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.
18k Yellow Gold Multicolor Sapphire, Green Emerald and Diamond Star Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Estate 18k yellow gold clip earrings mounted with sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. These are lovely earrings made with translucent green emeralds and medium deep hue sapphires. Roun...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Color Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A cluster of fancy color diamond briolette-cut drops set in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
1 Carat Round Diamond Rose Gold Diamond Studs
Located in Chicago, IL
Rose Gold Round Halo Stud Earrings with 1.16 ct total weight in Diamonds. The Earrings contain 2 Natural Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Weighing 1.00 ct, I-J in Color, SI3 in Clari...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
White Gold, Heart Stud Earrings, Set with Diamonds and Sapphires, Pasquale Bruni
Located in Berlin, DE
Heart Shaped White Gold Stud Earrings, set with Diamonds and Yellow Sapphires. By Pasquale Bruni. Italian luxury designer. 18 Karat white gold, with yellow sapphires, total approx....
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M. Rose Cut Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
One-of-a-kind Rose Cut Sapphire and Diamond Earrings, unique combination of rose cut sapphires and diamonds in oval shape design. Features 17.00 Ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$9,240Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Yellow Gold Round Black Enamel Clip-On Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
These stunning round clip on Earrings by David Webb are in excellent vintage condition and have no visible damage and very little wear. They are black enamel with gold tone metal str...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Modern Diamond Open-Work Convertible Drop Earrings in 18k White Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Modern Diamond Open-Work Convertible Drop Earrings in 18k White Gold Exude effortless sophistication with these striking diamond drop earrings, a masterclass in geometric brilliance ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
14k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Decorated Omega Back Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.48 ct. The diamond G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is emerald 0.60 ct. Box is not included. Please conta...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Earrings 18 Karat Gold Blue Sapphires, Diamonds from the Iconic Omles Collection
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Earrings 18kt gold, Blue Sapphires, Diamonds from The Iconic Omles Collection. A Story behind This Collection by Angeletti, which Recalls the Patch, or Scrap; the Gold Frame Hosts a...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Earrings, Modern Late 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of 14K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Earrings, brightly polished, featuring six bezel set oval brilliant rubies weighing a total of approx. 2.00 carats, further adorned with two beze...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,500 / set
3.40 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Gold Galaxy Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat gold, these stunning earrings are hand set with 3.40 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive piec...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
5.88 Carats Emerald 3.45 Carats Diamond 14 Karat Gold Chandelier Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold, these beautiful earrings are hand set with 5.88 carats emerald and 3.45 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest col...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
French 1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Retro Clip Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
Earring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Each gold earring is a half-ring domed with a radiating pattern. The system of hanging is with clip. Height : 2,5 cm approximately, width at the widest : 17 mm approximately. Total weight of the jewel : 17 g approximately. Authentic antique jewelry...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,500 / set
4.20 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Gold Hoop Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat gold, these stunning earrings are hand set with 4.20 carats of sparkling diamonds. Available in Rose, white and yellow gold. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to vi...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
3.18 Carat Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Gold Stud Reef Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat white gold, these stunning stud earrings are hand set with 3.18 carats emerald and 1.37 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
36.80 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Heart Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18-karat white gold, these stunning drop earrings are set with 36.80 carats blue sapphire and 5.85 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14.10 carat Diamond 3.60 carat Emerald 14 Karat White Gold Chandelier Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These exquisite earrings are handcrafted in 14-karat white gold. It is set in 3.60 carats emerald and 14.10 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Crescent Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat rose gold, these beautiful earrings are encrusted with 1.10 carats of shimmering diamonds. Available in rose, yellow and white gold. Check out our other complime...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,200 / item
Floral Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat and sterling silver, these beautiful floral stud earrings are hand set with .22 carats of sparkling diamonds. Complimentary conversion to clip-on earrings is avail...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 9K Gold Clip-On Earrings with Cubic Zirconia, Modern Style
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage stunning clip on earrings, gold marked JC 9K Gold CZ, for Cubic Zirconia. Of circular outline in polished and textured gold, enhanced by undulating lines of circular-cut cub...
Zircon, Gold, 10k Gold
$1,473 / item
0.03ctw Round Diamond Heart 14K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simple yet timeless, these 14k yellow gold earrings feature sparkling round diamonds that offer a touch of understated elegance. Perfect for everyday wear, they add a subtle brillian...
Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$2,850 / item
Green Onyx Diamond Meghna Jewels Claw Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Bold and modern, these single claw drop diamond earrings exude a captivating sophistication. Cast in 18k gold and sterling silver. These earrings are handset in 9.15 carat green onyx...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
18K solid GOLD grape ruby earrings
By Starlette
Located in Den Haag, NL
Are you looking for a unique and elegant accessory to complement your outfit? Do you love the rich and vibrant color of ruby? If so, you will love our grape ruby earrings! These earrings are made of 18k solid gold and feature natural loose ruby stones...
Ruby, Gold
18K solid GOLD Carina ruby diamond earrings
By Starlette
Located in Den Haag, NL
PRODUCT DETAILS: 18k Solid Gold Stones: Natural loose ruby 0.16 c.t(approx) Brilliant cut VS1 Diamond 0.25 c.t (approx) Made entirely by hand using ethically sourced stones and recla...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
0.50 cts of Emerald Clip-on-earrings
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Clip-On Earrings, a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. Crafted in luxurious 18K white gold, each earring weighs a lightweight 1.68 grams, ensuring co...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond 1.05 carats 18KT Yellow Gold Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Indulge in luxury with these handmade 18KT yellow gold halo cluster stud earrings. The cluster design exudes elegance and luxury, featuring only natural diamonds of the highest quali...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.1 Carat Pave Diamond 14K White Gold Open Clip-On Drop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
5.1 carat pave set diamond open drop shape clip on drop earrings in 14k white gold. Striking yet sophisticated, these 14K white gold drop earrings feature a stunning arrangement of ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.80 Carat Diamond Italian Earrings White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Moon shaped diamond earrings set in 18K white gold. The color of the stones are G, the clarity is VS1-VS2. The total carat weight is 2.80.
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Yellow Diamond Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Yellow Diamond Earrings 18K White Gold - 2.47 GM Yellow Diamonds - 0.40 CT White Diamonds - 0.80 CT Nurati Jewelry's classic diamond earrings captivate with their ex...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Gold
2.80 Carat Diamond Italian Earrings White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Moon shaped diamond earrings set in 18K white gold. The color of the stones are G, the clarity is VS1-VS2. The total carat weight is 2.80.
Diamond, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Earrings with Multi-Color Gemstones and Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Earrings with Multi-Color Gemstones and Diamonds 2 Blue Sapphires - 0.08 CT 2 Diamonds - 0.05 CT 2 Green Garnets - 0.10 CT 2 Pink Sapphires - 0.11 CT 2 Rubies - 0.05 CT...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Christina Addison Double Cushion Earrings with Pink Topaz and Orange Citrine
Located in New York, NY
Christina Addison Elegant 18kt Yellow Gold Double Cushion Cut Earrings with Faceted Pink Topaz and Faceted Orange Citrine. This is a classic day to evening earring that can be made...
Citrine, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K Gold Earclips with Cut Und Uncut Rough Diamonds Tahitian Pearls
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very unusual 18 K blackened white Gold and pink Gold omega clip post earrings featuring 2 silvery Tahitian Pearls (12.2 mm and 12.5 mm). They are accentuated by 12 rough Diamonds wit...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$3,600 / set
Modern Blue Agate Star Earrings Set in 18K Gold
Located in Tysons, VA
Each striking & spangled star is precisely carved from natural gemstones and encased in a beautiful solid gold rope finish with no visible prongs, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that...
Agate, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,600 / set
Modern Carnelian Star Earrings Set in 18K Gold
Located in Tysons, VA
Each striking & spangled star is precisely carved from natural gemstones and encased in a beautiful solid gold rope finish with no visible prongs, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,600 / set
Modern Malachite Star Earrings Set in 18K Gold
Located in Tysons, VA
Each striking & spangled star is precisely carved from natural gemstones and encased in a beautiful solid gold rope finish with no visible prongs, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Turquoise Star Earrings Set in 18K Gold
Located in Tysons, VA
Each striking & spangled star is precisely carved from natural gemstones and encased in a beautiful solid gold rope finish with no visible prongs, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Mother of Pearl Star Earrings Set in 18K Gold
Located in Tysons, VA
18 Karat White/Yellow/Rose Gold 2 Natural White Mother of Pearl Slices Approximate Star Motif Size: 0.59 inches / 1.50 centimeters Omega Lock Clip
Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Double Circle Overlap Earrings with diamonds in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Double Circle Overlap Earrings with diamonds in 18K Yellow Gold with 56 diamonds 3.1mm each totaling 6.87 carat, F-G color VVS-VS clarity
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Double Circle Overlap Earrings with diamonds in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Double Circle Overlap Earrings with diamonds in 18K White Gold in 18K White Gold Earrings with 56 diamonds 2.9mm each totaling 5.04 carat, F-G color VVS-VS clarity
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$27,520Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Buckle Diamond Black Enamel Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a striking pair of David Webb signature buckle design earrings, exuding a bold and captivating presence. These unique earrings are crafted as clip-ons, ensuring ease of w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Diana M. PLATINUM EARRING STUDS WITH PEAR SHAPE DIAMONDS 4.09CTS
Located in New York, NY
PLATINUM EARRING STUDS WITH PEAR SHAPE DIAMONDS 4.09CTS GHJ, SI1-SI2 8 STONES GIA REPORTS RD 2 STONES 0.09CTS. Total earring weight Diana M is one-stop shop for all your jewelry sho...
Diamond, Platinum
Diana M. 18 kt white and yellow gold earrings adorned with 13.61 ct of Rose Cut
Located in New York, NY
18 kt white and yellow gold earrings adorned with 13.61 cts tw of rose cut pear shaped diamonds surrounded by smaller round diamonds Diana M. is a leading supplier of top-quality fi...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$23,100Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Diamond Metro Clip Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Comes to us from Metro Collection, by David Webb these fabolous white enamel earrings are made in a shape of a shield. Accented with round cut diamonds make these earrings your out a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$33,280Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Large Dome Oval Button Clip Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Fall in love with these impressive David Webb yellow gold clip on earrings of a significant size. Impress everyone in the room when wearing these fantastic yellow gold earrings. Desi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Large Diamond Ear Studs, Earrings, 18 Karat Bicolor Gold and 999 Fine Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Charming, large diamond ear studs, made of 18 carat bicolor gold and fine silver. High quality and very exclusive designer earrings. Material 18 carat yellow and red gold and 999 fi...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$12,480Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Round Disks with Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Solid 18K Yellow and White Gold Lightning Bolt Ear Clips by David Webb. These lovely earrings from David Webb are crafted of solid 18k yellow gold with white gold lightning...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$14,280Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Oval Bombe Pave Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Perfect for everyday wear these oval dome pave set diamond earrings by David Webb, are somewhat settle and yet have enough glam for day to night wear. Fit perfectly on any ear compl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Clip Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
"Crafted in 18K gold and platinum; set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing a total of approximately 1.90 carats, most with F-G color and VS clarity; oval cabochon rubies, mea...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Elegant Three-Stone Drop Earring with Citrine and Baroque Pear and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Bespoke 18kt Yellow Gold Elegant Three Stone Drop Earrings with two Citrine and Baroque Pearl and Diamonds Faceted Cushion, Oval, and then ...
Citrine, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Champagne and White Diamond Gold Flower Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful cluster of diamond earrings, with champagne and white color round brilliant-cut diamonds, set in 18K white gold. The estimated ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 8.50 Carat Certified Vivid Green Emerald And Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Absolutely stunning 8.58 Carat Vivid green excellent cut round Emerald Diamond Stud Earrings. AGTA Certified as Round-cut. Set with 16 Marquise-cut white diamonds totaling in 4.19 ca...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Price Upon Request
Belperron Mid-Century Platinum Square-Cut Diamond Fan Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Suzanne Belperron "all white" diamond jewels are rare and collectible. These elegant statement earrings, in addition to their great style and geometric design, feature diamonds with significant intrinsic value. Collectors familiar with Belperron's work will remember that earrings--in this case important diamond earrings...
Diamond, Platinum