Skip to main content

Modern Jewelry

MODERN STYLE

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.

2
1,046
406
to
105
1,186
246
49
9
5
25
53
9,386
51,314
7
4
8
20
103
424
814
754
1,452
963
7
103
64
35
32
20
811
614
27
764
389
283
127
116
474
74
66
59
37
247
72
55
48
47
to
1,452
1,099
642
378
272
121
98
64
52
43
31
28
25
11
10
5
2
Period: 1980s
Style: Modern
Vintage Baguette Cut & Princess Cut Diamond 'Fan' Ring Set by MWI Eloquence
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 8.00 Ctw. Baguette Cut & Princess Cut Diamond 'Fan' Ring Set by MWI ELOQUENCE. With one ring being composed of platinum and the other of platinum and 18k yellow gold. These t...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Rolex Submariner 40mm 2tone Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Watch 16803 Circa 1987
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to verify authenticity. Sa...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

1980S 17.30 Carats Diamond 18K Statement Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Superb quality diamond earring from the early 1980s with Natural Diamond set Dome Curved t Clip-On 18k yellow gold Earrings Secured with Clip-On Closure (Post can be added) Metal:...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Five-Stone Half Eternity 1.20ct Diamond Prong Set 18K White Gold Ring/Band
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of eternally popular design, (often referred as "eternal" or "half-eternity") this five-stone diamond band looks absolutely fantastic on! A genuine eye-catcher, the piece features...
Category

1980s Australian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Atalante Gold Tone with Red Crystal Fan Earings, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Atalante Gold Tone with Red Crystal Fan Earrings Circa 1980s. 2.75" L x2.75" W. Clip On. Atalante used to manufacture jewelry for Yves Saint Laurent YSL.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Saddle Wide Band Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous 18 carat white gold saddle ring showcases a wide classic design that is lightly contoured to create a flattering curved shape. The beautiful ring is turned into a chic ...
Category

1980s European Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Marina B. Pardy Vintage 18k Gold Steel Chestnut Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Collectable Marina B Two Tone Gold Highly Polished Clip On Earrings. From Pardy collection. These Stylish earrings are crafted in 18K Yellow Gold and Steel. From The Famous ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Vintage Givenchy Herringbone Chain Bracelet with Logo Clasp, 1980s
Located in London, GB
1980s Vintage Givenchy herringbone chain bracelet in gold plate. This vintage bracelet features a flat, wide herringbone chain with a statement d...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Hammerman Brothers Diamond Citrine Amethyst Gold Crossover Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
This Classy early 1980s- late mid Century earrings are made by famous American jewelry designer, Hammerman Brothers. They are Crafted of 18K ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Gold

3.09 Carat Royal Blue Oval Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring, 1984
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous vintage cluster ring is set with a royal blue oval sapphire weighing 3.09ct mounted in an eight claw, open back setting. The gemstone is perfectly set in the centre of ...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 14k Gold Quartz Ring with Diamonds One-of-a-kind
Located in London, GB
Vintage 14k Gold Quartz Ring with Diamonds One-of-a-kind This 14k gold ring has a rippled quartz exterior with a gold web displaying a clust...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold

Henry Dunay Platinum and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earclips
Located in Princeton, NJ
Vintage Henry Dunay Platinum & 18 karat Yellow Gold earclips. The earrings are hallmarked with a serial number A44XX and the Dunay Hallmak. They ar...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, Platinum

Gemolithos Byzantine Style, Handcrafted, Gem Set Bracelet, 1980s
Located in Munich, DE
Byzantine Style, Handcrafted, Gem Set Bracelet, 1980s set with Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds & Diamonds in 18K Gold
Category

1980s Greek Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

GEMOLITHOS Maramenos & Pateras Diamond Pendant 18 Karat Gold
Located in Munich, DE
Maramenos & Pateras Diamond Pendant 18K Gold, est. Diam. 0,12ct, 1980´s
Category

1980s Greek Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial with Gilt Markers 1980s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diame...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Stainless Steel

1980s Bvlgari 18 karat gold blue topaz and rhodolite doppio ring
Located in Malmö, SE
1980s Bulgari Doppio ring A gem-set doppio ring by Bvlgari. Signature piece of design, created in Rome Italy by the acclaimed jewelry house of Bvlgari. This popular ring is part of t...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Topaz, Blue Topaz, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k Gold

Jean Mahie Nugget Link Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
Jean Mahie 20 inch Nugget Link Necklace 22K Yellow Gold.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Modern Jean Mahie 22K Gold Earrings
Located in Venice, CA
These 22k gold earrings are designed by Jean Mahie, the pseudonym for French artists Jacline and Jean Marie Mazard. The unique earrings are shaped like nodules with triangular points...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Gold Tone Oval Diamante Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone Oval Diamante Bracelet. Opening Top to Bottom is 2" Side to Side is 2.5" Around the Inside Circumference is 7". A Great Looking Bracelet to Mix and Match with Other...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Mixed Metal

Pomellato Heavy Link Chain with Diamond Pave Links 18K White Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Pomellato Heavy Link Chain with Diamond Pave Links in 18K White Gold. Marked: Pomellato 750 Length: 23 inches; design consist of oval and round smooth finished links with 3 of the r...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

14k Gold Mesh Necklace with Aquamarine and Amethyst
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Wonderful vintage crafted of 14k yellow gold necklace, about 36 inch long has the look of a mesh chain, but is actually made up of sturdy tiled length...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Gold

Bulgari Serpenti Spiga Gold Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
From the iconic Bvlgari Spiga Collection, a double row flexible bracelet designed with 18K yellow gold chevron links. Signed Bvlgari; circa 1980s Vintage and Estate Collection
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Coins 18 Kt. Yellow Gold Antique Coin Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Ring made of 18 kt. yellow gold with engraved antique coin signed Bulgari. This beautiful vintage piece belongs to the Bulgari Coins collection. The ring features an ancient coin dat...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sterling Silver and Semi Precious Stones Cuff Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning cuff bracelet all hand wrought is a beautiful combinations of gorgeous set semi precious stones in different shapes and colors.They are set against sterling silver fili...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Carnelian, Garnet, Opal, Sterling Silver

Chanel Vintage Clear Beveled Crystal and Faux Pearl Sautoir Link Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage beveled crystals and faux pearl Chanel long chain and link sautoir necklace is 62 inches long and can wrap many times around as staggere...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage 21K Gold Delicate Ribbonlike Chain
Located in Venice, CA
This 21k gold vintage chain was made with delicate and refined craftsmanship. When examined carefully, you can see that the chain was constructed with two tiny curb link chains butte...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold

1980S Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Detailed Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
This 1980S wide cuff bracelet MAde in Solid 18K yellow gold with genuine Rubies and Diamonds. The bracelet is decorated with precious stones Rubies, and diamonds set in a Triangle D...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Two Tone Ornate Ottoman Style 4" Drop Earrings With Glass Cabochons, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 4" long - Antique gold tone and silver tone - Amber, amethyst purple and chartreuse glass...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Diamonds, Rubies, White and Rose Gold Twisted Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Rolex Ladies 31mm Datejust MOP Diamond Two-Tone Jubilee
Located in San Fernando, CA
Brand - Rolex Model - 68273 Datejust Metals - Yellow Gold/Steel Case Size - 31mm Crystal - Sapphire Dial - MOP Diamond Movement - Automatic CAL.2135 Wrist size - Two tone Jubilee W...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Diamond and Sapphire 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The blue of the sapphire and the bright sparkle of the diamonds are the perfect pairing on this 9ct gold ring. Ring Size: K 1/2 or 5 1/2
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold

Vintage Gilt Chunky Bangle Bracelet by Givenchy, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 2.5" diameter - Fits small to medium sized wrists - Gold plated - By Givenchy (marked on interior) - Circa 1980s - Estate acquired - Good vintage condition, s...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Hammered Gold and Diamond Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Finely made, hammered gold oval shape earrings surrounded by fine diamonds. The stones are VS-1 quality. The gold dome has a hammered texture; it measures half an inch deep. The earr...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Datejust 26mm 18k Yellow Gold & Steel Gold Dial Watch Ref: 69173
Located in Pleasanton, CA
Rolex Datejust 26mm Watch Pre-owned w/ Original Box & Paper 100% Authentic Authenticity Card Condition - (Great Condition) - See Pics Watch Reference - 69173 Model - Datejust Dial C...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Mod Modern Silver 18kt gold Panther head Bangle Bracelet
Located in Plainsboro, NJ
Mod Modern Sterling Silver and 18kt Gold Panther Bracelet Bangle, a fusion of contemporary design and luxurious materials. Crafted with precision, this bangle features sleek sterling...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold, Silver

Kaso Silver Mirror Lucite Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso designed these elegant oversized dangling chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings. The dimensional geometric shape boasts dangling charms with a mirror-textured...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Valentino Garavani Jeweled Bowtie Pin Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Valentino Garavani couture pin brooch boasts a dimensional gilt metal bowtie-shaped framing, all paved with tiny clear crystal rhinestones. The piece has a security cl...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

Richard Kerr Dangle Silver Crystal Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these gorgeous statement clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are composed of his emblematic pavé rhinestones and feature dangling geometric shapes, all covered ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage 22K Gold Flattened Double-Link Long 24.5” Chain
Located in Venice, CA
This extra long Bismark chain is handmade in 22k gold and consists of a flattened double link. The gorgeous 24.5” chain has a classic design and the deep buttery golden tone that hig...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Original Blue Dial circa, 1980's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1987 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Original Blue Dial from 1987
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1987 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Stainless Steel

18ct Yellow Gold & Pearl 'Mademoiselle' Ladies Watch by Chanel
Located in London, GB
A chic statement watch for the cool girl around town. A beautiful, classic Chanel watch crafted in warm 18ct yellow gold with a smart square dial with Roman numerals. The bracelet ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Statement Earrings With Emerald Glass Cabochons By Paolo Gucci, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1.25" x 1.1" - Gold plated - Emerald green-colored glass cabochon accents - Clip on earr...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Cabochon Ruby Diamond Band Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Stacking Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage cabochon ruby & diamond band (circa 1980s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Cabochon cut ruby measures 7mm x 5mm (estimated at 1 carat), accented with an estimated ...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bezel Set Sapphire Swarovski Crystal Earrings By Nolan Miller, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures .75" x .5" - Gold plated - Emerald cut Sapphire blue-colored Swarovski crystals - Clear ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold 1969 Black Jade Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Presenting the epitome of timeless elegance: the Cartier 18K Yellow Gold 1969 Black Jade Necklace. Crafted to perfection, this exquisite piece exudes sophistication and luxury with i...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Jade, Black Jade, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Baume & Mercier Geneve ref 1830 Swiss Quartz Rectangle Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Being one of the most coveted & desirable timepieces, this elegant 18K Gold Baume & Mercier Geneve, ref 1830 is in great condition & in excellent working order Dating bac...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

David Webb Tiger ring Ruby eyes, Emerald Head
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This amazing David Webb Tiger ring has all the bells and whistles. It is gently used and in great shape. This ring boosts Ruby eyes and an Emerald Crown on his head. The Rubies an...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Monet Lattice Collar Necklace Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Monet Lattice Collar Necklace Circa 1980s. This gold necklace looks great with anything. Has a great look on a t-shirt or a white blouse or dressed up. Monet made the jewelry...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

1 Carat Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Tire Necklace
Located in Paris, FR
Pendant necklace in white gold with an old-cut diamond in a tire setting. Estimated diamond weight: 1 carat Estimated colour: I-J Estimated clarity: SI Necklace length: Adjustabl...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Anello Vintage in oro 18K, Zaffiro Blu e Diamanti
Located in Cattolica, IT
Un anello vintage di epoca 1980 circa, realizzato in oro giallo 18 Kt dal peso di 3.40 grammi. Il castone centrale ha uno Zaffiro blu scuro intenso, di taglio ovale, la cui misura è ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Francoise Montague Paris Blue Crystal and Pearls Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Francoise Montague Paris designed these exquisite dangling clip-on earrings. The iconic Lolita shape style has a handmade double hoop design ornate with cobalt blue and baby blue cry...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gilt Metal

Fred Vintage Cocktail Citrine Topaz 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring
By Fred
Located in Paris, FR
Vintage Fred cocktail ring with gadroons, centred on an oval-cut citrine and set on either side with four rectangular topazes. Signed Fred and hallmarked 750 (Signature slightly fad...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Iolite & Pink Tourmaline Bracelet Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Bulgari Iolite & Pink Tourmaline Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold. The bracelet features approximately 7 carats of Pink Tourmaline and 3.60 carats of Iolite. 7" length 8.3mm wide 41.26 g...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Iolite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Geometric Enameled Dome Earrings With Crystal Pavé By Ciner, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Each earring measures 1" in diameter - Gold plated - Black and brown enamel - Crystal rhinestone pavé - Clip ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Chopard Calatrava Oversized 18K White Gold Reference 50105/1027
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Chopard 50105/1027 vintage 1980's wristwatch, a timeless embodiment of elegance and luxury. This exquisite timepiece features a 41mm round 18kt white gold case with a...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

White Gold

Dangle Jeweled Lucite Pierced Earrings Flame Red and Orange
Located in Atlanta, GA
Those handsome Lucite dangling pierced earrings boast a chandelier shape with a geometric carved design in luminous bright red and neon orange colors with a textured pattern. The cli...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Jewelry

Vintage 1980s Ciner Cabochon Faux-Onyx Brown & Black Striped Clip Earrings
Located in Easton, PA
1980s goldtone domed cabochon faux-onyx with brown and black enamel stripes clip back earrings. Marked "Ciner." Measure: 1 1/8 inches long by 7/8 inches wide. Excellent condition. C...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold Plate

Recently Viewed

View All