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.
Kaso Tri-color Acrylic Lucite Clip Earrings Dangling Cactus and Sun
Located in Atlanta, GA
Harriet Bauknight designed those stunning Lucite dangling clip-on earrings for Kaso in the 1980s. Do you feel the hot wind and the burning sun? It's the call of the arid desert, its...
$11,988Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Emerald and Diamond Drop Earrings 3.30 Carats Emerald 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Vivid green emeralds and luminous natural diamonds come together in a balanced vertical composition that emphasizes color, contrast, and proportion. The elongated silhouette creates ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Earrings with topaz and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold earrings set with topaz and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.7 cm long and 5.1 mm wide. Total weight: 3.3 ...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold
$1,370Sale Price / item|20% Off
Yellow Gold Multi Layered Pink Sapphire Dangle Earrings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire Multi Layered Dangle earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings create a sparkling, luxurious look featuring uneven cut gemstone. If yo...
Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Set in 18K White Gold, 1.00 carats, natural Diamonds classic Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, natural Diamonds Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold. The weight of the Diamonds is 1.00 carats. The Diamonds are of VVS - VS quality a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Mid Century Smoky Quartz & Citrine Double Drop Estate Earrings
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
With a Mid-century vibe, pear-shaped citrines glow on top, with larger pear-shaped golden drops in rich cognac brown suspended and swinging beneath. 9.20 carats of smoky quartz (also...
Citrine, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,440Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald & Yellow Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald Dangle Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the heart shaped Emeralds is 2.44 carats. Other marquise Emeralds weig...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Chakra Dream Catcher Earrings with Black Onyx & Diamonds by Syna
By Syna Jewels
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The 18K Yellow Gold Chakra Dream Catcher Earrings by Syna Jewels are a radiant blend of symbolism and refined luxury. Inspired by the spiritual harmony of chakras and the protective ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.01 Carat F/VS1 Round Brilliant Diamonds Pavé Cross Dangle Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
These elegant cross dangle earrings feature Round Brilliant Cut diamonds totaling 1.01 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, carefully pavé set to create refined sparkle and dimens...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vera Belleza's 18k gold ear cuffs, diamond shaped studs & dangling rose cuts
By Vera Belleza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into refined elegance with these exquisitely designed diamond earcuffs, a perfect harmony of artistry and innovation. Crafted in 18k gold, the earcuffs feature a sleek bar embel...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Dangle earrings with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold drop earrings set with sapphires (total approx. 1.18 ct) and brilliant-cut diamonds (total approx. 0.26 ct) – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: Earring dimensions: 2...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Dangle Earrings with Peridot 1.64ct & Diamonds 0.66ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold earrings set with peridot up to 1.64 ct and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.66 ct – F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The earrings are 2.7 cm long and 5.2 mm wide. To...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stephen Webster Diamond earrings Thorn Embrace Knot Entwined white gold
Located in Amsterdam, NL
These diamond earrings by Stephen Webster are luxury in its purest form. Barbed wire made of white gold and set with sparkling diamonds. At Bonebakker Amsterdam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Dangle Earrings with Amethyst
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold earrings set with amethyst - 7.0 cm x 1.5 cm detailed description: the size of the earrings is 7.0 cm by 1.5 cm wide weight 11.2 grams set with - 2 x 5.0 mm roun...
Amethyst, White Gold
11.78cts Zambian Emerald 4.10cts SI/H Diamond Dangle Earrings 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 11.78 Carat Zambian Emerald and 4.10 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the l...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
8.63 Carat Emerald Gemstone Dangle Earrings 2.00 Ct. Diamond 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Item Code :- SEE-12592 Gross Wt. :- 7.39 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 5.26 gm Diamond Wt. :- 2.00 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Emerald Wt. :- 8.63 Ct. Earrings Si...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$542Sale Price / item|44% Off
Fleur de Lis Chandelier Earrings studs with topaz in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Fleur de Lis Earrings with blue topaz and colorless topazes. Vintage Inspired Statement Earrings. Weight: 4.5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central ge...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$24,674Sale Price / set|20% Off
Emerald and Radiant Cut Natural Diamond Drop Earrings 4.46 Carat 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Defined by striking geometry and impressive scale, these diamond drop earrings showcase a captivating interplay of step-cut and brilliant-cut facets. Light moves between crisp mirror...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
18kt white gold fancy diamond earrings
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Seamlessly fusing extraordinary fancy coloured diamonds, artistic ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship. These vibrant diamonds are chosen for their exquisite colour, cut, clarity ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 7.19 carat Emerald Cabochon & Rose Cut Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald Cabochons is 7.19 carats. The Emeralds are co...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Earrings with tanzanite, emerald and square cut diamonds up to 3.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold drop earrings set with emerald, tanzanite and square-cut diamonds. 3.00 ct. - F/G - VS/SI detailed description The dimensions of the earring are 4.5 cm long by 1.8...
Diamond, Emerald, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co 18K Gold Double Spiral or 'S' Scroll Earrings w Pearl Drops
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage Tiffany & Co. gold & pearl earrings. In 18K gold. In the double spiral or "S" scroll shape with pearl drops. Marked to both the reverse and the ear backs fo...
Pearl, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Diamond and Aquamarine Pear Shaped Dangle Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
These earrings are crafted from 18K white gold and weigh 5.7 grams, giving them a solid yet elegant feel. Their polished finish shines brightly, while the dangle style adds graceful ...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
14KT White 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, White Gold
Malachite Mother of Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Hand cast from 14-karat gold, these stunning earrings are set with 6.83 carats malachite, 21.15 carats mother of pearl and .86 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS ...
Diamond, Emerald, Malachite, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Earrings with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 5.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold drop earrings set with emerald trot. 3.60ct and brilliant-cut diamonds to. 5.00ct - F/G – VS/SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the drop are 3.8 cm long by 1...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold
BVLGARI Allegra Multi Gem Blue Topaz, Citrine, Diamond 18K White Gold Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This magnificent piece - by high-end Italian jewelry house of Bulgari – is from iconic Bvlgari Allegra Collection, inspired by the joyful spontaneity of Italian life, translating e...
Citrine, Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Couture DiorDesigner WesternGermanyMaxMuller Crystal Sinuous Dangle ClipEarrings
Located in Chicago, IL
While making similar mid-century haute-couture costume jewelry for Christian Dior, designer Max Muller based near Kaufbeuren, Western Germany, created these dramatic clear-crystal si...
Crystal, Silver, Gilt Metal
Classic Tiffany & Co. Platinum, Diamond and Black Onyx Earrings and Pendant Set
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This striking, vintage, diamond and black onyx pendant and earring set is the perfect accessory for most daytime or evening wear. The set is retired from the venerated firm's current...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Ruby Dangle Earrings with Earth Mined Diamonds: Solid 14K Gold, Oval 10x8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
These beautiful dangle earrings feature a pair of 8.19 carat weight oval Ruby gemstones with natural earth mined diamonds set in solid 14K gold. These Ruby dangles make a lovely July...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opals, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Pink Sapphires Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 2.80 carats. The weigh...
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.8 Ctw diamonds 12 pear drop 14K yellow gold moonlight dangling earrings
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Overview: The 12 Pear Drop Dangling Earrings from the Moonlight Collection are a striking pair crafted in 14K yellow gold. Featuring an impressive 1.8 carats total weight of diamonds...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
SGL Certified 5.75 Carat SI/HI Multi Shape Diamond Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 5.75 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pie...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$2,399Sale Price|20% Off
3.78 Carat Ruby Earring in 18 Karat Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Ruby 3.78 Carats 18 Kt Gold Custom Services Resizing is available. Request Customization
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
.925 Silver Checkerboard Cut Oval Purple Amethyst 2" Drop and Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Discover a radiant symphony of color and craftsmanship with this stunning pair of drop earrings, featuring natural purple amethysts with an enchanting checkerboard cut that dances in...
Amethyst, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
$4,560Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, 3.57 carats, natural Zambian Emeralds & Diamonds Dangle Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very beautiful and unique, Emerald Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The combined weight of the Emeralds is 3.57 carats. The Emeralds are completely natural...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.37 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald & Diamond Earrings Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning pair of pierced earring featuring a total of 1.37 Carats Natural Colombian Emeralds and 1.08 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
15 Mm Pearls, Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat Rose Gold Modern Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion earrings in 18 kt rose gold structure mounted with a flower of diamonds and a central ruby. Below, a pearl. Diamonds 0.72 ct Rubies 0.80 ct Pearls 9.80 gr - 15 mm Total Weigh...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
3.95 Carat Mozambique Ruby and Diamond Earring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
3.95 Carat Mozambique Ruby / Diamond Earring in 18 kt Rose Gold. Mozambique Ruby-3.95 Carat Diamond -1.52 Carat Gold-12.55
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, 5.46 carats, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Dangle Earrings set 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 5.46 carats. The Pink Sapphires are o...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Graduated Diamond Earrings, White Gold, Tiffany Style 'Jazz'
Located in Boulder, CO
14k white gold, bezel set diamond 'line earrings'. Elegant and modern, these earrings feature round brilliant cut diamonds graduating in size that total 1.00 carat. In the style of T...
Diamond, White Gold
Dangle earrings with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 6.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold drop earrings set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.6 cm long by 1.3 cm wide weigh...
Diamond, 18k Gold
30 Carat Mystery Set Ruby & Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Emerging from the realm of exceptional craftsmanship comes a pair of earrings that epitomize opulence and artistic mastery. Exquisitely forged in the ethereal luminescence of 18k whi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Calla Lily Dangle Earrings, White and Green Enamel
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic dangle earrings by Oscar de la Renta. A pair of golden calla lilies painted in white and green enamel. Gold plated. Post backs. Drop / dangle style. Get the matching ri...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
$2,552Sale Price / item|44% Off
Paraiba color apatite and diamonds 14k gold earrings
Located in Istanbul, TR
Paraiba color apatite and diamonds 14k gold earrings. Greenish blue color apatite dangle earrings. Statement earrings with natural gemstones. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 7 g Earrings si...
Diamond, Paraiba, Apatite, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Stud Earrings with 2.00ct Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold stud earrings set with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.00ct F/G - VS/SI detailed description the front of the stud is 2.1 cm long by 1.0 cm wide weight 7.2 grams se...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Beauvince Amelia Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Featuring Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds, the Amelia Earrings are feminine, warm and unique. They showcase a appealing combination of green and pink and a design that is simple yet ve...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 7.26 Carat SI/H Marquise Brilliant Cut Diamond Earrings 14k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 7.26 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pie...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
$464Sale Price / item|50% Off
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style amethyst earrings silver, gold. Dangle amethyst earrings. Cocktail earrings with amethysts. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone:...
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
1.86 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Fine Dangle Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Item Code :- SFE-1112 Gross Weight :- 8.30 gm 14k Solid Yellow Gold Weight :- 7.93 gm Natural Diamond Weight :- 1.86 carat ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Earrings S...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Design 18K Yellow gold Pillow Talk Square Earring with Diamond
Located in Teterboro, NJ
Discover the elegance of our Pillow Diamond Earrings, where modern design meets timeless sophistication. These charming earrings feature a unique pillow shape, artfully crafted to cr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,250Sale Price / set|20% Off
Natural Diamond Chandelier Drop 5.98 Carats 18K White Gold Statement Earrings
Located in Deira, AE
An extraordinary composition of cascading pear and marquise-cut natural diamonds, these chandelier earrings create remarkable movement and presence. Nearly six carats of natural diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
11.65 carats Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Earrings
By SONYA K.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Victoria Earrings Bold Color. Architectural structure. Timeless Feminine Strength. From the Passion & Strength collection, the Victoria Earrings center on two vibrant magenta r...
Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Halo Dangly Earrings 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Metal: 14K White Gold Total Weight: 4.5 Grams Earring Measurement: 1.0" long and 0.52" wide Diamond Count: 46 brilliant cut Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS2 - SI1 Diamond...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Claire Deve Gold Tone Dangling Earrings, France 1980s
By Claire Deve
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Claire Deve Gold Tone Long Dangling Earrings. They have rose-colored rhinestones and gold-toned beads with a faux pearl dangling at the end. Many dangling gold pieces come t...
Mixed Metal
$510Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style topaz earrings silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style topaz earrings silver, gold. Dangle topaz earrings. Cocktail earrings with topazes. Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: topaz, ...
Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Ruby Gemstone Dangle Earrings Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Handmade Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 7.29 carats ruby gemstone and 1.49 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the lat...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$31,149Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 17.25 Carats 18K Yellow Gold Fancy Color Diamond Briolette Earrings
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 17.25 Carats 18K Yellow Gold Fancy Color Diamond Briolette Earrings Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite Panim earrings, featuring a total of 17.25 carats of n...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Hakimoto 13-12 mm South Sea Drop Cultured Pearl 18k Diamond Earrings
Located in Hicksville, NY
Hakimoto By Jewel Of Ocean 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Golden Natural Color South Sea Cultured Pearl Earrings. Total item weight 7.2 grams Featuring Round Brilliant Diamonds 12-13mm...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
12 Mm Pearls, Aquamarine Colour Topaz, Diamonds, 18 Kt White Gold Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic earrings in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with three topaz alternated with diamonds and, as pendant, a pearl. Diamonds 1.43 ct Topaz 4.53 ct Pearls 5.20 gr Total Weigh...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold