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Modern Vintage Jewellery

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Vintage Buckle Ring 9k Yellow Gold Wide Band Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
with your fine jewelry from any era. The buckle motif represents the joining of two lives together. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire Diamond Tulip Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
. The popular tulip style is a great piece to wear alone or stacked with your fine jewelry from any era
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Capricorn Agate Pendant 14k Yellow Gold Large Zodiac Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
and bold design is a great example of 70s era zodiac jewelry. The bale measures 4mm wide and can
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Agate, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co Collar Disc Necklace Sterling Silver Wire Pre Owned Jewelry
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and elegant vintage Tiffany & Co collar necklace crafted in sterling silver. The collar necklace is fitted with an oval disc pendant (movable on the collar). Measuring 15....
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage Cartier White Enamel Ring 18k Yellow Gold Band Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
). The ring is great worn alone or layered with your fine jewelry from any era. The ring is in good
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Italian Jewelry Box Alabaster Gold Lion Paws
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage Italian jewelry box, trinket box made of beautiful brown veined alabaster with gold-colored
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Onyx, Alabaster, Metal, Brass

Vintage Hot Dog Charm 14k Yellow Gold Pendant Red Yellow Enamel Food Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage hot dog charm crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1960s 1970s). The nicely detailed 3D charm is fully loaded with personality. Red enamel for the dog, and su...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

6.05ct Natural Columbian Emerald Diamond Ring Vintage 80s Sz 5 Gemstone Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural emerald & diamond ring (circa 1980s) crafted in 18k yellow gold. Natural emerald measures 11.7mm x 10.8mm x 6.5mm (estimated at 6.05 carats). The emerald is light-m...
Category

Late 20th Century Colombian Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ships Anchor Charm 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Fine Nautical Jewelry Rope
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed Anchor charm crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s to 1980s). Crafted in 18k yellow gold the ships anchor is larger in scale measuring 1 1/2 x 1 inch. The hollow...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Small Italian Oval Vintage Leather Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
store your favorite pieces of jewelry as well a stand alone piece on a coffee table as decoration
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold Leaf

Jewelry Box Brass Swan Bird Red Lacquer
Located in New York, NY
A '70 modern red lacquer or high-gloss 'demi-lune' box with inlayed brass swan bird design, circa
Category

1970s Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Brass

Checkerboard Buttons XL Classic Round 14K Yellow Gold Extra Large Stud Earrings
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
These yellow-gold checkerboard round button studs are lightweight and easy to wear. These make a great go-to chic accessory. The yellow gold goes great with most everything, and have...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Ruby Diamond Band Sz 7 Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ring Estate Stacking Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby diamond band crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Two diamonds total an estimated 0.25 carats (estimated at H-I color and VS2-SI2 clarity). Rubies total an e...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

24k Gold Sailing Boat Pendant Vintage Charm Estate Fine Ocean Nautical Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
24k gold the piece is great worn alone as a statement piece or layered with your fine jewelry from any
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 22k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Hematite Dome Ring Vintage Sz 4.5 Band Signed Jewelry
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Torrance, CA
worn alone or stacked with your fine jewelry from any era. The out of production VCA design is a
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Sapphire Eternity Ring Sz 4.75 Vintage 14k White Gold Band Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage sapphire diamond eternity band crafted in 14 karat white gold. 14 diamonds total an estimated 0.07 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). 14 sapp...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 80s Fan Earrings 14k Yellow Gold Drops Estate Fine Movable Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Lot G12923 heirloom jewelry estate fine jewelry collector's jewelry collectibles gift for
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Emerald Diamond Scrolled Ring Sz 6 Platinum Band Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage diamond & emerald ring crafted in 850 platinum (circa 1960s to 1970s). Diamonds total an estimated 2.20 carats (estimated at G-H color and VS1-SI1 clarity)....
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1.60ct Diamond Eternity Ring Sz 8.5 Vintage 14k White Gold Wedding Band Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond eternity ring crafted in 14 karat white gold. Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 1.60 carats (estimated at H-I color and SI1-I1 clarity). Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Modern Gilt Sterling Silver Bloodstone Cabochon Cufflinks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of estate cufflinks. In gilt sterling silver. Each with a prong-set flat, oval bloodstone cabochon. Simply a wonderful pair of vintage cufflinks! Date: 20th Century ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Sterling Silver

1980s Tavola Oggetti Rectangular Marble Jewelry Box
By Oggetti
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a vintage, sleek, pair of polished stone bookends, circa the 1970s. This set is constructed of solid, heavy-weight marble and skillfully hand-cut and ha...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Marble

c1960s Heart Nugget Picture Locket Vintage 10k Gold Turquoise Pendant Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage nugget heart locket crafted in 10k yellow gold (circa 1960s). Small 2.5mm piece of cabochon turquoise. Bright buttery 22k to 24k gold natural nuggets ad...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 10k Gold, 22k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rock Crystal Mermaid Pendant Estate 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Brooch Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
your fine jewelry from any era. Hefty at 40.2 grams with a weighty feel to the touch. It can also be
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

3.50ct Diamond Band 80s Vintage Ring Sz 7.75 18k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage pave diamond ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1980s). Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 3.50 carats (estimated at H-I color and VS2-SI1 cla...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Pink Tourmaline Diamond Earrings Wide Dome 18k Gold Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage pink tourmaline & diamond earrings crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1990s). Pink tourmalines range in size from 4mm to 8mm x 7mm. Diamonds total an estimated 0.08 c...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate Gold Beads Ruby Sapphire Clasp in 14K Yellow Gold Brushed Beaded
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
If you want a significant gold necklace, this is the one for you. Beautifully brushed 9 millimeter beads make up the length and there is a gorgeous 19 millimeter diameter gold clasp ...
Category

1980s American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Carved Opal Fish Ring Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct & unique carved opal fish ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1960s to 1970s). The carved opal measures 27mm x 18mm, accented with 6 estimated 0.02 carat round bri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Horse Charm Pendant 14k Yellow Gold Animal Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage horse charm crafted in 14k yellow gold. The sweet charm features a trotting horse set within a circular mount. The piece can be worn as a charm on a bracel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Aquarius Pendant Spinner Vintage 18k Gold Steel Fine Zodiac Jewelry Flip
By Bulgari
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Bulgari pendant crafted in 18k yellow gold & steel (circa 1990s). The Zodiac collection was introduced by Bulgari in the 1990s as part of the Tondo series. T...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Mini Grand Piano Jewelry Box in Teak
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1950s Materials: Teak Measurements: 18.25" wide x 22" deep x 17.75" tall (closed) 31" tall (opened)
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Teak

Silver Cufflinks Modern Swedish Tiger Eye
Located in Orimattila, FI
Silver Cufflinks Modern Swedish Tiger Eye Diameters 27mm Swedish Silver 830H Silver Really nice and
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Tiger s Eye, Silver

Ruby Diamond Tulip Ring Sz 5.5 Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
rubies. The popular tulip style is a great piece to wear alone or stacked with your fine jewelry from any
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Large Square Natural Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Malachite Jewelry or Vanity Box. Malachite is a green copper carbonate mineral. It is part of
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Machiche

Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Ring 18k Gold Platinum Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
diamonds. The statement band is great worn alone or stacked with your fine jewelry from any era. Also makes
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Twisted Bangle Bracelet, Hinged Clasp, Rope Yellow Gold Oval Bangle
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
The twisted bangle bracelet is amazing! The details for this gorgeous bracelet are listed below: Bracelet Type: Bangle with Safety Latch Metal Quality: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Circumfer...
Category

20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Aquamarine Heart Diamond Earrings Vintage 18k White Gold Drops Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish aquamarine & diamond earrings crafted in 18k white gold (circa 1970s to 1980s). Heart cut aquamarines measure 10.5mm x 10mm. 12 single cut diamonds total an estimated 0.12 c...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Fringe Drop Earrings 1.25" Vintage 18k White Gold Foliate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant pair of vintage diamond drop earrings crafted in 18k white gold. Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.60 carats (estimated at H-I color and VS2-SI2 clarity). ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Nefertiti Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Egyptian Jewelry 7" Bangle Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Nefertiti bracelet crafted in 18k yellow gold. The distinct Egyptian themed bracelet features the bust of Nefertiti repeating around the entire circumference of th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Textured Oval Hoop Earrings Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Drops Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Fine detailed pair of oval hoop earrings crafted in 14k yellow gold. The stylish earrings feature an elaborate scrolled design with bead detailing. The hollow earrings offer a ligh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Horse Dog Pendant 14k Yellow Gold Fine Estate Animal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
great worn alone as a statement piece or layered with your fine jewelry from any era. The pendant is
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Huge Lapis Lazuli Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Jewelry Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
like to make a statement with your jewelry then this ring is for you! The low rise ring (4.5mm - 0.17
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 2-Row Cultured Akoya Pearl Necklace 18K WG Diamond Agate Jewelry Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Necklace Among all the pieces of jewelry, there exists one that possesses a remarkable versatility. It
Category

1970s Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, White Gold

5.35ct Aquamarine Diamond Square Ring Vintage 18k White Gold Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed aquamarine & diamond ring crafted in 18 karat white gold (circa 1970s to 1980s). Emerald cut aquamarine measures 11.9 x 10.5 x 6.5mm (estimated at 5.35 c...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Winged Angel Necklace Diamond Enamel Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Chain Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
adjustable length from 18 to 20 inches. The necklace is great worn alone or layered with your fine jewelry
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Large Carved Coral Cocktail Ring Vintage 14k White Gold Sz 6 Flower Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage coral cocktail ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 14 karat white gold. Coral measures 31mm x 21mm. The large cabochon cut coral features hand carved floral detail to ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Flat Link Necklace 18k White Gold Chain Estate Signed Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier Fidelity bar link necklace crafted in 18 karat white gold. The flat link necklace is a Cartier classic, circa 1990s. Great worn alone or layered with your fine nec...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Amethyst Diamond Square Earrings Vintage 14k Yellow Gold MOP Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
era jewelry. A unique pair of earrings ideal for day or evening wear. The earrings are in fair to
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

70s Abstract Jade Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
hand. With texturing to the band and mount the ring is a great example of 70s era jewelry. The medium
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Frog Pendant Heart Shaped Leaf Heavy 24.5gm Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed frog pendant crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1960s to 1970s). The charming heart shaped leaf features textured lifelike detail, with a dainty frog to the bas...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Half Diamond Band 18k White Gold Estate Fine Jewelry Wedding Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
stacked with your fine jewelry from any era. The low rise band (2mm - 0.07 inches) sits comfortably on the
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Signet Ring Initial Vintage Platinum Sz 6.75 Square Heavy Band Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Cartier signet ring crafted in 950 platinum. The vintage signet ring is engraved with the initials "DGC". The signet ring is medium sized in scale and great...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Platinum

Ruby Diamond Pendant Drop Earrings Estate 18k Yellow Gold Dangle Calibre Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
jewelry. Patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933 and known as the 'Mystery Setting', the resulting jewels
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Horse Charm 14k Yellow Gold Pendant Estate Fine Animal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage horse charm crafted in 14k yellow gold. The trotting horse is smaller in scale (3/4 inch diameter) and great worn on a charm bracelet or as a pendant. The...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pair of Vintage Crackled Abalone Jewelry Boxes
By Maitland Smith
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of vintage crackled abalone jewelry boxes. Unmarked. Attributed to Maitland Smith. Measures
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Abalone

Tiffany Co Necklace Onyx Multi Strand Torsade Toggle Vintage Fine Jewelry
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed vintage Tiffany & Co multi strand onyx torsade necklace crafted in sterling silver. gold. Onyx is strung onto 8 strands. The evenly sized and matched b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Onyx, Silver, Sterling Silver

Hot Air Ballon Pendant Vintage Diamond MOP Onyx 14k Yellow Gold Brooch Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
polish pendant is great worn as a standout piece or layered with your fine jewelry from any era. The bale
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond Lion Pendant 10k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Animal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Lion pendant crafted in 10 karat yellow gold (circa 1980s to 1990s). Diamonds total an estimated 0.15 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI2-I2 clarity). ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Vintage Jewellery

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Modern Vintage Jewellery For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact modern vintage jewellery you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 35778 vintage editions and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a modern vintage jewellery from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A modern vintage jewellery from Cartier, Tiffany Co. and David Webb — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A modern vintage jewellery can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 9980 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and cabochon alternatives. Finding a modern vintage jewellery for sale for women should be easy, but there are 8765 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Modern Vintage Jewellery?

The price for a modern vintage jewellery starts at $35 and tops out at $6,500,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,115.

A Close Look at Modern Jewelry

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.