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.
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Period: Early 1900s
Style: Modern
Elgin 52mm 1906 Pocket Watch, 17 Jewel Serviced 90-Day Warranty, Serial 12195791
By Elgin
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
This 1906 53mm Elgin pocket watch with a white face is a stunning timepiece crafted with precision and elegance. Weighing 95.9 grams, this silver-colored watch is not only visually appealing but also made to stand the test of time.
With a diameter of 52mm and a thickness of 14mm, this pocket watch is the perfect size. The plexiglass crystal is very clean.
Rest assured, this watch has been fully serviced, including a complete clean and overhaul, ensuring it is in optimal working condition. It even comes with a 90-day warranty for added peace of mind. Although it is a vintage watch, it is important to note that it may not keep time to the exact second like a brand-new watch, but it is consistently accurate.
The watch features a 17-jewel movement and bears the name of the esteemed Elgin National Watch Company. Its serial number, 12195791, guarantees its authenticity and adds to its collectibility. While there is a tiny hairline near the 7 on the face, it does not detract from the overall beauty of this timepiece.
For any watch collector, this Elgin pocket watch is a must-have. Its classic style and impeccable craftsmanship make it a true gem in any collection. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Pocket watch database information about the watch based on the serial number:
Manufacturer: Elgin
Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois
Movement Serial Number: 12195791
Grade: 339
Model: 6
Class: 107
Estimated Production Year: 1906
Run Quantity: 3,000
Grade/Model Run: 7 of 38
Grade/Model Total Production: 50,500
Variant Est. Production: 49,500 (16S-M6-17J-HNP)
Size: 16s
Jewels: 17j
Jewel Setting: Screw-Set
Movement Configuration: Hunting
Movement Finish: Nickel
Movement Setting: Pendant
Plate: Bridge Plate
Barrel: Going
Balance Type: Expansion
Train: Quick
Regulator: Moseley
Hairspring: Breguet
Standard Dial Type: Single-Sunk
Adjusted: No
Railroad Grade: No
Rock N Gold Creations is a reputable and long-standing jewelry...
Category
Early 1900s North American Antique Modern Jewelry
Oscar Heyman Modernist Diamond Ruby Garnet Gold Hummingbird Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Greenwich, CT
Birds of a feather flock together. Find the perfect match with this Oscar Heyman modernist yellow and white diamond, tsavorite garnet, ruby, 18 karat yellow gold hummingbird brooch....
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Modern Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold
Vintage Hammered Gold Tone Round Link Choker with Victorian Fob Circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Hammered Gold Tone Round Link Choker with Victorian Fob. The Fob has a Crystal at the bottom. 14" L x .25" W. The fob is 1.5" L x .75" W. I am s...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Modern Jewelry
Materials
Mixed Metal
Antique Elgin 18k Yellow Gold Mini Hunter Pocket Watch, Size 0S
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Gold Color Hands & Dedicated Second Dial
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Black Roman Nu...
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Early 1900s American Antique Modern Jewelry
Materials
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Antique Venetian Wedding Cake Beaded Necklace
Located in McKinney, TX
- Antique item
- Collectible costume jewelry piece from the early 20th century
- 25" length
- Sky blue elongated lamp work Venetian Fiorato beads
- ...
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Early 1900s Italian Antique Modern Jewelry
Rare Set of 9 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Vine Pattern Butter Pats
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An extremely rare set of sterling silver butter pats.
In the Vine pattern decorated with raised poppies and other flowers around the rim's edge.
By Tiffany & Co.
Monogrammed to t...
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Early 1900s Unknown Antique Modern Jewelry
Materials
Sterling Silver
14 Karat Yellow Gold Russia Modern Style Brooch
Located in Orimattila, FI
14 Karat Yellow Gold Russia Modern Style Brooch
Width 5.2cm
56 Gold Stamp.
Maker mark does not get clear.
Probably from St. Petersburg.
Category
Early 1900s Russian Antique Modern Jewelry
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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