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.
Diamonds Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Leather Band Watch
By Effy
Located in Tysons, VA
· · Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratc...
Diamond, Quartz, Stainless Steel
Baume & Mercier Hampton XL
Located in PARIS, FR
Discover timeless elegance with the Baume & Mercier Hampton MV045063, a watch that captures the spirit of refined Swiss watchmaking. Founded in 1830, Baume & Mercier is renowned for ...
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic Silver Dial Steel 77350ST.OO.1261ST.01 B/P
Located in New York, NY
Stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel bracelet. Fixed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Silver-tone dial with index hour markers. Dial Type: Analog. Date display a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe 18 Karat Gold Dress Style with Original Blue Dial, circa 1990
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Cie STYLE / REFERENCE: Square / Reference 4183 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1990's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm X Width 25mm M...
Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Five Row Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas bracelet watch executed in 18K yellow gold, designed as a substantial five-row articulated bracelet with integrated timepiece. The construction emphasi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116505 Black Dial Pink Subdials 18K Rose Gold Box/Card
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Discover our collection of carefully evaluated and inspected pre-owned watches, each meticulously assessed and authenticated by our in-house certified horologists. Every piece underg...
Rose Gold
$880Sale Price|20% Off
White Sapphires Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Watch
By Effy
Located in Tysons, VA
· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-resi...
Quartz, Sapphire, Stainless Steel
GUCCI Grip YA157401 Watch. Silver Tone Gucci 157.4 WristWatch
By Gucci
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Gucci Watch. Silver Tone Grip ref 157.4 Condition: New battery. Original Gucci box. Shows little signs of age. Details: 35mm round Case.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Factory Silver Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Ladies Rolex Precision 18K Ref. #2604 1950's Champagne Dial, Cal. # 1400
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Ladies Rolex Precision 18K Ref. # 2604, 1950's Champagne Dial, Cal. # 1400 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally ...
18k Gold
Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999 This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are abs...
Stainless Steel
A Classic Longines Chronograph Stainless Steel 13ZN Telemeter Scale ca' 1930's
By Longines
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Offered here is a rare chronograph wrist watch by Longines, manual wind mechanical movement 13ZN. Reference 3901, serial number 5,769,000, ca' 1930's. Invoiced on July 11th, 1940 to ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier 18K White Gold Santos 100 Unisex White Gold Diamond Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
You will fall in love with this beautiful Cartier Santos watch the moment you see it. It has everything going for it: diamond bezel, perfect 33mm width of the case, purple leather b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Steel and Gold Datejust "Thunderbird" from 1964 all Original
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust "Thunderbird" / Reference 1675 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1964 DIMENSIO...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Franck Muller Double Dial Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
An extraordinary example of haute horology, this Franck Muller Reference 7000 QPE DF 36 double dial perpetual calendar chronograph is Serial No. 6 of a highly limited edition, making...
Platinum
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Yellow Gold Ref. # 1002 1974 "Mint Shape"
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Silver Dial Index #s 14K Y.G., Ref. 1002 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being off...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Georg Jensen Vivianna #227 Steel and Quartz Bangle Watch by Torun
By Georg Jensen
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Georg Jensen Vivianna Bangle Watch By Torun. Measuring 1 1/4 inch Diameter with the watch attached to a 3/16 inch wide bangle bracelet with a 6 1/2 inch inside measuremen...
Steel
Genuine Tudor Watch. Ladies TUDOR 7535 Oyster Princess Wristwatch.
By Tudor
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Tudor Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Automatic Movement Ref. 7535/0. serial 678008 Beautiful Watch. Case and Bracelet is Stainless Steel. 6.5inch wrist (adjust...
14k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Leather Band Watch
By Effy
Located in Tysons, VA
· · Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratc...
Diamond, Quartz, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Pasha de Cartier White Dial Diamonds Halo Grid 18 Karat White Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Conceived with the Maison’s signature savoir-faire, the Pasha de Cartier marries jewelry elegance with mechanical poise. The 35 mm round case in 18k white gold, secured by eight scre...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphires & Diamond Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Watch 3.28 Tcw
By Effy
Located in Tysons, VA
· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-resista...
Diamond, Quartz, Pink Sapphire, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Piaget 18KT Gold Onyx Diamond Watch Ref. 9523
By Piaget
Located in Braintree, GB
A striking vintage Piaget wristwatch from the 1970s, crafted in 18KT yellow gold and designed with a bold hexagonal case. The watch is framed by a polished black onyx bezel and centr...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Gold
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Dial and Custom Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & Diamond & Sapphire Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE:...
Stainless Steel
New Gucci Watch quartz stainless steel Swiss Made
By Gucci
Located in Cattolica, IT
New Gucci Watch swiss made stainless steel quartz. The 'watch has never been worn and comes from an authorized Italian seller. Accompanied by box and Gucci international warranty. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II 18KT W/G Automatic Mens Watch 116689 Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Presenting the exquisite Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689 in impeccable condition. This timepiece epitomizes luxury and precision, featuring a stunning white dial and platinum bezel hous...
White Gold
Rolex Cellini White Round Cushion Dial 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Tysons, VA
Rolex - Cellini Watch - 57 Grams - 14k Gold - 7 inches length, 1970s origin, Cushion Shape Dial The Rolex Cellini collection is truly refinem...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X 35mm Di...
Stainless Steel
Diamonds Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Watch
By Effy
Located in Tysons, VA
· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-r...
Diamond, Quartz, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Mother of Pearl Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm Length X...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Classic Indexed Bezel, circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Custom Copper Dial...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex 228349RBR Day-Date 18k White Gold Meteorite Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 228349RBR Day-Date 18k White Gold Meteorite Diamond Dial Watch This beautiful Rolex 228349RBR Day-Date Watch is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Brand: Rolex MPN: 228349RBR Model: Day-Date Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Diameter: 40mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k White Gold Factory Diamond Bezel Dial: Meteorite Dial with Diamond Hour Markers. Date can be found at 3 o'clock and the day at 12 o'clock. Bracelet: 18k White Gold Presidential Bracelet...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Made Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm x Diameter 36m...
Cartier 18K White Gold Captive 35mm Round Diamond Dial Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking Captive de Cartier timepiece crafted in 18K white gold, designed with the collection’s distinctive circular silhouette and signature integrated lugs. The 35mm case is enci...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
2006 Rolex Datejust 116233 Two Tone Black Motif Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Modern Evolution Of A Classic The reference 116233 represents the bridge between the vintage Datejust and the contemporary era. While it maintains the foundational 36mm proporti...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Ceramic Blue 116618LB Yellow Gold 40mm Watch Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 18ct yellow gold Rolex Submariner is absolutely pristine! Featuring the popular blue dial with matching blue scratchproof Cerachrom bezel, this current model is fitted to a soli...
$5,368Sale Price|20% Off
Poiray "Rive Droite" Watch Black Strap Diamond Silver
By Poiray
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover the Rive Droite watch, a true tribute to the most famous Parisian squares that have marked history. With its elegant round shape, it evokes the charming and timeless atmosph...
Diamond, Silver
Rolex Yacht-Master 18K ROSE GOLD Oysterflex 40mm Watch 116655 Complete MINT
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This Rolex Yacht-Master wristwatch is a luxurious timepiece that exudes elegance and style. Crafted from 18K rose gold, it features a polished case finish and a bidirectional rotatin...
Rose Gold
Harry Winston 18K White Gold Avenue 350/LQTZW Quartz Diamond Dial Watch
Located in New York, NY
Harry Winston Avenue Squared A2 Diamond Wrist Watch. Reference Number: 350/LQTZW, also know as AVSQTZ38WW010 Condition: Unworn Gender: Ladies/unisex Time Period: 2018 Retail / Compar...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Mother of Pearl Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Tudor by Rolex Stainless Steel Prince Oysterdate with Original Dial circa 1970's
By Tudor
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Oysterdate METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
Rolex Submariner Date Emerald / Diamond Stainless Steel Watch Green Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch with Emeralds/Diamond Bezel Lugs and Green Dial 116610. Watch has been professionally po...
Stainless Steel
Chanel J12 Automatic Watch H1635, Black Ceramic, Ruby Markers, 38mm
By Chanel
Located in istanbul, TR
Seller Notes “VERY GOOD CONDITION" Country of Origin Switzerland Bezel Color Black, Silver Closure Fold-Over Push-Button Deployant Year Manufactured 2000-2009 Band/Strap Bracelet C...
Ruby, Stainless Steel
Chopard Happy Sport White Gold Diamond Watch
By Chopard
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Chopard Model: Happy Sport Reference number: 27/6730-50 Movement: Quartz Case Material: White Gold Bracelet material: Black Alligator Strap Condition: Pre Owned, Fair (Show...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Blue Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Gondole Jumbo Watch 18K Gold Full Set 1979 Serviced Warranty
By Cartier
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A rare watch presented here-a full set of a 1979's Cartier Gondole watch in jumbo vertical size (34x39mm). Manual wind movement, classic cabochon...
18k Gold
Universal Geneve Stainless Steel Doctors Pulsation Chronograph Manual Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Universal Geneve Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Three Register Chronograph / Drs. Pulsation METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 45mm X Diameter 36mm CIRCA: 1950's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 130 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Baton Markers ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Universal Geneve, founded near the end of the 19th century established themselves in Geneva, hence their name. They specialized in producing their own caliber movements and produced their first chronograph watch in the early teens. They focused on sports and professional watches and chronographs for particular industries. This example, set up as a Drs. pulsation watch...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust from 1967 with Original Dial and Dauphine Hands
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm ...
Eterna Eternamatic Centenaire Vintage 1950's 18K Yellow Gold Mens Watch
By Eterna
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A beautiful and rare, time capsule Eterna 18k gold watch with matching 18k gold bracelet. Original box, hang tag, very good/excellent condition-unpolished, inside case free of jewelers marks...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Factory Original Black Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41...
Rolex Datejust 26 Silver Index Dial Diamond Bezel Oyster Band Steel Watch 179160
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Datejust Model: 179160 Case Diameter: 26 mm Bracelet: Oyster band; stainless steel Bezel: Custom diamond set Dial: Silver Index Carat Weight: 1.20 carats in tota...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1960s or 70s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diame...
Universal Geneve Pink Gold Bumper Automatic Watch
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Rare to find in nice condition this unusual Universal Geneve dress watch. Bumper automatic, cal. 138, solid pink gold, 18k. Heavy case measures approx. 30x30mm, 42mm including lugs. ...
18k Gold