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.
Sterling Silver Gold Vermeil Peridot & Black Spinel Ring, Size 7
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful, unique ring is sterling silver with gold vermeil accenting. It features a pear cut, 4x6mm peridot, a round cut 2mm black spinel and a wavy line of tiny round spinels....
Peridot, Black Spinel, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Beaded Open Heart Double Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Radiating charm and delicate craftsmanship, this beaded open heart ring is a beautiful expression of modern romance. Cast in polished 14k yellow gold (hallmarked 585), the ring featu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Serpent Gold Open Adjustable J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serpent Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Open Adjustable Gold Plated Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring, named Gypsy Wisdom, is a coiled serpent in gold plated silver with a marqui...
Ruby, Silver, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Accented Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Make a bold, symbolic statement with this captivating Snake Bypass Ring. Expertly cast in warm 14K yellow gold, this piece features a fluid, serpentine design that gracefully coils a...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval London Blue Topaz and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sophisticated and striking, this London Blue Topaz Halo Ring is a masterclass in elegant contrast. At its center lies a captivating, deep-sea-toned oval-cut London Blue Topaz, secure...
Blue Topaz, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Radiant Initial "A" Open Wrap Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant initial open wrap ring blends modern minimalism with a personalized touch. Crafted in polished 14k yellow gold, the design features a shimmering letter "A" meticulously ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$535Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage inspired rose Quartz and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Rose Quartz Ring with Topazes. Rose Quartz and Topaz Vintage inspired Ring. A striking vintage-inspired statement ring featuring a luminous natural rose quartz cabochon set within ...
Quartz, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage 3.05ct Diamond Chunky Three Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is composed of 3 round brilliant-cut diamonds, flush-set across the front in a bold and chunky design. <...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Arno Alhambra Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in University Place, WA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Arno Alhambra family, crafted in 18k white gold and set with a cluster of four round brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a quatrefoil patter...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modernist 14K Gold & Citrine Ring with Fluted Motif
Located in New York, NY
Modernist in spirit and elegantly restrained, this American ring centers a richly hued citrine in a sculptural 14K gold setting. The citrine’s warm, golden tones are complemented by ...
Citrine, 14k Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Elastic Ring – 4mm Beads
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate 18K yellow gold elastic ring features lustrous 4mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. The design alternates vibrant sky-blue turquoise beads with finely textured ...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.35ct 18k gold 4.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a central brilliant cut diamond up to 0.24ct F/G VS/SI and smaller brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.11 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5(55) ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
RIng with trilliant and brilliant cut diamonds 0.22ct, 18k gold with platina
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold with platina ring set with triangle cut diamond andf brilliant cut diamonds, 0.22 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the r...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Elegant Initial "M" Diamond Open Wrap Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a personalized touch to your jewelry collection with this stunning initial open wrap ring. Expertly crafted in 14k yellow gold, this piece features a bold, serif-style letter "M"...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$385Sale Price|30% Off
Double Skull Ring Adjustable Vintage Platinum Plate 2010 J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2010 Double Skull Ring Platinum Plated Brass New York Archive Designer: J Dauphin The Double Skull Ring is a one-of-a-kind architectural state...
Platinum, Brass
$1,056Sale Price / item|40% Off
14k Gold Ring with Cabochon Ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k gold ring with cabochon riby. July birthstone ruby ring. Ruby cocktail ring. Red ruby ring/ Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size Set with ruby, color -red Ov...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
$517Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Solitaire amethyst ring. Amethyst silver, gold ring. Amethyst statement ring. Amethyst cocktail ring. Metal type: 925 silver + 14k gold plating Weight: 4 g depends from size Gem...
Amethyst, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.70ct 18k gold 7.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with five brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.70ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75(56) detailed description: The top of the ring is 4.8 mm wide R...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cluster ring with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.10ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14 kt white gold ring set with sapphire and brilliant cut diamond tot. 1.10 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 9 - EU. 19(60) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.9 cm wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Carved Amethyst Skull Ring. 18k matte gold
Located in Cohasset, MA
Hand carved skull in Amethyst crystal. 18k matte gold ring. A part of the raw crystal amethyst is exposed just above the forehead.
Gold, 18k Gold
ring with pearls and single cut diamonds up to 0.03ct 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with pearl and single cut diamond up to 0.03ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25(54) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide and 7...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Kashmir Sapphire Ring, 8.45 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
Among the most coveted gemstones in the world, Kashmir sapphires represent the height of rarity and beauty, and this extraordinary Van Cleef & Arpels ring displays one of the finest ...
Sapphire
$882Sale Price / item|43% Off
Art-deco style moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style moissanite 14k gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring. Delicate ring. Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Metal: 14k gold Central stone: moissanite Cut: round Weight:...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby, sapphire ring in 14k gold.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby ring in 14k gold. Sapphire 14k gold ring. Blue, red gemstones ring. July and september birthstone ring. Total weight: 2.2 g. depends from size Material: 14 k gold. Central st...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
$534Sale Price|44% Off
Wave Design Garnet and Topaz Ring in silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Garnet Wave Ring with Topazes. Garnet and Topaz Wave Ring. Garnet and Topaz Ring with Wave Motif. Graceful and sculptural, this ring features a luminous 7 mm garnet framed by a flow...
Garnet, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Estate Chrome Diopside Clover Ring Size 9 Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous estate ring is sterling silver. It features 20 round cut chrome diopside gemstones in a four leaf clover design. This ring measures 1/4 of an inch wide. Size: 9 Weight:...
Sterling Silver
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
Pink Tourmaline Ring in 14k Gold, Tourmaline Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pink tourmaline ring in 14k gold. Pear tourmaline gold ring. Flower gold ting. Open ended ring. Colorfull ring. October birthstone ring. Tourmaline gold ring...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1970's Tiger's Eye Quartz 18K Gold Vintage Fluted Statement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering domed tiger's eye quartz carved with fluted twisting motif Opaque brown in color and displaying vibrant orangey chatoyancy Measuring 12.0 x 22.0 mm - set in a rounded and a...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Schlumberger For Tiffany & Co. No Heat 6 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. 5.94 Carat Oval Cut No Heat Ruby and 1 Carat Total Diamond Ring. Ring size 6.5, adjustable. The ring setting is a 1 of 1, with a Ruby center ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with Pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold 5.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds (total approx. 0.30 ct) - G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The front of the ring is ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Prong Set Flexible Mesh Ring by Fern Freeman
By Fern Freeman
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Make a bold yet sophisticated statement with this 18K Yellow Gold Prong Set Flexible Mesh Ring (2.09 cttw) by Fern Freeman. Crafted in rich 18-karat yellow gold, this distinctive des...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Funny Crab Gold Ring with Opal, Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold Funny crab ring with natural opal, sapphires and diamonds. Opal open ended ring. Summer ring. Sea ring. Crab ring. Metal: 14k solid gold We...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
Lily calla 14k gold ring with sapphire and diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lily calla gold ring. 14 kt gold ring with sapphire and diamonds. Pear sapphire gold ring. Flower gold ring.Genuine sapphire ring. Blue sapphire ring. Sapphire vintage ring. Delicate sapphire ring. Sapphire ring for woman.Natural sapphire ring.Floral gold ring. Minimalist sapphire ring. Sapphire engagement ring. Sapphire promise ring. Gift for her. Sapphire Birthstone Ring...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,176Sale Price / item|50% Off
Art-deco style two moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style two moissanite 14k gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring. Weight: 3 g. depends from size Metal: 14k gold Central stone: moissanites Cut: round Weight: 1 ct. (0....
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold, Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring by Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Both handsome and feminine, sensational yet elegantly restrained, this captivating ring by Paula Crevoshay showcases a perfectly proportioned Pink Sapphire (1.19 carats) at its cente...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Three Row Diamond Set Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional vintage creation from Van Cleef & Arpels, this striking three-row ring exemplifies the maison's celebrated craftsmanship and sophisticated design language. Expertly h...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$968Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Ruby Engagement Ring in 14 K Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby ring in 14 karat yellow gold. Ruby engagement ring in 14 k gold. 14k yellow gold ring with rubies and diamonds. Weight: 3 g. depends from size Central stone: Ruby Weight: 1...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. by Schlumberger 18K Gold Enamel Ring
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Venice, CA
One of Tiffany & Co.’s top designers, Jean Michel Schlumberger was a French designer renown for his use of colorful enamel and sculptural pieces. This 18k gold band is a rare Sch...
18k Gold, Enamel
$658Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Inspired Gold Coin Ring, Yellow Sapphires Ring, Ancient Coin Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage 14k Solid Gold Coin Ring. Ancient inspired Coin Reversible Ring. Men, unisex ring. Ancient, Greece, Byzantium, Roman coin. Sapphire ring. Macedon King Philip II Alexander The Great solid gold coin ring with natural sapphires. Men ring. Unisex ring. Gold solid coin ring. Two metal ring. September birthstone. Coin is moving and ring can be worn in different coin sides. Coin is copy, made 1:1 like original. Greece Greek Macedon King Philip II Alexander The Great Father Stater AV coin Replica. By Daizy...
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
0.14 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 0.14 Carat Natural Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline and 0.29 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Paraiba Tourmalines were only discovered 30 years a...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
Pink Sapphire, Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Derby, NY
Estate Ring, 2 Emerald Cut Pink Sapphire 2.50 ct 1 Baguette Cut Diamond 0.35 ct H-I VS2,18K Yellow Gold 8.60g. Size 7 Jewelry Type : Ring Metal Type : 18K Yellow Gold Metal Weight :...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
Lily calla 14k gold ring with amethyst and diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lily calla gold ring. 14 kt gold ring with amethyst and diamonds. Pear amethyst gold ring. Flower gold ring. Genuine amethyst ring. Purple amethyst ring. Amethyst vintage ring. Delicate amethyst ring. Amethyst ring for woman. Natural amethyst ring. Floral gold ring. Minimalist amethyst ring. Amethyst engagement ring. Amethyst promise ring...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, Vintage Inspired Ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k gold ring with ruby and diamonds. July birthstone ruby ring. Round ruby ring Metal: 14k solid gold Total weight 2.60 g depends from size Gemstones: Round cabochon cut ruby, 0...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
0.19 Carat Brazilian Alexandrite and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A gorgeous ring featuring a 0.19 Carats Natural Brazilian Alexandrite and 0.29 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Alexandrites produce a natural color-change phenomenon as t...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
Genuine Sapphire 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Genuine sapphire 14k gold ring. Sapphire engagement ring. Sapphire vintage ring. Sapphire gold ring. December birthstone ring. Blue sapphire ring. Natural sapphirel ring. Minimalist sapphire ring. Sapphire engagement ring. Sapphire promise...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Thoscene Fractal Silver Ring
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Using the THOSCENE customization platform developed by John Brevard, this piece is designed based on astrological systems and sacred geometry to complement patterns found in our cosm...
Sterling Silver
14K White Gold Pear Cut Amethyst and Marquise Diamond Open Cuff Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This chic open cuff ring presents a modern twist on the classic "Toi et Moi" style, featuring two contrasting gemstones that appear to float on the finger. On one end sits a vibrant ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Snake Ring Sterling Silver Emerald Ruby Eyes Marquis Designer J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin Solid Silver Snake Ring with Emerald, Ruby and Marquise Aquamarine or Diamond — Los Angeles 2011 Designer: J Dauphin Made in Los Angeles, 2011 Solid silver This J Dauphi...
Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, Sterling Silver
$1,875Sale Price / item|25% Off
"Love" Ring with Ruby Heart and Diamond Set in 14k Yellow Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold "Love" ring with 1 heart shape cut ruby weighing .40ts. and 28 round full cut diamonds weighing .25pts. spelling out "love". This ring is a size 6.5 but we will size...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$280Sale Price|20% Off
14k White Gold Diamond "Cross" Ring .08 Carats
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k White Gold Diamond "Cross" ring .10carats Specifications: main stone: BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND diamonds: 11 PIECES carat total weight: .08 color: G clarity: VS1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
Bird on Branch 14k gold Ring with Sapphires
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold bird on branch ring with natural sapphires. September birthstone ring. Blue sapphires ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 1.8 g. Depends fro...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Persian Turquoise 1.5 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Gold Mid Century
Located in New York, NY
This is a magnificent Persian Turquoise Diamond Ring. The jewel is set with eight gorgeous Persian Turquoise oval and round cabochons of great beauty. The ring is further set with 12 sparkling white Diamonds scattered throughout the blue of the Turquoise. The blue and white combination of the jewels creates a magical effect. The Diamonds are of superb quality and total approximately 1 1/2 Carats. The gems are set in a 14 Karat Yellow Gold braided motif. The antique ring...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$550Sale Price / item|26% Off
Art-deco style moissanite silver, gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style moissanite silver, gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring. Delicate ring. Two moissanite ring. Weight: 3.5 g. depends from size Metal: 925 silver plust 14k gold pla...
Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
4.24ct Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, Modern Design
Located in Edina, MN
Bold and unforgettable, this exquisite ring centers on a remarkable 4.24 carat diamond, radiating brilliance and commanding attention from every angle. Flanked by baguette diamonds t...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tetra Full Pave Black Sapphire Silver Ring
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Inspired by sacred geometries, namely the Star Tetrahedron, this John Brevard statement ring is created in 925 Sterling Silver with 352 pavé round black sapphires at 1.0 -1.5 mm each...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s C de Cartier Pear Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier C de Cartier diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold, circa 1980-1990.
The ring is composed of an elegant openwork design, set with pear-shaped and rou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18k Yellow Gold 1.50ct Diamond Belt Buckle Cocktail Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bold and luxurious, this 18K yellow gold statement ring features a unique buckle design. The ring is adorned with 1.5 carats of round-cut diamonds, their white brilliance creating a ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,941Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Opal, Sapphires, Peridots 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal, sapphires, peridots, topazs 14k gold ring. Genuine opal ring. Opal 14k gold cocktail ring. Multicolor gold ring. Metal: 14 karat gold. ...
Topaz, Black Opal, Sapphire, Peridot, Opal, 14k Gold
From $583 / item
10 Karat Yellow Gold Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Accent Band
Located in Deira, AE
Radiate subtle sophistication with the Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Accent Band. This dainty yet striking ring features a beautiful, oval-cut natural yellow sapphire held in a secure ...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Greek Coin Bolskan, Iberia Ring by Michael Bondanza
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This 18K yellow gold Greek Coin Ring by Michael Bondanza showcases an authentic Bolskan coin from Iberia, circa 204–154 BC, in a bold size 10.5 setting...
Yellow Gold