Modern Jewelry Design

By Chrisitne Breen

Modern Jewelry is all jewelry that has a modern or contemporary look to it. The advent of plastics and Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and the arrival of improved quality artificial gemstones influence Modern jewelry. Modern jewelry is mainly presented at exhibitions, and one of the best-known events is the Goldsmiths’ Review held for 20 years in Legnica. A growing trend in modern jewelry is “theme” bracelets. With the desire to create something new and original, modern jewelry is suitable to fulfill these kinds of wishes.

Important Jewelry Designers

Louis Comfort Tiffany, one of the first important American jewelry designers, introduced the art nouveau style in the United States. This lavish spending attracted both designers and jewelers to Hollywood. Michael Dawkins is one of the hottest luxury jewelry designers on the scene today. Images Jewelers is one of the mid west’s leading jewelry designers and manufacturers. Local designers also display and sell classic and modern jewelry pieces.

Modern Jewelry Styles

There are many different ways to approach modern jewelry designing. At Vuja De Designs they blend the age-old craft of metalworking with the art of modern jewelry design. Chaya Wiesel Art Studio designs original, modern Judaica and exceptional, modern jewelry, hand-made with silver and gold. Anna Curran crafts simple, classical gemstone designs. Designer John Kennedy’s Cylettes are an innovation in modern jewelry design.

History of Modern Jewelry

Art Deco jewelry was extremely popular during the Roaring Twenties and continues to influence modern jewelry styles. Marcasite Jewelry was made popular in Victorian jewelry and remains popular today adding an Old World quality to modern jewelry. Amethysts were popular in the parures (matching sets) of the 1820’s. In the 1890’s charms had evolved into a fashion statement and a popular keepsake. Art Deco was a popular international trend that surfaced between 1910 and 1935. It wasn’t until the 1980 are when Cubic Zirconia became popular with jewelers.

Popular Modern Jewelry

Art Nouveau antique jewelry is very popular with collectors today. Tiffany Jewelry is regarded as one of the most popular styles of modern jewelry. Platinum has become a very popular choice for modern jewelry, displacing significant gold demand. Sea glass is also a popular jewelry component these days. Versatile and colorful, resins are becoming increasingly popular among modern jewelry artists. Black pearls are quite popular in modern jewelry making. The anklet has become so popular it has become a modern jewelry classic. Versatile and colorful, synthetic resins are becoming increasingly popular among modern jewelry artists.

Now that you've got a grasp on modern jewelry, stop by Gems Explained to learn more about jewelry and gems.