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.
1990s Modern Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet 7 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, mod style cuff bracelet is sterling silver. The face of this cuff measures 7/8 of an inch at its widest point and tapers down to 3/8 of an inch. It has an inner circu...
Sterling Silver
Pearl Woven Lace Choker with 18k Plated Faceted Beads
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pearl Woven necklace adorned by 18k Yellow Gold Plated - Silver Faceted "Disco" beads. Four strands of Pearls, Graduating in size, are woven together into a column like design. The P...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
1.83 ct Natural Vivid Green Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.83 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and 1.01 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds ha...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Marcel Boucher Mod Lucite Chrome Wrist Watch ca 1970
Located in University City, MO
Marcel Boucher Mod lucite chrome women's wrist watch ca 1970 The futuristic design combines a circular lucite disc that frames the black watch dial The...
Stainless Steel
Set in 18K white Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Band Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 3.80 carats. The Multi Sapphires...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
9.00 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.00 carat Dimensions 13.5x11.2x9 mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This captivating 9.00 carat natural amethyst showcases a ric...
Amethyst
49.20 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Kunzite Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 49.20 carat Dimensions 22.0x18.3x14.5 mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 49.20 carat Natural Hot Pink Kunzite is a truly ex...
Kunzite
14K Yellow Gold Inside-Out Hoop Earrings with Sapphires & Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate a classic silhouette with a modern, high-luxury update. These 14K yellow gold inside-out hoop earrings feature a sophisticated twist-lock prong setting, showcasing baguette-c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$578Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Opal saturn ring. Opal cosmic ring. Metal stamp: 1...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$571Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon: Crescent Moon Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Crescent Moon Ring Opal. Half moon opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Meta...
Opal, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$523Sale 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
Modern 18 Karat Gold 6.00 Carat Amethyst Diamond Chain Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a modern pendant with a chain crafted in 18K white gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 1 amethyst, cushion cut, 6.00ct, P 5/4, VVS - 1 diamond, round brilliant cut, 0.01...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$742Sale Price / item|40% Off
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Tulip Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k gold. Flower gold earrings. Pear ruby earrings. Red flower earrings. 14k solid gold Size: 10 x 7 mm. Total weight:...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$835Sale Price / item|40% Off
Pear peridot east west ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear peridot east west ring. Peridot solitaire ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Main stone peridot Color: green to oliv...
Peridot, 14k Gold
Statement 14.22 Carat Natural Green Emerald Solitaire Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant showcases a striking 14.22 carat natural emerald set in 14K yellow gold. The emerald measuring approximately 18 x 15 mm. The emerald is secured in a classic pron...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with pink opal and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with pink opal and brilliant cut diamonds. 0.30 ct - G/H - VS/SI detailed description the size of the earring is 2.8 cm long by 8.0 mm wide weight: 3....
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 5.00ct Oval Amethyst, Netherlands
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with oval-cut amethyst - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 2.0 cm wide. Ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53). The ring c...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with ruby up to 2.40ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold stud earrings set with ruby 2.40ct and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description The stud earrings are 1.0 cm long by 8.3 mm wide wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$1,070Sale Price / item|23% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon. Starburst Opal Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Starburst Opal Ring. Vintage style opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with oval opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Sapphire And Diamond Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
This 14K white gold pendant is a beautiful piece with a bold and elegant style. It features one rich blue sapphire with a total weight of 0.57 carats, surrounded by twelve round diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
$523Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Solitaire amethyst ring. Amethyst silver, gold ring. Amethyst statement ring. Amethyst cocktail ring. Metal type: 925 silver + 14k gold plating Weight: 4 g depends from size Gem...
Amethyst, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
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
18k White Gold Dangle Earrings with Smoky Quartz & Diamonds, 0.20ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with smoky quartz and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.20 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.1 cm long and 9.8 mm wide. Total weig...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Natural Emerald &Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Cluster Platinum Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Natural Colombian Emerald and diamond three stone Ring This Colombian emerald has a beautiful combination of color and tone. The emerald is 70% primary green color with a medium inte...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, 10.84 carat Tanzanite, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Ruby Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 10.84 carats. The Tanz...
Diamond, Ruby, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
$1,113Sale Price / item|35% Off
Topaz and amethyst 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Topaz and amethyst 14k gold earrings. Red and purple gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones amethyst, purple, oval cut, ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold
$660Sale 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...
Opal, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
90s Vintage Cartier Trinity Earrings 18k Gold 3/4" Fine Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish Cartier Trinity earrings crafted in 18k yellow, rose & white gold (circa 1990s). The classic Trinity earrings are great for everyday wear, crafted in 18k yellow, rose ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Dior logo script clip on earrings, silver tone metal
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous pair of vintage Christian Dior logo script design clip on earrings. Large oversized silver tone metal dome or disc shaped earrings with the Dior logo written all over th...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
$770Sale 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
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
Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Panther Link Three Row Wide Band Ring Size 7
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage 18 karat yellow gold Panther Link Diamond Band Ring featuring an impressive three-row wide design set with 210 brilliant round cut diamonds totaling approximately 4.20 carats...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.50 Carats Oval & Pear Bezel Toi Et Moi Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant Toi Et Moi ring features two GIA Certified diamonds totaling 2.50 carats, composed of a 1.50 carat Oval Shape diamond paired with a 1.00 carat Pear Shape diamond, select...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Drop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, these 14K yellow gold drop earrings showcase a sophisticated arrangement of richly saturated cabochon emeralds accented by sparkling diamonds. Designed with bez...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$742Sale 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
Emerald Dew Drop Diamond Fine Jewelry Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Diera, AE
Delicate sophistication meets contemporary elegance in these refined fine jewelry stud earrings featuring vibrant natural Zambian emeralds and brilliant natural diamonds. Handcrafte...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Missoni Italy Gilded Metal Chain Link Bracelet with Enamel Dangling Charms
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bold and whimsical statement piece from Missoni, Italy, this exceptional link bracelet showcases the brand's signature flair for vibrant design and artistic detail. The wide, weigh...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
$630Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and peridots
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal: 14k Gold (tested) Weight: 2.2 g depends fro...
Opal, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$635Sale 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...
Opal, Mandarin Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
$303Sale Price / item|55% Off
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
Ring with oval and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 18k gold 7.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with oval brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.60ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 6.3 mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Link Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Link Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s. This is one of the classic necklaces from the 1980s that stands out with its distinctive look. These are large square link...
Mixed Metal
$630Sale 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...
Opal, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
18k gold ring with two snake heads, ring size US 8 - EU 18.25(57), 14.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with two snake heads – ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide and 4.0 mm high. Ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57)...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Paloma Picasso Blue Enamel Star Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Star Bracelet, an exceptionally bold and artistic creation showcasing Paloma Picasso’s unmistakable design language. Crafted ...
Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
7.00 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 7.00 carat Dimensions 12.0x9.0x7.1mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 7.00 carat Natural London Blue Topaz showcases a rich, deep b...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
Graff 18K White Gold Diamond And Green Emerald Butterfly Watch
By Graff London
Located in New York, NY
Graff Limited Edition Butterfly 18K White Gold Diamond and Emerald Watch, an extraordinary high jewelry timepiece that embodies the maison’s renowned mastery of diamonds and feminine...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
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
$835Sale 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
Multi Gemstone Bolo Bracelet Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful bolo bracelet is sterling silver. It features 7 oval cut, 4x6mm amethyst, citrine, peridot, garnet and blue topaz gemstones. Measurements: 1/4 of an inch at its wides...
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
Vintage Mid-Century 14K Gold, Mabe Pearl, and Diamond Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century gold, pearl, and diamond stickpin. In 14 karat yellow gold. With a prong-set mabe pearl set to the center and surrounded by a halo of 16 single cut diamonds. S...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Ring with topaz and brilliant cut diamonds up ti 0.60ct 18k gold 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with topaz totaling approx. 2.00ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.60ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5(52) detailed description: The top ...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold
$4,200Sale Price / item|30% Off
Certified 7.7ct Octagon-Cut Green Emerald Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14K Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This solitaire pendant necklace features a 7.7-carat octagon emerald set in 14K yellow gold. The emerald measures 12.43 x 9.6 mm, secured in a classic prong setting that highlights i...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Pearl and 18k Yellow Gold Plated Woven Bracelet
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Pearl Woven Bracelet by Marina J. This bracelet is made with multi sized Pearls and Faceted 18k Yellow Gold Plated beads all intricately woven together into a tight column li...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
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
Brooch in shape of a frog with green hardened glass and diamonds platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum brooch in the shape of a frog with a green hardened glass stone and a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.25 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.3 cm lo...
Diamond, Platinum
$475Sale Price / item|50% Off
Citrine solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Citrine Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Citrine Ring. Emerald Cut Citrine Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 piece...
Citrine, Gold, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver