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.
4.33 ct GIA Certified Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking cocktail ring showcases a captivating design centered around a vibrant GIA-certified emerald-cut emerald. The lush green hue of the primary stone is complemented by the...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
3.16 Carat F/VS1 Marquise & Round Diamonds Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These classy stud earrings feature Marquise Shape and Round Brilliant Cut diamonds totaling 3.16 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for their exceptional brilliance and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a beautifull graduated size up to 9.5mm. This necklace features genuine high grade genuine tu...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,068Sale Price / item|23% Off
14k gold ring with amethyst and topazs
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with oval amethyst. Multicolor amethyst ring. Amethyst statement ring. Amethyst cocktail ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 3 g depends from size Gemstone: ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yell...
$837Sale Price|20% Off
10K Yellow Gold 1.0 Cttw Round Diamond Pave Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Draped in the luxurious luster of 10K yellow gold, this bracelet is a masterpiece tailored for the connoisseur. One carat of pristine, natural round diamonds glitter within a pave se...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$830Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval emerald 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval emerald ring in 14k gold. Genuine emerald ring. Green emerald ring. Emerald engagement ring. May birthstone ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size Gemstones: ...
Emerald, 14k Gold
Cluster ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.10ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14 kt white gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant cut diamond tot. 1.10 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 9 - EU. 19(60) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.9 cm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$531Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pear garnet silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet silver, gold earrings. Red gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3 gr Gemstones: garnet, red color, pe...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold, Silver
SSEF Certified 13.018 Carat No-Heat Oval Cut Burmese Blue Sapphire Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and commanding sapphire and diamond ring, centered by a richly saturated oval-cut blue sapphire of remarkable presence and depth. The sapphire displays a vivid royal b...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Exceptional South Sea Pearl Strand Necklace, 16–18mm
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable statement of refinement and rarity, this luxurious South Sea cultured pearl strand features an extraordinary graduation of pearls measuring approximately 16mm to 18mm. C...
South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
$522Sale Price / item|44% Off
Baguette emerald half eternity silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Baguette emerald half eternity ring silver, gold. Silver ring with emerald. Minimalist baguette emerald mens, unisex ring. Semi-eternity ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating o...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ring with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold 3.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with emerald and brilliant-cut diamond 0.20 ct - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5(55) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide ring size U.S...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$3,560 / item
Topaz and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz earrings in 14k gold. Dangle topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with topaz. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-shaped e...
Topaz, 14k Gold
$862Sale Price|25% Off
Italian 14K Yellow Gold Gold Figaro Chain Bracelet 9" Long
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday styling with this Italian-crafted 14K gold Figaro chain bracelet. With a refined balance of sophistication and versatility,...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$356Sale Price / item|50% Off
Painted Ocean Sunset Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with amethyst briolettes
Located in Istanbul, TR
Painted Ocean Sunset Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with amethyst briolettes 925 Silver Gold Plated with Amethyst Briolettes Miniature Ocean Art Jewelry Gift for Her Capture the b...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$640Sale Price / item|60% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot. Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Gemstone Citrine: Color...
Citrine, Peridot, 14k Gold
$432Sale Price / item|55% Off
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...
$499Sale Price / item|40% Off
Oval emerald ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval emerald ring in 925 silver. Genuine emerald ring. Green emerald ring. Emerald engagement ring. May birthstone ring. Metal: 14k gold plating over 925 silver Weight: 2.5 gr depe...
Emerald, Silver
Missoni Bi-Color Rigid Collar Necklace, Spring 2014 Collection
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
Missoni Italy created this incredible couture choker necklace for its ready-to-wear spring 2014 runway show. The piece features an asymmetric shape, built with a gunmetal rigid band,...
$560Sale Price|20% Off
14K Italian Yellow Gold Twist Dangle Earrings 2 Inch by Milor
Located in New York, NY
Marked “14KT Italy Milor” Weight: 2.1g Measurements: Approx. 2.00" L x 0.64" W Pre-owned These 14K Italian Yellow Gold Twist Dangle Earrings offer the elegance and fluidity that It...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet embodies timeless elegance with its refined design. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features the iconic Panthère de Cartier motif, a symbol of gr...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Fancy Green Yellow 4.63ct Oval Center Diamond Platinum & 18K YRingellow
Located in Derby, NY
A rare natural fancy green-yellow diamond takes center stage in this sophisticated engagement or anniversary ring. The 4.63-carat oval center stone showcases exceptional color satura...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Mesh Tie Scarf 41.5" Large Sterling Silver Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
An iconic Elsa Peretti design for Tiffany & Co., this sterling silver mesh scarf is celebrated for its fluid, sculptural form and exceptional craftsmanship. The finely woven mes...
Sterling Silver
24K Hammered Vertigo Link Necklace by Gurhan
By Gurhan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Refined with a subtle touch of brilliance, this 24K gold hammered Vertigo necklace captures the essence of Gurhan’s signature craftsmanship and timeless design. The single strand fea...
24k Gold
Vintage Cartier Santos Vendome Ronde Model 8191 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Wa
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Cartier Model: Santos Vendome Ronde 8191 Year: 1990s Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 27mm Movement: Quartz Cond...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with baroque pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with baroque pearl and brilliant-cut diamond 0.30 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.7 cm wide b...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$427Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ring with amethyst cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with amethyst cabochon. Amethyst statement ring. Cocktail amethyst ring. February birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size...
Amethyst, Gold, Sterling Silver
Ring with emerald up to 5.00ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold entourage ring set with a central emerald up to 5.00 ct and an entourage brilliant-cut diamond totaling 4.00 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$318Sale Price|25% Off
14K Solid Yellow Gold Butterfly Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Genuine 14K Gold diamond charm pendant. This particular yellow gold butterfly pendant has small diamonds paved on it, no dull or milky diamonds here, they are all super sparkly and e...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Skull Light Holder Copper Crystals Bue - Vintage - 2008
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Skull and Bone Copper Light Holder Blue Crystal Chain Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Skull and Bone Light Holder is a rare, one-of-a-kind sculptural ob...
Crystal, Palladium, Brass, Enamel, Copper
Designer Style Large Scale Vintage Bombe Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This deftly crafted 18K yellow gold vintage dome ring has the look and style of a designer ring from the 1970s. It is set with approximately 125 modern round brilliant cut diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Solitaire 1.05ct Diamond Bezel Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this pendant necklace features a single round diamond presented in a classic bezel setting. The diamond is suspended at the center of a fine link chain, a...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,485Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch with 3.9mm Pearl, Late 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Charming and expressive, this playful cat brooch is crafted in solid 14K yellow gold and finished with a refined satin texture that enhances its sculptural form. The design is accent...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Unisex 1.72ct Blue Sapphire Signet Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This unisex signet ring Showcase a 1.72 carat blue sapphire, set in 14K yellow gold. The sapphire measuring approximately 6 x 9 mm, secured in a classic prong setting. The clean and ...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$652Sale Price / item|44% Off
Hummingbird earrings studs with blue topazs in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold Hummingbird earrings studs with blue topazs. Gold bird earrings. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.2 g. Size: 11.73 x 15.85 mm. Central stones: Genuine topazs Cut: pear Weight:...
Diamond, Topaz, Tsavorite, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 9.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a central sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond totaling 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) detailed description: The top of the ring...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$432Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These elegant stud earrings in 925 sterling silver, featuring the natural allure of blue sapphires and the sparkle of fine diamonds. Each earring is set with four round blue sapphire...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Gun Metal Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Statement Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Gun Metal Mesh Studs Designer: J Dauphin Cuff Bracelet with Mesh and Studs in Gunmetal Rhodium Plating, 3" Height, Made in Paris, 2008 Cuff brac...
Rhodium, Brass
$127Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver 1.38 Ct Natural Emerald Floral Stud Earrings Holiday Gift
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver natural emerald stud earrings feature eight round gemstones, each measuring 2.7 mm, with a total weight of 1.38 carats. Designed in a graceful floral motif...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Chanel Camelia 18k White Gold Diamond Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Chanel
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Chanel Camelia ring, showcasing the maison’s iconic floral motif in 18k white gold. This ring features an intricate Camelia flower design, a signature symbol in Chanel’s collectio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Shell Pendant with Diamond and Red Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and red garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Monique Vedie Dark Pink Talosel Clip-on Earrings, Line Vautrin School
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning French Jewelry Designer Monique Vedié Paris clip-on earrings boast a dimensional shape with a carved door knocker design in raspberry purple resin or Talosel with an i...
$1,068Sale Price / item|40% Off
Sapphire, Amethyst 14k Gold Earrings Studs.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst, Sapphire 14k gold earrings studs. Purple, blue gemstones earrings. Material: 14k gold. Weight: 2.3 gr. Size Earrings: 10x16.6mm Central stones: Natural Sapphire - 2 piece...
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Genuine Rolex 6618 Watch. Ladies ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1963 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6618. Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. Original Rolex SS Bracel...
Stainless Steel
$2,848Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Star Band Ring by Rossella Ugolini, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
An 18K yellow gold Star Band ring inspired by the bold elegance of 1980s design, crafted in Italy by Rossella Ugolini. This distinctive unisex piece features a sculptural band that g...
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
$135Sale Price / item|55% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Open Wave White Enamel Ring with Multicolor & White Zircons
Located in New York, NY
This modern Silvorra ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver and designed in an open wave for a chic, stacked look. The top wave band is coated in smooth white enamel and dotted with ...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Four Petal Stud Earrings with Black Moissanites and Lab Blue Sapphires
Located in Istanbul, TR
Four Petal Black Rhodium Stud Earrings with Black Moissanites and Lab Blue Sapphires. Modern Four Petal Flower Stud Earrings in Black Rhodium Silver with Black Moissanites and Blue S...
Blue Sapphire, Rhodium, Silver
$740Sale 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
Set in 18K white Gold, Tanzanite, Turquoise Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold, Enamel & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 1.00 carats. The Tanzanite is ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Vintage Sterling Gemstone Cabochon Bracelet 7.75 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous estate bracelet is sterling silver. It features cabochon cut garnets, citrines, peridot, amethysts and pink tourmalines. Measurements: 3/8 of an inch wide, 7 3/4 weara...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2628 Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Case Rolex Precision Ladies Watch with attached Milanese Bracelet (Stainless Steel). Rolex Windup 1400 Caliber Movement Ref. 2628 . Circa 1971 Case Is 18k White Gol...
Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with Coral and brilliant cut diamonds 14k gold 15.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14 kt yellow gold necklace with pendant set with Corallium Rubrum and brilliant cut diamond, total approx. 0.25 ct F/G VS/SI - 60 cm detailed description the pendant is 4.3 cm hig...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 4.61 carat Aquamarine, Turquoise Enamel & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Enamel Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 4.61 carats. The Turq...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Van Cleef and Arpels 18901 B1 watch. 18k Gold VCA Classique Diamond Bezel.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Van Cleef & Arpels Watch Classic or Classique Ladies ref. 18901 B1 Diamond Bezel with Diamonds Bezel set on lugs. 18k Yellow Gold Case. 18k Yellow Gold Original VCA Buck...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.81ct 18k yellow gold 7.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold band ring with a harp motif set with a central brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.96 ct - L - SI 1 - diamond certificate IGI 457059647 - and a ring of brilliant-cut diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$354Sale 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
$354Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ocean-Themed Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings with Topaz Briolette
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ocean-Themed Mother of Pearl Earrings with Topaz Briolette Painted Sea Wave Earrings Mother of Pearl & Topaz Drop Earrings Embrace coastal elegance with these dainty earrings. T...
Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Cartier Trinity Ruban Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Sz 5 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A masterfully crafted engagement ring by Cartier, embodying architectural elegance. The Trinity Ruban design features a dynamic ribbon motif, adorned with pavé-set round brilliant d...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Christian Dior gold plated chain necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Christian Dior chain necklace. Gold plated metal, the chain is a nice long length that can easily be wrapped over twice and is designed with a lovely fancy rope t...
Gold Plate
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Multi Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald Cabochon is 3.92 cara...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphir...