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.
Raymond Weil Geneve bracelet strap wristwatch, Unisex, Gold plated
By Raymond Weil
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful Raymond Weil Genève ladies' wristwatch featuring an elegant two-tone bracelet design in gold-plated and stainless steel. The watch has a classic white dial with black Ro...
Gold Plate, Steel
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Custom Diamond-Set Watch, Stainless Steel, 1990
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This authentic Rolex x Loree Rodkin custom watch is a rare jewellery-led timepiece combining classic Rolex watchmaking with Loree Rodkin’s distinctive gothic luxury aesthetic. Design...
White Diamond, Silver
Gucci G Timeless mens gold plated PVD wristwatch
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish and iconic Gucci G Timeless mens gold plated PVD wristwatch. A really sleek model by Gucci it is the YA126461, c2000s, a gold coloured textured diamantissima style dial wi...
Gold Plate
Vintage Gucci G frame wristwatch, gold plated, Boxed
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish Gucci G frame ladies gold plated wristwatch. This is a mesh bracelet strap watch with a nice sleek finish, and a red, white and blue striped face with an almost snake skin style pattern to the face with gold plated Gucci brand logo. The face is a dainty rectangular shape and the watch has a gold plated Gucci crown...
Gold Plate
Cartier Panthère Ruban Stainless Steel Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Panthère Ruban watch crafted in stainless steel, featuring the collection’s distinctive integrated bracelet design and an elegant ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Bvlgari Bulgari Diagono Scuba Stainless Steel Watch SCB38S
By Bulgari
Located in Baltimore, MD
Bvlgari Bulgari Diagono Scuba Stainless Steel Watch SCB38S Metal: Stainless steel Strap: Rubber Case: 40mm Dial: Black Movement: Automatic Model: SCB38S Serial: L89** TDD F35002286
Steel, Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe Complications Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Rose Gold Watch 5524R
Located in Baltimore, MD
Patek Philippe Geneve Complications Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Rose Gold Watch Box & Papers 5524R-001 Model: 5524R-001 Case: 42mm Movement: Automatic Complications: GMT/World Time, ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra 18KT Gold Mother-of-Pearl Ladies Watch, Ref. HH56391
Located in Braintree, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra ladies wristwatch in 18KT yellow gold, reference HH56391, the four leaf clover case framed by a border of polished gold beads around a white mother-of...
18k Gold
Bulgari Diagono Automatic Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Classic Bulgari Diagono Automatic Stainless Steel case and bracelet ladies wristwatch. The name Diagono is inspired by the Greek agon, or competition. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Stainless Steel Small Watch Cartier Pouch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stainless steel Panthère de Cartier watch, small model, featuring the iconic flexible link bracelet and elegant silvered dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands. Powered by a quartz...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Française Stainless Steel Medium Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stainless steel Cartier Tank Française watch, medium model, featuring a classic silvered dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands and a sapphire crystal. Powered by a reliable quartz...
Steel, Stainless Steel
1951 Rolex Precision 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Bracelet Watch Original Rolex Box
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1951 Rolex Precision 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Bracelet Watch with Original Rolex Box An elegant vintage Rolex Precision ladies wristwatch dating to circa 1951, crafted in solid 18K y...
Yellow Gold
Vintage Bvlgari A5011 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Quartz Watch, circa 1990
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
An iconic Bvlgari Bvlgari wristwatch, crafted in 18K yellow gold and distinguished by the house’s celebrated double-logo bezel. The bold circular case frames a sleek black dial with ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
Bvlgari Tubogas 18K Tri Color BB 19 1 T Serpenti Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Bvlgari Tubogas Serpenti watch crafted entirely in 18k tri-color gold, combining yellow, rose and white gold throughout the flexible coiled bracelet. The alternating g...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990 Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: 69178 Year: 1990 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Silver Case Measurement: 26mm Movement: Automatic Weight: 70.5 Grams Size: Fits up to a 6" wrist Made in Switze...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1995 Rolex Cellini Model 1429 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini 1429 Year: 1995 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 24mm Movement: Manual Wind Weight: 25 Grams Size: Fits up to ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu Automatic 18K White Gold Diamond-Set Bezel – Ref. 3004
By Cartier
Located in Vannes, FR
Elegant Cartier Ballon Bleu automatic wristwatch crafted in 18 karat white gold. The watch features a silver guilloché dial with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, a blue sapp...
Cartier Santos Dumont Stainless Steel Quartz Watch Large Model With Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stainless steel case with a black (alligator) leather strap. Fixed stainless steel bezel. Silver dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands and black Roman numeral hour markers. Minute...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Custom Made Silvered Brushed Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6427 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Patek Philippe x Güeblin Calatrava Model 2593 18 Karat Yellow Gold 32mm
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Patek Philippe Model: Calatrava 2593 Year: 1970s Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Silver Gübelin Movement: Manual Wind Case Measurement: 32mm Weight: 36 grams Size: Fits up to...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Datejust 36mm Silver Dial Yellow Gold Circa 1975 Reference 1601
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1601 featuring an attractive silver dial with applied yellow gold baton hour markers, luminous dots positioned around the bevelled outer edge and m...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Atlas Diamond Watch, 18KT White Gold
Located in Braintree, GB
Tiffany & Co. Atlas ladies wristwatch in 18KT white gold, the square case set with a double row of diamonds around a silvered dial with the raised Roman numerals of the Atlas des...
White Gold
Elgin Mid-Century Modern 14k White Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch
By Elgin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern Elgin lady's watch. In 14 karat white gold. Prong-set with diamonds in a halo surrounding the dial and to the lugs on each end. With a block letter ELGIN and index hour markers to the face. Set with a Speidel gold-plated and black cord watch...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Iconic Vintage Rolex Submariner Steel and Gold Wristwatch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Palm Beach, FL
For owners and admirers of Rolex wrist watches, the Submariner, in excellent vintage condition, is a true icon. This particular edition was crafted in Geneva Switzerland of high-grad...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
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
$13,500Sale Price|25% Off
Tiffany & Co. Tesoro 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Pavé Bracelet Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and luxurious Tiffany & Co. Tesoro bracelet wristwatch, masterfully crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and lavishly adorned with pavé-set natural rubies and ro...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Corum 10 Gram Gold Ingot Watch in Rare Bi-Color 18k Gold Case
Located in Austin, TX
An iconic example of Swiss watchmaking, this vintage Corum Gold Ingot watch features a genuine 10 gram Credit Suisse .999.9 fine gold ingot as i...
18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18248 18K Gold Presidential Bark, Diamond Dial Watch c.1991
By Rolex
Located in Ocala, FL
Crafted in 1991, this Rolex Day-Date reference 18248 is an iconic expression of luxury, fashioned entirely in solid 18-karat yellow gold and fitted with the renowned President bracel...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Ladies Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with an Original Silvered Dial 1969
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6517 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm "Lu...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Ladies Ebel Beluga Wrist Watch in 18K Yellow Gold w/Diamond Bezel & Dial
By Ebel Beluga
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage ladies 18K yellow gold Ebel Beluga watch is certain to be a perennially cherished jewel. This model watch was manufactured in Switzerland from 1985 through 1997. It is e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rado True Round Automatic Open Heart Black 40mm Watch
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Discover a sophisticated Swiss-made automatic timepiece that combines modern materials with timeless styling. The watch features a polished white high-tech ceramic case and matching ...
Pink Sapphire
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Ladies Rolex CELLINI 3810 Round WristWatch
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Rolex Cellini Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970 Rolex 1600 Movement Ref. 3810 Round Cellini Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is 18k 7...
18k Gold, White Gold
Jaeger Le Coultre Alarm Watch. JLC "Don Draper" Tuxedo Dial Memovox.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
JAEGER LeCoultre Memovox Rare "Don Draper" from Madman Tuxedo Dial. Circa 1960s 489/1 JLC 17j Manual Movement Stainless Steel Case Jumbo 35mm round Condition: Has several scuffs...
Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k YG Rolex CELLINI 4112.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini Wristwatch Ref. 4112 Round Circa 1976 1601 Rolex Movement Gold Dial Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is 18k 750 Yellow gold Brand new...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex 3833 Watch. 18k WG Rolex 31mm CELLINI 3833.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Rolex Cellini Wristwatch Just underwent full service. Ready to go. Ref. 3833 Round Circa 1971 1600 Rolex Movement Silver Dial Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechani...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Red Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "...
Stainless Steel
2002 Full Set Joker limited Edition Bubble Chronograph ref. 28524020 by Corum
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Corum Bubble Watch Joker Limited Edition, numbered 357/777, is a distinctive and sought-after timepiece known for its unique design and limited availability. This one it's in perfect conditions with documents and box, only a little sign on the leathe visible in some photos. The Corum Bubble Watch is renowned for its unconventional and eye-catching design. The case of this particular model is made of stainless steel, which provides durability and a polished appearance. The defining feature of the Bubble Watch is its oversized, bubble-shaped crystal, which magnifies the dial and gives it a distinctive, almost surreal appearance. The crystal sapphire id made for scratch resistance. The dial of the Joker Limited Edition is inspired by the iconic character, the Joker. It features a playful and colorful design, with elements that evoke the Joker's face or playing cards. Corum watches use high-quality Swiss automatic movement ensuring precise timekeeping. This watch is part of a limited edition, with only 777 pieces produced worldwide. Each watch is individually numbered, and yours is number 357, making it a unique collector's item, the leather strap offering comfort and style with a double steel folding clasp. Full Set includes the original box, warranty papers, user manual...
Steel
Vintage Cartier Diablo Model 1429 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Deployment Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Cartier Model: Diablo 1429 Year: 1990's Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 31mm Movement: Quartz Weight: Grams Size: Fits up to a 6.2...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Roadster Automatic Stainless Steel Men's Wrist Watch Ref. 2510
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Model: Roadster Automatic Reference: 2510 (962163UF) Material: Stainless steel Dial: Black with large Roman numerals Crystal: Sapphire crystal Movement: Swiss au...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Vintage Submariner Date Nipple Dial Yellow Gold 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Submariner Date reference 1680 featuring a rare blue dial, which has developed an attractive purplish patina over time. The dial also features the distinctive ra...
Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Diamond High Jewelry Watch
By Bulgari
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Masterfully crafted by the artisans of Bvlgari Switzerland in 18k white gold, this extraordinary timepiece hails from the rare and highly coveted limited-production Serpenti Seduttori High Jewelry...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Genuine Rolex 6519 Watch. 18k and SS ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Movement Ref. 6519 25mm Case Circa 1970 Beautiful Watch. Fully serviced- ready to go. Condition: Great condition for the age. Unfortunately...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k YG Rolex CELLINI 5109 Fully Serviced.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini Ladies Wristwatch Ref. 5109 Round Circa 1991 Anniversary Dial Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Watch just underwent full service. Ready to...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine 18k Cartier Diamond Watch. Cartier Colisee 866026 18K YG Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier Colisee 18k Yellow Gold Watch. RARE Diamond set bezel, Diamond Crown and lugs. ref. 866026 18k YG Original Diamond Bead Bracelet with Deployment clasp. Condition: ...
Diamond, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor Titanium Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor Titanium Watch Brand: Audemars Piguet Model: Royal Oak Offshore Survivor Reference Number: 26165IO.OO.A002CA.01 Limited Edition: Limited ...
Titanium
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa 1984
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1984 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lug...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Roadster GMT XL 42mm - 2004 Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch
By Cartier
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is a highly recognisable and wonderfully eccentric Swiss Made Cartier Roadster GMT XL with reference number 2722, dating back to 2004 based on its paperwork. This oversized ...
Stainless Steel
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, 18k Gold, Custom Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Atlas Ladies Wristwatch in 18K Yellow Gold - Swiss Quartz
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless Tiffany & Co. ladies wristwatch from the iconic Atlas collection, crafted in 18K yellow gold. Case-back is stamped Tiffany & Co. and some numbers. Featuring the ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Contemporary Green Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial and Strap 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
22305 Cartier 18k Rose Gold Tank Anglaise Diamond Automatic Watch WT100003 Large
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
All diamonds are original from Cartier Watch comes with a extra link Reference # WT100003. This is the LARGE model 18k rose gold watch weighs 159g with extra link The watch case m...
Rose Gold
Georg Jensen Henning Koppel 18k Yellow Gold Quartz Women's Watch Ref. 1320
Located in New York, NY
This Georg Jensen Henning Koppel watch features a minimalist Scandinavian design crafted in 18k yellow gold. The clean white dial is signed “Georg Jensen” and features delicate gold-...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex Cellini 4160 Watch. 18k YG Ladies Rolex CELLINI Diamond Barrel
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini Diamond Bezel Barrel watch. Rolex 1600 Movement Ref. 4160 Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is 18k...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Original Silvered Brushed Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6427 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Original Silvered Brushed Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6427 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Stainless Steel
Ladies Patek Philippe Twenty 4 in White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This crisp, ladies 18K white gold Patek Philippe Twenty 4 wristwatch is a fashionable and impressive timepiece. This is model 4910/G20-010 with factory diamonds and Patek Philippe o...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold