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.
$422Sale Price / item|55% Off
Freshwater 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Freshwater pearl 12 MM Huggie Earrings, white Freshwater pearl Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner d...
Freshwater Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$751Sale Price / item|60% Off
Vintage style pearl 14k gold engagement ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl 14k gold engagement ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - pearl, button shape, white color, 4.5 mm, cultivated, freshw...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,068Sale 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
$469Sale 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
Vintage 1994 Tiffany & Co. Heart and Arrow Bracelet in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A stunning vintage Tiffany & Co. heart and arrow bracelet set in 18k yellow gold, circa 1994.
The bracelet features a beautiful chain with a heart and arrow motif. Due...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$493Sale 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
1992 Cartier Colisee Sapphire Ring Sz 6.75 EU 54 Band 18k Yellow Gold Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier Colisee sapphire ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1992). Cabochon cut sapphire measures 05mm x 3.5mm. The delightful ring highlights a cabochon cut sapphir...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 9.90 carats, Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 9.90 carats. The Blue Sapph...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Garnet Bolo Bracelet Stainless Steel
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bolo bracelet is stainless steel. The bracelet features 11 round cut 4mm garnets and is adjustable from 5 to 9 inches. Marks: 316L, S Steel Condition: New/ Never worn
Garnet, Stainless Steel
$516Sale 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
$968Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby and peridot vintage style 14k gold ring. Art deco style ruby ring in 14k gold. Art nouveau style ring. Oval cabochon ruby ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 g. depends from siz...
Peridot, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Choker with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 20.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI – 42 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 42 cm long by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Bicolor Pendant Necklace with Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a bicolor gold pendant set with ruby, sapphire and old mine cut diamond. 0.50ct - H/I - SI - 45 cm long detailed description necklace is 45 cm long an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bamboo Band Ring Size 7
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Tiffany & Co. Bamboo Band ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring the iconic bamboo-inspired design that became one of Tiffany's most recognizable motifs of the late 20th cent...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified Van Cleef and Arpels 8.85 Carat No Heat Oval Ruby 18K Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
From the famed house of Van Cleef and Arpels, this ring centers an 8.85 carat oval-cut unheated Ruby and is flanked by an additional 2.00 carats of marquis-cut diamonds. The ruby is ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
80s Amethyst Diamond Square Earrings Vintage 14k Yellow Gold MOP Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish pair of vintage amethyst, diamond & mother of pearl square earrings crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1980s). Carved amethyst measures 14mm, mother of pearl measures 10...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT Rose Gold Small Round Cut Diamond Huggie Hoop Earring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The term "huggee" refers to their petite, close-fitting style, which minimizes the gap between the earring and the earlobe, making them comfortable for all-day wear. Material : 14K...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Earrings with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 18k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.40ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the dimensions of the earring are 8.0 mm wide by 2.0 cm high weig...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
MODERN Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.25ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.7 cm...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Richard Kerr Dangle Red and Black Crystal Jeweled Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these fancy clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. They feature an oversized dangle shape with a bead and an asymmetric...
Vintage 5.16ct Diamond Tennis Line Bracelet in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A stunning vintage diamond tennis bracelet set in 14k yellow gold.
The bracelet features a continuous line of 58 round brilliant-cut diamonds, forming a classic and elegan...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Christian Lacroix Amethyst and Yellow Jeweled Heart Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These gorgeous Christian Lacroix Paris clip-on earrings feature an important resin dangling shape with an abstract flower and heart adorned with clear crystal rhinestones. The pieces...
Silver Plate
$423Sale Price / item|55% Off
Amethyst 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 12 MM Huggie Earrings, purple gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Ear...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver
$516Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Topaz Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Topaz Ring. Emerald Cut Topaz Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weigh...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co. 1.75ct Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This breathtaking Tiffany & Co. Soleste ring features a magnificent 1.75-carat oval modified brilliant-cut natural diamond, radiating with a rare and mesmerizing Fancy Vivid Yell...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$516Sale Price / item|44% Off
Sapphire solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIlver, Gold Round Sapphire Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Sapphire Ring. Round Cut Sapphire Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over...
Sapphire, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Charm Chain Link Brace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Charm Chain Link Bracelet Metal: Stelring silver 925 Weight: 33.79 grams Length: 7 inches Charm: 20mm Retail: $800 USD OD ...
Sterling Silver
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...
Vintage Platinum & 1.05 Ct. Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage eternity band ring. In platinum. With 30 channel set round single cut diamonds (1.05 TCW ±) set around the circumference. Accompanied by a GEMLAB (Gemological Appr...
Diamond, Platinum
$422Sale Price / item|55% Off
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine 12 MM Huggie Earrings, blue gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Earring size: The Inner diameter of Earrin...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
Silvorra Two Stone Oval Cut Ruby & Diamond Split Shank Bypass Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous two stone bypass ring showcases two oval cut natural rubies totaling 1.65 carats crafted in 925 sterling silver. The vibrant rubies are accented by two round brilliant ...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$880Sale Price / item|50% Off
Pear emerald and pearl 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald engagement ring. Pear emerald ring. Emerald vintage style ring. Wedding gold ring with emerald. Metal type: Gold Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 gr. depends from size. Ce...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
$469Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ring with citrine cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with citrine cabochon. Citrine statement ring. Cocktail citrine ring. October birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size. G...
Citrine, Gold, Sterling Silver
$516Sale 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
Cartier Santos Stainless Steel Off-White Roman Dial Medium Model Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Santos Stainless Steel Medium Model Watch Brand: Cartier MPN: 4075 - Medium Santos Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Size: Cartier Medium Dial: Off-White Roman Dial Bezel:...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
61.05 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Kunzite Stone Asscher Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 61.05carat Dimensions 22.0x22.0x16.0mm Treatment Heated Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Asscher This 61.05 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Kunzite is an extra...
Kunzite
Tiffany & Co. Vannerie Platinum Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Venice, CA
An instant classic, this basket weave ring by Tiffany & Co. exudes class and sophistication. It is encrusted with diamonds bead set into a basket weave pattern with open work, ma...
Diamond, Platinum
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.00ct 18k gold 16.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 4.00ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide and 9.5 mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Diamond White Ceramic 18KRG Band Ring B&P's Size 54 (US 7) NEW
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Bvlgari B.Zero1 diamond and white ceramic band ring is a stunning fusion of modern style and classic luxury. Crafted from 18K rose gold, it features a smooth white ceramic band a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,015Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Handmade Opal Gemstone Tennis Necklace in 16 inch 925 Silver Strand
Located in New York, NY
This necklace features opal totalling 14.34 carats, bezel set in 925 sterling silver. Each gemstone is bezel set and linked in a linear design, allowing fluid movement. Measuring 16 ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Earrings with paerl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 18k gold 9.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold drop earrings set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond, total 1.20 ct F/G VS/SI detailed description: the top of the earring is 3.2 cm high by 1.1 cm wide weight 9....
Diamond, 18k Gold
Modern 14 Karat Gold Chalcedony Diamond Amethyst French Back Drop Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning pair of modern design French back drop stud earrings. It is crafted in 14K gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 4 chalcedonies, oval cabochon cut, bluish gray...
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 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
$704Sale 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
Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Floral Ring in 18K White Gold Japanese Designer Jewelry
By Mikimoto
Located in London, GB
An exquisite Mikimoto cultured pearl and diamond floral cocktail ring, beautifully crafted in 18K white gold and showcasing the exceptional elegance and craftsmanship for which Mikim...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leto Lama Three Emeralds Snake Ring 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
Three Emeralds Snake Ring A snake band of 18-carat yellow gold winds around the finger like molten light, its form culminating in three vivacious emeralds that glimmer green hues wi...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
14k Bicolor Gold Link Bracelet with 1.00ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold link bracelet set with old mine cut diamond up to 1.00ct - G/H - SI - 19.5 cm long detailed description: the length of the bracelet is 19.5 cm long by 8.2 mm wide ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
David Webb 18K Gold, Platinum, Pearl, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed gold, platinum, pearl, and diamond cocktail ring. By David Webb. In 18 karat yellow gold with .900 platinum elements. Set with a central 8.01mm± pearl, accented with...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
$399Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Pressed Glass Vanity Set with Green Stoppers, 1940s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a 1940s Modern pressed glass vanity set. The set includes two bottles and one powder box. These three clear optical pressed glass dresser decorative pieces come with Kelly Gr...
$469Sale Price / item|50% Off
Red garnet cabochon ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with garnet cabochon. Red garnet statement ring. Cocktail garnet ring. Birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 g depends from size. Gemston...
Garnet, Gold, Sterling Silver
$570Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired citrine and colorless topaz drop earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine earrings silver, gold. Dangle citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with citrine and topaz. Elegant vintage-inspir...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage 18k solid Yellow Gold Cherub Pendant – French Hallmark, Good Luck Charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 Karat yellow gold baby angel pendant. This beautiful detailed medal depicts a little child with curly hear and wings in front of a textured background. Thanks to ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet 4 Diamonds Classic Model 18K White Gold Size 18
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier LOVE bracelet classic model, crafted in 18k white gold, set with 4 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.42 carats. A close oval fitting bracelet with new style screw syste...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
14K Solid White Gold Diamond Ring with Ruby
Located in Naples, NY
I ship all my products from the USA! Not my handwork! I'm selling my used CIRARI Ruby and Diamond ring! I bought it about 3 years ago on Gemshoping TV. At that time I wore white go...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$493Sale 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
GIA 5.19 carat pear shape diamond 18k yellow gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional modern engagement ring is centered by a GIA-certified pear shape diamond weighing an impressive 5.19 carats. Graded N color and SI1 clarity, the center stone display...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 4.13 Carat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire & Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Certified 4.13 Carat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire & Diamond Three Stone Ring Sapphire: Certified C. Dunaigre 4.13 carat natural Ceylon blue oval sapphire Diamonds: 2 natural oval dia...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Gem White South Sea Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings, 11-12mm, 18K White Gold
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...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
FLASH SALE, 8.35 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 8.35 carat natural diamond tennis necklace crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This classic piece features round brilliant-cut white diamonds, meticulously set in a tim...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 14k Yellow Gold Lobster Lock Clasp Charm Jewelry Findings
Located in Jaipur, IN
This item description outlines the 14k Yellow Gold Trigger Lobster Claw Clasp with Top Attachment Loop, a foundational and highly reliable finding for jewelry building. Details:- It...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold