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.
$1,007Sale Price / item|60% Off
Oval cabochon ruby 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon ruby 14k gold ring. Ruby solitaire. Plain ruby ring. Diamond cut ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2 gr depends fro...
Ruby, Topaz, 14k Gold
Ring with turquoise 14k yellow gold 5.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with turquoise - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.7 cm wide. Ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52). The ring can be en...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Three Row Diamond Set Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional vintage creation from Van Cleef & Arpels, this striking three-row ring exemplifies the maison's celebrated craftsmanship and sophisticated design language. Expertly h...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$629Sale Price / item|60% Off
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot
Located in Istanbul, TR
Toi et Moi Gemstone Ring: Citrine and Peridot. Perfect "You n I" Gold Birthmonth gemstones ring. Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size. Gemstone Citrine: Color...
Citrine, Peridot, 14k Gold
Certified 4.13 Carat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire & Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Certified 4.13 Carat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire & Diamond Three Stone Ring Sapphire: Certified C. Dunaigre 4.13 carat natural Ceylon blue oval sapphire Diamonds: 2 natural oval dia...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Giant Pink Rose Quartz Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary pink rose quartz ring set in rich 14-carat yellow gold. At its heart lies a 12-carat hand-cut pink rose quartz that has a beautiful...
Quartz, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 1.17 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 1.17 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 2235928458 Diamond: 1.17 carat E VS1 Emerald cut natural diamond Accent diamonds: Appro...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 3.01 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Onyx Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This ring, an early-twentieth-century antique design, centers on a 3.01-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is set with...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage H. Stern 18K Gold Emerald Cut Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage H. Stern 18K Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring. Aquamarine is in an emerald cut flanked by six single cut diamonds (three on either side of blue topaz stone). Ring ba...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Serpent Snake Ring Pink Ruby Marquise Gold Plated Open J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serpent Snake Ring Pink Ruby Marquise Gold Plated Silver Open J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring, named Gypsy Wisdom, is a coiled serpent in gold plated silver with a mar...
Ruby, Silver, Gold Plate
$480Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Elegant 3.16 ct Natural Multi-Gemstone Floral Cocktail Ring for Women
Located in New York, NY
This statement ring from Silvorra is meticulously crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring a vibrant floral cluster of 35 natural ruby, emerald and blue sapphire gemstones in mixe...
Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling...
Jadeite Jade & Diamond ring, Platinum Size 9
Located in Northampton, MA
This one-of-a-kind estate ring features a 5.57 carat cabochon of natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade in luscious, translucent "Apple Green, a pair of brilliant white, eye-clea...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
GIA 3.06 old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold platinum collet ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional contemporary collet ring is a refined homage to antique diamond craftsmanship, beautifully blending historic old mine cut diamonds with modern design sensibility. At...
Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Nina Zhou Margeret 7.20ctw Peridot & Pink Sapphire Cocktail Ring
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A refined expression of color and symmetry, this ring centers on the vivid freshness of natural peridot, framed by soft pink sapphire accents that bring a delicate contrast to the co...
Pink Sapphire, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Modern Minimalist Blue Topaz Bezel Ring in 925 Silver Christmas Gift
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 925 sterling silver ring features a single natural blue topaz gemstone, cut in an octagon shape measuring 7.5 x 5.5 mm. The 2.35 carat blue topaz displays a captivating ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
KIESELSTEIN-CORD ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
KIESELSTEIN-CORD 18k yellow gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 6.5 – EU 17(53) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$933 / item
Ring with amethyst cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with amethyst cabochon. Amethyst statement ring. Cocktail amethyst ring. February birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 5 g depends from size...
Amethyst, Gold, Sterling Silver
1.52 Carat Oval Trillion Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Celebrate life's most meaningful moments with this timeless three-stone diamond ring, handcrafted in solid 18K White Gold. At its center, a brilliant oval-cut natural diamond is beau...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$513Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Cabochon Rock Crystal Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval Cabochon Rock Crystal Ring Silver, Gold. Bold Rock Crystal Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Gold Over Silver. Modern Sculptural Rock Crystal Ring in Gold Over Silver Metal: 925 silver...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
4.74ct Old Mine Brilliant Cut K-color SI2-clarity Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent solitaire engagement ring showcasing a GIA-certified 4.74-carat Old Mine Brilliant Cut diamond, graded K color and SI2 clarity, elegantly presented in a timeless four-p...
Diamond, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and 1.02 Carat D, Si-2 Diamond. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning t...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Trinity Rolling Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold 2.50 Carats
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic expression of elegance and symbolism, this Cartier Trinity diamond wedding band ring is masterfully crafted in 18K tri-color gold, blending yellow, white, and rose gold int...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold & Rhodium, Spinel, Sapphires, Amethyst & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Spinel, Sapphires, Amethyst Three-Stone Cocktail Three stone Ring set in 18K Gold with Blue Rhodium. The weight of the Spinels is 12.30 c...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Modernist 14K Gold & Citrine Ring with Fluted Motif
Located in New York, NY
Modernist in spirit and elegantly restrained, this American ring centers a richly hued citrine in a sculptural 14K gold setting. The citrine’s warm, golden tones are complemented by ...
Citrine, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Pearl Diamond Platinum Halo Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined Tiffany & Co. pearl and diamond ring crafted in platinum. The design features a luminous 12 mm pearl set at the center, surrounded by a delicate halo of brilliant-cut d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
$874Sale Price / item|43% Off
Art-deco style moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style moissanite 14k gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring. Delicate ring. Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Metal: 14k gold Central stone: moissanite Cut: round Weight:...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$384Sale Price / item|54% Off
Oval citrine cocktail ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval citrine ring in 925 silver. Citrine statement ring Metal: 925 silver Weight: 4 g. depends from size Gemstones: Set with citrines, color yellow Oval cut, aprx 10 ct Clarity: Tr...
Citrine, Diamond, Silver
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Octagon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Octagon Garnet Ring Silver, Gold. Red Enamel Geometric Ring. Art Deco Cocktail Ring Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating over Weight: 4.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone...
Garnet, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,049Sale Price / item|40% Off
14kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon.
Located in Istanbul, TR
14kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Black Opal statement ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal: 14k Gold Weight: 3 g depends from size ...
Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Round Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed rounded gold band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a cylindrical or round-edged form. Marked to the shank. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Da...
Yellow Gold
$1,224Sale Price / item|30% Off
14kt solid gold ring with ruby cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with ruby cabochon. Ruby statement ring. Solitaire ruby ring. July birthstone ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 3.2 g depends from size Gemstone: Ruby, colo...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$384Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ring with amethyst cabochon
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 silver ring with amethyst cabochon. Metal stamp: 925 silver Weight: 3.2 g depends from size. Gemstone: Amethyst, color - purple, oval cabochon cut, weight - approx 3 ct in tota...
Amethyst, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby "Kissing" Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold and natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald is 7.25 carats. The Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
$466Sale Price / item|50% Off
Amethyst solitaire ring for men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Round Amethyst Ring For Men's. Mens Solitaire Amethyst Ring. Emerald Cut Amethyst Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 4 gr depends from size 1 pi...
Amethyst, Gold Plate, Silver, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Vintage 0.94 ct Solitaire Diamond Ring in a Tiffany & Co. Platinum Setting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine estate solitaire diamond engagement ring. In .950 platinum. This ring is a wonderful marriage of a vintage Tiffany 6-...
Diamond, Platinum
Elizabeth Locke 1980's 19 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hammered Dome Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a tall domed yellow gold form Featuring a hammered texture throughout Stamped for 19 karat gold With maker's mark for Elizabeth Locke Circa: 1980s Ring Size: 6 1/4 and si...
Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,399Sale Price / item|55% Off
Snake design 14k gold engagement Emerald ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Snake design 14k gold engagement ring. Marquise emerald gold ring. Open ended, adjustable emerald ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2.5 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - e...
Topaz, Emerald, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,166Sale Price / item|50% Off
Art-deco style two moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style two moissanite 14k gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring. Weight: 3 g. depends from size Metal: 14k gold Central stone: moissanites Cut: round Weight: 1 ct. (0....
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.90ct Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Ring CERT 18k Gold Sz 6.25 Wide Band Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural Ceylon (no heat) sapphire ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1980s). Natural sapphire measuring approx. 10.0 x 7.0 x 4.8mm (approx. 2.90ct). The sapphire is in ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Ruby, Diamond & Solid 14k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brilliant Ruby ring by Marina J. This stunning piece features a large faceted 6.22 carat Ruby, displaying a vivid Red and some Fuschia hue. Due to its semi translucent nature, the R...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$587Sale Price / item|65% Off
1.5 ct pear peridot silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1.5 ct pear peridot silver, gold. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating o...
Peridot, Gold Plate, Silver
$755Sale Price / item|70% Off
Oval cabochon peridot 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon peridot 14k gold ring. Peridot solitaire. Plain peridot ring. Diamond cut peridot ring. Peridot engagement ring. Wave band ring. Metal: 14k gold plating Weight: 2...
Peridot, Topaz, 14k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 1.50 carats, natural Diamonds modern Band Bridal Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Diamonds is 1.50 carats. The Diamonds are of VVS -...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold Interlocking Double Band Ring Sz 7
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A captivating Cartier Vintage Double Band Ring, embodying timeless elegance. Crafted in France circa 1994, this ring features two substantial interlocking bands, one in 18k yellow g...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$160Sale Price / item|50% Off
925 Silver Heart Shaped Blue Topaz and Sapphire Halo Promise Ring Gift for Her
Located in New York, NY
This Heart Shaped Blue Topaz and Sapphire Halo Promise Ring exquisite ring showcases a dazzling heart-cut blue topaz as its centerpiece, embraced by a radiant halo of deep blue sapph...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 10.12 Ct Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Plantation, FL
A commanding three-stone ring centering a GIA-certified 10.12-carat oval Ceylon (Sri Lankan) sapphire, framed by a pair of bright half-moon diamonds in a clean platinum mount. The c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Set in 18K white Gold, 2.74 carat, Aquamarines & Diamonds Band Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine Band Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarine is 2.74 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.17 c...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with single cut diamonds up to 0.17ct 5.0 grams 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with single cut diamond 0.17 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide by 8.5 mm high wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Three-Stone Ring with 0.95ct Sapphire & 0.20ct Diamonds, USA
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate life's most meaningful moments with this elegant platinum sapphire and diamond three-stone ring. At the center rests a brilliant round-cut natural sapphire weighing approxi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Panthère de Cartier Diamond, Emerald & Lacquer Ring
By Cartier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Created by the renowned house of Cartier, this striking ring hails from the iconic Panthère de Cartier collection — the Maison’s enduring symbol of power, grace, and allure. Delicate...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.56 Carat Natural Diamond Cluster Statement Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Inspired by the beauty of blooming flowers, this extraordinary diamond cluster ring is expertly handcrafted in luxurious 18K white gold and adorned with an impressive 6.56 carats of ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$340Sale Price / item|50% Off
Genuine 18.1 Ct Swiss Blue Topaz Full Eternity Stackable Band Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Genuine 18.1 Ct Swiss Blue Topaz Full Eternity Stackable Band Ring stunning prong-set sterling silver eternity band features 18.1 carats of natural Swiss blue topaz gemstones. Each o...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Platinum 2.00ct G VS1 Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An icon of enduring elegance, this Tiffany & Co. platinum three-stone engagement ring embodies timeless sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship. Designed in the classic Tiff...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
3.59 Carat Elongated Cushion Cut Lagoon Tourmaline Ring with Diamond Halo
Located in Nashville, TN
A relative of Paraiba tourmaline, "lagoon" tourmaline is a highly sought after gem on account of its bright sea foam/teal color. When we first saw this stone, we immediately knew we ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.2Ct London Blue Topaz Ring with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A 3.25-carat London blue topaz pools with deep, inky blue at the centre of this solid 14K rose gold ring, accented by six earth-mined diamonds. London blue is the richest, darkest to...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
12.28 Carat Purple Spinel & Pink Diamond Ring, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A masterwork of contemporary high jewellery, the Purple Swirl Ring captures the hypnotic beauty of fluid dynamics in precious form. At its heart lies a magnificent 12.28‑carat cushio...
Pink Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
Tiffany & Co. Etoile Platinum Diamond 4mm Wedding Anniversary Band Ring
Located in University Place, WA
Modern and streamlined, yet perfectly timeless, this is the Etoile band ring from Tiffany & Co., crafted in platinum and set with round brilliant diamonds. The smooth, gently rounded...
Diamond, Platinum
ARAYIAN Mozambique Ruby and Diamond Three-Stome ring
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This ring features a 1.28-carat Mozambique ruby in an emerald cut, set between two baguette-cut diamonds totaling 0.39 carats. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, the design is clean, ba...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby 1 Carat No Heat Diamond Vintage Trilogy 18 Karat Gold Round Oval Cut Ring
Located in London, GB
Vintage No Heat Ruby Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Gold Certified A beautiful vintage ruby and diamond trilogy ring crafted in 18ct yellow gold, dating to the 1980s and bearing full UK ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,049Sale Price / item|40% Off
14k Gold Ring with Cabochon Ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k gold ring with cabochon riby. July birthstone ruby ring. Ruby cocktail ring. Red ruby ring/ Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size Set with ruby, color -red Ov...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold