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.
Necklace of pearl 18k gold claps with brilliant cut diamond up to 2.20ct 46.8 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp with white gold intermediate pieces set with brilliant cut diamonds total 2.20ct - F - VS - on a pearl necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: The total le...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Double Skull Ring Adjustable Vintage Platinum Plate 2010 J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2010 Double Skull Ring Platinum Plated Brass New York Archive Designer: J Dauphin The Double Skull Ring is a one-of-a-kind architectural state...
Platinum, Brass
Angela Caputi Black and Yellow Multi-Strand Resin Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin choker necklace features a multi-strand design with a dominant black color contrasted with lemon-yellow carved beads. Geometric motif...
Tiffany & Co. Stars Motif Links Vintage Rare Star 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Crafted in 18K yellow gold Approximate weight: 15 grams Approximate length: 7 inches Signed Tiffany & Co. Star motif design Hallmarks and maker’s marks present Elegant and collectib...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels De Papillon Turquoise Diamond Butterfly 18K Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Van Cleef & Arpels De Papillon butterfly pendant necklace crafted in 18K gold and accented with vibrant turquoise and brilliant natural diamonds. Showcasing the maison’s celebrated n...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 3.6 grams 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.40ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 5.75 - EU. 16.25 (51) detailed description: The top of the ring is 6.9 mm wide by ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Cartier Must Tank Vermeil Quartz Watch Sterling Silver Large Model Vintage 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers are presented for consideration, and we work diligently to achieve a mutually agreeable o...
Sterling Silver
23.90ct Vibrant Aquamarine & Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring by by Cavelti
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Mid-Century period handmade designer platinum ring is set at it's center with one emerald cut 23.90CT natural aquamarine of impeccable cut with rare and outstanding color satura...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Earrings with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.34ct 14k gold 4.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold earrings with pearl and single-cut diamond 0.34 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The front of the earrings is 2.8 cm high and 8.1 mm wide Total weight: 4.5 gram...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphire Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 2.93 carats. Th...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Gold Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Zig-Zag Scribble Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
These iconic, bold lyrical Tiffany & Co. earrings were designed by Paloma Picasso in 1983 as part of her scribble collection, inspired by the street art of NYC. The zig-zag shape...
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Studio Rêves Ruby Blossom Cascade Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Studio Rêves
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
A celebration of floral artistry and vibrant color, the Ruby Blossom Cascade Diamond Necklace is designed as a cascading garden of diamond blo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Naturalia Vintage Fish Station Bracelet 18K Yellow & White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 1990s. This Bvlgari bracelet from the Naturalia line captures the playful essence of nature through the lens of Roman architectural elegance. Crafted in polished 18K yellow go...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$529Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pear topaz silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine silver, gold earrings. Yellow gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: citrine, yellow c...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and iconic ring inspired by the simplicity of a common nail, elevated to a piece of extraordinary refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold, this design is adorned with twent...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gurhan 18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Pendant Drop Chain Link Necklace
By Gurhan
Located in Baltimore, MD
Gurhan 18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Pendant Drop Chain Link Necklace Metal: 24k/ 18k yellow gold Weight: 3.33 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.08 CTW H-I SI round natural diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Topaz Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Topaz Ring. Baguette Cut Topaz Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weig...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Modern Square Cut 10.2 Ct Blue Sapphire 925 Silver Tennis Bracelet Gift for Wife
Located in New York, NY
This luxurious 4 carat Deep Blue Sapphire crafted in solid 925 sterling silver gorgeous tennis bracelet features a captivating arrangement of natural blue sapphire gemstones. Each sa...
Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Goossens Paris Emerald Green Rock Crystal Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Emerald green rock crystal necklace set in 24k plated brass from Goossens Paris. A timeless theme that sees its colors change with the seasons. Each rock crystal stone is hand-dyed...
Rock Crystal, Emerald
Set in 18K Gold, Mozambique Ruby, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby & Pink Sapphires Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ruby is 0.91 carats. The Ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$629Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 g depends from s...
Mandarin Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Rare Vintage Augis 18-Karat Gold Libra Zodiac Plaque Pendant All Gold
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A sophisticated and rare vintage astrological treasure from the acclaimed House of Augis. This exceptional plaque pendant, meticulously crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, feature...
Gold, 18k Gold
$529Sale Price / item|77% Off
Oval Garnet Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Garnet Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Garnet Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating ...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
5.00 Carat Natural Loose Mint Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.00 carat Dimensions 12.9x7.9x6.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This beautiful 5.00 carat natural tourmaline displays a refresh...
Tourmaline
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Citrine Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Citrine Ring. Baguette Cut Citrine Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piec...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Silvorra Modern 2.55ct Emerald & Ruby Inlay Bypass Silver Ring Wedding Gift
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 925 sterling silver ring showcases a graceful, flared design centered around a luminous 8x6 mm oval natural emerald. Curved shoulders on either side are channel-set with...
Emerald, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$680Sale Price|20% Off
4.15 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.15 carat Dimensions 13.2x6.5x5.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 4.15 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline is a c...
Tourmaline
Cartier Love Diamond Pave Thin Small 18K White Gold Size 17 Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Love bracelet crafted in elegant 18K white gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. This thinner version of the iconic Love bracelet showcases Cartier’s ce...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
CHIMENTO ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.88ct 18k gold 12.0 grams
By Chimento
Located in The Hague, ZH
CHIMENTO - 18k bicolor gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.88ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5(55) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.4 cm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,271 / item
14K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gold layering necklaces. Solid 14 K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with ruby. Shia Islamic Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib علي Zulfiqar. Zulfikar double Sword. Sword of wisdom pendant. Pe...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Toi et Moi Pear Cut Blue Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant necklace features a 0.52 carat pear-cut blue sapphire set in 14K white gold. The sapphire measuring approximately 4.2 x 5.5 mm, secured in a classic prong settin...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Mozambique Rubies, Mother of Pearl & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby & Mother of Pearl Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 2.97 carats. The Rubies are co...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k 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
$653Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with oval opal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with oval opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 g depends f...
Topaz, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
18k Bicolour Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.40ct Sapphire & 2.20ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with sapphire 1.40 ct and taper, carre and brilliant cut diamond up to 2.20 ct -F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) detailed description: the top...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
2.03 Carat Oval Cut Natural Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.03 Carat Oval Cut Natural Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Primary Stones: Natural Oval Cut Ruby Accent Stones: Natural Round Cut Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.50 Carat F/VS1 Marquise Diamond East-West V-Prong Ring 18K Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant ring features a GIA Certified 1.50 carat Marquise Shape diamond, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and graceful elongated silhouett...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jazz Pear & Round Diamond Platinum Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A graceful drop pendant necklace from Tiffany & Co.'s Jazz collection, crafted in platinum and set with three bezel-set diamonds in a vertical arrangement: a smaller pear-shaped ...
Diamond, Platinum
$624Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and pearl
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 g depends from s...
Cultured Pearl, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Chaine d'Ancre Marine 24K Gold Plated Silver Sterling Necklace cm 45
Located in Rome, IT
Bold Chaine d'Ancre Marine 24K Gold Plated Silver Sterling Necklace Handcrafted in Italy, cm 45 in length. The Bold Chaîne d'Ancre Marine Necklace is handcrafted in Italy, made of 24...
24k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Angela Caputi Black and Red Cinnabar Multi-Row Resin Necklace and Floral Carving
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi resin choker necklace features an oversized multi-strand design in exquisite red cinnabar with black contrast colors. The heavily domed, rounded beads hav...
$826Sale Price / item|40% Off
Pear citrine east west ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear citrine east west ring. Citrine solitaire ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Main stone citrine Color: yellow Pear ...
Citrine, 14k Gold
$734Sale Price / item|40% Off
Opal, Crescent Moon Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal, Crescent Moon Stud Earrings in 14k gold. Opal moon earrings. Moonface earrings. Rainbow opal earirngs. 14k gold earrings. Vintage/Old Style opal earrings. Ethiopian opal earrin...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Georg Jensen Bittersweet or Pinje Sterling Silver Bracelet no. 94B
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Danish Modern bracelet. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Designed by Gundorph Albertus ca. 1940. In the "Pinje" or Bittersweet pattern. Model no. 94B. Secured...
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century 14K Yellow Gold Large Curb Link Florentine Finish Bracelet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage, yellow gold, Florentine finish, curb link bracelet is the epitome of quality construction and style. Sixteen substantial links, fabricated in 14K gold connect to produc...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and highly refined Cartier diamond pendant necklace, crafted in luminous 18K yellow gold and set with approximately 2.00 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds. The diamo...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$471Sale Price / item|50% Off
Opal solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Cabochon Opal Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Opal Ring. Round Cut Opal Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ring with pink quartz and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 5.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a pink quartz in the center and surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct – F/G – pique – ring size U.S. 5.25 - EU. 16(50) detailed description:...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold
$763Sale Price / item|40% Off
14K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with moissanites
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gold layering necklaces. Solid 14 K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with moissanites. Shia Islamic Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib علي Zulfiqar. Zulfikar double Sword. Sword of wisdom pend...
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Missoni Set of Silvered Zig-Zag Bangle Bracelet with Multicolor Enamel
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Missoni, Italy bracelet bangles feature a zig-zag shape with enamel decor. The silvered metal framing is ornate with multicolor enamel, similar to the brand's iconic s...
Enamel
Silvorra Elegant 3.16 ct Natural Multi-Gemstone Floral Cocktail Ring for Women
Located in New York, NY
This statement ring from Silvorra is meticulously crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring a vibrant floral cluster of 35 natural ruby, emerald and blue sapphire gemstones in mixe...
Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling...
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Italian Three Row Bamboo Link Bracelet, 3/4 Inch Wide
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This classical Italian 14K yellow gold Bamboo Motif casual link bracelet is in near pristine vintage condition. It exudes fine Italian workmanship and fashion sense. Produced during ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$883Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval cab garnet ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab garnet ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with garnet. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - garnet 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, red color. ...
Topaz, Garnet, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$734Sale Price / item|40% Off
Starburst Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Starburst Stud Earrings. Rainbow opal earirngs. 14k gold earrings. Vintage/Old Style opal earrings. Ethiopian opal earrings. October Birthstone jewelry. 14k solid gold Size: 12 x 8 ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Madison Pavé Diamond Toggle Chain Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold David Yurman Madison® Pavé Diamond Toggle Chain Bracelet Designer: David Yurman Collection: Madison® Style: Pavé Diamond Toggle Chain Bracelet Material: 18k Yello...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Toi Et Moi Ring Emerald And Pear Cut, 925 Silver Two Stone Engagement Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Toi Et Moi Ring Emerald And Pear Cut, 925 Silver Two Stone Engagement Ring. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moi...
Silver
Natural Baguette Blue Sapphire Diamond Stacking Thin Band Ring in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This band ring features a 0.15 carat baguette-cut blue sapphire, set in 14K white gold. The sapphire measuring approximately 2 x 4 mm, secured in a classic prong setting. The slim ba...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marina J. Turquoise & Pearl Adjustable Woven Necklace with Filigree Gold Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of a Kind Necklace by Marina J. This piece is made with Turquoise, Pearl and 18k Yellow Gold Plated Faceted Beads all woven together into an intricate lace like design. The 18k Gold Plating perfectly compliments the vibrant Turquoise. Due to its Adjustable Clasp, this Necklace is able to measure between 14.5 - 18 inches. A stunning vintage Filigree brooch...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
$353Sale Price / item|50% Off
Greek Goddess Mother of Pearl Earrings with quartz briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Greek Goddess Mother of Pearl Earrings Painted Mythological Jewelry Mother of Pearl Art Earrings Colorless quartz drop briolette earrings Channel the divine elegance and power o...
Pearl, Quartz, Gold Plate, Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Animals Owl White & Gray Pearl 18K Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Tysons, VA
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Animals Owl brooch featuring beautifully carved white and gray mother-of-pearl. Part of the maison’s beloved Lucky Animals collection, this whimsic...
Pearl, 18k Gold