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
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 Baingoire 1920 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Bracelet Size 17 Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Baingoire Mini 1920 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Bracelet Size 17 Box & Papers Model: WGBA0035 Baignoire 1920 Serial: 45961258**** (card 2024) Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Piaget Limelight Magic Hour 18k Rose Gold Diamond Watch
By Piaget
Located in Feasterville, PA
18k rose gold watch featuring a sculpted oval case. Inspired by the Limelight Magic Hour collection. Polished finish enhances the warm hue of the rose gold. Adorned with 36 brilliant...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Chopard 'Happy Diamonds' 20/4828 18K Gold 1 CTW Diamond Watch On 18Kt Strap
By Chopard
Located in Lafayette, LA
This unique Swiss watch by Chopard features 1 CTW in natural diamonds around the dial, on the band, and in a small glass window around the dial where they slide freely as you wear it...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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
Breitling Ref. 4002 Gold-Plated/Steel Date, Orig. Dial 35 mm, Venus 227, c.1956
By Breitling
Located in PARIS, FR
Breitling Genève Ref. 4002, circa 1956. An elegant 35 mm vintage dress watch combining a gold-plated case with a stainless-steel caseback. It retains its highly attractive original...
Gold Plate
High Jewellery Cal. 426 18K White Gold 18 Diamonds Integrated Bracelet c.1960s
Located in PARIS, FR
Jaeger-LeCoultre High Jewellery Watch – Calibre 426 – 18K White Gold & Diamonds – c.1960s. An exceptionally elegant vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre jewellery watch, crafted in 18K white go...
18k Gold
Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Ladies Watch circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6623 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Presidential 18K Gold Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 18k yellow gold (stamped) Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date "President" Wristwatch. Rolex introduced the Day-Date in 1956, making history as the first wristwatch to display bot...
18k Gold
Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish Automatic Stainless Steel Watch Yellow A17360
By Breitling
Located in Baltimore, MD
Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish Automatic Stainless Steel Watch Yellow Index A17360 Model:A17360 Serial: 1233*** Dial: Yellow Movement: Automatic Case: 42mm, slight surface scratches ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
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
Vintage Patek Philippe Gondolo 4866/1J 18 Karat Yellow Gold Quartz Watch
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Patek Philippe Model: Gondolo 4866/1J Circa: 1990s Materials: 18k Yellow Gold Case: 25mm Movement: Quartz Weight: 100 Grams Size: Fits up to a 7" Wrist - adjustable by removin...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Vintage Audemars Piguet 18k White Gold and Pavè Diamond Dial and Bezel Watch
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Audemars Piguet Model: Dress Circa: 1980s Materials: 18k White Gold and Diamonds Case: H 24 x W 22 Movement: Manual Wind Weight: 55 Grams Size: Will Fit up to a 6.5" Wrist Mad...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Watch Small Model
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Tank Française small-model watch featuring a polished stainless-steel case and matching steel bracelet. The classic white dial is accented by blued-steel sword-shaped hands a...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Chopard x Tiffany & Co. Model 5111/1 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Watch
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Chopard for Tiffany & Co. Model: 5111 / 1 Year: 1980s Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Gold with Tiffany & Co. Stamp and Diamond Bezel Case Measurement: 22mm Movement: ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Piaget 18k White Gold Jade Green Dial & Diamond Bezel Watch
By Piaget
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Piaget 18k White Gold Jade Green Dial & Diamond Bezel Watch Brand: Piaget Model: 924B2 Material: 18k White Gold Dial: Jade Green Bezel: Diamond-set bezel featuring diamonds set ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2025 Rolex GMT-Master II 126710GRNR Bruce Wayne Jubilee Steel Black 40mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne Ref. 126710GRNR is a sophisticated blend of functionality and luxury. Crafted in stainless steel, this 40mm timepiece features a robust round case...
Stainless Steel
2021 Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 40mm Steel Ceramic Bezel Black Dial 116500LN Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116500LN is a striking embodiment of precision and luxury. Crafted in stainless steel, this 40mm timepiece features a robust round case with a solid...
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
New Never Worn Omega Constellation 18kt Rose Gold Automatic Watch With .10ctw
By Omega
Located in Lafayette, LA
OMEGA Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer Automatic Diamond Dial Small Seconds Two-Tone Watch 34mm Model The dramatic and enduring design of the OMEGA Constellation is characte...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Steel & Gold Rolex Datejust 36 Champagne Dial Ref 16013
By Rolex
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Wristwatch, reference 16013, serial number 9579827. Watch combines stainless steel and 18K yellow gold case measuring approximately ...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Number 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 / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...
Stainless Steel
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
Constellation 29 mm, steel ‑ Sedna gold on steel ‑ Sedna gold
By Omega
Located in Lafayette, LA
The dramatic and enduring design of the OMEGA Constellation is characterised by its famous half-moons, “claws” on the case and mono-rang bracelet. This 29 mm 18K Sedna™ gold and sta...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
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
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
Men's Rolex Submariner Stainless Watch Black Spider Dial
By Rolex
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage Rolex Submariner Stainless Steel "Spider Dial" Watch. Watch features a classic Submariner configuration with a 40mm stainless steel case, oyster-style, 7 inch (177.8mm) brace...
Stainless Steel
26909 Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm 18k Rose Gold Steel Diamond Automatic Watch 3284
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Serial #3284 Reference # WE902031 Watch case measures 36mm (38mm with crown) Silver tone dial with factory diamond markers Blue sapphire crown Blue steel sword shape hands Automatic...
Diamond, Stainless Steel, Rose 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
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
Piaget 18k White Gold Opal Pearl & Diamond Dial & Bezel Watch
By Piaget
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Piaget 18k White Gold Opal Pearl, Diamond Dial & Bezel Watch Brand: Piaget Model: 9190 D2 Material: 18k White Gold Dial: Opal Dial Gemstone Details: Pearl-set details Diamond De...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise Small Two-Tone Steel 18k Gold Ladies Watch W51007Q4 2300
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Cartier Tank is a blend of elegance and precision. This timepiece features a rectangular stainless steel case, exuding a sleek silver finish. The fixed bezel complements the case...
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
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
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
Cartier Panthère Small Ladies Stainless Steel Quartz 22mm Watch WSPN0006 4177
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Cartier Panthère WSPN0006 is a refined expression of elegance and precision. Crafted in stainless steel, this square timepiece features a 22 x 30 mm case with a screwback, ensuri...
Stainless Steel
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...
2000s Cartier Must Tank 2413 18K YG Vermeil White Roman Dial Quartz 26mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An Icon, Distilled The Must de Cartier line was created to make the brand's iconic designs more accessible without compromising the core aesthetic that defined them. The Tank, with ...
Vermeil
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
Rolex Daytona Ice Blue Dial Box &Papers 2018 40mm Oyster Bracelet 116506
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning Rolex Platinum Daytona reference 116506, featuring an ice blue dial and a chestnut brown ceramic bezel, an exclusive combination of this model. Powered by the calibre 413...
Platinum
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 4129 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini 4129 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
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
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
$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
Bvlgari Tubogas Watch in Stainless Steel and 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Lucerne, CH
Introducing the Bvlgari "Tubogas" watch in stainless steel and gold, a timepiece that tells a captivating story of heritage and innovation. This collection is a celebration of Bvlgar...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, Steel
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
Rose Gold Franck Muller Master Square Date Watch with Original Leather Band
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This high quality Franck Muller 18K rose gold Master Square model automatic timepiece with date function is an impressive visual and mechanical delight. Precise time is kept by an or...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
Cartier Calibre Diver Steel & Ceramic Bezel Blue 42mm Watch WSCA0010 3729
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Cartier Calibre de Cartier is a sophisticated blend of luxury and functionality. This round timepiece features a robust stainless steel case in a sleek silver tone, complemented ...
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
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
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
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