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.
1.13 Ct Oval Emerald & Pear Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
1.13Ct Oval, Emerald & Pear Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings 18K White Gold Three diamonds, three different shapes, set together in one cluster — an oval, an emerald cut, and a pear...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 1960's Turquoise 18K Gold Vintage Quatrefoil Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as quatrefoil form with puffy terminals and twisted rope surround Centering 8.0 mm round carved turquoise spheres Opaque bright robin's egg blue in color With a high polish ...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,225Sale Price / item|30% Off
Amethyst, sapphire, tanzanite, diamonds earrings studs in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst, sapphire, tanzanite, diamonds earrings studs in 14k gold. Yellow, orange sapphire 14k gold earrings. Tanzanite gold earrings. Four color da...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 14k Gold
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
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
Earrings with onyx and single cut diamonds up to 0.42ct 6.2 gram 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with onyx and single cut diamonds. 0.42ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: the size of the earring is 3.4 cm long by 9.5 mm wide Total weight 6.2 ...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.66 Carat Sphene (Titanite) & Malachite Earrings, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These stud earrings showcase a minimalist design, featuring a vivid yellow sphene gemstone nestled within a sleek ring-shaped cutout. Part of a classic collection of round-cut sphene...
Malachite, Other, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
$4,950 / set
Sky Blue 13 Carat Topaz Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate every moment with these exquisite 14K Gold Dangle Earrings, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. Featuring the serene brilliance of sky blue topaz, the rich v...
Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman 1970's Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Floral Spray Ear-Clip Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as stylized flowers with fanning petals and wire spray Featuring prong and bead set round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 7.30 carats - G color with VS2 clarit...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Nina Zhou Rhythm 3.25ctw Turquoise Diamond and Pearl Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Inspired by the serene rhythm of nature, Nina Zhou Rythm Turquoise Diamond and Pearl Drop Earrings feature a poetic pairing of vibrant turquoise beads and luminous cultured pearls. T...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Tone Vigeland 'Sling' Ear-cuff Earrings Gold-plated Sterling Silver, Norway 1958
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of iconic 'Sling' Mid-Century Scandinavian ear-cuff earrings, made of gold-plated sterling silver. These are very rare in the gilded version. Can be worn in 2 different ways...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Nina Zhou 4.92ctw Blue Sapphire Diamond Pearl Convertible Blossom Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Nina Zhou 4.92ctw Blue Sapphire, Diamond & Pearl Convertible Blossom Drop Earrings are designed with an elongated vertical profile that draws the eye downward, creating an elegant se...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yel...
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany T Hoop Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These elegant Tiffany & Co. earrings feature the iconic Tiffany T design in a sleek hoop style. The clean, architectural lines create a modern and sophisticated silhouette. Each ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.55 Carat Natural Zambian Emerald Diamond Drop Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
3.55 Carat Natural Zambian Emerald Diamond Drop Earrings 18 Karat White Gold features 3.14 carat set of pear cut emerald dropping down the 0.14 carat set of tapered diamond on the lo...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Rose Gold Diamond Oval Huggie Hoop Earrings, 0.25 Carats, USA
Located in New York, NY
Delicate sophistication meets everyday luxury in these 14K Rose Gold Diamond Oval Huggie Hoop Earrings, designed for the modern woman who values both elegance and versatility. Set in...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Silvia Furmanovich 18K Gold Garnet Diamond Marquetry Drop Earrings
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Crafted in luminous 18K yellow gold, these marquetry mini earrings exemplify fine craftsmanship and timeless elegance. The intricate marquetry design is accented by a richly hued gar...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
$11,375Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural 3.37Ct Diamond Curved Ear Climber Drop Earrings 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Natural 3.37Ct Diamond Curved Ear Climber Drop Earrings 18k White Gold features round and pear cut diamonds in a curve with pear diamond drop making ear climber earrings. Diamonds ar...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Double Huggie Earrings Two Hoops in One 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Austin, TX
This double huggie earring looks like you have two piercings and two hoops on. The multi earring trend is here and with this earring you can just have o...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Diamond Teardrop Stud Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold 0.11 Carat
Located in Deira, AE
Smooth curves and understated brilliance come together in these contemporary teardrop diamond stud earrings. Crafted in polished 18K yellow gold, each earring features three natural ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Diamond Citrine Drop 18 Karat Two Tone Gold Leverback Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
These striking 18 karat yellow and white gold diamond and citrine drop earrings feature a dramatic three-strand design, with two strands set with diamonds and one strand showcasing v...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,925Sale Price / item|44% Off
Green Onyx and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Green Onyx and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs in 14k gold. Dangle Green Onyx earrings. Cocktail earrings with Green Onyx cabochon. Contemporary Green Onyx and Colorless Topaz Ea...
Onyx, Topaz, 14k Gold
$1,050Sale Price / set|30% Off
Vintage American Textured Flower Form 14K Rose Gold Stud Earrings - Circa 1960's
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage American pair of textured 14K rose gold flower form stud earrings - featuring one small accent diamond to the center of each flower / earring - each round faceted diamond is ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
4.00 Ct GIA Certified F/VS1 Heart Diamond Bezel Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These elegant drop earrings feature GIA Certified Heart Shape diamonds totaling 4.00 carats, composed of two diamonds weighing 2.00 carats each, graded F color and VS1 clarity. Caref...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cilea Paris Avocado Green and Flowers Resin Dangle Pierced Earrings
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these elegant clip-on earrings. These dimensionally dangling artisanal resin earrings feature a textured pattern and a glossy finish. The lovely spring palette f...
$466Sale Price / item|50% Off
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold. Dangle peridot earrings. Cocktail earrings with peridots. Weight: 5 gr Central gemstone: peridots, oval cut, 1.5 ct, transparent, gr...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Round Cut Natural Blue Sapphire Bezel Set Stud Earrings in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant stud earrings feature round cut natural blue sapphires, weighing 0.3 carats total. The sapphires are securely bezel set in 14K yellow gold, giving them a sleek and mode...
Blue Sapphire, 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...
Natural Green Jade & 2.1 Carats Diamond Parchment Earrings, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Parchment of Jadeite Earrings from the Jade Dynasty Collection are a stunning representation of elegance and artistry, resembling a rolled parchment or a polished slab of wood. E...
Jade, Diamond, Rhodium, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Gold Tone Hoop Earrings Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone Hoop Earrings Circa 1980s. You didn't know you needed these earrings until you tried them on. They are not giant in size, but they are a giant in punch. Very chic...
Mixed Metal
$588Sale Price / set|20% Off
Modern 18K Yellow Gold 1 Carat Oval Turquoise Bezel Set Stud Earrings for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant turquoise stud earrings feature two oval-cut turquoise gemstones totaling 1 carat, beautifully set in 18K yellow gold. Each gem measures approximately 10×8 mm and rests...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,994Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pear Cut Zambian Emerald Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Pear Cut Zambian Emerald Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings 14 Karat White Gold features pear cut emerald and marquise cut diamond set in cluster floral making stud earrings. Emerald is b...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Natural Pavé Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat White Gold Natural Pavé Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 3.72 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.40 CTW round natura...
Diamond, White Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 8mm Stud Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These classic 18K yellow gold stud earrings feature bold 8mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each earring showcases a perfectly round, vibrant sky-blue turquoise sphere with...
18k Gold
$16,099Sale Price / set|20% Off
5.57 Ct Heart Cut Certified Diamond Climber Drop Earrings 14k White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Modern Natural Turquoise Diamond 18K White Gold Drop Earrings, Grain Setting
Located in Marcianise, IT
These refined earrings in 18-karat white gold embody a fusion of classic elegance and vibrant color, highlighting the beauty of natural turquoise from Arizona paired with luminous di...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Cushion Cut Amethyst Pink Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern Cushion Cut Amethyst Pink Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Earrings These stunning Earrings have 2 large Oval Cut Amethysts that weigh 10.77 Carats and are embellished wit...
Amethyst, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with old mine cut diamonds up to 3.23ct 18k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire stud earrings set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 3.23 ct – N/O - VS/SI Detailed description: The top of the stud is 7.5 mm wide. Weight: 3.3 grams Set...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Gold Clip-On Earrings with Pink Stones & Gray Diamante, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Pink Opalescent Stones with Gray Diamante Earrings Circa 1960s. A beautiful pair of earrings with emerald and marquis cuts with a round shape of darker gray diamante on ...
Mixed Metal
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Halo Earrings Asscher-Inspired 0.47 Inch
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with these captivating 14K Yellow Gold Halo Earrings, featuring two matched round emeralds totaling 1.15 carats. Each vibrant emerald is framed in an ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Fuchsia and Gold Dust 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 fuchsia hot pink, gold dus...
$5,460Sale Price / set|20% Off
1.80 Ct Natural Diamond Dangle Earrings 14k White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Details:- Item Code :- SEE-110496 (14k) Gross Wt. :- 2.48 gm 14k White Gold Wt. :- 2.12 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 1.80 Ct. ( SI Clarity & HI Color ) Your Diamond, Your Trust Gu...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Sapphire & Aquamarine Large Cascade Earrings
Located in London, GB
Combining exquisite craftsmanship with the beauty of coloured gemstones, these 18k white gold Cascade earrings feature a striking waterfall of blue sapphires and aquamarines encased ...
Aquamarine, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Nina Zhou Aquamarine Diamond Blossom Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings in Yellow Gold
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A delicate symphony of gemstones and pearls, these Aquamarine Diamond Blossom Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings are a breathtaking blend of elegance and versatility. Each earring features ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Oval 1 ct Tanzanite Stud Earrings with Diamond in 14K Solid 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...
Tanzanite, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$192Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gilt & Faux Mabe Pearl Statement Earrings, In The Style of Chanel
Located in McKinney, TX
These chic vintage gold-plated clip-on faux pearl earrings in the style of Chanel are perfect for fashionistas. Every woman needs a pair of pearl statement earrings, and this pair ma...
$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
Angara Natural Pear 3.3 ct London Blue Topaz Leverback Drop 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...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold
Modern Large Diamond And Platinum Chandelier Earrings, 15.26 Carats
Located in London, GB
A pair of large chandelier diamond earrings, with clusters of rose-cut diamonds, surrounded by round brilliant-cut diamonds, on an articulating, diamond pave set, openwork frame of s...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1960's Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Vintage Rope Flower Ear-Clip Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional flower comprised alternating twisted wire and tapered furling petals Centering a cluster of round brilliant cut diamonds prong set in platinum Weighing appr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
Tiffany & Co. T Bar Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Modern and elegant, these 18 karat yellow gold T Bar drop earrings from Tiffany & Co. feature a sleek, linear design accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0...
Diamond, Gold, 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...
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Small Vine Earrings by Rina Limor
By Rina Limor
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
These 18K yellow gold diamond vine earrings by Rina Limor capture a modern interpretation of nature with a distinctly fashion forward edge. Designed with flowing organic lines, the v...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.24 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Earrings
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This pair of drop earrings from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 0.24-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by diamond accen...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Multi-Loop Briolette Green Amethyst Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
These gorgeous Faye Kim 18k gold cascading multi-loop briolette green amethyst earrings overflow with illuminating soft green hues to make a bi...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Zambian Emerald and Diamond Minimalist Fine 18k Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Deira, AE
Elegant simplicity meets refined luxury in these beautifully crafted fine jewelry stud earrings featuring vibrant natural Zambian emeralds paired with brilliant natural diamonds. Han...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Gilded and Red Cinnabar Resin Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, designed those stunning resin clip-on earrings. They feature an oversized, dangling, donut-like design in red cinnabar color, gilded metal embellishment, and cr...
$3,572Sale Price / set|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Stud Earrings Baguette Halo Statement SI H 3.38 Ct
Located in Deira, AE
Make a refined statement with these elegant 18K yellow gold diamond stud earrings, thoughtfully designed to blend contemporary style with timeless sophistication. Featuring a distinc...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou 7.12 ctw Peridot & Diamond Double Blossom Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Bursting with radiant green, the Nina Zhou 7.12 ctw Peridot & Diamond Double Blossom Drop Earrings are a celebration of nature’s joyful energy. Each earring features two blooming...
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold