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.
Regal Length Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal length sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace. Fully consisting off genuine turquoises, delicately strung together with solid 14k gold sparkling beads, creating an elega...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$470Sale Price / item|50% Off
Sapphire solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Cabochon Sapphire Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Sapphire Ring. Round Cut Sapphire Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold pla...
Sapphire, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$470Sale Price / item|50% Off
Split Shank oval peridot engagement silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Split Shank oval peridot engagement silver, gold ring. Vintage Style Oval peridot Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval peridot. Oval Pinky ...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Etoile Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold, Size S
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. Etoile diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold and platinum.
From the discontinued Etoile collection, the ring is composed of 10 round brilli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$523Sale Price / item|44% Off
Statement Pear Amethyst Earrings Studs with Colorless Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethysts and Topaz. Luxury Amethyst D...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Oscar De La Renta Gold-Tone Faux Turquoise Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Oscar De La Renta Gold-Tone Faux Turquoise Dangle Earrings, circa 2000s. These earrings are so bold and smart-looking. They look like branches, with faux turquoise placed he...
Mixed Metal
$792Sale Price|40% Off
Diamond Cluster Necklace in 14kt Yellow Gold - 0.52ctw, 18", New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
Enhance your jewelry collection with this exquisite Diamond Cluster Necklace in 14kt Yellow Gold. Featuring 0.52 carats of GH SI natural diamonds, this necklace combines timeless bea...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Figural Fish Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage figural fish pendant crafted in 18K gold, richly set with 50 round-cut rubies approximate 1.60 carats, 116 white diamonds approximate 1.30 carats and 8 yellow diam...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,400Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 1.15ct Oval Deep Green Tsavorite & 0.06ct Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This elegant engagement ring centers a 1.15‑carat oval tsavorite garnet displaying a deep, saturated green—an exceptional hue prized by collectors for its brilliance and rarity. Expe...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Sevillana' Stud Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage pair of silver earrings. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the 'Sevilliana' pattern. Fully marked reverse of each. Secured with replacement earbacks....
Sterling Silver
$523Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style topaz, colorless topazes dangle earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz,colorless topazes dangle earrings silver, gold. Topaz, colorless topazes earrings. Cocktail earrings with topaz. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold pla...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Formal Blue Topaz Heart Necklace 18 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful necklace is sterling silver. Each of the genuine London blue heart cut topaz stones weighs 1 carat for a total of 5 carats. There are 17 round cut 3.5mm white zircons that accent the chain throughout. It measures 18 inches...
Topaz, Sterling Silver
$560Sale Price|30% Off
Brutalist Cuff Skull Chain Bracelet Palladium Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chain Cuff Skull Bracelet Palladium Plated Burnt Vintage Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The “Skull and Bone” Chain Cuff is a one-of-a-kind architectural statement piece handcr...
Palladium, Brass
Cilea Dangle Pierced Earrings Deep Purple Resin Poppy Flowers
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling pierced earrings. The floral-inspired, artisanal resin earrings feature poppy flowers, leaves, and textured patterns intric...
$882Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval cab pink quarz ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab pink quartz ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with pink quartz. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - quartz 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, pi...
Topaz, Quartz, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Ring with layered stone 14k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold signet ring set with blue layered stone – ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 2.8 mm high Ring size U....
14k Gold
$88,800Sale Price|50% Off
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Seven Butterflies Diamond Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Seven Butterflies Diamond Bracelet in Platinum and Yellow Gold Signed: Tiffany Schlumberger Creato...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamodns up to 0.20ct 14k gold 11.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with a sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5(55) Detailed description: The top of the ring is oval, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with pearl and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.10ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace and pendant set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.10ct – F/G – VS/SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Ring with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.48ct 14k gold 4.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with emerald and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.48ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 4.75 - EU. 15.5(49) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.1 cm w...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Tanzanites, Chalcedony & Rose Cut Diamond Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Calcedony Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites is 2.82 carats. The Tanzanit...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$470Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Amethyst. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Amethyst Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yello...
Amethyst, Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
$470Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Peridot
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Citrine and Peridot. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yellow ...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
$517Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Bezel Peridot Ring for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Peridot for Men silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Peridot. Oval Pinky Ring for Men Metal:...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$882Sale Price / item|50% Off
Marquise sapphire vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style 14k gold ring. Marquise sapphire and moissanites 14k gold ring. Genuine sapphire ring. Blue sapphire ring. Old style engagement ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.8 gr d...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
$1,176Sale Price / item|50% Off
Octagon citrine ring for men in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14K Solid Gold Round Citrine Ring For Men's. Mens Solid Gold Citrine Ring. Citrine Cut Solitaire Ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - citri...
Topaz, Citrine, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$529Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear Peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot silver, gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: peridot, green col...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold, Silver
$1,270Sale Price / item|50% Off
1.5 ct pear peridot 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear peridot 14k gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2.5 gr d...
Peridot, 14k Gold
Soltaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 3.40ct M/N SI1 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond total 3.40ct – M/N – SI1 - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 9.1 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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
Genuine Estate Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal double estate layered 20 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine high grade turquoises from the...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain
Located in valatie, NY
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain. This high-quality bracelet in 8" is a standard men’s or ladies wrist size. It is characterized by round, interlocking link...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Signed John Hardy Sterling Silver Woven Mesh Cuff Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. With a hook and loop closure to the exterior. Marked to the interior. Simply wonderful Hardy design! D...
Sterling Silver
Giant Pink Tourmaline 14K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary pink tourmaline ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a 5-carat hand-cut pink tourmaline that shimmers with brea...
Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphires Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opals is 19.88 carats. The wei...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,143Sale Price / item|55% Off
Citrine 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 14k gold earrings. Yellow gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: citrine, yellow color, pear cut, 8x6mm Side gem...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold
$523Sale 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
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Hoop Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These charming 18K yellow gold hoop earrings feature vibrant natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each hoop is delicately handcrafted with alternating bright blue turquoise beads...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant, baguette and square cut diamonds up to 2.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold with platinum band ring set with a central brilliant-cut diamond totaling approx. 1.30ct – K – VS1 – and baguette and carré-cut diamonds on the shank totaling approx....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Solitaire Starburst Petite Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiate celestial charm with this elegant solitaire starburst ring. Crafted in high-polished 14k yellow gold, this piece features a singular, shimmering round-cut diamond nestled at ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$523Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with rose quartz briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold Lily flower earrings with pink quartz briolettes. Lily flower earrings. Pink quartz earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Metal: silver 925 + 14k gold plating over W...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Silver
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.16ct 18k gold 2.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold ring set with sapphire up to 0.50ct and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.16ct - F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 – EU. 17.5(55) detailed description: The top of the rin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Black and White Resin Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi acrylic-resin choker necklace, made in Italy, features a multi-strand design in beautiful black and cream-white colors. The designer plays with the beads'...
80s Portuguese Shimmer Ring 19k Yellow Gold Dome Band Sz 7.25 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage "shimmer" ring crafted in 19k yellow gold (circa 1980s). Crafted in bright buttery Portuguese 19k gold, the ring features a textured finish that allows it to "shimm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Open-Back Crystal Necklace with Antique Gold Hands, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Open-Back Crystal Long Necklace, Antique Gold Hands, Circa 1990s. One of the most gorgeous pieces I have. The crystals are set on an antique gold base. There are two gold-t...
Mixed Metal
$1,058Sale Price / item|40% Off
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab aquamarine ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with aquamarine. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) -aquamarine 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, b...
Aquamarine, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,143Sale Price / item|55% Off
Peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peridot 14k gold earrings. Green gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: peridot, green color, pear old rose or classic p...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold
$517Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold. Dangle opal earrings. Cocktail earrings with opals. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: opal, oval ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Breitling Chronometre Navitimer Stainless Steel Leather Strap Mens Watch A23322
By Breitling
Located in Baltimore, MD
Breitling Chronometre Navitimer Stainless Steel Leather Strap Mens Watch A23322 Model: A23322 Case: 42mm Metal: Stainless steel Strap: Black leather with steel deployment Dial: Black...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, 4.14 carats Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Hoop Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphire Hoop Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 4.14 carats. The Diamonds we...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Pearlized Cocoa Brown Resin Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Angela Caputi resin choker necklace, made in Italy, features a multi-strand design in lovely pearlized cocoa brown with black contrast. The flat, slightly domed, oval peb...
$508Sale Price / item|70% Off
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct oval peridot silver, gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Oval cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
2.85 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Engagement Ring with Diamonds
Located in McKinney, TX
Brilliant 14 karat yellow gold sapphire & diamond engagement ring. Featuring one oval-cut sapphire weighing 2.85 cts., accented by twelve full-cut diamonds weighing a total of 0.35 ...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
$523Sale 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
$470Sale Price / item|50% Off
Peridot solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Peridot Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Peridot Ring. Emerald Cut Peridot Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating ov...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Earrings with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with pearl and single cut diamonds. 0.32ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: the size of the earring is 3.0 cm high by 8.0 mm wide Total weight 4.5 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$499Sale Price / item|50% Off
Peony flower ring with garnet, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Peony flower ring with garnet, silver, gold. Golden Peony Ring. Floral peony ring. Blossoming Peonies Ring. Vintage Style Floral Nature Engagement Ring Metal: silver 925 plus 14k g...
Garnet, Gold Plate, 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
Vintage 1994 Tiffany & Co. Heart and Arrow Bracelet in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A stunning vintage Tiffany & Co. heart and arrow bracelet set in 18k yellow gold, circa 1994.
The bracelet features a beautiful chain with a heart and arrow motif. Due...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antoñio Pineda 970 std Silver Mid Century Modernist Bracelet C.1970
Located in Toronto, ON
Antoñio Pineda 970 std Silver Mid Century Modernist Bracelet. Pineda's most sought after spheres designs. The 970 std (higher than sterling), bracelet comprising 14 links each indivi...
Silver