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Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

MODERN STYLE

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.

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Style: Modern
Antique Berlin Iron Hercules Relief Portrait Strength 18 Karat Gold Modern Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This rare and most unusual cast iron plaque with the portrait in profile of Hercules dates from the first or second decade of the 19th century. It is a typical example of the work of Prussian Iron...
Category

1810s German Antique Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, Berlin Iron

Vintage Tiffany Co. Sterling Silver Key Holder or Key Chain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Tiffany and Co. key holder in sterling silver. With an unengraved pendant tag. A great Tiffany everyday piece! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ethiopian Mezezo Chocolate Opal Specimen
Located in New Orleans, LA
This extraordinary Mezezo opal specimen hails from the highlands of Africa and is, quite simply, one of the most amazing opals we have ever seen. Found i...
Category

20th Century Ethiopian Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Opal

Jocelyn Burton Seashell and Moonstone Encrusted Sterling Silver Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine cylindrical sterling silver box by Jocelyn Burton. The box's lid is richly encrusted with miniature silver sea shells and bezel set with 2 ...
Category

1970s British Vintage Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Moonstone, Sterling Silver

Tiffany Co 22k Gold Coronet Head Quarter Eagle Coin Money Clip
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Tiffany & Co 22k Gold Coronet Head Quarter Eagle Coin Money Clip Exceptionally rare item from Tiffany, having a USA gold coin from 1885 that is a collectors item sat in star burst setting. Size - One Size Condition - Vintage - Very Good (Small mark and some scratches) Composition -  Coin - 22k Yellow Gold, Setting - 14k Yellow Gold Comes With - A Tiffany Dust Bag...
Category

1880s American Antique Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

22k Gold

18K Exquisite Cufflinks with Diamonds Onyx
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Exquisite Diamonds with Onyx Cufflinks . Only One Pair. 18 Diamonds - 0.96 CT 2 ONYX - 8.23 CT 18KW 8.42 GM ONYX is super powerful stone. stone of all stones! Onyx offers up ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Beatrice Cenci Handmade Micro Mosaic Canvas Gold Silver White Diamond Jet Topaz
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

White Diamond, Topaz, Gold, Silver

Diamond Spear Stick Pin Hat Pin in 18K White Gold, 0.50 Carat, Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sleek and distinctive diamond spear stick pin hat pin by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, crafted in 18K white gold. Designed with a refined, modern silhouette, this piece adds sharp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Paperclip Style Money Clip Set in British Sterling Silver
Located in London, England
A minimalistic paperclip style money clip made of solid British sterling silver. The clip measures 6.4 x 2 centimetres and there is a gross weight of 13.2 grams.
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Raffaello Handmade Micro Mosaic Canvas Adorned Gold Silver White Diamond Jet
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

18K Gold Diamonds Onyx Button Cufflinks
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Cufflink with Onyx and Diamonds. Only 1 Pair. 8 DIAMONDS - 0.16 CT 2 ONYX - 6.12 CT 18K Yellow Gold - 13.88 GM Onyx is a stone that offers up powerful vibrations of protection,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Artemisia Gentileschi Handmade Micro Mosaic Canvas Gold Silver White Diamond Jet
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Platinum Diamond Bespoke Rectangular Initials Engraved Modern Hasbani Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald...

Diamond Bespoke 18 Kt White Gold Rectangular Engraved Modern Hasbani Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald...

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14 Karat Ridged Tie Bar
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14 Karat Ridged Tie Bar. Simple design yet sophisticated piece that will add a nice detail to any tie. The top of the tie bar has a zig-zag design and the enti...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Ridged Tie Bar
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Tiffany Co Estate Keychain Sterling Silver
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Tiffany Co Estate Business Card Holder Sterling Silver 58.1 Grams
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ST Dupont Lighter Laque de Chine Blue Gold Original France Paris
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
ST Dupont Lighter Laque de Chine Blue Gold Original France Paris with box Dimensions Height: 6cm / 2,36 inches Width: 3,5cm / 1,37 inches Depth: . 1 cm / 0...
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1980s American Vintage Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

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81 ct Boulder Opal large gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional boulder Koroit Opal is a true masterpiece of nature, showcasing a captivating array of colors and patterns. Mined from the Australian outb...
Category

2010s Australian Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Opal

81 ct Boulder Opal large gemstone
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25% Off
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Sterling Silver Oval Pill Box # 19679
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling Silver Oval Pill Box - This vintage oval pill box features an etch design top in classic sterling silver. Size: 33.03 mm x 47.20 mm Stamped: 925 Weigh: 10.4 dwt / 16.2 g...
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20th Century Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

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Sterling Silver Oval Pill Box # 19679
Sterling Silver Oval Pill Box # 19679
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H 0.57 in W 1.86 in L 1.31 in
Diamonds, Rubies, 18karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful modern ring in 18 karat white gold structure mounted with five rubies and white diamonds. Diamonds 0.04 ct Rubies 0.86 ct - 3mm Total Weight 1.90 gr RF + COA Italian Size ...
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2010s Italian Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

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Navajo Needlepoint Turquoise Concho Belt
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Navajo needlepoint concho belt. Signed LMB, marked sterling. 11 conchos total. Exceptional design on each concho, featuring floral style center with complementary scalloped silverwork and final layer of turquoise framing concho. Old Pawn. Acquired from a Navajo trader. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGIN: Navajo, Southwest SIZE: Total Belt Length 62 1/2" Leather; conchos 2 1/4"D The word “concho” sometimes spelled “concha”, comes from the Spanish word meaning shell. Some of the first “conchos” were made of melted silver dollars and resembled a shell. Concho belts reportedly began appearing in Navajo country in the late 1860s. Other Native Americans including Zuni and Hopi also made traditional concho belts before long. Concho belts can cost into the thousands of dollars depending upon the craftsmanship, amount of silver, rarity of turquoise and stones used. Belts in the upper end of the price scales are usually made before the turn of the century. Buyers should deal with reputable dealers as many fakes and look-a-likes exist. A well-made belt with age to it will fetch a bigger premium and hold its value better. The earliest concho belts are now referred to as “First Phase” belts. This style of belt was made before Native silversmith had learned much about soldering. The conchos were hammered out from melted coins, cut, and filed into shape, engraved and a diamond shape slot was cut out of the middle of the concho, with a bar left across the center of the diamond shaped slot for the leather loop. Conchos that required no soldering are generally thought to be made from 1860-1880. Second phase conchos were done 1890-1900s in which silversmith began to solder. Third phase conchos is when you start to see the “butterfly” or “bow” appear between conchos and the use of turquoise as an adornment. A butterfly (bow) is a smaller concho in between bigger conchos. A belt with butterflies and sometimes turquoise would be from the early 1900s – 1930s. The timelines may slightly differentiate depending upon who you ask. Natives first had concho belts for personal use only, but around the turn of the last century, tourist demand had kicked in and a new outlet emerged. belts & buckles jewelry silver belts conchos navajo needlepoint southwest turquoise...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Tiffany Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Tiffany co. Material: sterling silver Dimensions: clip measures 2.25 inches Weight: 17.6 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Chihuahua Dog Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Adorable 18k yellow gold and black enamel excited Chihuahua dog brooch. Chihuahua brooch is accented by two round sapphire gemstones for the eyes and a ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

French, Cigar Shaped Onyx Desk Seal with Diamond Collar Morocco Leather Case
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This exquisite desk object was crafted in France during the early 20th Century and would have been an impressive object to own. The desk seal is crafted from a cigar shaped piece of black onyx which features a diamond set collar to one end and a monogram intaglio 'seal' to the other, all circa 1915. The monogram is 'AMF' which has been beautifully engraved into the underside of the seal. The piece retains its original Morocco leather fitted box signed 'Appay', a French manufacturer, and embossed 'AMF' to the top of the lid. The firm Appay were retailing at 24 Rue De La Paix in Paris which is close-by the Place Vendome and also the Opera, however little information is known about the business. The hinge on the Morocco leather box...
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Early 20th Century French Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Onyx

Henry Dunay Seashell Brooch/Pin Hammered Finish 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Perry, FL
Hammered Finish Signed Henry Dunay Seashell Brooch/ Pin in 18K Yellow Gold.
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21st Century and Contemporary Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

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18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Previously Available Items
HattieCarnegie 1950s Floral Star Burst PeacockColors Crystal GoldGiltRods Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Hattie Carnegie commissioned for one of her mid-century clothing collections this modern starburst fireworks prong-set crystal convex brooch, whose gold-gilt metal rods cupping faux blue-sapphire and green-peridot round-cut glass are each bracketed by tiny stylized leaves to suggest a flower umbel or floral spray. Several design characteristics of Carnegie brooches from the early 1950s are apparent in this U.S.-made piece with top-quality European crystals, which was sold without a signature for a garment as part of a parure, in which at least the earrings were signed. Carnegie paired peacock...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Peridot, Blue Sapphire, Crystal, Gold, Gilt Metal

Pair of Handmade, Woven , Sterling Silver Baskets by Cartier
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This pair of beautiful sterling silver baskets were made by Cartier during the mid 20th Century. Handwoven, the rectangular baskets have a silver handle and are the perfect size to p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

18K Gold Citrine Bear Cufflinks with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Gold Citrine Bear cufflinks with Diamonds and Rubies. Once piece only! 2 CITRIN - 6.24 CT 194 DIAMONDS - 1.82 CT 4 Rubies - 0.07 CT 18K Rose Go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Leather Belt Sterling Silver Horse Buckle by Elsa Peretti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. leather belt. Consisting of a split strap brown leather belt and sterling silver horseshoe shaped buckle and buttons. The leather belt loops through the buckle ...
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Late 20th Century Italian Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

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Sterling Silver

Paperclip Style Money Clip Set in British Sterling Silver
Located in London, England
A minimalistic paperclip style money clip made of solid British sterling silver. The clip measures 6.4 x 2 centimetres and there is a gross weight of 13.2 grams.
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Platinum Diamond Bespoke Rectangular Initials Engraved Modern Hasbani Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...
Category

2010s British Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald...

Emerald Bespoke Sterling Silver Rectangular Engraved Modern Classic Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...
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2010s British Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald...

Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen, Money Clip in Sterling Silver
By Sigvard Bernadotte
Located in bronshoj, DK
Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen. Money clip in sterling silver. Design number 289. Measures: 4.9 x 4.1 cm. Stamped. In excellent condition.
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20th Century Danish Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gold Money Clip
Located in London, GB
An 18ct yellow gold money clip, later hallmarked 18ct gold, London 2019, bearing Bentley & Skinner sponsormark, gross weight 9.3 grams. Should you ch...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Ring Sizer Finger Gauge, Ring Sizer Tool
Located in Austin, TX
This is a ring sizing tool used to help measure your ring size. The ring sizing gauge tool has ring sizes 1 through 13 with half sizes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Vintage Tiffany Co. Sterling Silver Atlas Compass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Tiffany sterling silver compass. In the iconic Atlas pattern. The 'Atlas' collection was designed by John Loring in the 1980's. It has over time proven to be one of Tiffany's most popular and successful lines. Simply a great compass! Marked to the reverse: Atlas, copyright 2004, Tiffany & Co. 925 for sterling fineness, and Spain. Accompanied by its original Tiffany bag...
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

1970 s Elsa Peretti for Halston Tiffany Co 18k Gold Bag Silk Tassel Necklace
Located in New Hope, PA
It is hard enough to find the Elsa Peretti mesh handbag, but this smaller version in 18 karat gold is the rarest of the rare. It was designed by Elsa Peretti in the 1970's to be worn as a necklace in the heyday of disco. The bag is just large enough to hold a key, lipstick and some money. The black cord has a decorative Japanese knot, the mesh bag is gold and bears the Tiffany tag...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold