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.
Vintage Italian 18K Yellow Gold, Natural Sapphire, & Diamond Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, sapphire, and diamond signet style ring. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a central bezel-set emerald cut 0.75 Ct± natural sapphire surrounded by a halo of 14 rou...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Estate ABL 18K Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
20th Century 18K Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Signet Ring by ABL The fine oval Rhodolite garnet signet gemstone exhibits hidden fire as the pavillion of the gem is facet cut and the ...
Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TIFFANY & CO. 18k Yellow Gold 1837 Makers Black Onyx Signet Men's Ring Size 13.5
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Signet Ring by Tiffany & Co. is a bold and sophisticated piece designed for those who appreciate luxury and style. Crafted in rich 18k yellow gold, this ring...
18k Gold
Mens Diamond and 18k Gold Ring 7.20 carats Color U Clarity VS2
Located in Tucker, GA
This custom-made men's ring has a rare 7.20 Carat diamond with a Round Brilliant cut, VS2 quality, and a rare color grade of U-V. The unique color grade indicates a light-yellow appe...
14k Gold, 18k Gold
Jadeite Jade & Diamond ring, Platinum Size 9
Located in Northampton, MA
This one-of-a-kind estate ring features a 5.57 carat cabochon of natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade in luscious, translucent "Apple Green, a pair of brilliant white, eye-clea...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
$1,800Sale Price|40% Off
Mens, Unisex Ring with Genuine Emerald
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Mens Ring with Emerald. Statement emerald ring. Silver, Gold signet ring for men with emerald. Emerald ring. Unisex ring with Emerald...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
18ct Yellow Gold Ring, Set With 0.35ct Oval Natural Fine Quality Emerald
Located in London, GB
New made by Jewellery Cave 18ct yellow gold single stone ring, set with oval 0.35ct fine quality natural emerald, The ring is a perfect complement to any ensemble and can be worn o...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,151Sale Price / item|35% Off
Sapphire gold ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Sapphire gold ring. Vintage style Sapphire mens ring. Natural Sapphire Men Ring. Mens gemstone jewellery. Blue Sapphire Ring. Antique gold Mens Sapphire Ring...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
18k yellow gold ring – 9.7 grams - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25 (54)
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring – 9.7 grams - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25 (54) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 2.7 mm high Ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25 (54). we...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$472Sale Price / item|43% Off
Art Deco Signet Ring for Men with Moissanite, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art Deco Signet Ring for Men with Moissanite, silver, gold. Rectangular Moissanite Ring for Men. Men’s Moissanite Signet Ring. Vintage Pinky Ring, Gift for Him Metal: 925 silver p...
Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
David Yurman Green Onyx Intaglio Octagon 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 10
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Style: Green Onyx Intaglio Octagon Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: DY 750 Gemstones: Natural green onyx with intaglio carving Design: Octagonal sta...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$472Sale Price / item|50% Off
Watch Band Shaped Ring with moissanite for Men, silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Watch Band Shaped Ring with moissanite for Men, silver, gold. Men’s Moissanite Watch Band Ring, Gold Plated Silver Statement Ring, Bold Square Solitaire Ring for Him, Modern Masculin...
Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$472Sale Price / item|50% Off
Signet Ring with Moissanite for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Moissanite for Men silver, gold. Square Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Modern Gentleman Jewelry Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight:...
Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ring with layered stone 14k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold signet ring set with blue layered stone – ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75 (56) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 2.8 mm high Ring size U....
14k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Signet Ring with Blue Layered Stone, 9.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with blue layered stone - ring size US 9.75 - EU 19.5(61) detailed description: The top of the ring is in a square shape of 1.5 cm wide by 3.8 mm high Rin...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Black Onyx Intaglio Octagon 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 8
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Style: Black Onyx Intaglio Octagon Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: DY 750 Gemstones: Natural black onyx with intaglio carving Design: Octagonal sta...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Organic Form Diamond Sterling Silver Rosa Maria Statement Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Hand hammered silver signet ring with a crown of rose cut icy yellow diamonds by Lebanese designer Rosa Maria Provenance: estate sourced from the collection of a noted NYC psychiatri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,488Sale Price / item|20% Off
Antique Style Pear Cut Natural Pink Sapphire Signet Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Antique style signet ring showcases a 0.62 carat natural pear cut pink sapphire, set in 14K yellow gold. The sapphire measuring 5 x 4.5 mm, elegantly secured in a smooth bezel s...
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,650Sale Price / item|44% Off
Mens, Unisex Ring with Genuine Emerald
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver Mens Ring with Emerald. Statement emerald ring. Gold signet ring for men with emerald. Emerald gold ring. Unisex ring with Emerald. Natural emerald ring. Everyday ring with e...
Emerald, Silver
Small 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engravable Pinky Signet Ring, Size 4
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a very cute small engravable signet ring made for someone with smaller hands or as a delightful pinky ring. This Signet ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and is current...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage-Inspired Oval Emerald & Diamond Halo Signet Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This vintage-inspired signet ring features a 0.94 carat natural oval emerald, set in 14K yellow gold. The vibrant center stone measuring 6.5 x 4.5 mm, securely set in a bezel setting...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
French gold ring - vintage style signet ring with emerald and diamonds
Located in Chorzów, PL
A French signet ring from the second half of the 20th century, crafted from 18-karat yellow gold (0.750). The ring is set with an oval emerald weighing approximately 1.00 ct and 12 ...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Cartier 1960's 1.22 CTW Oval Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Unisex Signet Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut diamond weighing approximately 1.22 carats - F color with VS2 clarity Flush set with a sinuous oval-shaped face surround With rounded shoulders and profile Test...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Blue Agate Intaglio Octagon 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 10.5
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Style: Blue Agate Intaglio Octagon Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: DY 750 Gemstones: Natural blue agate with intaglio carving Design: Octagonal sta...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 900 Platinum Black Onyx Rectangle Signet Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage signet ring crafted in 900 platinum. Circa 1980. The piece features rectangle black onyx. Weight: 10.75g Size: 18.75 (US 8.75) IMPORTANT: please ask about the ...
Onyx, Platinum
$539Sale Price / item|44% Off
Custom Initials Men’s Ring with Baguette Peridot in Silver, Gold.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Your Initials Ring for Men— Personalized with Baguette Peridot. Custom Initials Baguette Peridot Ring in Silver. A personalized men’s ring crafted in silver 925 plus 14k gold platin...
Peridot, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tigers Eye and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This tigers eye stone is truly mesmerising. They give the classic brown colour with fine stripes of darker brown running through it. The setting is modelled in 9ct gold. Hallmarked L...
Tiger's Eye, Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Lamassu Men’s Signet Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold signet ring depicts the Lamassu, an Assyrian deity that dates back to around 960 - 935 B.C. The Lamassu has the body of a bull or lion, the head of a human, and the win...
Gold, 18k Gold
$1,656Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Unisex 1.72ct Blue Sapphire Signet Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This unisex signet ring Showcase a 1.72 carat blue sapphire, set in 14K yellow gold. The sapphire measuring approximately 6 x 9 mm, secured in a classic prong setting. The clean and ...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Smokey Quartz and 14 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring has a mysterious look to it. In some lights the stone looks like a smooth ad glossy stone and when the light hits it you can see the wonderful way in which the underside of...
Quartz, Gold
David Yurman Large Albion 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Size 8
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Collection: Albion Style: Cushion Statement Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: D.Y. 750 Diamonds: Natural diamonds approximately 1.50 carats total wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous chunky signet ring holds an old mine cut diamond which measures 65pts and is set within a decorative ribbed setting. Made in London, England. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 7 Wi...
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The design on the front of this signet is the coat of arms worn by the Scottish Clan Lindsay. Modelled in 9carat gold. Ring Size: S 1/2 or 9 1/4 Face Dimensions: 19x14mm Weight:...
Gold
c1944 Vintage Diamond Signet Ring Sz 6.5 Band 14k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond signet ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1944). One old mine cut diamond is estimated at 0.25 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI2-I1 clarity). ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,959Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Yellow Gold Natural Wein*r Cut Diamond Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Unique 10k Yellow Gold Natural Weiner Cut Diamond Signet Ring Center: 0.60carat rustic cut diamond 5.6grams of 10K gold Size 5.5
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tigers Eye and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This tigers eye stone is truly mesmerising. They give the classic brown colour with fine stripes of darker brown running through it. The setting is modelled in 9ct gold. Hallmarked L...
Tiger's Eye, Gold
18 Karat Skull Ring with 1.26 Carat Natural Fancy Color Diamond
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Knuckle up for our skull ring. Not the usual skull ring, this symbol of power is set with 1.26 carat of natural fancy color diamond. Feel the power.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Brow...
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet signet is modelled in 9ct gold and has a square face with half of it gently moulded with scroll detail. The initials engraved are 'E.M.K'. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1961...
Gold
Bvlgari 1970's Diamond Tiger's Eye Quartz 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a signet style ring centering two semi-circle shaped tiger's eye quartz tablets Opaque brown in color and displaying vibrant orangey golden brown chatoyancy Measuring 18....
Diamond, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Karat Gold Black Chalcedony Rectangle Signet Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage signet ring crafted in 9K gold. Circa 1980. It features rectangle black chalcedony. Weight: 8.36g Size: 17.25 (US 7) IMPORTANT: please ask about the possibilit...
Chalcedony, Gold, 9k Gold
$472Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval Bezel Moissanite Ring for Men silver, gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Moissanite for Men silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring. Minimalist Luxury Pinky Ring. Vintage Style Signet Ring for Men with Oval Moissanite. Oval Pinky Ring for Men ...
Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Round Moissanite Signet Engagement Ring for him in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This distinguished signet ring features 0.52 carats of round cut moissanite, arranged in a striking square pavé cluster and crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Its clean architectural de...
Sterling Silver
French Signet Ring Yellow Gold and Natural Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Measurements: Ring width : 1.6cm, height : 0.9cm, size : 48 This elegant French signet ring is a refined example of timeless craftsmanship, fashio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$425Sale Price / item|40% Off
Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
4k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Jewelry - Miniature portrait with antique woman ring - Antique, victorian style ring with wom...
Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
18K Yellow Gold 0.64 Carat Weight Marquise East to West Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18K yellow gold signet ring set with a striking 0.64 carat marquise-cut diamond in a smooth bezel-style mount. The bold yet refined design offers timeless elegance with a vin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Mens Ring with Opal, Gold Ring for Men with Opal
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 K Gold Mens Ring with Opal. Gold ring for men with opal. Opal cabochone gold ring. Unisex ring with opal. Natural opal ring. Oval cab opal ring. Multi...
Opal, 14k Gold
$644Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Gold 0.19 Carat Diamond Halo Om Hindu Religious Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
The handcrafted Halo OM diamond ring is a perfect everyday wear ring to bring inner peace and spirituality. Om symbolizes the universe and with this ring, we guarantee you top-notch quality with 0.19 carat diamonds. This beautiful Hindu religious OM ring...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Ring, Set With 0.35ct Oval Natural Fine Quality Sapphire
Located in London, GB
New made by Jewellery Cave 18ct yellow gold single stone ring, set with oval 0.35ct fine quality natural sapphire, The ring is a perfect complement to ...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bulgari BVLGARI BVLGARI Onyx Signet Ring in Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Bulgari BVLGARI BVLGARI onyx ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is composed of a bold signet-style design, featuring a ...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Nude Figural Ring Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Sz 5 Large Oval Signet
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage nude figural ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. 7 diamonds total an estimated 0.05 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). The large oval signet m...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.70ct Malachite Pink Quartz & Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite Diamonds Malachite 14K Yellow Gold Pink Quartz Signet Ring features a blend of luxurious stones and fine craftsmanship. Set in 14K yellow gold, it showcases full-cut d...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Personalise Initial Letter 18k Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Signet Ring Collection Modern Personalise Initial Letter Signet Ring. Handcrafted Initials made of 18K Yellow Gold crafted on Bold Silver Sterling Signet Ring. Signet Initial...
Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold, 18k Gold
$824Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Gold Diamond Religious Ring Allah Diamond Ring Islam Allah Ring Ring for Her
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Handcrafted Allah diamond ring is a perfect everyday wear ring to bring inner peace and spirituality. This beautiful Allah religious ring is a statement piece. This Islam ring...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Alexandrite Ring with Natural Diamond Accents: Solid 14k Dual Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
Elegant dual-gold 14k setting with a certified alexandrite and sparkling natural diamond accents—sophistication that changes with every glance. A color-changing alexandrite wrapped ...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Swarovski signet ring in gold tone adorned with smoky quartz.
By Swarovski
Located in bronshoj, DK
Swarovski signet ring in gold tone adorned with smoky quartz. Original box included. Diameter: 16 mm. US size: 5.5. In excellent condition. Stamped. In most cases, we can change the ...
$539Sale Price / item|44% Off
Your Initials Ring for Men— Personalized with Baguette Amethyst
Located in Istanbul, TR
Custom Initials Men’s Ring with Baguette Amethyst in Silver, Gold. Custom Initials Baguette Amethyst Ring in Silver. A personalized men’s ring...
Amethyst
$215Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Sterling Silver 2.19ct Oval Sky-Blue Topaz Signet Band Ring, Size 7.5
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Vintage sterling silver signet ring set with a bright 2.19‑carat oval Sky Blue Topaz in a smooth bezel. The gemstone shows crisp, watery brilliance, paired with a solid, rounded silv...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century 18k Gold, Enamel, and Ruby Italian Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Italian cocktail ring. In 18k gold. With a navette shaped head decorated in blue guilloché enamel and prong-set to its cente...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
GIA Certified 2ct Oval-Cut Diamond Solitaire Unisex Signet Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Jaipur, RJ
💎 Product Description: Discover bold sophistication with this exceptional 2ct Natural Oval-Cut Diamond Unisex Signet Ring—an iconic statement piece that embodies both modern luxury ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Black Onyx Rectangle Diamond Ring 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Gemstone: Onyx Diamond Count: 1 brilliant cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.01 carats Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Clarity: I1 Rin...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold