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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: 18th Century and Earlier
Style: Modern
David Webb Bombe 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamond Blue Enamel Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a lovely bombe style ring by David Webb designed with blue enameled striped pattern and a touch of round cut diamonds on the top. Perfect cocktail ring to be out and about. Y...
Category

Early 17th Century American Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby 14 karat ring. Evil Eye Ring. July birthstone ruby ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
"Eye" 14 kt solid gold ring with natural ruby and diamonds. July birthstone. Weight: 1.7 g. - depends from size Central stone: Natural ruby Weight: a...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Turkish Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

14k Gold Ring with Tanzanite and Diamonds!
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k solid gold ring with natural tanzanite and diamonds. December birthstone. Weight: 1.7 g. Central stone: Natural tanzanite Weight - approx 0.80 ct, oval cut, color - violet-blu...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Turkish Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold

14 Karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Side Rubies. Gold Tulip Flower Ring !
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold tulip ring with ruby and side rubies. July birthstone. Weight: 2.00 g. - depends from size Central stone: Natural ruby Pear cut, weig...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Turkish Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Colombian Emerald 'Approximately 11.70 Carats' and Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Vintage Cocktail ring from the 80's made of yellow gold 18k. Vintage emerald Ring set with a Center Colombian Emerald Emerald shape of approxi...
Category

1680s European Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Carat Gold and Turquoise Bangle Bracelet, 16cm Circumference, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Marked 18ct gold and turquoise bracelet/ bangle, circa 1970s, 15.3 grammes, 5cm diameter, 16cm circumference of the bangle, 2cm opening, 3.5mm thickness of twisted wire, stones are 4...
Category

1770s French Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Turquoise, Gold

14k Yellow Gold Sleek Stackable Rainbow Moonstone Ruby Eternity Band Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Rainbow moonstone ruby gemstone eternity band ring in 14k gold symbolises the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you...
Category

15th Century and Earlier American Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Moonstone, Ruby, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.26ct Diamond Bezel Studs Earrings in 18k Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Drop earrings/ cluster diamond studs earrings/ wedding earrings / Gold earrings/ Dainty earrings/ Gifts for her Studs earrings, diamond studs, Handmade jewelry, Bridesmaid g...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

0.44 Ct Diamond Eternity Ring Band in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Full Eternity ring, Diamond band, Stacking ring, Gold eternity band, Gifts for her, Delicate stackable ring Eternity ring, eternity band, Handmade jewelry, Bridesmaid gifts,...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

0.19 Ct Diamond Crescent Moon Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crescent moon Diamond Ring/ Minimalist ring/ Gold crescent moon ring/ Lucky ring / moon ring/ Gift for her / Pave setting ring Crescent ring, Moon ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Agate 18K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Paris, FR
Large and imposing pendant presenting an agate slice studded with a root motif in yellow gold. Dimensions: 67.49 x 86.51 x 11.20 mm ( 2.657 x 3.406 x 0.44...
Category

1670s French Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Yellow Gold

Gucci Gold Ring 18kt Wide Top Designer Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Gold ring made by Gucci from their Icon collection featuring their signature GG motif set into a wide band ring. Excellent condition! Non-resizable! GRAM WEIGHT: 8.63gr GOLD: 18KT ...
Category

18th Century North American Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lapis Lazuli Diamond Earrings Clips Rare 18KT Gold Omega Earrings 1.28ct Diamond
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare find, vintage lapis lazulli earrings made with VS diamonds, very large earrings with omega backing made in 18KT gold. GRAM WEIGHT: 23.95gr G...
Category

Late 18th Century North American Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rose Charm 14KT rose gold pendant HAND carved rose long pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning polished rose gold charm in 14KT rose gold, hand carved. Made to order will take 10 business days. GRAM WEIGHT: 2.36gr GOLD: 14KT rose gold Size: 1 inches long WHAT YOU GE...
Category

18th Century North American Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial from Early 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diamet...
Category

1770s Swiss Antique Modern Jewelry

Every Day White Yellow Gold 18K Earrings Diamond for Her
Located in Montreux, CH
EARRING 18K White/Yellow Gold MQ 0.13 Cts/2 Pcs Yellow Diamond 0.20 Cts/2 Pcs
Category

17th Century Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Modern White Yellow Gold 18K Earrings Diamond for Her
Located in Montreux, CH
EARRING 18K White/Yellow Gold PE 0.15 Cts/2 Pcs Yellow Diamond 0.37 Cts/2 Pcs
Category

17th Century Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold

Unique White Pink Gold 18K Bracelet Diamond for Her
Located in Montreux, CH
BRACELET 18K White/Pink Gold Diamond 0.47 Cts/30 Pcs Tapered Baguette 0.74 Cts/15 Pcs
Category

17th Century Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Studs White Gold 18K Earrings Diamond for Her
Located in Montreux, CH
EARRING 18K White Gold PE 0.61 Cts/4 Pcs
Category

17th Century Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

21st Century 9 Karat Gold Rose-Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Palermo, Italy PA
This cocktail ring, masterfully created by hand from 9-karat gold is set with carefully selected rose-cut white diamonds. The diamonds total .8 carats. The ring is 1.6 centimetres across (and high), it weighs 4.20 grams. The photographed ring...
Category

16th Century Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold

6 Carats Yellow Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
4 Prong tennis necklace set in 14K yellow gold. The necklace is set with 0.04 carat stones, the total weight is 5.85 carats. The color of the stones are G, the clarity is SI1-SI2. Th...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage Oval Cabochon Amethyst and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in London, GB
These delicate stud earrings feature an oval shaped cabochon amethyst measuring 10x8mm mounted in a four claw, pear setting. The earrings are adorned wi...
Category

1770s Unknown Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

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

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Ring
Located in Roma, IT
The fine stones- beautiful square sapphire measuring 6x6 mm , framed by two rows of sparkling white diamonds, and great workmanship make this a rare and very desirable ring. It would be lovely as an unusual engagement ring...
Category

1770s Italian Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold

Amwaj White Gold Bracelet with Diamonds
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Decorative, elegant, charming white gold 18 K bracelet by Amwaj jewelry with round and baguette diamonds .This bracelet is made of geometrical, symmetric...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Emirian Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Related Items
Stambolian Spessartite Garnet Baby Blue Enamel 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stambolian Spessartite Garnet Baby Blue Enamel 18K White Gold Diamond Ring This incredible one-of-a-kind piece is hand made in the United States by Stambolian Ring features a vibra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Ruby Bracelet
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 12.1 grams. Totally is diamond 1.30 ct. The diamond is has I color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.85 ct. Box is not included. Please con...
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Red Ruby Stackable Ring Birthstone Ring
Located in Great neck, NY
Charming and Elusive Design - This stackable ring features a 14k gold band, a baguette shaped gorgeous Ruby approximately 0.14cts, and round diamonds approximately 0.09 cts, Measure...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Gold Minimalist Diamond Ring, 14K Gold and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
14K Gold Minimalist Diamond Ring, 14K Gold and Diamond Statement Ring created by hands from ring to the stone shapes. Good ideas of dai...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

0.43 Ct Heart Cut Ruby 14K Gold Birthstone Ring
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
0.43 ct Heart Cut Ruby 14K Gold Birthstone Ring This ring was made with quality materials and excellent handwork. I guarantee the quality assurance of ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Amethyst Enamel Ring
Located in New York, NY
A vintage 18k gold and platinum cabochon amethyst, diamond, green enamel ring by David Webb. This colorful and vibrant ring is set with a rich amethyst. It is surrounded by round brilliant cut diamonds that weigh approximately 0.82 carats. The diamonds are G to H color and VS clarity. The ring is currently a size 7. It has iconic David Webb style...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

14 Karat White Gold Ruby Trio and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k white gold Diamonds: 18 round brilliant cuts = 0.15cttw Color: H-I Clarity: SI2 Ring Size: 6 (please allow two additional shipping days for si...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k Gold Ruby Ring / Gold Engagement Ring / Ring for Her / July Birthstone Ring
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Item details:- ✦ SKU:- JRG00266YYY ✦ Product Specification:- • Gold Kt: 14K (also available in 18K) • Available Gold Color: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Round Ruby: 6 pcs 1...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

14 Karat White Gold Green Emerald Stackable Ring Birthstone
Located in Great neck, NY
Charming and Elusive Design - This stackable ring features a 14k gold band, a baguette shaped gorgeous emerald approximately 0.10cts, and round diamonds approximately 0.09 cts, avail...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet, circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One 14K yellow gold bangle bracelet featuring a high polish, diamond-shaped surface style finish. Measuring 0.5 inches wide. Circa 1970s. Sleek...
Category

20th Century Modern Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Enamel 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Fish Ring
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Very unique handmade 18k yellow gold with enamel and diamond fish ring. 18 karat yellow gold with blue, green and yellow enamel. 2 round cut diamonds...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

David Webb Enamel Gold Lion Ring
Located in Lakewood, NJ
An 18 karat yellow gold and white enamel fashion ring. Formed as a Lion's head with a white enamel on gold mane ended by enameled paw style ring tip. Signed WEBB. by David Webb. Ri...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Jewelry

Materials

Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold

Previously Available Items
Marquise Wedding Band Platinum Antique Wedding Band Classic Style
Located in Jupiter, FL
Antique wedding band in platinum with diamonds. GRAM WEIGHT: 2.37gr METAL: PLATINUM NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G (average) ...
Category

18th Century European Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Light Jade Bangle Bracelet
Located in Addison, TX
Vintage 14 karat yellow gold light jade bangle bracelet. This beautiful bangle bracelet has a tongue and groove clasp with safety chain connecting both ends of the bracelet. It is in...
Category

1670s Unknown Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

7 Carats Yellow Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
4 Prong tennis necklace set in 14K yellow gold. The necklace is set with 0.05 carat stones, the total weight is 7.01 carats. The color of the stones are G, the clarity is SI1-SI2. Th...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Emerald and Diamond Palladium Fashion Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful emerald and diamond ring is hand crafted from palladium and features a green emerald bezel set center stone which weighs approximately 0.45 carats. The ring is accent...
Category

1750s Unknown Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Palladium

Constans I Coin on Silver Necklace
Located in Nuevo Leon, MX
Antique roman bronze coin mounted on contemporary silver necklace. Ready to be worn! Flavius Julius Constans, the youngest son of Constantine the Great, he adopted the title of Augu...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Silver, Copper

Emerald 1.10 Baguette Diamonds 2.80 Yellow Gold Pinky Ring
Located in Valenza, IT
Square cut emerald ring surronded by baguette cut diamonds. The emerald weight carats 1.10 and it is of a very pleasant and clean green, not t...
Category

1660s Italian Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Cartier 6 row sapphire gold interwoven Bracelet
Located in Princeton, NJ
18K yellow gold sapphire Cartier 6 row interwoven bracelet. The bracelet features a box clasp with triple rope edge design, prong set with 18 round blue sapp...
Category

1670s French Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald Diamond Palladium Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful emerald and diamond ring is hand crafted from palladium and features a green emerald bezel set in the center which weighs approximately 0.45 carats. The ring is accen...
Category

1750s Unknown Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Palladium

Vintage Chanel Rare Gripoix Pendant
Located in Princeton, NJ
Vintage gold tone Chanel 1970's rare Gripoix large pendant. The pendant is signed Chanel and made in France. Separate chain has been attached to be worn as a necklace.
Category

1770s French Antique Modern Jewelry

Jean Mahie Gold Detachable Two Part Earrings
Located in Dallas, TX
Primitive hammered finish and melted edges mark these lovely 22kt earrings with their original Jean Mahie style. Crafted with two detachable sections, th...
Category

1670s French Antique Modern Jewelry

Materials

22k Gold, Yellow Gold

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