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.
Serpent Snake Ring Pink Ruby Marquise Gold Plated Open J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serpent Snake Ring Pink Ruby Marquise Gold Plated Silver Open J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring, named Gypsy Wisdom, is a coiled serpent in gold plated silver with a mar...
Ruby, Silver, Gold Plate
Mid Century 4.40ct Lab-Created Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
The ring is a three-stone ring featuring a prominent, deep blue, pear-cut center sapphire gemstone, flanked by two white, baguette-cut side diamonds. The setting and band are made of...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$618Sale 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...
Peridot, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage Paris 2000's
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spike Cuff Bracelet Blue Enamel Vintage 2008 Double Chain Made in Paris Gunmetal Plated Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is constructed from gunmetal-plated brass and...
Silver Plate, Brass, Enamel
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
Estate Giant Persian Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
An Extraordinary "Tiffany blue" Turquoise Masterpiece A regal giant 19.5 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare Turquoises with the sought after "Persian Turquoise color...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,050Sale 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. ...
Topaz, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1.52 Carat Oval Trillion Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Celebrate life's most meaningful moments with this timeless three-stone diamond ring, handcrafted in solid 18K White Gold. At its center, a brilliant oval-cut natural diamond is beau...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$552Sale Price|20% Off
Sword Opal Pendant Necklace by J Dauphin, Vintage Silver Chain, 2018
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sword Opal Pendant Necklace Vintage Silver Chain Designer J DAUPHIN This pendant was manufactured in the United States in 2018, the chain in Bali 2008. The hardware configuration...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Bronze
Angela Caputi Choker Necklace Banana-Choco and Black Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in a banana-and-milky-chocolate swirl color with black contrast. Her color...
Cartier Walking Pantheres Nakoura Cuff Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The beauty of wild cats is captured in this striking Cartier Nakoura Cuff Bracelet. Of sprung design formed of five walking pantheres, each studded with single pear shaped tsavorite ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Choker Necklace Pearlized Champagne Resin Carved Beads
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed this stunning, made-in-Italy beaded necklace. The choker features a single-strand shape built with large, carved resin beads in a light yellow champagne-colore...
Earrings with sunstone and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.09ct 18k gold 2.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sunstone and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.09ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 1.5 cm long by 4.4 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
KIESELSTEIN-CORD ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
KIESELSTEIN-CORD 18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 6.5 – EU 17(53) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14KT White Gold Luxurious 5-Row Diamond 10.03 Cts Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking piece features five rows of brilliant, round-cut diamonds meticulously set in a classic 14K white gold band. The high-polish finish creates a beautiful reflection, whil...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$875Sale Price / item|50% Off
Heart topaz ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Heart topaz ring in 14k gold. Heart shape engagement ring. 1ct heart topaz ring. Solitaire heart ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size...
Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold. Elegant Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. Floral design pearl earrings. A refined pair of drop earrings crafted in...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,050Sale 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: ...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gol...
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Garnets and Topaz A striking pair of garnet...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$350Sale 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
$350Sale 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
$1,458Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k solid gold ring with amethyst cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k gold ring with amethyst cabochon. Amethyst statement ring. Cocktail amethyst ring. February birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 4 g depends from size. Gemstone: Ame...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$606Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear ruby opend ended 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear ruby adjustable 14k gold ring. Ruby engagement ring. Ruby gold ring. Ruby vintage style ring. Natural ruby ring. Classic ruby ring. July birthstone ruby ring. Wedding gold ring ...
Topaz, Ruby, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek Trio of Interchangeable Resin Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek trio of interchangeable resin pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic set is designed with three interchangeable large scale resin pendants The large resin pendants r...
Gilt Metal
Nina Zhou Margeret 7.20ctw Peridot & Pink Sapphire Cocktail Ring
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A refined expression of color and symmetry, this ring centers on the vivid freshness of natural peridot, framed by soft pink sapphire accents that bring a delicate contrast to the co...
Pink Sapphire, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$816Sale 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
Forget-Me-Not Lab Sapphire Flower Stud Earrings in Black Rhodium Silver
Located in Istanbul, TR
Blue Lab Sapphire Yellow Lab Sapphire Flower Stud Earrings in Black Rhodium Sterling Silver. Forget-Me-Not Flower Stud Earrings with Blue ans Yellow lab Sapphires. These unique flo...
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Rhodium, Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic 5 Motif Alhambra Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring a captivating combination of white mother-of-pearl, black onyx, and iridescent gray mother...
Gold, 18k Gold
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Coin Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Brass Clover Cuba Star J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Star Coin Medal Pendant Chain Necklace Solid Silver Handcrafted This vintage chain necklace is crafted from solid silver and was handcrafted in Bali in 2008. Measuring 23.5 ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
Pomellato Garnet 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 6 3/4
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Symbolic of Craftsmanship and Innovation. Set with a Round Step-Cut Garnet Accented by 18K Yellow Gold. Brand: Pomellato Size: 6 3/4, Resizeable Weight: 12.5 grams Hallmarks: P...
Citrine, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Transparent Lucite Bracelet Bangle with Multicolor Metallic Thread Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Lucite bracelet bangle has a domed shape and is comprised of transparent acrylic injected with metallic thread inclusions in multicolor tones. The metallic threads spar...
$513Sale 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
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Three Row Diamond Set Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional vintage creation from Van Cleef & Arpels, this striking three-row ring exemplifies the maison's celebrated craftsmanship and sophisticated design language. Expertly h...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Blue Agate 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This timeless design features five signature Alhambra mo...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Modernist 14K Gold & Citrine Ring with Fluted Motif
Located in New York, NY
Modernist in spirit and elegantly restrained, this American ring centers a richly hued citrine in a sculptural 14K gold setting. The citrine’s warm, golden tones are complemented by ...
Citrine, 14k Gold
Earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphires up to 4.00 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 3.2 cm long and 1.2 cm wide. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$641Sale 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
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche 5 Motif 18K White Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This timeless design features five iconic Alhambra motif...
18k Gold, White Gold
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
Tiffany & Co Victoria Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Four marquise diamonds per ear, arranged point-to-point into the Victoria flower, one of Tiffany & Company's most recognizable contemporary motifs. The small size is the everyday-wea...
Diamond, Platinum
1.28 Carat Natural Santa-Maria Aquamarine and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.28 Carat Natural Santa Maria color Aquamarine and 0.73 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Aquamarines have been prized gems throughout human hi...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 18k Gold Akoya Pearl 'PANTHÈRE' Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Hong Kong, HK
a pendant necklace mounted in 18k gold, holding a round cream Akoya pearl measuring approximately 8.2mm; pendant necklace 39.5 cm long, with French assay mark for gold, 15.5g
Cultured Pearl
Piaget 18K Yellow Gold Link Bracelet Manual 27mm Case Watch
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, understated, and unmistakably Piaget, this vintage bracelet watch beautifully showcases the maison's mastery of transforming timepieces into wearable jewelry. Crafted entire...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
11mm Natural Amazonite Bead Stretch Bracelet – 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This vibrant stretch bracelet features hand-selected 11mm natural Amazonite beads with rich turquoise-green tones and delicate white veining. Each bead is smoothly polished to highli...
Amazonite
Cartier LOVE Two Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant Link Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier LOVE Pendant necklace crafted in 18 karat rose gold, featuring the iconic LOVE collection design accented with two round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.03 ca...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 3.01 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Onyx Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This ring, an early-twentieth-century antique design, centers on a 3.01-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is set with...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This timeless design features five signature Alhambra mo...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Santos Round, Ronde Galbée Watch, Automatic, 18K Gold & Stainless Steel
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck, NY
Cartier Santos Ronde Galbée Watch, Automatic, 18K Gold & Stainless Steel 33mm An iconic Cartier Santos Ronde Galbée reference 1551 wristwatch crafted in 18K yellow gold and stai...
Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
$337Sale Price / item|50% 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
Bvlgari Vintage Tubogas Diamond Choker Tri Color 18k Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 2023 This vintage choker necklace is finely crafted in 18k multi-tone gold. The necklace features the distinctive Tubogas design, showcasing intertwining bands of yellow, whit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$625Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
Necklace - Certified 1950s Platinum 62.40 CTW Antique Old Mine Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
This authentic 1950s platinum cocktail collar represents the absolute zenith of post-war glamorous high jewelry. Hand-crafted in a solid 45.2-gram framework of pure platinum, this ex...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold and natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 7.25 carats. The Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
$630Sale 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
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Georges L'enfant Jumbo Virgo Zodiac Pendant
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary example of vintage French haute joaillerie, this authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Virgo zodiac pendant is among the most sought-after creations from the maison's celebra...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,092Sale Price / item|35% Off
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine and peridot 14k gold earrings. Yellow and green gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones peridot, olive green, ova...
Citrine, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Patek Philippe 18k White Gold Model 3625/1G Haute Joaillerie Watch Box
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Patek Philippe Model: 3625/1G Haute Joaillerie Year: 1981 Material: 18k White Gold and Diamonds Dial: Onyx with Pavé Diamond and Diamond Baguette Bezel Case Measurement: 33mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$618Sale 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