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.
Ben Zion 925 Sterling Silver Sculpture – Wailing Wall on Marble Base
Located in New York, NY
A meaningful and finely executed Judaica art piece, this Ben Zion sterling silver sculpture captures the timeless reverence of the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), one of the most sacred...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$300Sale Price|25% Off
Sterling Silver Mezuzah, .925 Marked, 4.25 Inch, Made in Israel
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Expression of Faith and Heritage Enhance your home or collection with this Sterling Silver Mezuzah, crafted in Israel and marked with “ST .925 Made in Israel.” While the ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Highly Striated Schorl Black Tourmaline With White Cleavelandite From Afghan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Watalak Mine, Kunnar Province, Afghanistan Dim: H: 8 x W: 11.7 x D: 12.3 cm Wt: 1831 g Specimen Type: Highly striated Schorl Black Tourmaline with snowy white Cleavelandite Tr...
Tourmaline
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Large Piece Of Specimen Microcline Feldspar With Black Tourmaline From Pakistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan Dim: H: 18 x W: 22 x D: 18 cm Wt: 5 kg Specimen Type: Large cabinet impressive piece of Microcline feldspar with Black...
Crystal, Tourmaline
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Double Terminated Topaz Crystal With Terminated Smoky Quartz From Pakistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Origin: Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan Province, Pakistan Dim: H: 10.5 x W: 7.8 x D: 5.5 cm Wt: 698 g Specimen Type: Huge double terminated Topaz crystal with terminated Smoky...
Crystal, Quartz, Topaz
Contemporary 18K Gold Turtle Tortoise Reptile Tourmaline Brooch Pendant
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This wonderfully chunky and excellently modelled 18K turtle has been mounted as a pendant / brooch by Munich master-goldsmith, Günther Hahn. The lovely animal is decorated with 40 di...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Modern Sculptural Sterling Silver Wire Acrobat or Script Letter H Artist Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Like Alexander Calder's handmade wire jewelry since 1929, whose smallest one-of-a-kind sculptural subjects ranged from aerial acrobats and dancers to mono...
Sterling Silver
Fierce Snake Cuff 24K Gold Plated Brown Diamond Handcrafted Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the mesmerizing Snake Cuff Bracelet by Rossella Ugolini, a unique piece handcrafted in Italy. This fierce and sensual cuff bracelet exudes an air of captivating elegance,...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold Plate, Silver, 24k Gold
Gregg Wolf Sterling Silver Hand Motif Key Ring
Located in New York, NY
Unique and artistic Gregg Wolf sterling silver key ring featuring a detailed hand motif. The design showcases a sculptural hand with fine detailing, attached to a sturdy silver ring ...
Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold and Enamel Moving Tortoise Charm with Hidden Hinged Compartment
Located in London, GB
Full of delightful surprises, this 14 carat yellow gold turtle charm/pendant is a true masterpiece, waiting to be cherished for generations to come. Its shell is decorated with vibr...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K Gold Cufflinks with Diamonds and Malachite or Black Wood or White Shell
Located in Hong Kong, HK
It's one of a kind Cufflinks. All parts are moving like a real gun. Enjoy the unique and special piece. In 18K Rose Gold engraved with F color Diamonds and Malachite natural healing ...
Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$5,500
H 3.78 in W 2.49 in D 2.29 in
MOISEIKIN SV925 Gold Plated Pegasus Miniature on a jewelled moneystone
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
MOISEIKIN's new Pegasus miniature "On Wings of Dream" is a striking objet d’art that embodies freedom of spirit, aspiration, and creative energy. Sculpted in silver with gold plating...
Agate, Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Quartz,...
Solid Silver Turtle Figurine Vintage 1970s Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Solid silver turtle very good vintage condition. Dimensions: Height 14 mm / 0.511 inches - Length 29 mm / 1.141inches - Weight 10 grams. It is stamped with the Silver Italian Mark 8...
Silver
White Jade Three-Legged Toad with Leaves and Fruit
Located in San Diego, CA
A pale, greyish-white jade three-legged toad is depicted in a crouching position on leaves and fruits. The toad has bulging eyes, finely-detailed eyebrow hair, a small nose, and a wi...
Colombian Emerald Matrix Rough Crystal Sculpture with Pyrite, 2021
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rough Emerald- Color: Green Clarity: Translucent Origin: Colombia Sculpture- Stone(s): Black Shale, Calcite, Pyrite Measurement: 3" x 1.5" x 3" Weight: 280.5 Grams
$650 / set
Sterling Silver Jungle Animals
Located in Darnestown, MD
Five sterling silver jungle animals to include: an elephant; a lion; a rhinoceros; a jungle cat and a wading bird with a fish in its mouth. The pieces ...
Sterling Silver
Modern Style Enamel Sterling Silver "Piggy" Small Cufflinks
Located in Rome, IT
Modern Style Enamel Sterling Silver "Piggy" Cufflinks Here there is a funny and stylish pair of piggy cufflinks handcrafted in sterling silver and enriched with enamel. Perfect to gi...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Tiger Eye Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Tiger Eye Brooch 10 Diamonds - 0.05 CT 17 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.07 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 7 Tiger Eyes - ...
Diamond, Ruby, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Colored Diamond and Pink Sapphire Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond and Pink Sapphire Brooch 10 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.08 CT 2 Green Garnets - 0.01 CT 23 Pink Sapphires - 0.20 CT 21 Rubies - 0.16 CT 18K Rose Go...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Cartier Turtle Brooch Pendant 18k Gold Diamond Sapphire Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Original Cartier Pendant / Brooch Vintage Turtle Brooch pin Made by Cartier France. 18k Yellow Gold Approx weight 12.5 grams Turtle size approx 37 x 25 mm Eyes are Blue Sapphire Tur...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
1970's Diamond Chalcedony 18K Yellow Gold Turtle Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
For all the collectors, this is a must-have piece. This adorable vintage turtle pin brooch is crafted in 18K yellow gold. Weighing 15.0 grams and measuring 1.5" x 1". The body of t...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Colored Diamond Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Turtle Mixed Diamond Brooch 54 Mixed Colored Diamonds - 0.37 CT 2 Rubies - 0.01 CT 18K Rose Gold - 3.95 GM Turtle represents intuitive development, protection, wisdom...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Betony Vernon "Ben Wa Balls" with Marble Box Sterling Silver 925
Located in Rome, IT
Inspired by the ancient Chinese instruments of desire that also give them their name, the BV "Ben Wa Balls" were designed in 1996 by Betony Vernon and are part of her infamous Boudoir Box...
Theo Fennell Ruby, White & Black Diamond Skull Charms (2) in 18 Carat White Gold
By Theo Fennell
Located in London, GB
These incredible charms, created by the world renowned designer Theo Fennell, are rare collectible pieces admired for their craftsmanship and distinctive design. One of the skull c...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
De Beers Diamond Hourglass, 36.00 Carats
By De Beers
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer by De Beers features an hourglass filled with over 2,000 natural rough diamonds, weighing approximately 36.00 carat...
Diamond, Gold Plate, Brass
De Beers Diamond Hourglass, 36.00 carats
By DeBeers
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer by De Beers features an hourglass filled with over 2,000 natural rough diamonds, weighing approximately 36 carats a...
Diamond, Gold Plate, Brass
Sold
W 2.45 in D 2.37 in L 4.93 in
Lustrous Black Tourmaline Free Standing Crystal On Albite From Pakistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Origin: Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan Province, Pakistan Dim: H: 12.5 x W: 6.2 x D: 6 cm Wt: 422 g Specimen Type: Gorgeous lustrous Black Tourmaline free standing crystal...
Crystal, Tourmaline
Sold
W 11.03 in D 7.09 in L 9.85 in
Specimen Of Microcline Feldspar With Mica And Smoky Quartz Crystal From Pakistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan Dim: H: 25 x W: 28 x D: 18 cm Wt: 5 kg Specimen Type: Impressive and lovely combination specimen of Microcline Feldspar with Mica and...
Crystal, Quartz
Sold
W 1.7 in D 0.99 in L 1.46 in
Aesthetic And Rare Quality Vibrant Purple Scapolite On Calcite From Afghanistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan Dim: H: 3.7 x W: 4.3 x D: 2.5 cm Wt: 35 g Specimen Type: Very aesthetic and rare gem quality vibrant purple color Scapolite on Calcite Treatment: None Color: Purple Vibrant purple Scapolite...
Other
Sold
W 5.91 in D 5.12 in L 9.06 in
Magnificent Impressive Size Specimen Of Tourmaline Included Quartz From Pakistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dim: H: 8 x W: 11.7 x D: 12.3 cm Wt: 1831 g Specimen Type: Highly striated Schorl Black Tourmaline with snowy white Cleavelandite Treatment: None Color: Black Nestled within the transparent Quartz crystal, vibrant streaks of Tourmaline crystals create a striking contrast, resembling delicate brushstrokes on a canvas. These Tourmaline inclusions vary in color, ranging from deep greens to rich pinks, adding a burst of natural color to the otherwise clear Quartz. Their presence gives the quartz an otherworldly appearance, like a miniature forest frozen in time, waiting to be explored. This specimen not only serves as a visual feast for the eyes but also embodies the intricate geological processes that shaped it over countless millennia, making it a remarkable addition to any collection of mineral treasures. smoky quartz clear quartz quartz crystal spirit quartz...
Quartz, Tourmaline
Sold
W 5.52 in D 2.56 in L 3.67 in
Attractive Pink Apatite Crystal On Albite With Muscovite Specimen From Pakistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Origin: Nagar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan Dim: H: 9.3 x W: 14 x D: 6.5 cm Wt: 587 g Specimen Type: Gorgeous Gem Pink Apatite crystal on Albite with Muscovite Color: Red Treatment: None Pink Apatite crystal showcased gracefully on a bed of Albite with Muscovite. This exquisite specimen is a testament to the wonders of nature's artistry. The Pink Apatite crystal, with its delicate pastel hues, contrasts beautifully against the pristine Albite backdrop, while the Muscovite adds a touch of sparkle and elegance. Each element in this specimen harmoniously complements the other, creating a harmonious and visually captivating display. apatite apatite gemstone red apatite...
Crystal, Apatite
Sold
W 7.49 in D 4.73 in L 7.88 in
Catching Couple of Microcline Feldspar with Cleavelandite Specimen from Pakistan
Located in Bangkok, TH
Origin: Yuno Mine, Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan Dim: H: 20 x W: 19 x D: 11.5 cm Wt: 2540 g Specimen Type: Lovely couple of Microcline Feldspar with...
Other
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Spinning Bear Rattle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine teddy bear spinner rattle. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Together with its original Tiffany pouch & box. Marked to the reverse of the handle for Tiffany & Co. / 92...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Orchid Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
This brooch is an original Tiffany & Co piece. It Is made of solid 18k yellow gold and weighs approximately 17.8grams. The brooch contains 5 round brilliant diamonds, approximate tot...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold
H 3 in W 2.5 in D 2 in Dm 2.5 in L 3 in
Vintage Cartier Handmade Sterling Silver Small Woven Basket with Handle
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier sterling silver handmade small woven basket with handle Cushion shaped Basket marked "Cartier Hand Made Sterling" Basket measuring "...
Silver, Sterling Silver