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.
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby, sapphire 14k Gold Earrings Studs
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby 14k gold earrings studs.Sapphire earrings studs in 14k gold. Ruby and sapphire in 14k gold earrings studs. Blue, red gemstone earrings. Ma...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Hummingbird Earings Studs with Rubies, Bird Stud Earrings with Gems
Located in Istanbul, TR
Hummingbird Stud Earrings with colored gemstone. Bird earrings. Pear ruby earrings. Hummingbird earrings. Red bird earrings. Tropic bird earrings. We also have matching design penda...
Ruby, 14k Gold
$2,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
14k White Gold South Sea Pearl "Bow" Diamond Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Item specifics Pearl: 2 South Sea Pearls 12mm Stones: Diamonds Color: G VS Clarity Metal:14k Gold Total Carat Weight: .38pts. Brand:Undisclosed Type:Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$103Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Floral Pinwheel Earrings With Pearl Detail By Lisner, 1960s
By Lisner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1" in diameter - Gold plated - Faux pearls - Clip on earring backs - By Lisner (signed on clips) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good...
Love Knot Four Loop 9mm Studs 14K Yellow Gold, Mixed Textures
Located in Austin, TX
Love Knot Earrings are perfect for saying “I love you” or “I am loved”! If you want something simple but classic-the love knot earring is the one! The 14 kar...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 8.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Wire Dangle Earrings 18K Gold
Located in Soquel, CA
A pair of shimmering 9 x 13 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstones are surrounded by delicate twist wire accents in this handcrafted 18K gold creation. On the wires above are small circ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold
$148Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Aurora Borealis Crystal Burst Statement Earrings, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 1" in diameter - Aurora Borealis iridescent crystals - Silver tone hardware - Clip on earring backs - Circa 1950s - Estate acquired - Excellent vinta...
Diamond Double Huggie Earrings Two Hoops in One 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Austin, TX
This double huggie earring looks like you have two piercings and two hoops on. The multi earring trend is here and with this earring you can just have o...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s BillyBoy* Surreal Bijoux Gold Tone and Green Crystal Skull Earrings
By BillyBoy*
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage 1980s BillyBoy* gold tone clip on skull earrings with green crystal eyes from the designer's Surreal Bijoux line. Each of BillyBoy*'s intricately designed Surreal Bijoux co...
Crystal
Vintage Turquoise 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Rotterdam, NL
These lovely vintage mid-century turquoise stud earrings are created in 18 karat yellow gold. The earrings feature two small round balls, one in turquoise and the other in gold. Turq...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Diamonds Inside and Out Hoop Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
With these exquisite white gold inside and out hoop earrings, style and glamour are in the spotlight. These 18-karat earrings are made from 3.8 grams of gold. These earrings are ador...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Solid Gold Diamond U Threader Earrings Diamond Wire Hoop Earrings
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond U Threader Earrings are made of 14k solid gold featuring shiny brilliant round cut natural diamonds. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl and Brilliant Cut Diamond Stud Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.4 Grams Pearl Type: 2 white akoya pearls Pearl Diameter: ~7.2 mm Total Diamond Count: 2 Brilliant cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bony Levy Diamond Bar Earrings 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Bony Levy Metal: 14K White Gold Total Weight: 0.9 Grams Earring Diameter: ~9.9 mm x 1.7 mm Diamond Count: 20 brilliant cut Diamond Color...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Chrysanthemum Flower Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a gorgeous pair of vintage 18k yellow gold chrysanthemum flower earrings by Tiffany & Co. The classic earrings are vintage Tiffany jewels in 18 Karat Yellow Gold and made in Italy. The earrings have extraordinary details within the exuberant flower petals. The vivid 18 Karat Yellow Gold gives the flowers an almost living effect. These 18K gold Tiffany flower earrings...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,599Sale Price|20% Off
Impressive Pure Amethyst Pink Sapphire Tourmaline Yellow 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings Yellow Gold 18 K (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 38RND -0,41ct Amethyst 26-9,79ct Pink Sapphire 30-1,23ct Tourmaline 24-0,67ct Weight 8.31 grams With a heritage of anci...
Amethyst, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
14k Gold Diamond Mini Heart Stud Earrings Heart Shaped Studs
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Mini Heart Stud Earrings in 14k Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold. These Dainty Stud Earrings are made of 14k solid gold featuring shiny brilliant round cut natural diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,800 / set
Fred Paris Ruby Diamond Earrings
By Fred Paris
Located in Darnestown, MD
Graceful and elegant ruby and diamond earrings by Fred Paris. Each earring is centered with an oval cabochon ruby weighing slightly more than one carat. Eleven VS1 diamonds surround ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald, diamond earring studs in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald, diamonds 14k gold earrings. Emerald orient style earrings. Geometric style earrings. Baguette emerald earrings. May birthstone earrings. Minimalist emerald earrings. Meta...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$3,660Sale Price / item|20% Off
Tanzanite and Diamond Cushion Shape Stud Earrings in 18K Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Studs create a subtle beauty while showcasing the colors of the natural precious gemstones and illuminating diamonds making a statement. Cushion cut tanzanite studs with diamonds in...
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
18k Gold Diamond Mini Heart Stud Earrings Heart Shaped Studs
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Mini Heart Stud Earrings in 18k Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold. These Dainty Stud Earrings are made of 18k solid gold featuring shiny brilliant round cut natural diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 24.92 Carat Ruby and Diamond Stud "Two-Way" Earrings
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold 24.91 Carat Rose-Cut Ruby and Diamond Stud "Two-Way" Earrings This magnificent blood-red ruby and diamond egg-shaped earring stud is gorgeous. The mixed uneven ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Hummingbird Earings Studs with Peridot, Peridot Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k Gold Hummingbird earrings studs with peridots. Bird Stud Earrings with gems. Peridot august birthstone earrings. Delicate Animal Earrings. Ever...
Peridot, 14k Gold
$3,900 / set
Tiffany & Co. Gold and Diamond Flame Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Tiffany 18 karat gold earrings in the shape of branches or flames. The bottom of each has three graduated diamonds with a total carat we...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Precious Hoop Multi Sapphire Yellow 18K Gold Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings Yellow Gold 18K With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva-based jewelry brand that creates modern jewelry masterpieces suitable for ever...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
23.92 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite diamond and emerald dangle earrings finely crafted in platinum, showcasing 14 emerald cut emeralds weighing approximately 23.92 carats total and 20 certified round brillian...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,170Sale Price / item|20% Off
Green Oval Cut Emerald and Diamond Halo Stud Post Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Earrings create a subtle beauty while showcasing the colors of the natural precious gemstones and illuminating diamonds making a statement. Oval Cut Emerald and Diamond Halo Stud Ea...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Mabe Pearl and Diamond Halo Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Earring Diameter: 0.87" x 0.87" Total Weight: 18.8 Grams Pearl Type: Mabe Pearl Diameter: 16.5 mm Total Diamond Count: 60 diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,048Sale Price|20% Off
Fashion Every Day Ruby Pink Sapphire White Gold Earrings Lever-Back for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings White Gold 14K Available Also with Blue Sapphire Model (Matching Ring Available) Ruby 280-RND-1,41 Т(5)/3C Pink Sapphire 8-RND-2,79 Т(5)/3 Pink Sapphire 6-1,56 Т(4)/4A Weig...
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
$279Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Gilt Abstract Leaf Earrings With Crystal Rhinestone Pavé By Christian Dior
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1" tall - Gold plated - Crystal rhinestone accents - Clip on earring backs - By Christian Dior (signed on clips) - Circa 1980s - Estate ...
$78Sale Price|20% Off
Aurora Borealis Crystal Spray Earrings With Lava Rock Cabochons By Beau Jewels
By Beaujewels
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Each earring measures 1.25" x 1" - Gold tone - Prong set red aurora borealis iridescent crystals with ru...
$1,145Sale Price|20% Off
Rainbow Multistone Rose Yellow Sapphire Ruby Emerald Gold Lever-Back Earrings
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Emerald 4 - Baguette-0.39ct Multisaphir 6-0.72 ct Rose sapphire 4 - Baget-0,49ct Ruby 2 - Baguette-0.24ct Blue Sapphire 4 - Baguette-0.49ct Yellow sapphire
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire,...
$9,164Sale Price|20% Off
Precious Pink Sapphire Yellow 18K Gold Stud Dangle Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings Yellow Gold 18K With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva-based jewelry brand that creates modern jewelry masterpieces suitable for eve...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Vivid Diamonds GIA Certified 2.06 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Vivid Diamonds solitaire stud earrings crafted in 18 karat white gold, showcasing 2 spectacular GIA Certified round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.06 carats total, L colo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fred Leighton Shell Gold Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Very chic shell earrings with pyramidal gold medallions by Fred Leighton. The shells are natural so they are not the exact same color. Backs are clips that can be converted to posts...
14k Gold
14kt Yellow Gold Garnet Diamond Earrings, Friction Posts, Stamped, .12cttw, 3 gr
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 14kt yellow gold friction post earrings with two 4.8mm cushion cut garnets and twelve round-brilliant diamonds of .12cttw. The garnets are clean and in good condition; the ...
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Earrings with Amethyst
By Patricia Schepps Vaill for Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
These classic Seaman Schepps turbo shell earrings have richly colored amethyst terminals. The stones are faceted. The earrings are 14 karat ...
Amethyst, 14k Gold
$2,950 / set
Tiffany & Co. Gold Ribbed Oval Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Tailored 18 karat gold earrings by Tiffany. The oval earring has a ribbed surface over which a diagonal of the same texture creates added interest. The earrings are half an inch wide...
18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Multi-Color Heart Cut Sapphire Drop Earrings, 6.0ct
Located in Brunswick, ME
MultiColor Sapphires heart cut six for earring, stunning (very much IN Style) natural high-quality sapphires very sparkling rainbow of color. The drop sapphire earrings are elegant ...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gianni Lazzaro Rose Quartz Sapphire Tourmaline Diamonds Citrine Gold Earrings
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings Pink Gold 18 K Gianni Lazzaro Diamonds brown 4-0,08 ct GSI Rosa Sapphire 2-0,86ct Rosa Quartz 2-18,75 Tourmaline Cabochon 2-9,26ct Weight 12,30 gram With a heritage of ...
Citrine, Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Quartz, Tourmaline, Gold, 1...
$311Sale Price|20% Off
White Beaded Flower Earrings By Miriam Haskell, 1940s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures .9" x .75" - Gold tone - White plastic beads and crystal rhinestone accents - Clip on earring backs - By Miriam Haskell (signed on verso) ...
Cushion Amethyst and Diamond Halo Studs, 14K White Gold, February Birthstone
Located in Austin, TX
The details for these gorgeous earrings are listed below: 1 Set Metal Quality: 14 Karat White Gold Earring Type: Stud Gram Weight: 1.85 Grams Earring Measurements: 8.5 x 8.5 mm Gemst...
Diamond, Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Modern 18K Yellow Gold 2-Inch Drop Statement Earrings Made in Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern 18K yellow gold abstract long statement earrings, crafted in Italy with graceful curves and a bold silhouette. Measuring approximately 2 inches long, 0.75 inches wide, and 2.2...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ralph Masri Sacred Windows 18kt White Gold Diamond Green Sapphire Earrings
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bold 18kt white gold earrings with diamonds and green sapphires from Ralph Masri's Sacred Windows collection, inspired by stained glass artwork found. C...
Diamond, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mings Hawaii Pierced Longevity Rectangle Earrings in 14Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.1 Grams Earring Measurements Width: 19.5 mm x 15 mm Stamped: "Mings" "14K" "HK" Condition: Preo...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Zambian Emeralds Hoop Earrings
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
14 karat yellow gold 8.62 carats oval zambian emeralds hoop earrings. This enchanting lush green zambian emeralds full hoop earring is impressive. The hoop is created with 40 perfect matching oval cut...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vivid Diamonds GIA Certified 9.91 Carat Diamond Flower Cluster Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular cluster earrings featuring 10 Marquise and Pear Shape Diamonds weighing 9.91cts, ranging from D-F in color and VVS2-SI2 in clarity. All diamonds are accompanied by GIA Re...
Diamond, Platinum
Mings Oval White Jade Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Jade: Natural White Jade Jade Measurements: 24 mm x 17 mm x 7 mm Total Weight: 21.7 G...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spectacular Oval Diamond, Tsavorite Garnet, Lemon Quartz 14K White Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous, large and luxurious diamond, Tsavorite garnet and faceted Lemon quartz 14K white gold earrings 20th Century Diamonds: H-I, VSI, .65 TCW Tsavorite garnets: bright green, wel...
Diamond, Garnet, Quartz, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Damiani 18k White Gold 0.35ctw Diamond Rose Earrings
By Damiani
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Damiani Rose Earrings 18K White Gold Diamonds: 0.35ctw
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamonds 0.25cts in 18KT White Gold Petite Stud Earrings
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Crafted to emanate timeless beauty and modern sophistication, these earrings are a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and design finesse that elevates them beyond mere accessor...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.31tcw AAA Top Quality Colombian Emerald Double Prong Stud Earrings Gold 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
A remarkable, and extraordinary pair of fine-quality TOP-OF-THE-LINE AAA+ emerald earrings. This gorgeous set carries 6.31-carats, of two stunning emerald cut emeralds. The gemstones...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamond Circle 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
A pair of Chopard Happy Diamond circle 18 karat yellow gold earrings. These elegant circle shaped stud earrings are from Chopard's signature Happy Diamond collection. Both earrings...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Feather Leaf Bird Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a gorgeous pair of vintage 18k gold earrings by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti's jewelry pieces often resemble miniature sculptures. And these earrings are no...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
Double star ruby earrings in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Double star ruby earrings. 14 karat gold earrings studs with rubies and diamonds. July birthstone jewelry. Shining star diamond earrings. Round rub...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Double Cushion Peridot and Blue Topaz Stone Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Christina Addison Elegant 18kt Yellow Gold Double Cushion Peridot and Blue Topaz Stone Earrings with Diamonds weighing approxinmately 0.40cts. T...
Diamond, Topaz, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$687Sale Price|20% Off
14 kt White Gold Diamond Earrings
Located in София, BG
14 kt gold pair of earrings with diamonds Gold Color: White Dimensions: 17mm width Total weight: 2.88 grams Set with: - 2 diamonds in total: 0.06 ct Cut: Brilliant Colour / Clarity:...
Diamond, 14k Gold
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Earrings G SI 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Earrings G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Earrings 0.50CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, 1.7 grams, Prong set 5/16 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.12 Carat Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.12 Carat Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings This unusually cool and magical wine-red oddly sliced cut ruby earring is riveting. It’s ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 Karat Gold Earrings Studs with Rubies Trillione
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold earrings studs with genuine rubies and diamonds. Removable Jacket Stud Earrings. July birthstone jewelry. Trillione ruby earrings. Different way wearable earrings studs: you can wear as solitaire ruby studs...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold