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.
Bulgari Doppio 1.70ctw Blue Topaz and 1.45ctw Citrine Ring, circa 1980s
By Bulgari
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
The 1980s were an important decade for Bvlgari. The Roman house had developed a distinctive design language built around substantial yellow gold, strong volumes and unconventional co...
Citrine, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Industrial Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Chain Studded Vintage Piece Ruthenium
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Chain Studded Vintage Piece Ruthenium Palladium Mesh Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in b...
Brass, Palladium
Vintage David Yurman Sterling Silver & Blue Topaz Infinity Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver & topaz ring. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. From the 'Infinity' series. With a prong-set cushion cut blue topaz. Marked to the shank. Together ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Christian Lacroix Gilt Metal Lace Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris pendant necklace features a stylized knitting lace design in gilded metal, textured throughout and topped with the iconic "CL" logo. The long gi...
Gilt Metal
Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver and 18k Yellow Gold Button Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Elevate classic menswear with this refined pair of Tiffany & Co. two-tone button-motif cufflinks—an understated yet distinctive accessory that reflects timeless design and impecc...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Bezel Garnet Ring for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Garnet for Men silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Garnet. Oval Pinky Ring for Men Metal: 9...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$604Sale Price / item|35% Off
Emerald solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Emerald Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Emerald Ring. Round Cut Emerald Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern 18K Gold & Turquoise Charm / Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Italian gold & turquoise charm or pendant. In 18 karat yellow gold with applied granulation and wire work. With bezel-set turquoise cabochons throughout. Fully hallmarked t...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet – 3mm Beads, 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate 18K yellow gold bracelet features lustrous 3mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each tiny bead displays the signature vivid sky-blue color and exceptional clari...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Natural Sphene (Titanite) 3.10 Carat – Oval Cut Rainbow Fire Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Bring extraordinary brilliance to your gemstone collection with this Natural Sphene (Titanite) weighing 3.10 carats. Cushion cut into a striking fancy cut, this exceptional gemstone ...
Other
TIFFANY & CO Diamond Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed vintage TIFFANY & CO Diamond Gold Band Ring. Hand set with Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.05tcw. Hand crafted 18K White Gold mounting. Marked: TIF...
Diamond, Gold
GIA 3.01 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Old mine cut diamonds are among the most sought-after stones in fine jewelry today, prized for a warmth and depth that modern cutting rarely replicates, and this pair — GIA certified...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 90's Diamond Pavé Cable Buckle Ring ~0.76ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
A twisted rope motif in polished yellow gold sweeps into a crossover loop of pavé-set white gold diamonds, the two halves overlapping at the shoulder in a buckle-like knot. The inter...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Double-Sided Carved Lapis Lazuli Pendant, Bird Motif, 14K Gold Bail
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial carved lapis lazuli pendant of notable scale, worked in relief on both sides with a continuous composition of birds among stylised foliage. Probably China, late 20th c...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold
$463Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Round Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bezel Set Bubbled Drop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Alternating round-cut blue sapphires and sparkling white diamonds create a sophisticated color palette that pops against the warm gold. Each stone is securely encased in a smooth gol...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Blue Sapphires & Yellow Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Blue Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 7.63 carats. The Emerald is compl...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Del Mar Crab Claw Ring with Green Tourmaline and Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Del Mar ring features a vibrant .35 carat green tsavorite gemstone with 2 small natural diamond accents, set in 14 karat gold. This magnificent jewelry piece is inspired by surrealis...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
1980s Vintage Christian Dior Parfums Gold Tone Orange Shell Clip On Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a gold tone shell shape clip on earrings designed by Christian Dior in 1980’s. This piece is gold plated, paired with orange lucite. Markings: “Christian Dior © Parfums” (s...
14k Yellow Gold Bees of Malia Pendant – Minoan Amulet, Greek Revival Jewelry
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely 14k yellow gold pendant. This lovely pendant is a replica of the Minoan Bees, also known as the Bees of Malia. The pendant is hallmarked with a 585 mark and u...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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
$522Sale 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
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
$1,057Sale Price / item|65% Off
Flower design 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Flower design 14k gold engagement ring. 1 ct ruby gold ring. Casual ruby ring. Round ruby ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - ruby 1 ct,...
Topaz, Ruby, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
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
$511Sale 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
$522Sale Price / item|45% Off
Lotus gold ring with peridot silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus gold ring with peridot silver, gold. Lotus flower ring. Floral ring. Pear peridot ring. Weight: 3.5 g. depends from size Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Central sto...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$529Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage inspired Blue Topaz and Colorless Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Blue Topaz Ring with Colorless Topazes. Blue Topaz and Colorless Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural topaz cabochon...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Ruby Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Ruby Ring. Round Cut Ruby Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (central s...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$612Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Celestial Shimmer Drip Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Each station is meticulously set with shimmering pave diamonds, creating a "fringe" effect that captures light with every movement. Material : 14KT Yellow Gold Gold Weight : 2.1 Gr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$517Sale 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. Delicate flower threader earrings crafted i...
Quartz, Gold Plate, Silver
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Bezel Black Opal Ring for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Black Opal Cabochon for Men silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Black Opal. Oval Pinky Ring ...
Black Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
0.66ct Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Vilnius, LT
in 18 Karat Yellow Gold This Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring features a 0.66-carat emerald framed by a diamond halo in 18K yellow gold. The green centre stone contrasts with the warm ...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Serpent Gold Open Adjustable J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serpent Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Open Adjustable Gold Plated Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring, named Gypsy Wisdom, is a coiled serpent in gold plated silver with a marqui...
Ruby, Silver, Gold Plate
41.91 Carat Natural SI/H Diamond Five Strand Necklace 18K White Gold Jewelry
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
There are pieces of jewelry that accessorize an outfit — and then there are pieces that become the occasion itself. This five-strand diamond cascade necklace belongs firmly in the se...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
9–9.5mm Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace, Cherry Pink, PSL Rose P Certified
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...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold
60s Vintage 1.25ct Diamond Bombe Ring 14k Yellow Gold Wide Cigar Band Sz 6
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish mixed cut diamond bombe ring (circa 1960s) crafted in 14k yellow gold. Marquise and tapered baguette diamonds total an estimated 1.25 carats (estimated at I-J color and VS2...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Amethyst Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Amethyst 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 ...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,129Sale 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
Set in 18K Gold, 8.23 carats, natural Nigerian Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 5.97 carats. The trapeze Emerald is complete...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Estate 14K White Gold .25 Carat Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous necklace is comprised of 14k white gold. The pendant measures 5/8ths of an inch by 5/8ths of an inch, not including the bail. It features .25 ctw in 22 round cut, natu...
Diamond, White Gold
Fred of Paris Chrysoprase Cabochon 18k Gold Cocktail Ring Size 6
Located in Feasterville, PA
A sophisticated Fred of Paris Gold Cocktail Ring showcasing timeless elegance. This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring features a captivating 7ct chrysoprase cabochon, exuding a tranqui...
Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$649Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Oval Garnet & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A rich oval garnet takes centre stage in this 14K White gold cocktail ring, framed by a carefully balanced arrangement of round brilliant natural diamonds. The warm gold and ...
Diamond, Garnet, White Gold, 14k Gold
$697Sale Price / item|40% Off
Baguette Emerald 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald engagement ring. Baguette emerald ring. Emerald gold ring. Emerald vintage style ring. Natural emerald ring. Classic emerald ring. May birthstone emerald ring. Wedding gold r...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage, Daniel S. Rine Bangle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage, Daniel S. Rine Bangle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold. Daniel S. Rine was an American jeweler known for high-quality vintage 14K yellow gold jewelry. He was particularly active in...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kaso by Harriet Bauknight Purple Floral Jeweled Acrylic Lucite Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso designed these stunning floral frosted Lucite or acrylic resin clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They feature an oversized dimensional shape, all carved and t...
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Amethyst Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Amethyst Ring. Emerald Cut Amethyst Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 pi...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$464Sale 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
$511Sale 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. Round Cut Emerald Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$493Sale 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
$1,048Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings, 0.35ct Baguette & Round Cuts
Located in New York, NY
Delicate in size yet radiant in sparkle, these 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings are the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern sophistication. Crafted in luminous 14K yell...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
11mm Jumbo Pearl Strand 18" Necklace Beads 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a white gold shiny ball-clasp, and measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching pearls with a 14 karat gold clasp. Color...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$464Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pink, rose quartz cabochon ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with pink rose quartz cabochon. Rose quartz statement ring. Cocktail pink quartz ring. Birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends fro...
Quartz, Gold, Sterling Silver
$487Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ring with aquamarine cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with aquamarine cabochon. Aquamarine statement ring. Cocktail aquamarine ring. March birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from ...
Aquamarine, Gold, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Twist Rope Bow Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Twist Rope Bow Ring Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 1.55 grams Size: 4.5 (US) Signed: Tiffany & Co. 925 ITALY RD F35002447
Sterling Silver
$1,129Sale 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
$517Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Topaz Ring Silver, Gold. Blue Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Angela Caputi Pink and Gold Resin Dangle Flamenco Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature an important dangling design with wavy-shaped floral elements. The pieces boast antique rose, gold, turquo...
18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970s
Located in South Pasadena, CA
18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970s. The 18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bangle Bracelet was made in the 1970s. Made with wide fluted sections, this bangle bracelet has a gre...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,100Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 7.11ct Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl & Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Discover the captivating beauty of one of the world's rarest gemstones with this exceptional 14K Yellow Gold Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl and Diamond Ring. At its center rests a magnificent...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 K Solid Yellow Gold Carved Yellow Tourmaline Leaf Pendant Charm Necklace.
Located in Naples, NY
Lovely carved yellow tourmaline pendant necklace. Simple, affordable, cute. 14 K Solid Yellow Gold Carved Yellow Tourmaline Leaf Pendant Charm. 14K SOLID Yellow Gold 0.8mm Cable Cha...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold