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.
39.85 Carat Natural Loose Swiss Blue Topaz Stone Cushion Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 39.85 carat Dimensions 21.0x15.4x12.7 mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 39.85 Carat Natural Loose Swiss Blue Topaz is an ex...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
$1,064Sale Price|24% Off
36.15 Carat Natural Loose Baby Pink Kunzite Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 36.15 carat Dimensions 20x16.4x13.4 mm Treatment Heater Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This exquisite 36.15 carat natural baby pink kunzite disp...
Kunzite
MARKDOWN GIA Certified, 6.44 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Oval Shape
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
GIA Certified 6.44-Carat Natural Sapphire – Blue – Oval Shape This stunning 6.44-carat natural sapphire is a true statement piece, perfect for high-end jewelry enthusiasts or collec...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
11.70 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Heart Shape Ametrine Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 11.70 carat Dimensions 15.7x16.8x9.4mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Heart This exquisite 11.70 carat natural ametrine showcases the encha...
Other
62.93 Carat Brazilian Amethyst Asscher Cut Loose Gemstone Tamir Merkaba Beverly
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Monumental 62.93 Carat Brazilian Amethyst Asscher Cut Gemstone An extraordinary statement stone for the serious collector, this impressive Brazilian amethyst weighs 62.93 carats a...
Amethyst, Quartz, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Emerald Parcel – 5 Loose Gemstones (Total 2.78 Carats)
Located in New York, NY
A refined collection of five natural emeralds, offered as loose gemstones in a variety of elegant shapes and sizes. This versatile parcel totals 2.78 carats, making it ideal for besp...
Emerald
1.30 Carat Natural Loose Shimer Gray Spinel Round Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.30 carat Dimensions 7.2x7.2x4.6mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Round This elegant 1.30 carat natural spinel features a refined shimmer gray h...
Spinel
10.05 Carat Natural Loose Light Color Aquamarine Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.05 carat Dimensions 15.5x12.4x9.4mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 10.05 carat aquamarine is a beautifully cut cushion-shaped g...
Aquamarine
$7,760Sale Price|20% Off
269.35 Carat Natural Loose Top Quality Purple Spodumene Kunzite Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 269.35 carat Dimensions 38.7 x 29.1 x 26.8 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This extraordinary 269.35 carat natural Purple Spodumene (Ku...
Kunzite
49.20 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Kunzite Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 49.20 carat Dimensions 22.0x18.3x14.5 mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 49.20 carat Natural Hot Pink Kunzite is a truly ex...
Kunzite
$680Sale Price|20% Off
4.15 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.15 carat Dimensions 13.2x6.5x5.4mm Treatment None Origin Afghanistan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 4.15 Carat Natural Loose Bluish Green Tourmaline is a c...
Tourmaline
7.00 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 7.00 carat Dimensions 12.0x9.0x7.1mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 7.00 carat Natural London Blue Topaz showcases a rich, deep b...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
61.05 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Kunzite Stone Asscher Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 61.05carat Dimensions 22.0x22.0x16.0mm Treatment Heated Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Asscher This 61.05 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Kunzite is an extra...
Kunzite
1.95 Carat Natural Loose Pink Spinel Stone Cushion Cut From Burma
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.95 carat Dimensions 7.2x5.9x5.2mm Treatment None Origin Burma Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 1.95 carat natural pink spinel showcases a refined cushion cut...
Spinel
2.70 Carat Natural Loose Bi Color Ametrine Stone Cushion Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.70 carat Dimensions 8.1x7.9x6.2mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This elegant 2.70 carat Natural Bi-Color Ametrine beautifully sh...
Other
130.20 Carat Natural Loose Top Quality Pink Spodumene Kunzite Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 130.20 carat Dimensions 30.1x23.4x21.2 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This magnificent 130.20 carat Pink Spodumene (Kunzite) is a ...
Kunzite
3.80 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.80 carat Dimensions 8.9x7.2x6.7mm Treatment None for Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 3.80 carat Natural Pink Kunzite is a beautifully crafted gemston...
Kunzite
$440Sale Price|20% Off
1.40 Carat Natural Loose Lavender Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.40 carat Dimensions 6.9x5.7x6.1mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 1.40 Carat Natural Loose Lavender Spinel is a captivating gems...
Spinel
$280Sale Price|20% Off
1.15 Carat Natural Loose Parti Sapphire Stone Oval Cut Madagascar's Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.15 carat Dimensions 6.1x5.6x3.3mmm Treatment None Origin African Clarity VVS Shape Cut Oval This 1.15 Carat Natural Loose Parti Sapphire features a captivating blen...
Sapphire
$640Sale Price|20% Off
2.90 Carat Natural Loose Yellow Color Tourmaline Asscher Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.90 carat Dimensions 7.7x7.5x6.7 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Asscher This 2.90 Carat Natural Loose Yellow Tourmaline showcases a vib...
Tourmaline
$7,560Sale Price|20% Off
CERTIFIED RUBY No Heat Oval Shape Intense Vivid Red 1.358 Carats Cert-B34763
Located in Miami, FL
Certified oval shaped No-Heat red ruby. This is a very rare and exceptional natural red ruby of 1.358 carats, with remarkable quality, fashioned in an elegant oval shape with beauti...
Ruby
$576Sale Price|20% Off
10.85 Carat Natural Loose Pink Kunzite Stone Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 10.85 carat Dimensions 12.1x10.7x10.1 mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Cushion Introducing a stunning 10.85 Carat Natural Pink Kunzite, bea...
Kunzite
1.95 Carat Natural Loose Blue Tanzanite Stone Oval Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.95 carat Dimensions 9.2x7.2x4.5mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Oval This 1.95 Carat Natural Loose Blue Tanzanite from Tanzania showca...
Tanzanite
Unheated Natural Mozambique Ruby – 2.03 Carats
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A striking 2.03 carat unheated ruby from Mozambique, showcasing a rich, vivid red hue with impressive depth and natural character. Expertly cut to enhance its brilliance, this gemsto...
Ruby
9.15 Carat Natural Loose Purplish No Heat Kunzite Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 19.15 carat Dimensions 16.2x11x12.1mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This exceptional 9.15-carat natural Purplish Kunzite from Afg...
Kunzite
$584Sale Price|20% Off
1.36 Carat Natural Loose Hot Pink Spinel Stone Oval Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.36 carat Dimensions 7.6x3.82x6.1mm Treatment None Origin Tanzanian Clarity VVS Shape Cut Oval This vibrant 1.36 carat Natural Hot Pink Spinel showcases an intense, ...
Spinel
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
15.30 Carat Natural Loose Light Blue Aquamarine Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 15.30 carat Dimensions 18.0x12.7x9.7mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This impressive 15.30 Carat Natural Light Blue Aquamarine showcase...
Aquamarine
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
4.89 Carat Natural Loose Blue Green Paraiba Tourmaline Oval Cut From Mozambique
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.89 carat Dimensions 13.22x9.51x5.4mm Treatment None Origin Mozambique Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 4.89 Carat Natural Loose Blue Green Paraiba Tourmaline is a...
Tourmaline, Paraiba
$600Sale Price|20% Off
2.10 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Pink Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 2.10 carat Dimensions 8.2x6.6x4.6mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 2.10 carat Natural Purplish Pink Spinel is a captivating gemstone...
Spinel
$760Sale Price|20% Off
14.30 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 14.30 carat Dimensions 14.9x11.5x9.6mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 14.30 Carat Natural Loose London Blue Topaz from Africa...
Topaz, Blue Topaz
Brazilian Aquamarine 120.50 Carat Oval Shape Loose Gem
Located in Valenza , IT
Collaborate with us to turn this beautiful gemstone into an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind work of art. An important aquamarine weighing 120.50 carats, oval cut, from Brazil Padre Pa...
Aquamarine
9.70 Carat Natural Loose Light Blue Aquamarine Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.70 carat Dimensions 13.1x12.9x9.2mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This beautiful 9.70-carat natural Aquamarine from Pakistan feature...
Aquamarine
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
20.85 Carat Natural Loose Blue Aquamarine Pair Emerald Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 20.85 carat Dimensions 14.2x11.5x9.6mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This exquisite 20.85-carat natural aquamarine pair showcases...
Aquamarine
$6,640Sale Price|20% Off
6.40 Carat Natural Loose Certified Blue Sapphire Oval Cut Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.40 carats Dimensions 11.71 x 8.45 x 7.45 mm Treatment None Origin Sri Lanka Clarity VVS Shape Cut Oval This stunning 6.40 carat Natural Blue Sapphire features a rich blu...
Blue Sapphire
$18,400
2.95 Carat Burmese Oval Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This 2.95 carat Burmese ruby displays a rich, vivid red color with excellent natural character and brilliance. Sourced from Burma (Myanmar), a region renowned for producing some of t...
Ruby
$744Sale Price|35% Off
1.40 Carat Natural Loose Paraiba Tourmaline Stone Oval Cut From Mozambique
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.40 carat Dimensions 7.6x6x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Mozambique Clarity Included Shape Cut Oval NA This dazzling 1.40 carat Natural Paraiba Tourmaline showcases a vivid...
Tourmaline, Paraiba
$25,000
4.01 Carats Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 4.01 carat Mozambique ruby — an ideal size for a refined ring or pendant. Rubies are known as the king of gems. This stone comes from the Montepuez mines and was purchased through...
Ruby
$640Sale Price|20% Off
1.65 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut From Afghanistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.65 carat Dimensions 8.6x5.7x4.3mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 1.65 Carat Natural Loose Emerald Color Tourmaline showcases a rich...
Emerald, Tourmaline
$304Sale Price|20% Off
6.35 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst Stone Emerald Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.35 carat Dimensions 17.5x7.8x6.4mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity Eye Clean Shape Cut Emerald This 6.35 carat Natural Greenish Amethyst is a beautifully rare...
Amethyst
4.80 Carat Natural Loose Sapphire Stones 6 Pieces Gemstones Lot From Madagascar
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.80 carat Piece 6 Treatment None Origin African Clarity VVS Shape Cut Mix This 4.80 Carat Natural Loose Sapphire Lot from Madagascar features a beautiful collection ...
Sapphire
$344Sale Price|20% Off
6.00 Carat Natural Loose Light Blue Aquamarine Stone Emerald Cut Pakistani Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.00 carat Dimensions 9.4x7.3x5.5mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald The 6.00 Carat Natural Loose Light Blue Aquamarine is a stunning gemst...
Aquamarine
$480Sale Price|20% Off
6.02 carats Tiffany Blue Zircon Stone Oval Cut Cambodian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 6.02 carats Dimensions 9.9x8.5x6.9 mm Treatment heated Origin Cambodia Clarity VVS Shape oval Cut faceted This exquisite 6.02 carat Tiffany Blue Zircon gemstone is a ...
Zircon, Blue Zircon
$440Sale Price|24% Off
1.80 Carat Natural Loose Pink Color Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.80 carat Dimensions 7.6x6.8x4.1mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 1.80 carat natural pink spinel showcases a beautifully vibrant y...
Spinel
$336Sale Price|20% Off
8.50 Carat Natural Loose Purple Amethyst Stone Asscher Cut Brazilian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 8.50 carat Dimensions 11.9x11.9x9.6mm Treatment None Origin Brazil Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Asscher This exquisite 8.50 carat Amethyst showcases a rich, royal pur...
Amethyst
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
3.35 Carat Natural Loose Gray Spinel Stone Cushion Cut Burmese Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.35 carat Dimensions 9.1x8.1x5.8mm Treatment None Origin Burmese Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This 3.35 Carat Natural Loose Gray Spinel displays a sophistica...
Spinel
$292Sale Price|35% Off
4.00 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Pair Emerald Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.00 carat Dimensions 6.9x6.6x4.9mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Emerald This 4.00 Carat Natural Loose Bicolor Tourmaline Pair from Pakistan is ...
Tourmaline
$816Sale Price|66% Off
4.75 Carat Loose AAA Quality Rubellite Tourmaline Cushion Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.75 carat Dimensions 9.6x8.0x7.8mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Cushion This 4.75 Carat Loose AAA Quality Rubellite Tourmaline is a truly stri...
Tourmaline
4.45 Carat Natural Loose Light Color Aquamarine Pear Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.45 carat Dimensions 11.0x10.5x7.7mm Treatment None Origin African Clarity VVS Shape Cut Pear This 4.45 carat natural aquamarine presents a beautifully light, soothin...
Aquamarine
$44Sale Price|20% Off
0.73 carats Petroleum Quartz Stone Faceted Natural Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 0.73 carats Dimensions 5.3x7.3x4.4 mm Treatment none Origin Pakistan Clarity included Shape Kite Cut custom precision This exquisite 0.73 carat Petroleum Quartz gems...
Quartz
1.85 Carat Natural Loose Blue Color Tourmaline Emerald Cut Afghan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.85 carat Dimensions 8.8x5.6x4.2mm Treatment None Origin Afghan Clarity VVS Shape Cut Emerald This 1.85 carat natural blue tourmaline is a striking gemstone that be...
Tourmaline
$600Sale Price|20% Off
1.98 Carat Natural Loose Certified Orange Sapphire Oval Cut Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.98 carats Dimensions 7.92x6.62x4.50mm Treatment None Origin Sri Lanka Clarity VVS Shape Cut Oval This 1.98 carat Natural Soft Orange Sapphire is a refined and elegant...
Sapphire
$520Sale Price|20% Off
5.15 carats Blue Zircon Stone Round Cut Natural Cambodian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.15 carats Dimensions 8.5x8.4x6.8 mm Treatment heated Origin Cambodia Clarity VVS Shape round Cut faceted The 5.15 carat blue zircon stone is a stunning example of n...
Zircon, Blue Zircon
$360Sale Price|20% Off
4.20 carats Purplish Pink Garnet Stone Cushion Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 4.20 carats Dimensions 9.63x8.40x5.80 mm Treatment none Origin Tanzania Clarity VVS Shape cushion Cut fancy cushion This stunning 4.20 carat purplish pink garnet is a ...
Garnet
$720Sale Price|20% Off
21.20 Carat Natural Loose Top Quality Kunzite Pair Cushion Cut Gemstones
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 21.20 carat Dimensions 12.6x10.9x9.2mm Clarity VVS Origin Afghanistan Cut Shape Cushion This exceptional 21.20 carat kunzite pair showcases top-quality craftsmanship and...
Kunzite
2.37 Carat Natural Unheated Ruby, Round Cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A captivating 2.37 carat natural ruby, presented in a classic round cut that enhances its brilliance and symmetry. This gemstone displays a rich, vivid red hue—highly sought after fo...
Ruby
$568Sale Price|20% Off
9.75 Carat Natural Loose Blue Aquamarine Stone Cushion Cut Pakistani Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 9.75 carat Dimensions 13.1x12.8x9.1mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity VVS Shape Cushion NA This gorgeous 9.75 carat natural Aquamarine gemstone showcases a serene...
Aquamarine
$256Sale Price|20% Off
5.70 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Amethyst Stone Cushion Cut African Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 5.70 carat Dimensions 12.0x10.2x7.5mm Treatment None Origin Africa Clarity Loup Clean Shape Cut Cushion This beautiful 5.70 carat Natural Greenish Amethyst is an eleg...
Amethyst
3.50 Carat Natural Loose Greenish Color Aquamarine Cushion Cut Pakistani Gem
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 3.50 carat Dimensions 10.6x8x6.3mm Treatment None Origin Pakistan Clarity SI Shape Cut Cushion This 3.50 Carat Natural Greenish Aquamarine from Pakistan is a beautiful...
Aquamarine
Mozambique Ruby Cushion Cut – 2.09 Carats
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A striking 2.09 carat heated ruby from Mozambique, showcasing a rich, vivid red hue with impressive depth and natural character. Expertly cut to enhance its brilliance, this gemston...
Ruby
$240Sale Price|20% Off
1.89 carats Emerald Stone Emerald Cut Natural Gemstone from Afghanistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Weight 1.89 carats Dimensions 11.5x5.0x4.0 mm Treatment none Origin Punjsher, Afghanistan Clarity VVS Shape octagon Cut emerald This stunning 1.89 carat emerald stone, meti...
Emerald