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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: 1950s
Style: Modern
1950s Matisse Renoir Copper & Enamel Butterfly Brooch, Signed
Located in McKinney, TX
- 2" x 2" - Copper base with enamel coating - By Matisse Renoir - Signed Matisse on verso - Circa 1950s - Handmade in Santa Monica, CA - Estate acquired...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Swirl Earrings
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This pair of classic and gorgeous diamond swirl earrings hold a total of 80pts of old European cut diamonds between them and they are G/H colour VS1. The are bright and sparkly and a...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier London Vintage 1950s Pair Of Diamond Emerald Floral Pins
Located in New York, NY
Cartier London Vintage 1950s Pair Of Diamond Emerald cut emerald floral Pins measures approx. 1.75" in length by 1.5" in width Stamped " Cartier" & "London"
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Aurora Borealis Iridescent Blues, Greens Vintage Crystal Pin Brooch
Located in North Miami, FL
The luscious and stunning colors of this vintage pin are what makes the beautiful crystals of the Aurora Borealis. The brilliant iridescent turquoise to turquoise greens will add to ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Aurora Borealis Crystal Burst Statement Earrings, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 1" in diameter - Aurora Borealis iridescent crystals - Silver tone hardware - Clip on earring backs - Circa 1950s - Estate acquired - Excellent vinta...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Watermelon Rivoli Vitrail Crystal Golden Filigree Leaf Figural Brooch, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 2.75" wide - Gold tone - Watermelon Rivoli Vitrail special effect crystals with pink and red accent crystal rhinestones - Filigree detail - Circa 1950s...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Rolex Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual .Date / Reference 6534 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Three Row "Fruit Salad" Beaded Cuff Bracelet By Hobé, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Approx 8" length - 2.5" width at widest point - White plastic beads - Colorful glass fruit beads: pear, strawberry, lemon - Slightly adjustable, best fits smal...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Platinum Trifarium Swirl Brooch With Teardrop Crystals By Crown Trifari, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 2.25" x 1.5" - Rhodium plated "Trifarium" finish - Teardrop crystals - Designed by Alfred Philippe for Crown Trifari (signed on verso) - Circa 1950s - Estate a...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

1950s Oval Ruby Round Brilliant Diamond Flower Clip Earrings Yellow Gold French
Located in Lisbon, PT
A pair of oval mixed-cut ruby and round brilliant-cut diamond floral clip earrings in 18 karat yellow gold, French, 1950s. Each earring is modelled as a stylized lotus flower, with a...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style 9 Carat Gold Fancy Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The design engraved beautifully into this 9ct gold band is full of detail. This would make a great fancy wedding band or an ornate everyday ring. Made in London, England. Size: Y or...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Vintage 9 Carat Chapel Charm Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This is the sweetest little charm! It is a glossy gold chapel and when opened there is a bride and groom getting marries. . The charm is modelled in 9ct gold. Spire Height: 13mm ...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Silver Crystal Rhinestone Cocktail Statement Earrings, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.25" x 1" - Rhodium plated - Navette and round shaped crystals - Clip on earring backs - Circa 1950s - Estate acquired - Excellent vin...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Braided Filigree Jewel Tone Rhinestone Dome Earrings By La Roca, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1" in diameter - Gold plated - Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald & Topaz-colored crystal rhinestones - Faux Turquoise accents ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

1950s-1960s 19ct Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Cluster Ring White Gold Portugal
Located in Lisbon, PT
A Mid-Century Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Cluster Ring in White Gold, Portugal, c. 1952-1975. Featuring an intense blue oval-cut aquamarine claw-set to the centre, encircled by 20 round brilliant-cut and single-cut diamonds, to an architectural gallery decorated with high-relief scrolled motifs, flowing through to a solid D-shape white gold shank. Aquamarine approximately 19.2ct (18.1 x 16.16 x 12.05 mm). Diamonds approximately 0.60ct in total, G/H color, VS clarity. Oporto mark for 800/1000 white gold (used 1938-1984); Oporto mark for jewelry (used 1938-1984); maker’s mark for Manuel da Silva...
Category

1950s Portuguese Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold

Baby Blue Aurora Borealis Crystal Dangle Earrings By Laguna, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 2.25" tall - Silver tone - Baby blue aurora borealis Austrian crystals - Clip on earring backs - Attri...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Leaf Brooch With Navettes and Baguettes By Alfred Philippe For Crown Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 2.25" x 1.25" - Rhodium plated "Trifarium" finish - Navette and baguette shaped crystals - Designed by Alfred Philippe for Crown Trifari...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage Fancy 9 Carat Gold Ornate Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This fancy gold band has berry and vine detail that is wrapped around just the top of the band. This would made the most perfect wedding band or a fancy everyday ring! Ring Size: M ...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Diamond Band Ring, White Gold Five Diamonds Wedding/Anniversary, 1950
Located in Austin, TX
This gorgeous, sleek, vintage diamond band has five natural diamonds going around the top of the band crafted in 14 karat gold. This would make such a gorgeous wedding band or annive...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Blue Aurora Borealis Crystal Leaf Earrings by Lisner, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.1" tall - Aurora Borealis iridescent blue crystal rhinestones - Silver tone - Clip on earring backs - By Lisner (signed on clips) - Cir...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Chunky Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
At the centre of this gorgeous star setting sits a stunning diamond. The stone measures pts and is bright with a wonderful sparkle. the whole style of the ring is chunky and has groo...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold

Alice Caviness Colored Crystal and Gold Tone Clamp Bracelet Mid Century Modern
Located in North Miami, FL
Stunning colors of greens and turquoise of the Aurora Borealis crystals make up this this Alice Caviness mid century modern vintage gorgeous twisted clamp bracelet. It is like the br...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Pink Tourmaline and 18 Carat Gold Solitaire
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking solitaire holds a deep pink tourmaline stone measuring 2carats. The stone is held in a simple claw setting modelled in platinum. Ring Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/2 Weight: 3....
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold

Vintage 9 Carat Boat Charm
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This is the sweetest little charm! It is an ornate boat. The charm is modelled in 9ct gold. Length Of Boat: 25mm Height Not Including Loop: 9mm Weight: 1.99g
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Platinum Diamond and Gemstone Flower Basket 1950s Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Platinum diamond basket brooch from the 1950's set with diamonds and gemstones. Diamonds weight: 4 carats approx. Gemstones: 2.50cts approx.
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Crystal Flower Basket Brooch by Alfred Philippe for Crown Trifari, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 2" tall - Round, navette, baguette and square crystal rhinestones - Rhodium plated - Designed by Alfred Philippe for Crown Trifari (signed on verso) - ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Silver 1957 Sweden Waldemar Jonsson Moonstone Brooch
By Waldemar Jonsson
Located in Orimattila, FI
Silver 1957 Sweden Waldemar Jonsson Moonstone Brooch Height 3.7cm, width 3.5cm, depth 1.7cm Weight 12.4 g
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Moonstone, Silver

Panetta Clip on Faux Pearl and Rhinstone Pair of Earrings Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
These classic pair of 1950's Panetta clip on earrings look real. They are faux pearl and clear baguette cut rhinestones against gold tone metal. They hav...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Cartier Paris, Diamond Ruby Gold and Platinum Earrings, Circa 1955
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Ruby 18K Gold and Platinum Earrings; 90 Diamonds approx 3.50ct, 26 Rubies approx 4ct; Cartier, Paris; French; Ca1955
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Gilded Swirl And Crystal Baguette Flower Earrings, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1" tall - Gold plated - Baguette crystal floral design with round rhinestone faceted crystal accents - Screw on earring...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Watermelon Rivoli Vitrail Crystal Golden Filigree Statement Earrings, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.25" x 1.25" - Gold tone - Watermelon Rivoli Vitrail special effect crystals with pink and red accent crystal rhinestones - Filigree detai...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Yellow Golden Palm Brooch, Holland 1955, Gerritsen & van Kempen Zeist
Located in Heerlen, NL
One (1) 14 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch, stamped 585 and GVK = Fa. Gerritsen & van Kempen Zeist Made in Holland ca 1955 2 Palm leafs. weight: 12.67 grams. Measserements: 55 x 54 x 5 mm Gerritsen & van Kempen was in Holland a leading firm in making sliver flatware...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sterling Silver & Malachite Sculptural Wide Cuff Bracelet Vintage One Of A Kind
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing and spectacular studio made one of a kind cuff bracelet of Sterling Silver & Malachite, is a "knock out"! It was made by Jana Homsey and it came from a great estate in NYC. There was only one made... and it is from the 50's. It has great weight to it and is a very substantial piece. Hefty!!! This is a wide dramatic and sensational cuff bracelet. This is a conversation piece of great beauty. Your arm will be noticed with great attention. The measurements are as follows: the bracelet opened up is 7.25" W It is 3" H or 3" D, when closed as a cuff it is 2.25" diameter. It has the long pin...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Malachite, Sterling Silver

Universal Geneve Gold $20 Liberty Men's Hand-Winding Watch with Leather Band
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Universal Geneve 18k Gold $20 Liberty Men's Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band Movement #ADJLV 18k Gold Case w/ $20 1894 Gold Liberty Cover and Back 3...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

1950s French Woven Gold Bracelet with Diamond Accents
Located in New York, NY
A mid-century woven gold bracelet of cinched fabric design with diamond embellishment, in 18k. France, maker's mark for Goldberg Frères. Atw 1.12 ct. diamonds.
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This simple solitaire ring has a central brilliant cut diamond measuring 45pts and is a G colour VVS I. The shoulders have diamonds running through on to the band. The diamonds on th...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Sterling Silver Oval Cat’s Eye Tiger’s Eye Cufflinks
Located in Lexington, KY
These are an incredible pair of vintage sterling silver cufflinks with gorgeous cat’s eye tiger’s eye centers. The tiger’s eye has a beautiful orientation- it’s winking eyes trace a ...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Tiger's Eye, Sterling Silver

Retro 14 Karat Gold Wide Link Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
14k Gold Cuff Bracelet, is large a beautiful statement piece for any occasion. Bracelet was made in 1950s Total weight 115.73 Grams
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold

33.93 Carat Natural Cabochon Cut Emerald and 15 Carat Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This stunning platinum brooch features a natural cabochon cut emerald weighing 33.93 carats set in a flower motif brooch which has 340 bead set r...
Category

1950s Greek Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Langani Vintage Multi Strand White Beaded Necklace and Pair Of Clip On Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful and collectable vintage white multi strand signed Langani necklace designed by Anna Lang of Germany has a clean, airy and great sculptural presence. Almost as if it is floating on the neck. It is perfect now for sp for all seasons and resort wear. White is forever chic! This particular one has even more beads and strands than most. It has matching clip on beaded earrings...
Category

1950s German Vintage Modern Jewelry

Sterling Silver & Amethyst Cuff Bracelet Mid Century Modern
Located in North Miami, FL
This hand wrought gorgeous and early vintage Mexican hallmarked cuff bracelet of sterling silver and amethyst are comprised of 10 rows of 8 dome like sterling silver balls with 3 set...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Sterling Silver

IGI Certified 1.01 Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring
Located in Palermo, IT
Certified 1,01 ct Solitaire Diamond Ring colour E ,Si2 round cut.Italian manifacture 1960 ca. 18kt gold lateral round diamonds 0,22 ct ,size 12 ;USA 52
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Omega Style 14k Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Berkeley, CA
This beautiful 14K gold choker is a stunner! Elegant, bright, solid and stable this gold necklace is a perfect for any occasion and has a little stret...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage Double Row Diamond and 18 Carat Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The gorgeous sparkling diamonds that sit in two rows of three measure 4pts each and add the perfect amount of sparkle to the chunky glossy gold ring. Modelled in 18ct gold, this sign...
Category

1950s British Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Sterling Silver, Amethyst and Agate Stone Bracelet Hallmarked
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage Mexican stamped 925 sterling silver bracelet is set with prongs that resemble hands to hold the agates and amethyst stones. It woul...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Amethyst, Sterling Silver

Coppola e Toppo Pastel Crystal Tassel Long Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Coppola e Toppo gray and pastel crystals long tassel earrings, 1950's Italy. Length 3". Width 1" Coppola e Toppo company was formed in the late 1940′s by brother and sister designer duo, Bruno Coppola and Lyda Toppo in Milan, Italy. After small commissions for Dior and Balenciaga, Elsa Schiaparelli commissioned a line of faux coral bead jewelry...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

1950s Elegant Diamond Gold Double Leaf Pin
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Handmade Double Leaf Pin. A pair of Pierced Leaves set with Fine White Diamonds set in Platinum. down the middle of each Leaf. Ca 1950. Perf...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Berca 1950 Royal Blue Hand Enameled Egg Shaped White Diamond Cocktail Dome Ring
Located in Valenza, IT
One-of-a-kind 1950s Cocktail Ring found in Berca's archives. This fabulous Egg shaped piece featuring 0.60 Carat White Diamond (E-F, Vvs1) in a 18Kt White Gold setting(12.28tOz) was ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

MIriam Haskell Abstract Resin Royal Blue and Green Bead Brooch Pin Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
The gorgeous play of brilliant hues of blue and green make this vintage signed abstract design Miriam Haskell pin a knock out. It is set against twi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Florenza Boris Aurealis Crystal Circular Pin & Clip On Earrings Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage signed Florenza mid century pin and earrings set are the most spectacular boris aurealis crystals set in pin and earrings form. The colors...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Crystal

Danish Modern Sterling Silver Water Pitcher in Jensen Style
By Svend Toxværd
Located in New York, NY
Hand-hammered sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Svend Toxvaerd in Copenhagen C 1950. Baluster body, scroll handle with grape-bunch mount, raised foot, wide lip spout, and molded...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

1954 Karl-ÅKe Nyströms Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Rare Karl-Åke Nyströms pendant necklace. Tidaholm, Sweden, ca. 1954. Handmade and manufactured by the artist's studio. Marked: Designer's initials {KÅN} Swedish essay m...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Tiger's Eye, Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver

Mid Century Diamond Gold Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Over the top Dome Ring - Pave set with full cut Very white Diamonds & detailed with Diamond Baguettes. High style French Mounting -over 12cts of super white & clean full cut Diamon...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amber, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Signed Henry Bogaff Swarovski Rhinestone Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
This timeless vintage 1950's Swarovski rhinestone bracelet is so well made by Henry Bogoff that it looks real. It is signed Bogoff. These amber/...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Rhodium

1950's Line Vautrin Gilded Bronze Wearable Art Flower Pin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1950's Line Vautrin gilded bronze and enamel pin. An every day lapel sized pin designed by the renowned metal worker known for her wearable art. Fashioned in a floral shape, it featu...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Bronze

Vintage White and Brown Enamel Gold Plated Abstract Link Cuff Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
White enamel dots overlay the brown enamel in this vintage cuff form bracelet. It is gold plated metal with enamel and presents a graphic quality to it. ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate, Enamel

Vintage Resin and Lucite Green, Black, Clear 3 Strand Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely Czech vintage resin and lucite 3 stand necklace has beautiful colors in shades of green and black disks interspersed with clear resin and lucite shapes. It is from the 50...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Modern Jewelry

Audemars Piguet, Possibly Unique 18k YGold & Lapis Lazuli Wristwatch, C.1955.
Located in Paris, FR
Extremely Rare and possibly unique Audemars Piguet Haute Joaillerie Watch, Circa 1955. The first feature that catches the eye on this fabulous creation by Audemars Piguet is the wove...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

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