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.
Leto Lama Colombian Emerald Cigar Ring Band GIA 1.48 Cts Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A perfectly imperfect handmade one of a kind statement Emerald Cigar ring that features a bezel set beautiful Colombian Emerald of 1.48 Cts certifie...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.45ct 18k white gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a 0.45ct brilliant-cut diamond - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 4.3 mm wide. Ring size US 6.5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.48ct 14k gold 3.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamond total 0.48ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 – EU. 17.25(54) detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-shap...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Rossella Ugolini Handcrafted 14K Yellow Gold Man Unique Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini's men's band ring, crafted in 14k yellow gold, is a striking piece from the Castle of Italy Collection. Available any size on order. This design draws inspiration fr...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leto Lama One Of A Kind E/F Diamond Ring Band Chubby Bubbles 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
A timeless modern bubbles band that will easily blend to your rings stack collection. A classic piece that wont get old. Handcrafted and completely unique. A constellation of light...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1992 Cartier Colisee Sapphire Ring Sz 6.75 EU 54 Band 18k Yellow Gold Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier Colisee sapphire ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1992). Cabochon cut sapphire measures 05mm x 3.5mm. The delightful ring highlights a cabochon cut sapphir...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co Size 5.25 Sterling Silver and Gold Gatelink Flexible Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold Gatelink Flexible Hinged Ring Size 5.25. ( 1990’s) The ring is made up of silver elements hinged by 18 karat yellow go...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
80s Portuguese Ring Amethyst Citrine Diamond 19k Yellow Gold Sz 6.5 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish contemporary amethyst, citrine & diamond ring crafted in 19k yellow gold (circa 1980s). Cabochon cut amethyst measures 5mm x 4mm and citrine measures 4mm x 3.5mm. 16 sm...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Sterling Sapphire Band Ring Size 7.5 Elsa Peretti
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful band ring is a product of Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. It is sterling silver with a genuine sapphire. Measurements: 2.5mm wide Size: 7 1/2 Marks: Tiffany & Co, 925...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K White Gold Somerset Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed white gold band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat white gold. In the 'Somerset' pattern. Marked to the shank. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: 20th Cen...
18k Gold, White Gold
80s Portuguese Shimmer Ring 19k Yellow Gold Dome Band Sz 7.25 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage "shimmer" ring crafted in 19k yellow gold (circa 1980s). Crafted in bright buttery Portuguese 19k gold, the ring features a textured finish that allows it to "shimm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum & 1.05 Ct. Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage eternity band ring. In platinum. With 30 channel set round single cut diamonds (1.05 TCW ±) set around the circumference. Accompanied by a GEMLAB (Gemological Appr...
Diamond, Platinum
Eternity ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold eternity ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.00ct – G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.8 mm wide and 2....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lustrous Akoya Cultured Pearl Band
Located in Stamford, CT
An elegant band of Seven lustrous pearls that are perfectly matched to wrap your finger. It pairs perfectly with other band rngs. The gold is 10 Kt in a color that easily can be join...
10k Gold
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Double Loving Heart' Band Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver ring. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Designed by Paloma Picasso. From the 'Double Loving Heart' series. Fully marked to the shank. Simply wonde...
Sterling Silver
Eternity ring with oval cut sapphire up to 6.30ct 18k rose gold 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold alliance ring set with a sapphire totaling 6.30 ct - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed description The ring is 4.1 mm wide and 4.5 mm high. Ring size US 7.25...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
$326Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Twisted Infinity Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite diamond twisted band, a perfect fusion of classic warmth and modern artistry. Crafted in radiant 14K white gold, the ring features...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bamboo Band Ring Size 7
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Tiffany & Co. Bamboo Band ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring the iconic bamboo-inspired design that became one of Tiffany's most recognizable motifs of the late 20th cent...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Pear Cut Emerald Wedding Band Ring, Size 7
Located in San Francisco, CA
I just love this Stunning Emerald Ring Wedding Band. Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, the design features GORGEOUS natural Pear Cut Emerald set opposite each other! There are 6 Emeralds, ...
Emerald, Yellow 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
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
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
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
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
Ring with topaz and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 6.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold band ring with a harp pattern set with a central topaz 1.30 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5 (55) Detailed description: ...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold
Ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 7.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold band ring with a harp pattern set with a central sapphire 1.00 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.75 ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed descriptio...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k 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
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
70s Vintage Tiffany & Co Scorpio Ring Sz 3 18k Yellow Gold Zodiac Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co Scorpion ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). The beautifully detailed Zodiac ring is a rare find! The ring is...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
1.10 Ct Emerald Cut Zambian Emerald Band 14K Gold Emerald Band Unisex Band
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Zambian Emerald Ring, Emerald Cut Emerald Ring, Unisex Emerald Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Sapphire Ring** A sophisticated balance of strength and elegance, this handcrafted...
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,215Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Hidalgo 18K Yellow Gold Green Enamel X Band Ring Size 6.5
By Hidalgo
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the artistry of designer fine jewelry with this Hidalgo 18K Yellow Gold Green Enamel X Band Ring. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, this ring features a signature “X” motif ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
70s Vintage Cartier Ring Sz 7 CC Logo Sterling Silver 18k Gold Band Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Out of production vintage Cartier ring crafted in sterling silver & 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). The Cartier "CC" logo in 18k yellow gold adorns the center of the ring, with the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Flexible Gold and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Darnestown, MD
Unusual flexible gold band ring with alternating round and square diamonds. Each stone is deeply cradled in a gold band. There are ten stones in all. The ring tests as 18 karat gold ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
80s Portuguese Diamond Wide Band Sz 7.5 Cigar Ring 19k White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond wide band crafted in 19k white gold (circa 1980s). Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.75 carats (estimated at I-J color and VS2-SI2 clarity)....
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Open Wave White Enamel Ring with Multicolor & White Zircons
Located in New York, NY
This modern Silvorra ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver and designed in an open wave for a chic, stacked look. The top wave band is coated in smooth white enamel and dotted with ...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Cartier Trinity Size 5.25 US 18 Karats Yellow Rose and White Gold Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Vintage Cartier Trinity 18 Karats Yellow Rose and White Gold Ring Size 5.25 US code: aka283 in original box. Grams: 4,5 Cartier Trinity Ring is a famous and iconic jewels. The Trin...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$760Sale Price / item|50% Off
6.48 Carat Green Emerald Eternity Unisex Band Ring for in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
6.48 Carat Green Emerald Eternity Band Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these eternity band to make a statement with your look. These eternity band create a sparkling, luxurio...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Bold Oval Garnet and Rock Crystal Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
The ring glows a warm burgundy color set with three oval faceted garnets so that you can taste the wine! Between the garnets are rock crystals, six of them that are as bright as diam...
Crystal, Garnet, 10k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage platinum band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 950 platinum. Engraved to the interior with an inscribed date '1987 • 2012'. Marked to the shank for Tiffany & Co. ©/ PT95...
Platinum
$467Sale Price / item|50% Off
Baguette green and purple gems half eternity silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Baguette lab emerald and lab amethyst 14k gold half eternity ring. 14k gold ring with purple and green gems. Minimalist baguette gems mens, unisex ring. Semi-eternity gold ring. Met...
Amethyst, Emerald, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$215Sale Price / item|50% Off
Uneven Ruby Sapphire Stackable Band Ring in 925 Silver Gift for Wife Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Uneven Ruby Sapphire Band Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these band to make a statement with your look. These band create a sparkling, luxurious look featuring 3.8 carat of ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ring with brilliant and taper cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 7.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring with brilliant-cut and taper-cut diamond up to 0.75ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 10 – EU 19.75(62) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wid...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Diamond Platinum Vintage Sixteen Stone X Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a high polished platinum band with "X" motif stations Prong set with round brilliant cut diamonds in between Weighing approximately 1.28 carats total G color with VS1 cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Vintage X Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as multiple rows of yellow gold twisted rope motif Featuring three raised platinum 'X' motif stations Bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.05 ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 14kt Gold Love Ring with Diamond, Mid-20th Century, USA
Located in Stamford, CT
This ring is a llittle bit of romance, a love message, a reminder of a romantic or friendly bond. It is marked 14 kt gold and holds a small diamond in the "o". It will fit a small ri...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold, Diamond, and Ruby Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed gold, diamond, and ruby half eternity band ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. With alternating channel set square cut diamonds and rubies to the top an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ralph Masri Heliopolis Ruby Rose Gold Ring
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Unique 18kt rose gold ring with rubies (0.26cts) from Ralph Masri's Heliopolis collection, inspired by ancient Roman patterns and motifs.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
80s Portuguese Vine Leaf Ring 19k Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Band Sz 8.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage leaf vine ring crafted in 19k yellow gold (circa 1980s). 3 marquise cut sapphires measure 3mm x 1.5mm. Diamonds total an estimated 0.09 carats (estimated at H-I col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine & Smoky Quartz Three Stone Band Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine & Smoky Quartz Three Stone Band Ring Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 11 grams Size: 6.5 (US) Width: 12.5mm Signed: ©D.Y. 750 KTD F35002060
Citrine, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Petite Vintage 14 Karat Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine, petite estate 14k gold and diamond ring. This tiny 14k ring is flush-set with a round brilliant diamond at its center. Simply a wonderful ring in the incredibly hard t...
Diamond, Gold
Mid-Century 14 Karat Tiffany & Co. Gold Band or Wedding Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine wedding band or ring. By Tiffany & Co. In 14k yellow gold. With engraved diagonal lines around the circumference of the large half round band. Simply a wonderful rin...
Gold, 14k Gold
80s Vintage Diamond Band Sz 6.5 Stacking Ring 18k Yellow Gold Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1980s). 11 round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.20 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Diamond Clover 18K White Gold Ring Size 50 EU
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Perlée Clover ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K white gold. This refined design features the Maison's signature beaded gold motif cent...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,476Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.61ct Octagon Cut Emerald Bezel Set Stackable Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This solitaire bezel-set ring features a 1.64-carat natural oval-cut emerald set in 18K yellow gold. The emerald measures approximately 10 x 7 mm. The gemstone is securely set in a s...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with sapphire 14k bicolour gold 3.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with sapphire - ring size U.S. 8.75 - EU. 18.75(59) detailed description: The top of the ring is 3.2 mm wide by 5.5 mm high Ring size U.S. 8.75 - EU. 18...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 14k gold 8.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approx. 1.20ct - G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18 (56) detailed description the top of the ring is 5.8 mm wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18k Yellow Gold 3.1 Carats White & Brown Diamonds Snake Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18k Yellow Gold 3.1 Carat Diamond Snake Ring Luxury Cocktail Snake Ring A stunning 18k yellow gold snake ring, handcrafted in Italy with 3.1 carats of champagne, whi...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
AIGS Certified 1.56 Carat Royal Blue Sapphire Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a AIGS Certified 1.56 Carat Natural Royal Blue Sapphire made in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as well as tough...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
6.86 Carats Unheated Multi-Color Sapphires Full Eternity Ring Made in 18K Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 6.86 Carats of Natural Multi Color Unheated Sapphires made in 18K Gold. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as well as toughne...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green ...