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.
Cartier Roadster Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic Watch W62048V3 2510
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Roadster Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic Watch W62048V3 2510 Model: W62048V3 2510 Serial: 59750*** Case: 43 x 38mm, steel Dial: Blue sunray Case: 43 x 38mm Movement: Aut...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Audemars Piguet Survivor Black PVD Watch 2616510.00.A002CA.01
Located in Feasterville, PA
Black PVD-coated titanium watch with a robust 42mm case. Features a distinctive octagonal bezel with exposed screws. Black textured dial with luminescent hour markers and hands. Incl...
Titanium
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
Hermes Arceau Anniversary Limited Edition 18k White Gold Watch
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
A remarkable Hermes Arceau Skeleton Watch, crafted in a limited edition of 171 pieces, showcasing the timeless elegance of Hermes. Designed in 18k white gold, this watch features a s...
White 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 Must Tank Vermeil Quartz Watch Sterling Silver Large Model Vintage 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers are presented for consideration, and we work diligently to achieve a mutually agreeable o...
Sterling Silver
Marcel Boucher Mod Lucite Chrome Wrist Watch ca 1970
Located in University City, MO
Marcel Boucher Mod lucite chrome women's wrist watch ca 1970 The futuristic design combines a circular lucite disc that frames the black watch dial The...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Diamond Watch. 14k YG Ladies Rolex 3271 Mechanical Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
14k Yellow Gold Rolex Diamond Accent Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970s. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 3271. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case an...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant Vintage White Gold Cushion Shaped Piaget Watch w/ Baguette Diamond Bezel
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite vintage ladies Piaget, released onto the Market in 1970, is elegance personified. The wonderful Swiss creation features a cushion shaped head with bark finish dial and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Graff 18K White Gold Diamond And Green Emerald Butterfly Watch
By Graff London
Located in New York, NY
Graff Limited Edition Butterfly 18K White Gold Diamond and Emerald Watch, an extraordinary high jewelry timepiece that embodies the maison’s renowned mastery of diamonds and feminine...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Piaget 4926 E21 Emerald Diamond
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Piaget Model: 4926 E21 Dress Year: 1980s Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds and Emeralds Dial: Pavè Diamond and Emeralds Case Measurement: H 22mm x W 22mm Movement: Manual...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Santos Vendome Ronde Model 8191 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Wa
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Cartier Model: Santos Vendome Ronde 8191 Year: 1990s Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 27mm Movement: Quartz Cond...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990's Tiffany & Co. Dual Time Quartz Flip Watch 18k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1990's vintage Tiffany & Co. quartz flip watch with an 18k yellow gold face and original leather strap. In good condition but the strap does show wear. Maker: Tiffany & Co. M...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rolex 6618 Watch. Ladies ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1963 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6618. Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. Original Rolex SS Bracel...
Stainless Steel
Jaeger Le Coultre Power Reserve Watch. 10k Gold Filled Mens JLC Vintage Watch.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
JAEGER LeCoultre Power Reserve Automatic Bumper WristWatch Ref. 2295 Movement ref. 481 - Circa 1950s 10k gold filled Case. Stainless Steel Back cover 35mm round Condition: Has se...
Sterling Silver
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2628 Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Case Rolex Precision Ladies Watch with attached Milanese Bracelet (Stainless Steel). Rolex Windup 1400 Caliber Movement Ref. 2628 . Circa 1971 Case Is 18k White Gol...
Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Must de Cartier Mystery Tank Watch. ARGENT Manual Black Dial Tank.
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and Gold plated (Vermeil). Rare Black Mystery Dial with Windup Manual Movement. ref 7007873 Condition: Has some d...
Sapphire, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef and Arpels 18901 B1 watch. 18k Gold VCA Classique Diamond Bezel.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Van Cleef & Arpels Watch Classic or Classique Ladies ref. 18901 B1 Diamond Bezel with Diamonds Bezel set on lugs. 18k Yellow Gold Case. 18k Yellow Gold Original VCA Buck...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rolex 6517 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX Automatic WG Bezel.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960s. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6517. White Gold Fluted Bezel Beautiful Watch. 25mm case Condition: ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
18K Gold Cartier La Dona Sport Wrist Watch with Cartier Leather Strap
By Cartier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This sporty trapezoidal Cartier La Dona model 18K yellow gold wrist watch is sold with the original burgundy color Cartier alligator grain leather band. The Cariter 18K yellow gold c...
18k Gold
Maurice Lacroix men's watch, Pontos Day Date automatic model, new
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Refined Maurice Lacroix men's watch, Pontos Day Date automatic model, brand new and never worn. This model features a stainless steel case, a silver dial with applied markers, and a...
Other
Vintage BULOVA Accutron watch. Spaceview Bulova Accutron Electric Transparent.
By Bulova
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Extremely Rare Bulova Accutron Spaceview Watch Transparent Dial. 3-108190 35mm Round Case Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet. Original Bulova Bracelet Condition. Works and Keeps t...
Stainless Steel
Scintillating and Elegant Vintage Ladies Cocktail Watch with Diamonds
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful vintage ladies 18K yellow gold Piaget wrist watch with Pave Diamond dial and Marquise Diamond Bezel is absolutely the epitome of elegance. It's original Piaget dial is pave set with glittering single cut diamonds and bears the word Piaget at the 12 o'clock position. It is surrounded by twenty-six marquise cut diamonds in it's original Piaget white gold bezel. Total approximate diamond weight is 2.75ct of overall G/H color and VS2clarity. The head measures 1 inch by 1 1/8 inches to the outside of the diamond bezel. The integral Piaget bark...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Pristine Vintage Ladies White Gold Piaget Watch Marquise Diamond & Emerald Bezel
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This distinctive and beautiful 18K white gold vintage ladies Piaget cocktail watch, offered by the formidable watchmaker in the early 1980's, is perfect in every respect. A round white bark finish dial with black baton hour markers is surrounded by a bezel of twelve alternating marquise cut diamonds and fine quality Colombian emeralds. The words Piaget and Swiss are visible on the dial. Total approximate diamond weight is 1.15ct of overall H color and VS1 clarity. Emeralds are vibrant and have a total weight of approximately 1.00ct. The integral, Piaget bark...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Watch. Rolex ref 4365. 1940s Gold Capped Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - Ready To Go Stainless Steel Case that is Gold Filled Capped ref.4365 Circa 1946 Condition: Windup Movement. Runs we...
Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe Grand Ellipse Vintage 18K Gold Quartz 31mm Unisex 1980 Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Authentic Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Grand Ellipse 3838 Unisex 18K Yellow Gold Watch. Vintage, circa 1980. Featuring a 31mm dial with a smooth gold bezel, cream-white ivory enamel dial...
18k Gold
Genuine HERMES Heure H 1P Diamond HH1.102 Quartz Watch Gold.
By Hermès
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Stainless Steel Gold Plated 20mm by 25mm Rectangle Huere H 1P diamond Watch. MOP Dial with 1P diamond at 12 PM Condition: NEW battery installed. Some s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex DateJust Stainless Steel with Rare Pink Dial Model 17840 31mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: DateJust 178240 Year: 2014-2017 Material: Stainless Steel and 18k White Gold Bezel Dial: "Rare" Pink Case Measurement: 31mm Movement: Automatic Condition: Excelle...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 69173 Oyster Perpetual DateJust Watch. Ladies ROLEX Multitone
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Yellow gold and Stainless Steel Multi tone Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1990 26mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 69173. Just went through a complete overhaul. F...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1973. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2653. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is Stain...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1971. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case and Brac...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex 6517 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX 18k Yellow Gold.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady DateJust Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960. 18k Yellow Gold Case. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6517. Condition: Excellent Condition fo...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1979 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1501 automatic watch in stainless steel featuring a silver-tone dial with applied gold-tone baton hour markers, engine-turned bezel...
Stainless Steel
$78,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vacheron Constantin Diamond 18K White Gold Ladies Cocktail Watch Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary Vacheron Constantin ladies cocktail watch crafted in luxurious 18 karat white gold and lavishly adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds throughout. This exceptional time...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold
Vintage GUCCI Shelly Line Leather Watch Timepiece. 2000L Gucci Lane Black
By Gucci
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Vintage Gucci Watch. Gold Plated. These are 1980s Ladies 2000L with Black and Cream Dial New battery installed and serviced. 22mm Case
Stainless Steel
Jaeger Le Coultre Tank Watch. JLC Jager LeCoultre 9009 42 Manual Mens Tank.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
JAEGER LeCoultre Watch Rare Manual Tank Ref 9009 42 Genuine JLC Mens Watch. Movement ref. 818/2 Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet. 23mm by 28mm Rectangle Case 7.25in adjustable t...
Sterling Silver
Franck Muller 6850 SC DP Diamond Dial Watch Blue Strap Automatic Platinum Rotor
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers are presented for consideration, and we work diligently to achieve a mutually agreeable o...
White Gold
Vintage Cartier Panthère Mini Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Cartier Model: Panthère Mini Year: 1990s Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds Dial: White Roman Case Measurement: 17mm Movement: Quartz Condition: Very Good Weight: 45 Gram...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Black Opal Dial Ladies Piaget Watch w/3.85ct Diamond Bezel, 1970s
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This expertly crafted vintage Swiss ladies Piaget dress watch features a vibrant natural, oval shaped black "Peacock Opal" dial. This rare dial possesses every quality that is prized...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Rose Gold Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Model: Overseas Movement: Automatic Caliber 1120 QP/1 Case: 41.5mm Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Dial Color: Silver Complications: Perpetual Calendar, Moonphase Delivery Contents: Box...
Rose Gold
1970's Men's Gold Piaget Dress Watch w/Cushion Shaped Head & Integral Woven Band
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This handsome, vintage, men's 18K yellow gold Piaget wrist watch makes an elegant statement. The large cushion shaped head measures 1 1/4" x 1 1/8" and houses a recently serviced ori...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Rolex CELLINI 3811 Square WristWatch
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Rolex Cellini mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Rolex 1600 Movement Ref. 3811 Square Cellini Unisex watch. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is 18k 75...
White Gold, 18k Gold
Hermès Loquet LO1 201 Bangle Watch - Timeless Parisian elegance
Located in Firenze, FI
Very good vintage condition - minimal signs of use consistent with the age of the watch. The bracelet and case retain a beautiful appearance, dial is clean and clear. Case diameter: ...
Gold Plate
Rare DeLaneau High-Jewelry Diamond Tonneau Watch in 18k
By Delaneau
Located in Wailea, HI
Rare DeLaneau High-Jewelry Diamond Tonneau Watch – 1.60 CTW Round Brilliant Diamonds Discover the pinnacle of Swiss "horlogerie bijouterie" with this magnificent DeLaneau diamond tim...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Mark Coupe Automatic Day Date Moonphase Movement
Located in University Place, WA
A vintage Tiffany & Co. Mark Coupe dial and automatic movement featuring a multi complication configuration including day, date, and moonphase. The silver dial is detailed with ...
Ladies Piaget Watch with Lapis Dial, Sapphires and Diamonds for a Small Wrist
By Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This tasteful and distinctive vintage ladies 18K yellow gold, modern round brilliant cut diamond and sapphire cocktail watch with integral 18K gold Piaget bark...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Custom Made T...... Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm ...
Stainless Steel
Chanel Première Chaîne 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Watch H4411 — Complete
By Chanel
Located in Plantation, FL
Chanel Première Chaîne ladies’ wristwatch, reference H4411. Small model, 18K rose gold (beige gold) rectangular octagonal case set with approximately 56 brilliant-cut diamonds on the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Two-Tone 36mm DateJust Rolex Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This timepiece is in good pre owned condition. 16013 Two-Tone 36mm DateJust Rolex 18k/Stainless Steel Jubilee Band. Movement Automatic. Dial: Aftermarket Champagne Dial
Diamond
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel After Market Diamond Bezel & Aftermarket Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial. Jubilee Band
Diamond
Cartier Pasha 18K Yellow Gold 38mm Ref. 1989 Leather Accents Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking Cartier Pasha watch in solid 18K yellow gold, reference 1989, showcasing one of Cartier’s most recognizable and enduring sport-luxury designs. The substantial 38mm round c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Perpetual Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duetto Diamond 18K Rose Gold Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant and timeless, this Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duetto is crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold and features the iconic reversible case design. This sophisticated timepiece offers t...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Bvlgari BB 19 2T Quartz Round Dial Tubogas Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A signature Bvlgari Tubogas wristwatch, reference BB 19 2T, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and designed with the house’s unmistakable flexible Tubogas bracelet. The compact 19mm rou...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage GUCCI Tornavoni 120 Quartz Wrist Watch. Gucci YA120520 Gold tone Bangle
By Gucci
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Vintage Gold Tone Gucci Watch. Logo Dial Tornavoni 120 Model YA120520 These will be for one special lady. Condition: New battery installed.
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Rare Vacheron Constantin 49002 Les Historiques Chronograph ca' 1990's 18k
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A rare Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques Chronograph ca' 1990 in 18k gold. Reference #49002/000J-3. Movement # 807058, beautiful enamel dial. Less than 700 made, this particular ex...
18k Gold
Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Cellini 18k White Gold Rare Blue Vignette Dial, Manual Wind, Made in Switzerland c.1974 Model: Cellini Year: c. 1974 Material: 18K White Gold Dial: Rare Blue Vignette ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Charcoal Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960/70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip t...
Stainless Steel