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.
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Modern Cubic Zirconia Flower Large Studs Earring in 925 Silver Gift for Wife
Located in New York, NY
Modern Cubic Zirconia Flower Large Studs Earring in sterling silver. You shall need these statement studs earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cu...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
6.10 Ct Zambian Emerald 6.46 Ct Diamond Floral Drop Earrings 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted in luminous 18K White Gold, these exceptional drop earrings showcase the timeless beauty of natural Zambian emeralds framed by a dazzling halo of natural diamonds. The rich 6...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Designer OGI Ltd 14K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Diamond Hoop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate any jewelry collection with these striking 14K yellow gold shepherd hoop earrings, designed with vibrant natural turquoise gemstones in elegant oval and round bezel settings....
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou 9.60ctw Pink Morganite, Sapphrie, Tourmaline & Diamond Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Inspired by tropical blooms and sunlit island landscapes, these statement earrings bring together natural morganite, pink sapphire, and pink tourmaline in a vibrant floral compositio...
Diamond, Morganite, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with ruby up to 1.70ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.41ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with ruby total 1.70ct and brilliant-cut diamonds total 0.41ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the dimensions of the earring are 2.6 cm high and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$4,844Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural 2.37 Carat SI/H Multi Shape Diamond Fine Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
These 2.37 Carat Multi Shape Diamond Earrings are a true embodiment of elegance and sophistication. Expertly crafted in 18 Karat White Gold, these earrings feature an exquisite array...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$349Sale Price / item|50% Off
Peridot, tropical beach with palms painting, Mother of pearl earrings studs.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with peridot, tropical beach with palms and sea drawing. Handmade Paint tropical theme Shell Earrings with peridot. Beach Wedding bridal stud earr...
Pearl, Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
Pair of Mexican Mid-Century William Spratling Sterling Silver Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of signed Mexican silver earrings. In sterling silver. By William Spratling of Taxco, Mexico. Each with a silver beveled diamond...
Sterling Silver
20K Yellow Gold, Long Heart Drop Earrings with Diamonds by Buddha Mama
By Buddha Mama
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Make a graceful statement with these extraordinary Buddha Mama Long Heart Drop Earrings, masterfully handcrafted in rich 20K yellow gold (15.95 grams). Measuring an elegant 2½ inches...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$11,440Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald Beads & Diamonds Stud Hoop Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Stud Hoop oversized Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald beads is 36.23 carats. The Emera...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$102Sale Price / set|50% Off
Art Deco Style Teardrop Leaf Cubic Zirconia Wedding Earrings for Her in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Teardrop Leaf Cubic Zirconia Wedding Rose Gold Plated Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these statement drop earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece feature...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$524Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pear topaz silver, gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine silver, gold earrings. Yellow gemstone earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr Gemstones: citrine, yellow c...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver
$100Sale Price / set|50% Off
Coral Inspired Zircon Floral Stud Earrings in 925 Silver for Birthday Gift
Located in New York, NY
Coral Inspired Zircon Floral Stud Earrings in sterling silver. You shall need these stud earrings to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling cubic zirconia ston...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring st...
Amethyst, Topaz
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18Kt Yellow Gold, Ethiopian Opal & Mozambique Ruby Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ethiopian Opal & Ruby Chandelier Earrings set in 18Kt Gold & Red Rhodium. The weight of the faceted Opals is 15.64 carats. The Opals are ...
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
18K Gold, Ethiopian Opals, Ceylon Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Opal & Pink Sapphires Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opals is 6.12 carats. The weight of the...
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,747Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings, 1.40 Carats, New
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate timeless elegance and vibrant color with these 14K yellow gold drop earrings, featuring two luminous oval-shaped emeralds totaling 1.40 carats. Accented by 0.15 carats of s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 1.73 Carats Diamond Statement Stud Earrings Handmade 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Bold sculptural form meets refined craftsmanship in these distinctive diamond stud earrings, inspired by the graceful geometry of layered fan motifs. Precisely engraved sunburst text...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mazza Bartholomew 14K Yellow Gold Twist Hoop Earrings 1" Diameter
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your collection with these timeless Vintage Twist Hoop Earrings by Mazza Bartholomew, expertly crafted in rich 14K yellow gold. Measuring 1 i...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$349Sale Price / item|44% Off
Lotus flower earrings studs
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus flower earrings studs with amethyst and sapphires in 925 silver. Metal type: 925 silver Size: 12 x 12 mm. Weight: 2.3 g. Central stones: Genuine amethysts Cut: Maruises Weigh...
Amethyst, Yellow Sapphire, Silver
Green Jade & Fancy Color Diamond Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee’s Willow Frames Earrings from the Jade Dynasty Collection are a poetic tribute to the willow tree — a symbol of resilience, grace, and cultural lore. Echoing the willow’s l...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 17.97 carats, Ceylon Pink Sapphires Hoop Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphire Hoop Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 17.97 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (S...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Green Onyx Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Green Onyx Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Green Onyx Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Green Onyx Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earring...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$349Sale Price / item|50% Off
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with topaz and blue bird painting.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Mother Of Pearl Shell Stud Earrings with topaz and blue bird drawing. Handmade Paint Blue Bird Shell Earrings with moissanite. Beach Wedding bridal stud earrings. Mother of pearl bea...
Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$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...
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Hoop Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These delicate hoop earrings feature rare Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise from Arizona’s now-closed Sleeping Beauty mine, celebrated for its pure, vibrant robin's egg blue color wi...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
$22,800Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Platinum In & Out Diamond Earrings, 2.00 Carats
Located in Chicago, IL
Refined Tiffany & Co. In & Out diamond earrings, beautifully crafted in platinum and set with natural diamonds of exceptional quality and balance. This elegant pair features...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Stud Earrings with Mother-of-Pearl and Onyx
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant Symphony of Color and Textural Contrast Add a dash of timeless charm to your collection with these 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Stud Earrings, featuring a harmonious blend of ...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$349Sale Price / item|50% Off
Hummingbird earrings studs with blue topazs
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver Hummingbird earrings studs with blue topazs Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating Weight: 2.2 g. Size: 11.73 x 15.85 mm. Central stones: Genuine topazs Cut: pear Weight: a...
Diamond, Tsavorite, Topaz, Silver
$2,552Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Ribbon Clip-On 1 Inch Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A Bold Yet Timeless Statement of Iconic Brand Heritage Step into a world of enduring glamour with these Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ribbon Earrings, meticulously fashioned in 14K yello...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$849Sale Price / item|30% Off
Bee and Honeycomb Stud Earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bee and Honeycomb Stud Earrings in 14k gold. Little Gold Bee Stud Earrings. Solid Gold Bumble Bee Earrings. 14k solid gold Size: 12 x 8 mm. Total weight: 2.5 g. Central stones: O...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
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
David Yurman Cable Diamond Tahitian Pearl 18k Gold Sterling Silver Drop Earrings
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
• Brand: David Yurman • Style: Diamond & Tahitian Pearl Hoop Dangle Earrings • Material: sterling silver and 18k yellow gold • Hallmarks: D.Y. 925 750 • Diamonds: approximately 0.15c...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
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
$962Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Hummingbird Earings Studs with Rubies, Bird Stud Earrings with Gems
Located in Istanbul, TR
Hummingbird Stud Earrings with colored gemstone. Bird earrings. Pear ruby earrings. Hummingbird earrings. Red bird earrings. Tropic bird earrings. We also have matching design penda...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou 5.30 ctw Morganite, Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Nina Zhou 5.30ctw Morganite, Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings explore contrast through tone and texture, pairing softly faceted gemstones with a smooth, luminous fin...
Pearl, Diamond, Morganite, Freshwater Pearl, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yello...
CHANEL Fil de Camélia Diamond Stud Earrings 18K White Gold
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous pair of CHANEL Fil de Camelia diamond stud earrings are finely crafted in solid 18k white gold, made in the shape of a beautiful rose. Adorned with a prong and pave set...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$566Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethyst, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethyst and Topaz. Elegant vintage-in...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$5,657Sale Price / set|20% Off
2.41 Carat SI/H Oval Pear Diamond Stud Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Embrace timeless elegance with our natural diamond stud earrings crafted in solid 18K gold the perfect blend of sophistication, purity, and lasting value. Each earring features handp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Viena, Viena
Most beautiful opal earrings of all time what a firework in opal white, lively, fine translucent full opal cabochon from Ethiopia totaling approx. 2.44 ct, AAA+ set in 750 white gold...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$641Sale Price / item|44% Off
Hummingbird earrings studs with amethysts in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold Hummingbird earrings studs with amethysts. Gold bird earrings. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.2 g. Size: 11.73 x 15.85 mm. Central stones: Genuine amethysts Cut: pear Weight: ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
Fire of Agni Blue Sapphire Earrings, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Fire of Agni Earrings are part of the FŪRINKAZAN Collection, which is an artistic jewelry line designed by Austy Lee. Austy Lee is a renowned jewelry designer known for creating ...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
Earrings with tanzanite and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.64ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold stud earrings set with tanzanite total 1.22ct and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.64ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the stud are 1.1 cm by 9....
Tanzanite, Diamond, 18k Gold
$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
Tiffany & Co. Circlet Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum PT950 — 26 Diamond Pavé
Located in Plantation, FL
A classic and elegant pair of Tiffany & Co. Circlet stud earrings crafted in platinum (PT950), one of the most iconic designs from America’s foremost luxury jeweler. Each earring fea...
Diamond, Platinum
13 Mm Pearls, Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Modern earrings in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with three rubies alternated with diamonds and, as pendant, a pearl. Diamonds 0.72 ct Rubies 6.38 ct Pearls 6.00 gr Total Weight...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$349Sale Price / item|50% Off
Amethyst earrindgs studs
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst silver earrindgs studs. Material: 925 silver Weight: 2.80 g. Earrings size: 25 x 14 mm. Amethyst: 2 pieces, lavender - violet - color, briolette cut, transparent, (7.5 x ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver
$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...
Kenzo Paris Silver Plate and Enamel Floral Clip Earrings
By Kenzo
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Kenzo Paris floral clip-on earrings feature a dimensional shape with silver-plate metal framing, carved and textured, and adorned with orange and turquoise enamel. The...
Silver Plate, Enamel
$420Sale Price / item|60% Off
Sun and moon, day and night earrings studs
Located in Istanbul, TR
Sun and moon earrings studs. 925 silver ring multicolor lab gemstones earrings studs. Mismatched earrings with lab sapphires. Day and night earrings. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold pl...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
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
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 1990 Sterling Silver Criss Cross Lever Back Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
These classic Tiffany and Co hallmarked sterling silver criss cross lever back earrings are from 1990. On the back they read 1990 Tiffany &...
Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 1.94 Carat Pigeon Blood Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
A new pair of ruby and diamond earring studs from Rewa. The two rubies weigh 0.97 and 0.97 carat approximately. They both have been certified by GIA as Burmese, natural, and withou...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.68 Carat SI/H Pear Brilliant Cut Diamond Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Spectrum Jewels is proudly rated as a Top Seller on 1stdibs with 5 star customer reviews. All ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$350Sale Price / item|50% Off
Geometric and Floral Painting on Mother of Pearl Earrings with amethysts
Located in Istanbul, TR
Geometric Floral Mother of Pearl Earrings 925 Silver Gold Plated Drop earrings with Amethyst Briolettes Painted Miniature Art Jewelry Boho Gift Discover the perfect fusion of mo...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$2,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
Emerald Dew Drop Diamond Fine Jewelry Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Delicate sophistication meets contemporary elegance in these refined fine jewelry stud earrings featuring vibrant natural Zambian emeralds and brilliant natural diamonds. Handcrafte...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,640Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Pink Sapphire Rose Cuts & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Pink Sapphire Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphire Rose Cuts is 11.31 carats. The Pink Sapphires are o...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$250Sale Price / item|50% Off
925 Silver Dainty Blue Sapphire and Diamond Stud Earrings for Her
Located in New York, NY
Dainty Blue Sapphire and Diamond Stud Earrings for Her in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look. These e...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$11,120Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Multi Sapphires, Crome Diopsides & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires, Pink Sapphires, Yellow Sapphires & Russian Crome Diopsides Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. ...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
$190Sale Price / set|50% Off
Natural Aquamarine Gemstone Sterling Silver Leaf Classic Stud Earrings for Her
Located in New York, NY
Natural Aquamarine Gemstone Sterling Silver Leaf Stud Earrings in sterling silver to make a statement with your look. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look....
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver