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.
$526Sale 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
Vintage 18K Solid Yellow Gold Lucky Number 13 Pendant – Good Luck Talisman Charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this Italian gold charm depicting a "13". Many people regard the number 13 as an accident number, however it is also often regarded as ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$526Sale 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
$9,840Sale Price|20% Off
Renato Cipullo 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Jaguar Pendant Necklace Handcrafted
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Make a bold statement with the 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Jaguar Pendant Necklace by Renato Cipullo, an internationally acclaimed designer renowned for blending Italian craftsmanship wi...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Handcrafted 14K Yellow Gold Man Band Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Handcrafted man band ring in 14k yellow gold. A striking piece from the Castle of Italy Collection. Available any size on order. This design draws inspiration from the robust stone s...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, 231 carat Sphene, Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Link Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ethiopian Opal & Sphene Link Necklace set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 18.24 carats. The we...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$514Sale 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
$514Sale 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
$1,137Sale 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
$532Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage inspired Garnet and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet Ring with Topazes. Garnet and Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural garnet cabochon set within an ornate conc...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$520Sale 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
GIA 1 Carat Round Diamond Bezel Necklace 14K Yellow Gold I VS2
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This stunning GIA certified diamond necklace is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features a 1.00 carat natural round brilliant diamond in a sleek bezel setting. The diamond is graded I...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,137Sale 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
$702Sale 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
Cartier LOVE Interlocking Pendant Necklace 18 Karat White Gold With Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K White Gold Cartier LOVE Pendant Necklace, circa 2024, from Cartier's iconic LOVE collection, inspired by the legendary bracelet first introduced in New York in 1969. Crafted in 1...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
70s Vintage Horse Bit Buckle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold 8" Equestrian Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Equestrian themed horse bit bracelet crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1960s to 1970s). The primary horse bit links alternate with smaller belt buckle motifs, ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,000Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 1ct Squared Vivid Emerald Fine Vintage Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A sleek modern band crafted in 18k white gold, channel‑set with approximately 1.00 carat of square‑cut natural emeralds. The stones are beautifully matched for color and clarity, for...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 7.03 carat fancy yellow diamond 18k yellow gold platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At the heart of this engagement ring sits a magnificent square brilliant cut diamond weighing 7.03 carats, GIA-certified in a rare Fancy Yellow color with VVS1 clarity. The stone glo...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Fabrice Paris Silvered Metal Geometric Brooch with Agate Stone Cabochons
By Fabrice
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fabrice, Paris designed this stunning geometric brooch. The rare piece features a massive open donut design with a high-gloss silvered metal frame composition embellished with carved...
Agate
Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Steel and 18Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Monete 1982 Coin Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An important Bvlgari Monete necklace dating to 1982, crafted in 18k yellow gold and centered by an ancient Macedonian silver coin issued under Philip III Arrhidaeus. The substantial ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$497Sale 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
Vintage Italian 18K Gold Split Front Tubogas Cuff Bracelet w/Diamond End caps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This late twentieth century Italian 18K yellow and white gold split front tubogas bracelet combines excellent design with quality construction. The white gold end caps are set with a...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dog Chain Bracelet and Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. sterling silver bracelet. With slightly oval links and a heart-shaped pendant charm. The charm is not engraved. Great Tiffany design! Date: 20th Century ...
Sterling Silver
$514Sale 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
$514Sale 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
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Beaded Open Heart Double Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiating charm and delicate craftsmanship, this beaded open heart ring is a beautiful expression of modern romance. Cast in polished 14k yellow gold (hallmarked 585), the ring featu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$187Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Natural Emerald Octagon Cut Stackable Solitaire Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring features a natural emerald gemstone in a refined octagon shape, secured in a classic four prong setting that allows the vibrant green stone to take center stage. Cr...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 27.67 carat, Zambian Emerald & Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 26.67 carats. The Emerald is comp...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$468Sale 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
Tiffany & Co Makers Wide Cuff Bracelet Japanese Pattern Sterling Silver
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Tiffany & Co Makers cuff bracelet crafted in sterling silver (circa 1980s to 1990s). Making a great statement on the wrist, the wide cuff measures 35mm (1.37 i...
Sterling Silver
$491Sale 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
18K Gold, Australian Doublet Opal, Turquoise, Blue Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Australian Doublet Opal, Turquoise, Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Modern Bracelet. The weight of the Australian Doublet Opal is 14.33 car...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
14KT White Gold Elegant Pavé Diamond 6.98 Cts Bangle Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated bangle bracelet features a stunning, continuous array of brilliant round-cut diamonds set in a shimmering pavé arrangement. Crafted in warm 14K white gold, the sle...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$514Sale 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
Vintage Tiffany & Co Size 5.25 Sterling Silver and Gold Gatelink Flexible Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold Gatelink Flexible Hinged Ring Size 5.25. ( 1990’s) The ring is made up of silver elements hinged by 18 karat yellow go...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
$1,053Sale 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
Rado True Thinline black ceramic dial wristwatch
By RADO
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish Rado True Thinline black ceramic dial wristwatch. This is a bracelet watch with a chunky brick type link in black coated steel, the watch has a black ceramic dial with ros...
Steel
$468Sale Price / item|50% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Heart Peridot and Amethyst. Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Peridot and Amethyst Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 925 silver + 14k yello...
Amethyst, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
18k Etoile d'amour charm - Romantic vintage gold pendant, French love Star token
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful and rare "Etoile d'amour" love token which translates to "Star of Love". We think that the details and design are extraordinary. A textured background make...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpent Coil Snake Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18 Karat Yellow Gold Serpent Coil Snake Band Ring Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 6.35 grams Size: 7.5 (US) Width: 10.5m Retail: $3,500 USD IDD F35002406
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini Ref. 3801 18K White Gold Manual Wind Watch Circa 1975 5-3/4" to 6"
By Rolex
Located in Richmond, CA
Fine vintage Rolex Cellini wristwatch crafted in solid 18K white gold, circa 1975, featuring an elegant cushion-form case with an integrated woven white-gold mesh bracelet. The silv...
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Horn Charm Pendant, small Good Luck Amulet, Italy
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful 18 karat yellow gold Horn Charm that is marked with a 750 mark and an Italian makers mark. This "Cornicello cornetto" is believed to be a Good Luck pendant...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, carved Turquoise & natural Diamonds Bracelet/Choker Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Turquoise Bracelet/ Choker Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight the carved Turquoise is 29.47 carats. The Turquo...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.40 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Pair Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.40 carat Dimensions 8.6x7.0x4.9 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald Discover the beauty of this 5.40 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline...
Tourmaline
Angela Caputi Black and Gilded Resin Disk Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin and metal clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with black resin geometric elements contrasted with an important metallic coate...
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.30ct - 5.5 grams - 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with brilliant cut diamond up to 1.30ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 – EU 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is in a marquise shape 2.3 cm by ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$514Sale Price / item|44% Off
Bezel Set Oval Opal Wide Matte Band silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bezel Set Oval Opal Wide Matte Band ring silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Opal . Oval Pinky Ring for Men. ...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$491Sale Price / item|50% Off
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot silver, gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3 gr Gemst...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
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...
Goossens Paris 24K Gold Plated Rock Crystal Link Bracelet
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Composition Cabochon bracelet includes hand tinted rock crystal in black, set in fine brass structure 24-carat gold plated. Signature on the back of security chain. Robert Goossens,...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Cartier Perruque 18k Yellow Gold Beaded Dome Ring with Paper Size 4.5 EU 48
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Perruque Era: 1999 Material: 18k yellow gold Measurements: Approximately 32mm across × 19mm high Ring Size: US 4.5 / EU 48 Weight: 36.9 grams Hallmarks: Stamped Cartier 750 M50711 48 Cartier 1999 Includes: Cartier paper and box This authentic vintage Cartier Perruque...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Globe Barbell Cufflinks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of figural barbell cufflinks. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a figural globe terminal to one end of each. Fully marked to the posts. Together with their o...
Sterling Silver
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
Signed John Hardy Sterling Silver & Gold 'Dot' Pattern Chain Link Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed cable chain bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold. From the 'Dot' series. With alternating gold dot and silver dot links and ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Pear Shaped Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of vintage pear shaped aquamarine and diamond drop earrings set in 18k yellow and white gold.
Each earring is designed with a pear mixed-cut aquamarine s...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$496Sale Price|20% Off
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Sapphire Stone Oval Cut Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 6.9x5.9x4.4mm Treatment None Origin Sri Lankan Clarity SI Shape Cut Oval AG112 Discover the elegance of this 1.65 Carat Natural Loose Blue Sapphi...
Blue Sapphire
18K Gold 1.15ct Oval Green Sapphire & 0.06ct Brilliant Diamond Pendant Enhancer
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A vivid 1.15ct oval green sapphire glows at the center of this handcrafted 18k gold pendant, accented by 0.06ct of brilliant diamonds arranged in an elegant cluster. The polished gol...
Green Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
$468Sale 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
$468Sale Price / item|60% Off
Garnet and amethyst silver earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet and amethyst 14k gold earrings. Red and purple gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: silver + 14k gold plate Weight: 4 gr Gemstones amethyst, pu...
Amethyst, Garnet, Gold Plate, Silver