper! A collector’ piece. Francoise Montague took over the De Saurma j...
Crystal, Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Abstract Round Emerald May Birthstone Bubble Cluster Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous emerald cluster ring features 0.9 carats of round cut emeralds set in 925 sterling silver. The mixed size gemstones are carefully arranged in an organic clustered desig...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$514Sale 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
18K Gold 1.15ct Oval Green Sapphire & 0.06ct Brilliant Diamond Pendant Enhancer
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A vivid 1.15ct oval green sapphire glows at the center of this handcrafted 18k gold pendant, accented by 0.06ct of brilliant diamonds arranged in an elegant cluster. The polished gol...
Green Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
$526Sale 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
$520Sale Price / item|44% Off
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with Garnets cabochon. Contemporary Garnet and Colorless Topaz Earrings in Sil...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
SARAH COVENTRY - Large Iridescent Rhinestone & Gold Tone Brooch - Circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, CA
SARAH COVENTRY - Large vintage statement iridescent rhinestone and gold tone flower brooch - hinged pin to the back - signed on the back - © SARAH COV - United States (Rhode Island) ...
Snake Ring Silver Serpent Emerald Ruby Double Head Sculptural Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Silver Serpent Emerald Ruby Double Head Sculptural Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Silver snake ring in solid silver, a one of a kind vintage 2011 serpent ring by J Dauphin,...
Emerald, Ruby, Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger 4 Row 18KYG X Band Ring Vintage Size 6
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Four-Row X Band Ring, one of the designer's most iconic and enduring creations. Designed by the legendary Jean Schlumberger, t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AAA White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace, 36" Opera Length, Japan
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace measuring 36" in length. Opera length that can be doubled up for versatile styles. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls Color: ...
Pearl, Gold, Gold-filled
Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Steel and 18Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Estate Tiffany & Co Metro Collection White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A signed pair of Tiffany & Co. Metro Collection hoop earrings with shimmering diamonds on the outside and inside of the hoop. 0.50 carats total across the pair, in 18k white gold...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Robert Lee Morris 7 Band Forged Sterling Silver Collar
Located in New York, NY
Forged sterling silver with all the gorgeous hammer marks, is what makes this impressive collar sparkle so. Robert Lee Morris is known for show stopping jewelry, whether on the runwa...
Sterling Silver
$526Sale 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
20.50 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone For Jewelry Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 20.50 carat Dimensions 17.8x15x12.3mm Treatment None Origin Brazilian Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion AG164 Elevate your fine jewelry collection or investment p...
Amethyst
14KT Yellow Gold Small Diamond Huggie Hoop Earring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The term "huggee" refers to their petite, close-fitting style, which minimizes the gap between the earring and the earlobe, making them comfortable for all-day wear. Material : 14K...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Puffy Heart Florentine Finish Stud Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
These sweet little puffy heart earrings have a nice dimensionality to them. Both the front and back of the heart is puffy, so that they sit forward when worn. They have beautiful pro...
14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Shopping Bag Charm Pendant Sterling Silver Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A charming vintage Tiffany & Co. pendant crafted in sterling silver and finished in the House's signature Tiffany Blue enamel, rendered as a miniature version of the iconic Tiffany s...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$1,796Sale Price|20% Off
14KY Gold Door Knocker Clip-on Earring Lapis Lazuli & Diamond Circle 0.55 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold yet sophisticated statement with these stunning 14K yellow gold door knocker clip-on lapis lazuli and diamond drop earrings. Designed with rich royal-blue lapis lazuli op...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Garnet Bolo Bracelet Stainless Steel
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bolo bracelet is stainless steel. The bracelet features 11 round cut 4mm garnets and is adjustable from 5 to 9 inches. Marks: 316L, S Steel Condition: New/ Never worn
Garnet, Stainless Steel
$2,100Sale Price|50% Off
18K Gold 2.64ct Oval Deep Blue Sapphire & 0.20ct Brilliant Diamond Accent Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A striking balance of elegance and presence, this handcrafted 18k yellow gold ring centers a 2.64‑carat deep blue oval sapphire—a gemstone prized for its velvety saturation and refin...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Carved Ruby and Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Earrings, circa 1950
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Antique Carved Ruby and Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Earrings, circa 1950 A striking pair of antique pendant earrings, circa 1950, beautifully crafted in 18K white gold and centere...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Rolex Cellini Ref. 3801 18K White Gold Manual Wind Watch Circa 1975 5-3/4" to 6"
By Rolex
Located in Richmond, CA
Fine vintage Rolex Cellini wristwatch crafted in solid 18K white gold, circa 1975, featuring an elegant cushion-form case with an integrated woven white-gold mesh bracelet. The silv...
18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Tsavorite Garnets & Yellow Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tsavorite Garnets Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tsavorites is 2.49 carats. The weight...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
$457Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Trio Round Diamond Circle Eternity Drop Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace is a modern take on a classic silhouette. The "Y" shape is specifically designed to elongate the neckline, making it a favorite for pairing with V-neck outfits or eveni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$514Sale Price / item|44% Off
Bezel Set Oval Emerald Wide Matte Band silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bezel Set Oval Emerald Wide Matte Band ring silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Emerald. Oval Pinky Ring for ...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,000Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 1ct Squared Vivid Emerald Fine Vintage Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A sleek modern band crafted in 18k white gold, channel‑set with approximately 1.00 carat of square‑cut natural emeralds. The stones are beautifully matched for color and clarity, for...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$526Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Cabochon Opal Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Opal Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Opal Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Opal Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over W...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
18K White Gold 0.70ct Oval Emerald & 0.10ct Diamond East-West Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This 18k white gold band ring centers a vivid 0.70ct oval emerald, set east‑west in a clean four‑prong mount that emphasizes the stone’s length, saturation, and natural glow. The eme...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 15.0 grams 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with amethyst and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI- ring size US 9 - EU 19 (60) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold