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.
Mid-Century 18K Yellow Gold, Turquoise Cabochon, and Diamond Clip Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage gold, turquoise, and diamond clip earrings. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each with central prong-set turquoise oval cabochons surrounded by pave set round single...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Couture Signed Dior Designer First AB Crystals Western Germany Earrings S/S 1956
Located in Chicago, IL
Distinguishing these couture Christian Dior Spring/Summer 1956 "Western Germany"-stamped silver earrings featuring the first Swarovski gold-foi...
Crystal, Silver, Base Metal
$1,092Sale Price / item|35% Off
Topaz and amethyst 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Topaz and amethyst 14k gold earrings. Red and purple gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr Gemstones amethyst, purple, oval cut, ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,925Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings 14k gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Metal...
Opal, Topaz, 14k Gold
Angara Natural 1.6 ct Pink Sapphire Solitaire Heart Stud Earrings in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Floral Natural Diamond Drop Earrings 14K Yellow Gold Statement Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Inspired by the delicate beauty of blooming flowers, these handcrafted floral drop earrings showcase an elegant cascade of polished gold blossoms accented with sparkling natural diam...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carlo Zini Milano Pink Resin Jeweled Dangle Clip-on Earrings
By Carlo Zini
Located in Atlanta, GA
These sophisticated Carlo Zini dangling clip-on earrings feature a long geometric shape with silvered-metal framing, adorned with red, hot pink, and powder pink resin rhinestones and...
Metal
18k Yellow Gold Mid-Size Twisted Hoop Earrings #23529
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18k Yellow Gold Mid-Size Twisted Hoop Earrings Elevate your everyday style with these elegant 18K gold twisted hoop earrings. Their mid-s...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings in White Gold
Located in London, England
A stunning pair of diamond drop earrings set in 18k white gold.
The earrings have a wonderful chandelier motif. Each earring is set with 197 round brilliant-cut and 10 pear-sh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earrings with pearl, square and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold stud earrings set with pearl and square and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the size of the stud is 2.4 cm long by 1.0 cm wi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$1,848Sale Price / set|20% Off
Earrings in Smoky Quartz, Black Agate Adorned with 0.32 Carat Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
Earrings in Smoky Quartz, Black Agate Adorned with 0.32 Carat Diamonds Indulge in the allure of these enchanting earrings crafted with smoky quartz and black agate stones. Each earr...
Agate, Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold
$519Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silver, gold Cala Lily flower earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, gold Cala Lily flower earrings. Lily flower earrings. White flower wedding earrings. Metal: silver 925 + 14k gold plating over Weight: 5 gr. Gemstones: Colorless topazs,...
Citrine, Gold Plate, Silver
$652Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Small Diamond Huggie Hoop Earring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The term "huggee" refers to their petite, close-fitting style, which minimizes the gap between the earring and the earlobe, making them comfortable for all-day wear. Material : 14K...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Diamond Halo Tanzanite Emerald Designer Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
An extraordinary composition of vivid color and brilliance, these high jewelry earrings present an artistic balance of rich Zambian emeralds, captivating natural tanzanites, and radi...
Diamond, Emerald, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 1972 18 Karat Gold Vintage X Rope J-Hoop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as fluted j-hoop forms comprised of twisted gold rope segments Wrapped with stylized X motif stations With high polish finish throughout Completed by posts with hinged omega...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Yellow Diamond and White Diamond Floral Stud Earrings in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These beautiful earrings feature a beautiful combination of Natural Yellow and White diamonds, Yellow Diamonds carefully crafted with white diamonds in beautiful petals that form a s...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ceylon Yellow Sapphire Bezel Stud Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of luminous color to your collection with these 14K Yellow Gold Bezel Stud Earrings, featuring a pair of fine-quality Ceylon yellow sapphires totaling 1.30 carats. Each s...
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum and 18kt White Gold Earrings with South Sea Pearls and 3.07ct Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
These unique and elegant earrings crafted by our gallery, Each centers a large south sea pearl framed with 8 marquis cut diamonds. The drop portion of the earring had a round brillia...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
14 Karat White Gold Natural Tanzanite & Diamond Post Stud Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat White Gold Natural Tanzanite & Diamond Post Stud Earrings Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 2.32 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.06 CTW G-H VS round natural diamonds Tanzanite: 2 tri...
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold
60s Vintage Hammerman Bros Earrings Clip On 14k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Hammerman Bros earrings crafted in 14 Karat yellow gold (circa 1960s). With a graduation of sleek lines the domed shrimp earrings measure 3/4 inches in length and ma...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stephen Webster Crystal Haze Butterfly earrings opalescent blue, black diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
From the Crystal Haze collection are these Butterfly Cuff Earrings set with Black Opalescent and Quartz Crystal Haze and Black Diamond Pavé. Come and try them on! Inspired by noctur...
Crystal, Black Diamond, Quartz, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Nina Zhou 3.20ct Aquamarine Diamond Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Elevate your elegance with the Nina Zhou Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Earrings, a sophisticated blend of modern design and timeless beauty. Crafted in yellow gold, these earrings feat...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Harriet Baugnight for Kaso Resin Acrylic Resin Clip-on Earrings with Frog Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
These are the cutest Lucite dangling clip-on earrings Harriet Bauknight designed for Kaso in the 1980s. They feature a lagoon blue Lucite dimensional bead fastening, complemented by ...
Bulgari Alveare Vintage 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Hoop Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Earrings. Bvlgari. Hallmarked: Bvlgari, 750, Serial. Condition: Pre-owned. Includes our gift box. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and polished stainles...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$1,207Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Bezel Set Diamond Stud Earrings, 0.40 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday style with these classic 14K yellow gold bezel set natural diamond stud earrings, showcasing 0.40 carats of high-quality diamonds in a minimalist yet striking d...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou Fantasy 6.45ctw Natural Heart Rhodolite & Diamond Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou Fantasy 6.45ctw Natural Heart Rhodolite & Diamond Drop Earrings radiate romance and artistry in equal measure. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, each earring is formed fr...
Diamond, Rhodolite, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou 5.92 ctw Aquamarine & Diamond Double Blossom Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The 5.92 ctw Aquamarine Diamond Double Blossom Drop Earrings radiate a serene elegance, with sky-blue aquamarines arranged in a charming floral design. Each gemstone is carefully set...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Knot Stud Earring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glossy 9ct gold superbly tied in a knot make the most stylish design for these earrings. Knot Diameter: 19mm Height From Ear: 11mm Weight: 4.9g
Gold
Tiffany & Co, E. Peretti, 18K YGold Tiffany By the Yard 0.46 CT diamond earrings
Located in Paris, FR
A refined and timeless pair of Tiffany & Co. “Diamonds by the Yard” stud earrings, designed by the legendary Elsa Peretti, whose minimalist creations have become icons of modern ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Monique Vedie Dark Pink Talosel Clip-on Earrings, Line Vautrin School
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning French Jewelry Designer Monique Vedié Paris clip-on earrings boast a dimensional shape with a carved door knocker design in raspberry purple resin or Talosel with an i...
$12,833Sale Price|20% Off
2.94 Carat Marquise and Pear Diamond Cluster Earrings 18K White Gold Bridal Gift
Located in Deira, AE
Item Code: SEE-111065 Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Gross Weight: 6.75 Grams Natural Diamond Weight: 2.94 Carat Diamond Clarity: SI Diamond Color: H–I An intricate arrangement of marq...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Nina Zhou Sunflower 2.77ctw Turquoise & Diamond Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
These sunflower earrings by Nina Zhou bring a burst of joyful color with their vibrant turquoise petals and diamond-set centers. The clean, symmetrical design captures the cheerful e...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$466Sale Price / item|60% Off
Topaz and amethyst earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Topaz and amethyst 925 silver earrings. Red and purple gemstones earrings. Casual earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 3 gr Gemstones ...
Amethyst, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Vintage Elsa Schiaparelli Clip-On Earrings, Topaz & Boris Aurealis Glass 40's
Located in North Miami, FL
The combination of faceted smoky topaz crystal glass with turquoise Boris Aurealis glass stones and clear rhinestones set of with a flower top in gilt m...
Crystal, Brass
Trianon 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Onyx Diamond Earrings, 1980s
By Trianon
Located in Towson, MD
A striking pair of vintage 1980s Trianon 14 karat yellow gold pierced earrings, masterfully combining the elegance of mabe pearls with the bold contrast of onyx and diamonds. Each ea...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
Steven Battelle 2.6 Carats Rose Cut Colored Diamond 22K Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
A matched set of 7 x9 mm pear shaped faceted colored diamonds are surrounded by fine "pasir" granulation and suspended below an 18K safety clasp ear wire (for proper tensioning) with...
Diamond, 22k Gold
$9,144Sale Price / set|20% Off
Inside Out Hoop Earrings 3.25 Ct. Natural Diamond Huggies 18K White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Timeless and sophisticated, these diamond hoop earrings are meticulously crafted in 18K white gold and adorned with 3.25 carats of natural diamonds. Showcasing a graceful hoop silhou...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Pink Sapphire, Ruby & Rose Cut Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires & Ruby Dangle Earrings set in 18K Gold White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 5.35 carats. Th...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Earrings with marquise shaped diamond up to 1.00ct 18k gold 2.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire stud earrings set with marquise-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the earring is 9.6 mm by 4.0 mm wide Weight 2....
Diamond, 18k Gold
$569Sale Price|20% Off
Peach Moonstone Rose Gold Earrings
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover these beautiful 18-carat pink gold dangling earrings, adorned with a peach moonstone. These earrings are both elegant and easy to wear, adding...
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Pear Cut Blue Sapphire & Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant huggie hoop earrings feature 2 pear cut blue sapphire totaling 0.82 carats set in 18k yellow gold. Each sapphire measures 4 × 6 mm and is secured in a three-prong setti...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K White gold Ruby and diamond invisible Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
A lovely ruby stud earrings that you can use as everyday.We use the top quality Ruby for our invisible setting.It is deep red and very sparking. The invisible is a highly technique ....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2.04 Carats Vivid-Red, Burmese Rubies Earrings Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A gorgeous pair of Rubies weighing a total of 2.04 Carats coming from Burma and Pigeon's Blood in Color. The diamonds are a further 0.70 Carats. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
AGS Certified 14K White Gold 1.0 Cttw Solitaire Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate any occasion with these classic shimmering diamond stud earrings. Crafted from 14k white gold each earring showcases a sparkling brilliant round-cut solitaire diamond in a ...
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, 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...
Angara 2.4ct Natural Pear Garnet Leverback Drop Earrings in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: These classic garnet earrings exude sophisticated style. The gemstones are cut and faceted in a pear shape and look alluring in their intense reddish brown. T...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Hoop Drop Earrings with Ruby & Morganite Beads
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and expressive, these 14K yellow gold shepherd hook drop earrings beautifully combine classic fine jewelry with the vibrant appeal of gemstone bead design. The earrings featu...
Diamond, Morganite, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Pear 10.75 Ct. Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings Handmade 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Graceful and eye-catching, these handcrafted natural diamond chandelier earrings feature an elegant arrangement of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds that create beautiful movement wi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Cut Zambian Emerald Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings Handmade 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Elegant and timeless, these handcrafted natural Zambian emerald and diamond stud earrings showcase vivid oval emeralds framed by a brilliant halo of natural diamonds. The classic sil...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$4,725Sale Price / set|20% Off
Graduated Diamond Drop Earrings with Pear and Emerald Cuts in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A graceful sequence of diamonds creates continuous movement and measured brilliance throughout these drop earrings. The composition balances geometric precision with fluid proportion...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$78Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Leaf Climber Earrings By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.1" tall - Gold plated - Clip on earring backs - By Crown Trifari (signed on clips) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good vintage cond...
PASQUALE BRUNI earrings with different gemstones and diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
PASQUALI BRUNI 18k white gold stud earrings set with sapphire, topaz, tourmaline, amethyst, citrine, peridot and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.24ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed descripti...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Blue Top...
$5,787Sale Price / set|20% Off
Brilliant Cut Certified Diamond Dangle Earrings 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted with timeless elegance, these handcrafted diamond earrings are designed to complement both everyday wear and special occasions. Their refined silhouette showcases the natural...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Couture 1950s WestGermany DiorDesigner Crystal DoubleTrimmed EmeraldCut Earrings
By Christian Dior Haute Couture
Located in Chicago, IL
While making similar Christian Dior haute-couture costume-jewelry since 1955, parurier Max Muller based near Kaufbeuren, Western Germany, created these exceptionally-clear crystal si...
Crystal, Silver, Gilt Metal
Nina Zhou 23.06ctw Pink Sapphire Diamond Blossom Amethyst Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Experience the enchanting allure of Nina Zhou's Pink Sapphire Diamond Blossom Amethyst Drop Earrings, expertly crafted in radiant yellow gold. Each earring begins with a delicate blo...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou 5.72ctw Moonstone Diamond Double Blossom Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou Moonstone Diamond Flower Blossom Earrings in 14k Gold epitomize elegance and natural beauty. These earrings feature luminous moonstones, renowned for their ethereal glo...
Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold
18K White Gold and Diamond Large Vine Earrings by Rina Limor
By Rina Limor
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Elegant and sculptural, these 18K White Gold Large Vine Earrings by Rina Limor showcase a graceful, nature-inspired design with a luminous modern edge. Crafted in polished 18K white ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earrings with emerald, ruby and rose cut diamonds up to 0.10ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold stud earrings set with emerald, ruby, and rose diamonds totaling 0.10ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the stud/pendant are 3.2 cm long by 2.2 c...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou Nosa 4.60ctw Sapphire, Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Like the shifting hues of a deep lagoon kissed by sunlight, these Nosa earrings capture the serene meeting of sapphire and aquamarine. Set in 14K yellow gold, each stud dances with c...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
David Morris 18Kt Yellow/Blackened Gold Diamond & Pink Tourmaline Heart Earrings
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
These 18 karat yellow gold teardrop shaped earrings were designed by David Morris.They feature Pink Tourmaline heart centers with a yellow gold bezel setting...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold