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.
Man Black Quartz Sterling Silver Burnished Ring Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Men's sterling silver ring with black quartz and a burnished finish, made in Italy, available in any size to order. The signet ring features an 11 mm round brilliant-cut black quartz...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
14 kt. Yellow Gold Set Ring & Necklace Pendant, Heart shaped with 2 ct. Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning 14 kt. Yellow Gold Set Ring and Necklace Pendant, Heart shaped with 2 ct. Diamonds Ring: 14 kt. Yellow Gold Heart shaped Diamonds Ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
HM 1989 18K and Platinum Signet Ring of Armoured Arm Grasping Sword
Located in Baltimore, MD
Well executed, hallmarked 1989, Sheffield guild, modern platinum and gold signet ring, likely custom made for an individual with any of the following family names: Abingdon, Cantrell...
18k Gold, Platinum
Knights Bridge Signet Ring by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
By Martyn Lawrence Bullard 1
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Unisex 18k rose gold Signet Ring with pave set sapphire plateau and black and white diamond set shield motif Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard Can be make in any size, lead time 4...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,240Sale Price / item|30% Off
Yellow sapphire gold ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Yellow sapphire gold ring. Vintage style sapphire mens ring. Natural Sapphire Men Ring. Mens gemstone jewellery. Yellow sapphire Ring. Antique gold Mens Sapphire Ring...
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
C1940 Mid-Century 14K Oval Bloodstone Signet Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Substantial and large, stamped 14 karat oval signet ring of bloodstone, nearly .75 inches high, with various maker's marks stamped on the inside of the polished gold band. A substant...
Chalcedony, 14k Gold
Black Star Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Black star sapphire and diamond gentleman’s gold ring, 1960s. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #R-DJ1013B. Scroll down for detailed specifications. The black star sapphire and diamond ring exud...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.75 Carat Round White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bespoke Men's Signet Ring
Located in London, GB
Meticulously crafted men's signet style ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold featuring 16 round brilliant cut white diamonds totalling 0.75 carats, giving the ring a square shape. This stunn...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Imperial 18 Karat Gold Signet Ring, by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
By Martyn Lawrence Bullard 1
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Unisex 18k rose gold square Signet ring, perfect for engraving Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard Can be made in any size in white, yellow or rose 18 k gold, lead time 4 weeks
18k Gold
$1,464Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Mozambique Ruby Statement Signet Ring in 14K White Gold, Modern Design
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This modern signet ring showcases a 0.74 carat natural Mozambique ruby set in 14K White Gold. The ruby set ina in a gypsy setting, creating a bold yet refined look. The smooth, sculp...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet signet is modelled in 9ct gold and has a face with the initials 'GEJ' engraved into it. Fully hallmarked London 1941. Ring Size: W or 11 Face ...
Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 Karat Gold Mens Ring with Ruby. Gold Ring for Men with Ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 K Gold Mens Ring with Ruby. Gold ring for men with ruby. Unisex ring with ruby. Natural ruby ring. Oval ruby ring. July birthstone ruby ring. Ru...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Gurhan 24K Yellow Hand Hammered Gold Horse Coin Signet Ring
By Gurhan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Bold, distinctive, and steeped in history, this Gurhan 24K Yellow Gold Horse Coin Ring captures the spirit of ancient artistry with a modern collector’s edg...
Yellow Gold, 24k Gold
$2,041Sale Price / item|20% Off
0.33 Ct. Diamond in 18K Yellow Gold Signet Ring Evil Eye Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
A modern interpretation of the timeless evil eye symbol, this exquisite diamond ring is crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and adorned with natural round and baguette diamonds. Des...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,650Sale Price / item|44% Off
Mens, Unisex Ring with Genuine Ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 K Gold plated over silver Mens Ring with Ruby. Statement ruby ring. Gold signet ring for men with ruby. Ruby gold ring. Unisex ring with Ruby. Natural ruby ring. Oval ruby ring. ...
Ruby
$10,880Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Lincoln Mercury 18K Gold Diamond Signet Ring 1.50 Carats VS F 34g
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and highly collectible Cartier Lincoln Mercury diamond signet ring, masterfully crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold and showcasing the bold design language that defines excep...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Moonstone and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stylish 9carat gold ring holds a moonstone cabochon surrounded by a glossy gold frame and split shoulders. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1967. Ri...
Moonstone, Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,593Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.04 Carat Yellow Marquise Diamond Sculptural Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Boldly architectural and unapologetically distinctive, this extraordinary ring is defined by a powerful interplay of form, light, and proportion. Centered around a remarkable 2.04-ca...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring, Mid-Century Modern Style
Located in Sewickley, PA
This ring features a prominent round white pearl as its centerpiece. The peal has a soft luminous glow and is mounted in a smooth, slightly raised setting that allows it to stand out...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Diamond Heart Cable 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 6.5
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Collection/Style: Diamond Heart Cable Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: D.Y 750 Gemstones: Natural diamonds approximately 0.08 carat total weight Des...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.41 Cts Clear Blue Sapphire Ring in 18k White Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Its an exclusive Clear Blue Sapphire ring studded in 18k White gold with 1 piece of Sapphire weight 1.41 carat with this entire ring is studded in 18k White gold , ring size can be ...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Late 20th Century Opal and Diamond Ring Circa 1970s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A true statement piece from the late twentieth century crafted in 18k yellow gold. This hand-made ring features a bezel set triangular solid light opal with claw set brilliant cut di...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rossella Ugolini Platinum Sugarloaf Cabochon Lapis Lazuli Man Signet Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Platinum Sugarloaf Cabochon Lapis Lazuli Man Signet Ring. Available any size on order. This bold and refined design is part of the Castle Collection, inspired by the...
Lapis Lazuli, Platinum
Blue Tourmaline Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking Blue Tourmaline Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Signet Ring is a luxurious piece set in 14K yellow gold. The ring is adorned with an array of carefully selected stones, includi...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
C1970 18 Carat Modern Lapis Signet Ring with Reeded Band
Located in Baltimore, MD
We love the classic design of our 1970's era Lapis Lazuli signet ring with its reeded gold wide band that continues all around and culminates in a pleasing rectangular shaped lapis s...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Personalise Initial Letter 18k Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Signet Ring Collection Modern Signet Ring. Handcrafted Initials made of 18K Yellow Gold crafted on Bold Silver Sterling Signet Ring. Signet Initial...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Hummingbird Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Hummingbird Painted Cameo Jewelry - Miniature portrait of a bird ring - Antique, victorian style ring - Personalized Rin...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Caviar Diamond Band Set Ring, by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
By Martyn Lawrence Bullard 1
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Unisex 18k yellow gold caviar set band Ring. Medium size black and white pave diamonds with diamond cross Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Can be made in any size, cost varies d...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural 1.25 Carat Multi Shape Diamond Wrap Ring 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Spectrum Jewels is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat Chunky Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
At the centre of this gorgeous star setting sits a stunning diamond. The stone measures pts and is bright with a wonderful sparkle. the whole style of the ring is chunky and has groo...
Diamond, 9k Gold
Bulgari Parentesi Ring 18 karat White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Bulgari Parentesi Ring in 18-karat white gold is a sophisticated and iconic piece of jewelry from the renowned Italian luxury brand Bulgari. The Parentesi collection is character...
18k Gold, White Gold
Personalise Initial Letter 18k Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Signet Ring Collection Modern Signet Ring. Handcrafted Initials made of 18K Yellow Gold crafted on Bold Silver Sterling Signet Ring. Signet Initial...
Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
0.25 Carat Round White Diamond 18 Kt White Gold Men's Signet Gentleman Ring
By Tresor Paris
Located in London, GB
Express your individuality with this 0.25 Carat Round Brilliant White Diamond Men's Signet Style ring is set in 18 Karat white Gold. Size UK - O, US - 7 1/2, color H clarity SI1. Thi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Style 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cocktail White Diamonds Sapphires Design Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection 1.62 Karat Sapphires 0.33 White Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Modern Style Design Ring. An amazing ring handcrafted in 18 karats Yellow Gold and embellish...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Intaglio Zeus Coin Ribbed Band Signet Mens Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Intaglio Zeus Coin Ring in 14K Gold Textured Ring. Details: Item Type: Coin Ring Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Size: 9.75 (adjustable) Weight: 17.8 Grams Diameter...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Pave Wide X Cross Chunky Cocktail Signet Band 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Pave Wide X Cross Chunky Cocktail Signet Band 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.35 cts of Diamonds Size 6.5 - Resizable upon request
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Signet Ring with Round Diamond, Circa 1980s, USA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This 14 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring features a sleek design with a satin-finished top accented by two black-painted diagonal stripes. At the center, a single round diamond is flush...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$425Sale Price / item|40% Off
Angel Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Angel Painted Cameo Jewelry - Miniature portrait of an angel ring - Antique, victorian style ring - Personalized Ring. ...
Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
18ct Yellow Gold Ring, Set With 0.40ct Oval Natural Fine Quality Ruby
Located in London, GB
New made by Jewellery Cave 18ct yellow gold single stone ring, set with oval 0.40ct fine quality natural ruby, The ring is a perfect complement to any ensemble and can be worn on a...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
Initial, first name letter 14k gold ring with sapphire
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold Letter ring with genuine sapphire and diamonds. Initial Ring. Custom Letter Ring. Minimalist letter ring. Birthstone ring. "E" letter ring. Dainty Initial Ring. Personalized Letter Ring. 14k...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
1.62 Karat Sapphires 0.33 White Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Modern Style Design Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection 1.62 Karat Sapphires 0.33 White Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Modern Style Design Ring. This 18k gold ring showcases a unique and captivating design inspi...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,780Sale Price|20% Off
2.06 Cts Emerald & Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Its an exclusive Emerald 2.06 cts & Diamond 0.1 ring studded in 18k Yellow gold this entire ring is studded in 18k White gold , ring size can be change as per the requirement, i...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Diamond Signet Ring in 18K Rose Gold Natural Diamond Statement Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Timeless elegance meets modern sophistication in this stunning round diamond signet ring, expertly crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold. Featuring a captivating pavé arrangement of nat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1960's Nephrite Jade 10 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Nugget Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rectangular shaped nephrite jade tablet measuring 14.5 x 18.5 mm Semi-translucent mossy green with subtle moderate and dark speckling Set in a semi bezel and centering a ...
Jade, Gold, 10k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Italian 1.80 Ct. Diamond Daisy 18 KT Signet Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This fascinating Italian hand made signet ring is the epitome of elegance. Entirely hand crafted of solid 18 KT yellow gold , stamped inside with Italian punch, 1980 circa. Classy si...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kabana Opal & Pink Tourmaline 14k Yellow Gold Ring Size 7
By Kabana
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Authentic Kabana opal and pink tourmaline ring crafted in 14k yellow gold. Featuring a vibrant arrangement of luminous opals accented by vivid pink tourmal...
Opal, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Signet Ring with 3.30-Carat Pink Tourmaline, New
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite 18k Yellow Gold Signet Ring, featuring a stunning 3.30-carat pink tourmaline that radiates elegance and charm. Weighing 5.64 grams, this beauti...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.11ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Signet Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into the realm of timeless elegance with our exquisite 0.11ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Signet Ring. Crafted in luxurious 14k gold, this sophisticated signet ring showcases a ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Owl Heart Ring Signet 14k Yellow Gold Sz 6.5 Fine Jewelry Ruby Eyes
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish diamond owl ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Diamonds total an estimated 0.09 carats (estimated at I-J color and VS2-SI2 clarity). Two small 1mm rubies adorn the eyes....
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18 Karat Yellow Gold 1.62 Carat Sapphires White Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection Modern Style 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cocktail 0.33 Carat White Diamonds 1.62 Carat Sapphires Design Cocktail Ring An amazing ring handcrafted in 18 k...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$612Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold 1.27 Carat Natural Diamond L Letter Personalized Ring for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
A must-have in the current personalization trend. This collection of unique illustrious alphabet letters is made of gold and natural raw gemstone. April ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Personalized Signet Ring, Dated 1983
Located in Miami, FL
A timeless expression of American luxury, this authentic Tiffany & Co. signet ring is crafted in solid 14 karat yellow gold and dates to 1983, as indicated by the original interi...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.81 Carat Sea Green Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut Solitaire Men's Signet 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Take a look at this alluring emerald solitaire gold ring. The center gemstone holds 2.81-carats of pure natural Colombian emerald bliss. The gemstone showcases an enticing spring gre...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1998 Cartier Tank Onyx Ring LM, Size 62
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Tank onyx ring large model set in 18k white gold, circa 1998.
From the discontinued collection, this ring solely features a squa...
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,000 / item
1 Carat Radiant Emerald Cut Diamond Ring 18k Gold
Located in Wallingford, CT
Radiant emerald cut diamond sets on 18 karat gold ring. Solid 18k gold Yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold available. 18k fully hallmarked. Diamond weight: 1 carat Color: G Clarit...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
1.50cts 18K Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut Solitaire Bezel Set Signet Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a bluish-green Colombian emerald signet ring in 18K yellow gold. This gorgeous solitaire ring carries a full 1.50-carat emerald in a sleek signet setting. The emerald ha...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,305 / item
Rosecut Diamond Shield Ring in Solid Gold
Located in London, GB
This contemporary take on the classic signet ring is crafted from solid 9-carat yellow gold and cognac and champagne diamonds. The central feature stone is a pear-shaped rustic rose...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18K Gold 5 Karat Tourmaline 0.28 Karat Diamond Unisex Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Unveil the allure of the "Eternal Harmony" 5 Karat Tourmaline 18K Gold Ring from Rossella Ugolini's Design Collection. This handcrafted masterpiece blends bold...
White Diamond, Tourmaline, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Personalized Letter L Emerald Signet Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish 14K (18K Custom) gold signet ring features a bold and contemporary design with the letter "L" accented by vibrant green emeralds. The polished gold surface and angular e...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet signet is modelled in 9ct gold and has intricate engraving around the edges. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1968. Ring Size: R 1/2 or 8 3/4 Face Dimensions: 11x9mm Weight...
Gold