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.
Natural Opal and Turquoise Earrings in 14K Solid Yellow Gold with Diamond Acc.
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious and unique style from Renate Exclusive! This gorgeous pair of earrings is made of natural Ethiopian opal and natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise beads. Truly amazing pair o...
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cilea Dangle Pierced Earrings Deep Purple Resin Poppy Flowers
By Ciléa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cilea Paris designed these stunning, dimensional, dangling pierced earrings. The floral-inspired, artisanal resin earrings feature poppy flowers, leaves, and textured patterns intric...
Set in 18K white Gold, 9.90 carats, Blue Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 9.90 carats. The Blue Sapph...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina J. 3 Tier Pearl Dangle Earrings with Solid 14k Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simple, stunning and sophisticated. This pair of earrings is made entirely of Pearls and Solid 14k Yellow Gold wiring / Lever Back Hooks. Three multi sized Pearls dangle, each displa...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$525Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette floral design earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Gold leaf earrings. Citrine earrings. Citrine flower earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November bir...
Citrine, Topaz, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Citrine briolette earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November birthstone earrings. Vintage style citrine earrings. Art deco silver earrings...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold, Silver
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Statement Pear Amethyst Earrings Studs with Colorless Topaz, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Amethysts and Topaz. Luxury Amethyst D...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Opal Dangle Earrings with colorless topazs. Art Nouveau Style Opal Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Me...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$614Sale Price / item|40% Off
Art Deco Style Pearl and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle pearl earrings. Cocktail earrings with pearls, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Pearl and Topaz A striking pair of pearls and ...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$565Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired green onyx and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style green onyx earrings silver, gold. Dangle green onyx earrings. Cocktail earrings with green onyx, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with green onyx and Topaz. Elegant vi...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with Garnets cabochon. Contemporary Garnet and Colorless Topaz Earrings in Sil...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Peridot and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style peridot earrings silver, gold. Dangle peridot earrings. Cocktail earrings with peridot, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Peridot and Topaz A striking pair of peri...
Peridot, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Citrine and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine earrings silver, gold. Dangle citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Citrine and Topaz A striking pair of citr...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Angela Caputi Coral and Lapis Resin Chandelier Dangle Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, acrylic resin clip-on earrings feature an oversized chandelier dangling shape with dimensional stylized pine cones and faceted beads, com...
Gilt Metal
Earrings with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with pearl and single cut diamonds. 0.32ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: the size of the earring is 3.0 cm high by 8.0 mm wide Total weight 4.5 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, silver, gold. Dangle Amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with Amethystes cabochon. Contemporary Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Earrin...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 68.26 carat Kunzite, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and special, modern style, Kunzite & Multi Sapphires Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzites is 68.26 carats. ...
Diamond, Kunzite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Earrings with ruby and billiant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k pink gold 5.3 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with a ruby totaling 2.80 ct and a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.0 cm long and 1.0 cm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnet, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Garnet and Topaz A striking pair of garnet a...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Set in 18K Gold, 13.34 carats, Tanzanite & Rose Cut Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Chandelier Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanites is 13.34 carats. The Tanzanit...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnet. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring star-shap...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Garnet and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style garnet earrings silver, gold. Dangle garnet earrings. Cocktail earrings with garnets, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Garnets and Topaz A striking pair of garnet...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$511Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style opal earrings silver, gold. Dangle opal earrings. Cocktail earrings with opals. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: opal, oval ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Marco Bicego Jaipur 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Dangle Drop Earrings
By Marco Bicego
Located in Baltimore, MD
Marco Bicego Jaipur 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Dangle Drop Earrings Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 4.34 grams Length: 1.7 inch Width: 6 - 11mm Signed: Marco Bicego Made in Italy ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. HardWear Large Link Diamond Pave 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A striking pair of HardWear earrings by Tiffany & Co., expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. Featuring the collection's signature oversized gauge links accented wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.59 Carat Diamond Gothic Flamboyant Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Flamboyant (from French flamboyant 'flaming') is a lavishly-decorated style of Gothic architecture that appeared in France and Spain in the 15th century, and lasted until the mid-six...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Lacroix Amethyst and Yellow Jeweled Heart Clip Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
These gorgeous Christian Lacroix Paris clip-on earrings feature an important resin dangling shape with an abstract flower and heart adorned with clear crystal rhinestones. The pieces...
Silver Plate
Earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.40ct 18k gold 16.0 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.40 ct – F/G – VS/SI – 16.0 grams Detailed description: The earrings are 3.2 cm long and 2.2 cm wide. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with sapphires up to 4.00 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 3.2 cm long and 1.2 cm wide. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Pearl and Moissanite Drop Hoop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pearl and Moissanite Drop Hoop Earrings silver, gold. Elegant Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. White Pearl and Pavé Stone Earrings. Elegant pearl hoop earrings with a luminous w...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Style Pearl and Moissanites Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style pearl earrings silver, gold. Dangle shell pearl earrings. Bow Pearl Drop Earrings with Moissanites in Gold Plated Silver. Floral Bow Pearl Earrings...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with ruby up to 1.70ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.41ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold earrings set with ruby total 1.70ct and brilliant-cut diamonds total 0.41ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the dimensions of the earring are 2.6 cm high and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$537Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Deco Style Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings Silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle oval amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Silver Drop Earrings. Elegant vintage-style earrings with oval amethys...
Topaz, Amethyst, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$150Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Modern 4.25 Ct Amethyst Long Linear 925 Silver Earrings Christmas Gift
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver earrings feature 16 natural amethyst gemstones, expertly cut in octagon and round shapes. The gems range in size from 5.3 x 4.3 mm, 4.5 mm and 1.8 mm, with ...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings silver, gold. Elegant Button Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. Floral design pearl earrings. A refined pair of drop earrings crafted in...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$6,750Sale Price|25% Off
1.30cttw. Ruby & White Diamond Earrings in 18k White Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specification: Stone: Ruby Stone Cut: Oval Ruby Weight: 1.3 ctw Ruby Color: Red Secondary Stone: White Diamond Secondary Stone Cut: Mixed Diamond Color: White Metal: 18k White Gold T...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Elegant drop earrings designed with a refined celestial motif, featuring st...
Amethyst, Topaz
Dangle Earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.40ct 4.2 grams 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.40 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 4.5 cm long and 5.7 mm wide. Weight: 4.2 grams Set wi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$517Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Green Onyx Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Inspired Green Onyx Dangle Earrings with colorless topazes. Art Nouveau Style Green Onyx Drop Earrings Silver, gold. Green Onyx Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earring...
Onyx, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$4,844Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural 2.37 Carat SI/H Multi Shape Diamond Fine Earrings 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
These 2.37 Carat Multi Shape Diamond Earrings are a true embodiment of elegance and sophistication. Expertly crafted in 18 Karat White Gold, these earrings feature an exquisite array...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sterling Silver Peridot Earrings
Located in Webster, SD
These beautiful earrings are sterling silver. The pair features 16 round cut, 3mm peridot gemstones. Measurements: 1/8 by 1 inch Weight: 3.3 grams Condition: New old stock
Peridot, Sterling Silver
Pearl and Baguette Moissanite Drop Earrings Studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Elegant Shell Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. Modern Pearl and Moissanite Earrings in Gold Plated Silver. Elegant pearl and baguette moissanite drop earrings with a refined mod...
Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
Diamond Dangle Two Tone Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings featuring an elegant and timeless design accented with approximately 0.18 carats total weight of round brilliant-cut diamonds. The diamonds ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$349Sale Price / item|50% Off
Amethyst and tanzanite earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and tanzanite in 925 silver earrings. Metal type: 925 silver Weight: 4.3 g. Size 33x8.5 mm. Set with amethyst, color - violet Emerald cut, apx 4 ct. in total. Clarity: Tra...
Amethyst, Diamond, Tanzanite, Silver
CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Flower Crystal Silver Dangle Earrings
Located in Milford, DE
Add a touch of dazzling elegance to your jewelry collection with the Kenneth Jay Lane pave clear cubic zirconia crystal dangle floral earrings...
Crystal
Earrings with jade and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.22ct 18k pink gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with jade and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.22 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.3 cm long and 1.0 cm wide. Total weight: 4.2 g...
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold
Multi Chain Earrings Blue Enamel Vintage 2000s 10k Gold Plated Made in Paris
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi Chain Earrings Blue Enamel Vintage 2000s Made in Paris 10k Gold Plated Statement Earrings Designer J DAUPHIN These earrings are constructed from 10k gold-plated brass and we...
Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
$1,395Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Earrings with Pear Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald and diamonds earrings studs. Pear emerald gold studs. Genuine emerald earrings. May birthstone jewelry. Emerald jewelry gift for her. Genuine 1.2 ct emeralds earrings studs. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Earrings with peridot and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.58ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings set with peridot and brilliant-cut diamonds up to approximately 0.58 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.7 cm high and 5.0 mm wide. ...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold
$565Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vintage inspired Citrine and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style citrine earrings silver, gold. Dangle citrine earrings. Cocktail earrings with citrine, Silver Gold-Plated Drop Earrings with Citrine and Topaz Elegant vintage-inspir...
Citrine, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Earrings with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct 18k pink gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k pink gold earrings set with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.32ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: the size of the earring is 2.6 cm long by 7.0 mm wide weight: 3.7...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$943 / item
Pearl Lotus Drop Earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pearl Lotus Drop Earrings silver, gold. Pearl Flower Pearl Hook Earrings. Elegant Bridal Jewelry Gift for Her. Pearl and Moissanite Drop Earrings. Floral Pearl Drop Earrings. Elega...
Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
$11,120Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Multi Sapphires, Crome Diopsides & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires, Pink Sapphires, Yellow Sapphires & Russian Crome Diopsides Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. ...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
Handmade 18-karat gold earrings with peridots, London Blue topazes, and diamonds
Located in Pignola, IT
Handcrafted 18-karat gold drop earrings with an elegant, slender design, embellished with natural gemstones of exceptional beauty and brilliance. The piece features two hand-cut rect...
Diamond, Peridot, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Rhodium
13 Mm Pearls, Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Modern earrings in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with three rubies alternated with diamonds and, as pendant, a pearl. Diamonds 0.72 ct Rubies 6.38 ct Pearls 6.00 gr Total Weight...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,640Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Pink Sapphire Rose Cuts & Diamonds Chandelier Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Pink Sapphire Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphire Rose Cuts is 11.31 carats. The Pink Sapphires are o...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Blue Sapphires, Black Onyx & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires & Black Onyx Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 0.67 carats. Th...
Diamond, Onyx, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$348Sale Price / item|50% Off
Geometric and Floral Painting on Mother of Pearl Earrings with amethysts
Located in Istanbul, TR
Geometric Floral Mother of Pearl Earrings 925 Silver Gold Plated Drop earrings with Amethyst Briolettes Painted Miniature Art Jewelry Boho Gift Discover the perfect fusion of mo...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
14KT Yellow Gold Round Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bezel Set Bubbled Drop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Alternating round-cut blue sapphires and sparkling white diamonds create a sophisticated color palette that pops against the warm gold. Each stone is securely encased in a smooth gol...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$524Sale Price / item|44% Off
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Citrine briolette earrings studs silver. Water lily earrings. Citrine earrings. Citrine flower earrings. Gold leaves earrings. November bir...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold