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.
Francoise Montague Paris Red Resin Floral Clip-on Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning French Jewelry Designer Francoise Montague Paris resin clip-on earrings feature a dimensional anemone-shaped motif in raspberry red and black. There is no visible make...
Donald Stannard Enamel & Crystal Rhinestone Earrings, 1980's
Located in Atlanta, GA
Donald Stannard served as an assistant to Kenneth Jay Lane in the 1960's until 1972 when he started his own line of stylish costume jewelry. His creations feature bold designs with ...
Crystal, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Earrings with pearl, baguette and brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.75ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with baroque pearl, baguette shape and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.75ct – K/L, F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 6....
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Earrings with carnelian, sapphire and rock crystal 18k gold 22.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clip-on earrings set with carnelian, sapphire, and rock crystal – 22.8 grams Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 4.4 cm in length and 1.7 cm in ...
Carnelian, Crystal, Rock Crystal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 66.46ct Total
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a vibrant statement with these spectacular 14K yellow gold turquoise and diamond clip-on earrings, expertly designed to showcase the timeless beauty of natural turquoise in a bo...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Francoise Montague Pale Yellow Roses Resin Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning clip-on earrings for French jewelry designer Françoise Montague. The dimensional resin shape features rose flowers in an elegant, pale yellow colo...
Harriet Bauknight for Kaso Massive Multicolor Acrylic Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight created these rare, stunning chandelier Lucite clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. These extravagant dangling acrylic pieces feature a dimensional shape with ge...
Earrings with turquoise and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold clip-on earrings set with turquoise and brilliant-cut diamonds 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description the top of the ear stud is 2.1 cm long by 1.1 cm wide wei...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Turquoise Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Earclip Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Cabochon Turquoise & Diamond Earclip Earrings, dated 1981. These elegant vintage earrings feature vibrant oval cabochon turquoise gemstones beau...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of Antique 14K White Gold & Double Pearl Screwback Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique white gold & pearl earrings. In 14 karat white gold. Each earrings with a pair of matched pearls and screw back closures. Marked to the post. Simply a wond...
Pearl, White Gold
Vintage Dior logo script clip on earrings, silver tone metal
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous pair of vintage Christian Dior logo script design clip on earrings. Large oversized silver tone metal dome or disc shaped earrings with the Dior logo written all over th...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
Philippe Ferrandis - Long Clips, Crystal Earrings - Fenice
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
An elegant tribute to the designer's roots, these exquisite earrings evoke the gentle trickle of woodland streams and the dance of sunlight, inspired by cherished childhood memories....
24k Gold, Brass
Earrings with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold 13.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ear clips set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.2.00ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the ear clip are 1.7 cm long by 1.2 cm thick ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Angela Caputi Washed Blue Dangle Resin Geometric Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These very chic Angela Caputi resin clip-on earrings, made in Italy, feature an extra-long dangling shape with geometric elements, faceted beads, and flat disks in a rare washed navy...
14KY Gold Door Knocker Clip-on Earring Lapis Lazuli & Diamond Circle 0.55 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold yet sophisticated statement with these stunning 14K yellow gold door knocker clip-on lapis lazuli and diamond drop earrings. Designed with rich royal-blue lapis lazuli op...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Francoise Montague Green Floral Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling resin clip-on earrings for French Jewelry designer Francoise Montague. The floral-inspired, handmade, artisanal shape featu...
Angela Caputi Pink and Gold Resin Dangle Flamenco Floral Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin clip-on earrings feature an important dangling design with wavy-shaped floral elements. The pieces boast antique rose, gold, turquo...
Richard Kerr Dangle Red and Black Crystal Jeweled Clip Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these fancy clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. They feature an oversized dangle shape with a bead and an asymmetric...
Angela Caputi Black and Gilded Resin Disk Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin and metal clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with black resin geometric elements contrasted with an important metallic coate...
Claire Deve Paris Copper and Resin Clip Earrings Asian Inspired Design
By Claire Deve
Located in Atlanta, GA
These impressive oversized Claire Deve dangling clip-on earrings feature a dimensional statement shape with copper metal fastening. An extra-large donut with an Asian-inspired carved...
Copper
Robert Leed Morris Wabi Sabi Collection, Giant Verdigris Pebble Earring, 1986
Located in New York, NY
The Wabi Sabi theme of soft pebbles, gives way to many Verdigris earrings which were a ground breaking color for jewelry that Robert Lee Morris launched in 1981 with Calvin Klein. Th...
Brass, Other
Richard Kerr Pink and AB Jeweled Roses Clip-on Earrings
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr created these spectacular, eye-catching clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are composed of his trademark pavé crystals. The pieces feature a highly dimensional rose-sha...
$52Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage silver tone modernist designer runway clip on earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • silver tone • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1 3/8" by 3/4" CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ❤️❤️ ...
Silver
$160,000Sale Price|20% Off
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine & Diamond Seven Leaves Earrings
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine & Diamond "Seven Leaves" Clip-on Earrings Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumberger Studios Creator/Maker: Jean Schlumberger for ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$124Sale Price / set|20% Off
Palm Springs Fashionista Curated Vintage Earring Collection 1950s-2000 #6/100
By Escada
Located in Palm Desert, CA
We have collected vintage costume jewelry earrings since the 80’s. One by one we have curated a lovely collection of unbranded and designer earrings. Made from the 1950s to 2000. Each one unique and worthy of a modern Fashionista’s collection. We are starting with 100 pairs of earrings. Fairly priced. Bracelets and necklaces forthcoming. #6/100 Designer: Escada 1990s...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Fluted Lever-Back Ear Clips, 0.60" x 0.50", New
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday style with these beautifully crafted 18K yellow fluted gold ear clips, designed with soft, sculptural ridging that catches the light from every angle. Their und...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Earrings Vintage Signed
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
A sophisticated and highly collectable pair of vintage earrings by legendary designer Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., showcasing the designer's unmistakable sculptural aesth...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
1980s Costume Jewelry Clip-on Earrings by Christian Dior
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These exquisite and rare 1980s Christian Dior clip-on earrings, crafted in Germany are a true testament to the sophisticated costume jewelry designs of the era. Each earring features...
Signed Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Diamonds Maillon Panthère Earrings, Circa 1980
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A bold and instantly recognisable pair of vintage Cartier bombé earrings, signed and numbered, masterfully crafted in 18k yellow gold and dating...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Francoise Montague Gold Clip-On Earrings with Swarovski Crystals, New
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The iconic earring style from Francoise Montague in gold and Swarovski crystals. These clip earrings dance as you move and are universally flattering. A must have addition to any co...
Vintage Ledo Silver Tone Clip-On Half Flower Earrings, 1960s
By Ledo Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ledo Silver Tone Half Flower Earrings Circa 1960s. These earrings are just stunning. They are 3D and stand out slightly. There is adifferent one for each ear. They look l...
Mixed Metal
14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Onyx Diamond Clip-On Earrings, 0.60ct
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Bold, sculptural, and unmistakably chic, these 14K yellow gold door knocker earrings showcase a striking interplay of color and form. Suspended from diamond-accented hoops totaling 0...
Diamond, Turquoise, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cilea Paris Dangle Resin Clip Earrings Cobalt Blue Poppy Flower
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling clip-on earrings. These oversized, floral-inspired, artisanal resin earrings feature poppy flowers with textured hearts bui...
Tiffany & Co Basket Weave 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ear Clip Earrings Circa 1992
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Tiffany & Co. Basket Weave Ear Clips, circa 1992. These beautifully crafted earrings showcase Tiffany & Co.'s timeless basket weave motif, expertly re...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair Vintage Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Bittersweet Pattern Earrings No. 110
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Danish Modern silver clip earrings. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Pattern no. 110, also known as "Bittersweet". With clip-on closures. Fully marked...
Sterling Silver
$4,800 / set
Tiffany Bicolor Gold Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Tiffany made earrings in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Alternating diagonally set rows of curved gold rounded bands create something of an abstract leaf design. Clip backs can be c...
18k Gold
Angela Caputi Tortoise and Black Resin Clip-on Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These sophisticated Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin clip-on earrings feature a dangling shape with black resin geometric links contrasted with an important carved, see-through rou...
Angela Caputi Black and Gray Floral Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed these sophisticated made-in-Italy dangle clip-on earrings. The pieces boast a black contrast with a warm gray color. The dimensional, dangling, carved resin bl...
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Earrings
Located in Broomall, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels - 18K Gold Earrings A magnificent pair of authentic Van Cleef & Arpels earrings, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold. These elegant creations exemplify the timeless so...
18k Gold
$103Sale Price|20% Off
Milky Pink Art Glass Hard Candy Earrings By Vogue, 1960s
By Vogue
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Each earring measures 1" diameter - Gold plated hardware - Pastel pink swirl milk glass cabochons - Cli...
1980s Vintage Christian Dior Gold Tone Blue Crystal Dome Clip On Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of dome clip on earrings designed by Christian Dior in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated, features dark blue, icy blue and clear crystals. Signed: “Chr. Dior” (shown ...
$52,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Leaf Clip Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
These exceptional vintage Van Cleef & Arpels earrings beautifully embody the maison's legendary ability to transform nature into timeless works of art. Crafted in richly textured...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Angela Cummings 18 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ear Clip Vintage Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Star Ear Clip Earrings, circa 1982. Designed by the acclaimed Angela Cummings, these striking earrings feature a bold s...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mabe Pearl French Clip Gold Vintage Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Round Mabe Pearl Earrings set in 14K Yellow Gold rims. Each pearl, measuring approx. 15mm and 20.5mm. French Clip-on backs. More Beautiful in Real time. Sure to be ...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$103Sale Price|20% Off
Enameled Sunflower Earrings With Black Crystal Pavé By Weiss, 1960s
By Albert Weiss
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Each earring measures 1" in diameter - Gold plated - Yellow enameling - Black crystal pavé - Clip on e...
3.08 Carat Pink Diamond & Sapphire & Diamond Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite pair of earrings by Austy Lee blend timeless glamour with floral finesse. Inspired by the delicate hydrangea, the Pink Lady earrings bloom in a soft, romantic pink hue...
Pink Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
18 Karat White Gold Flower Ruby and Diamond Invisible Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
The top quality ruby which make in invisible setting. We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years. The invisible is a highly tech...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Italian 18K Gold & Pink Coral Cabochon Screw Back Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine pair of Mid-Century Italian screw back earrings. With large smooth oval cabochons framed in 18k gold rope design settings. With screwbacks closures to the reverse. Si...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold
Cilea Paris Sky Blue Resin Floral Dangle Clip Earrings
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris created these gorgeous, dangling resin clip-on earrings. They feature carved, dimensional leaves in vivid sky blue with a dark blue contrast. The Cilea logo is stamped un...
Monique Vedie, Line Vautrin Student Resin Clip Earrings Pistachio Flower
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely Monique Vedie resin or Talosel clip-on earrings feature a daisy-shaped design with a carved, dimensional design, complemented by a textured pattern in glittering pistach...
$2,060Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Natural Turquoise and Black Onyx Door Knocker Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these bold yet refined door knocker earrings, crafted in luminous 14K yellow gold and accented with 0.58 carats of sparkling diamonds. At the hea...
Diamond, Turquoise, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carlo Zini Milano Floral Crystal Emerald Jeweled Dangle Clip-on Earrings
By Carlo Zini
Located in Atlanta, GA
These sophisticated Carlo Zini dangling clip-on earrings feature a floral shape with gunmetal framing, adorned with crystal rhinestones and emerald green cabochons. A giant faceted g...
Metal
Black and Shamrock Green Acrylic Lucite Geometric Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning acrylic, Lucite, or Resin dangling clip-on earrings feature a massive fan shape with articulated designs. The pieces boast black and shamrock green colors. Those earri...
Richard Kerr AB Jeweled Dangle Clip Earrings Cascading Stars
By Richard Kerr
Located in Atlanta, GA
Richard Kerr designed these gorgeous chandelier clip-on earrings in the 1980s. They are made of his signature pave rhinestones. The pieces boast a cascading shape with two star-shape...
$12,320Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb White Enamel Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Bombe Gold Clip-On Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful expression of David Webb's bold American design language, this pair of vintage clip-on earrings showcases the designer's signature ability to transform everyday motifs in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gilt & Red Enamel Oversized Door Knocker Earrings by Ciner, 1980s
By Ciner NY
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 2" tall - Gold plated - Red enamel - Crystal rhinestone accents - Clip on earring backs - By Ciner (signed on clips & verso) - Circa 198...
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Flame Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
These exceptional Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Flame earrings are a masterclass in mid-century jewelry artistry, expertly crafted in a sophisticated blend of 18k yellow gold and pl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
3.80 Ct. Tiffany & Co. Diamond Earrings in 18K
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant and timeless Tiffany & Co. earrings crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, set with round brilliant cut natural diamonds totaling approximately 3.80 carats. The diamonds are g...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Sapphire "Jeweleaf" Maple Leaf Earrings By Alfred Philippe For Crown Trifari
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Rare, hard to find design - Each earring measures 1.1" x .9" - Rhodium plated (silver tone) - Clear and Sapphire blue-colored glass crystal baguettes - Clear Diamanté pavé - Clip on earring backs - Designed by Alfred Philippe for Crown Trifari...
$398Sale Price|20% Off
Red Glass Cabochon Coin Statement Earrings By Edouard Rambaud, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - Each earring measures 1.6" in diameter - Gold plated hardware - Red glass cabochons - Clip on earring backs -...