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.
Bvlgari Vintage Tubogas Diamond Choker Tri Color 18k Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 2023 This vintage choker necklace is finely crafted in 18k multi-tone gold. The necklace features the distinctive Tubogas design, showcasing intertwining bands of yellow, whit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$751Sale Price / item|40% Off
14K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with moissanites
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gold layering necklaces. Solid 14 K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with moissanites. Shia Islamic Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib علي Zulfiqar. Zulfikar double Sword. Sword of wisdom pend...
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with chalcedony nd single cut diamonds 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold necklace with pendant set with green chalcedony and single cut diamond up to 0.22ct - F/G - VS/SI - 50 cm long detailed description the necklace is 50 cm long and 0.7...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jazz Pear & Round Diamond Platinum Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A graceful drop pendant necklace from Tiffany & Co.'s Jazz collection, crafted in platinum and set with three bezel-set diamonds in a vertical arrangement: a smaller pear-shaped ...
Diamond, Platinum
$976Sale Price / item|20% Off
Stunning Tsavorite & Diamond Panther Pendant in 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This striking panther pendant showcases 0.71 carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold. Each diamond beautifully set in prong settings to create a dazzling pavé effect across the enti...
Diamond, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Toggle Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A timeless icon from Tiffany & Co., this sterling silver Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Toggle Necklace embodies the effortless elegance that has made the collection a jewelry class...
Sterling Silver
Orloff of Denmark Platinum diamond pendant natural 7.12 carat Blue Zircon
Located in Hua Hin, TH
Platinum Pendant with 7.12 Carat Cambodian Blue Zircon and Diamond Pyramid Accent A striking one-of-a-kind pendant crafted in solid platinum (PT950), showcasing a rare 7.12 carat em...
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, Platinum
14K Rose Gold Round Diamond Stellar Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This heart-shaped pendant features a unique, domed surface that catches the light from every angle. It is artfully embellished with a scattered constellation of brilliant-cut diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Necklace and pendant with amethyst and brilliant cut diamonds 14k gold 3.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace and pendant set with amethyst and brilliant cut diamond total approximately 0.20ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Company Elsa Peretti Diamond Solitaire 18KYG Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond Solitaire pendant is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and showcases an approximately 0.46 carat round brilliant-cut diamond graded I color ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Goossens Paris Emerald Green Rock Crystal Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Emerald green rock crystal necklace set in 24k plated brass from Goossens Paris. A timeless theme that sees its colors change with the seasons. Each rock crystal stone is hand-dyed...
Rock Crystal, Emerald
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Pendant Cross Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver cross pendant. Designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Marked to a tag on the chain. Simply wonderful Tiffany design! Date: 20th Ce...
Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 2.00 Carat F/VS1 Pear Diamond East-West Bezel Necklace 18K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This elegant necklace features a GIA Certified 2.00 carat Pear Shape diamond, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and graceful silhouette. The dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Regal Sky Blue Diamond Aquamarine Beaded Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure aquamarines in a large size. This necklace features genuine high grade genuine aquamarines with a heavenly blue color, hand...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with Coral and brilliant cut diamonds 14k gold 15.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14 kt yellow gold necklace with pendant set with Corallium Rubrum and brilliant cut diamond, total approx. 0.25 ct F/G VS/SI - 60 cm detailed description the pendant is 4.3 cm hig...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold
$602Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Baguette and Round Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The necklace features a central heart-shaped motif that uses a "ballerina" or sunburst setting. A central cluster of round diamonds is surrounded by a halo of baguette-cut diamonds r...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Zambian Emerald Diamond Drop Necklace 18K White Gold Handmade Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Gracefully designed to capture attention, this handcrafted necklace showcases a breathtaking arrangement of vivid natural Zambian emeralds suspended beneath a sparkling line of brill...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18K Gold Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace, 0.15ct
Located in New York, NY
A delicate treasure from one of the most iconic names in luxury, this Tiffany & Co. Vintage Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace embodies understated elegance and timeless appeal. Craft...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2015 Holiday Edition Vintage Alhambra Pink Porcelain Pendant
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A highly collectible 2015 Holiday Limited Edition Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This rare annual r...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An exquisite Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K white gold. This elegant design features the Maison's iconic Alhambra...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This timeless design features the Maison's iconic Alham...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Floating Gem Cross Necklace with Antique Diamond and Blue Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Floating Gem Cross is an exquisite jewelry piece, featuring 1.28 carats old european cut diamonds, and .58 carat blue sapphires, set in 14k gold. This beautiful pendant necklace has...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Full Heart Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Vintage Small Full Heart Pendant Necklace. This timeless and elegant design features the iconic Full Heart pendant measuring approximat...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Beige and Turquoise Resin Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin choker necklace features a gravel-beige color with sea-foam turquoise accents. This necklace features chunky, carved pebble beads an...
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Georges L'enfant Jumbo Virgo Zodiac Pendant
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary example of vintage French haute joaillerie, this authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Virgo zodiac pendant is among the most sought-after creations from the maison's celebra...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with green onyx and diamond, 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with green onyx and single cut diamonds. 0.16ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 1.1 mm wid...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Rope Necklace with Natural Pearls – Vintage drop chain
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this late 18 karat solid gold retro necklace. This necklace checks of all the characteristics of the typical retro jewelry, little to no gemstones (because these were mor...
Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Peacock Overtone Black Cultured Pearl Necklace 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Vintage Black Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp in 18K White Gold An elegant vintage necklace composed of lustrous black cultured pearls displaying rich metallic overto...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$33,541Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Necklace 15.79ct Natural Blue Sapphire & 5.23ct Diamond Fringe
Located in Deira, AE
A graduated line of natural blue sapphires moves down an 18K white gold chain, each stone framed by pear and marquise diamonds that fall like drops of light. The design closes at cen...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold 'Ship's Anchor' Pendant - Europe - Circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage 14K yellow gold 'ship's anchor' necklace pendant - fine quality - featuring a cast form with a hand applied twisted rope over the anchor - high polish finish - large bale - t...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
ELEGANT, 41.05 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 18"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 41.05 carat natural diamond tennis necklace crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This classic piece features round brilliant-cut white diamonds, meticulously set in a tim...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$47,200Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Ancient Macedonia Philip III Coin Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Ancient Macedonia Philip III Coin Pendant Necklace A striking and highly collectible creation by Bvlgari, this impressive necklace showcases an authentic anc...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Paperclip Chain 4.2mm Necklace 20 inches, 14K Yellow Gold, Paper Clip Link
Located in Austin, TX
Paperclip chains are a classy new clean-line look! They are stylish, modern, and complement any outfit! This 4.2 millimeter wide paperclip chain necklace is a great width for a state...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,336Sale Price|20% Off
Carved Jade Pendant Midcentury Certified Untreated Omphacite Jade
Located in Northampton, MA
A gorgeous natural and untreated omphacite jade pendant from the midcentury -circa 1950. Created in Hong Kong, the jade has been carved and pierced into a floral motif. The tone of t...
Jade, 14k Gold
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek Trio of Interchangeable Resin Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek trio of interchangeable resin pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic set is designed with three interchangeable large scale resin pendants The large resin pendants r...
Gilt Metal
$20,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Tiffany & Co Platinum Two Row Pearl Diamond Necklace Elegant Design
Located in Chicago, IL
This refined Vintage Tiffany & Co. two-row pearl and diamond necklace is a timeless expression of elegance, craftsmanship, and understated luxury. Beautifully composed of two gra...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Guilloche Long Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This iconic design features the Maison's oversized A...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
necklace and pendant with single cut diamonds up to 0.10ct 14k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with single-cut diamonds up to approximately 0.10 ct F/G VS/SI - 45 cm Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.8 mm wide. Th...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Carnelian Long Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This timeless design features the Maison's iconic ov...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold London Blue Topaz Teardrop & Diamond Disc Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace features a sophisticated pear-cut London Blue Topaz that serves as its center of attention. The gemstone's deep, inky blue hue is elegantly complemented by a shimmering...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A striking Magic Alhambra Long Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This elegant design features the Maison's iconic oversi...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 1mm 14K Yellow Gold Cable Chain Necklace, 18 Inches, Unisex
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This yellow gold cable chain features a refined 1mm profile and a secure lobster clasp. Measuring 18 inches in length and weighing approximately 1.2 grams of gold, it offers a delica...
Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jazz Platinum Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of Tiffany & Co.‘s celebrated Jazz Collection, this elegant platinum necklace showcases two graduated round brilliant-cut diamonds in classic bezel settings,...
Diamond, Platinum
Angela Caputi Choker Necklace Banana-Choco and Black Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in a banana-and-milky-chocolate swirl color with black contrast. Her color...
$12,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
9 Carat Riviera Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K White Gold
By ADA Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A true statement of refined luxury, this graduated Riviera-style diamond tennis necklace is masterfully handcrafted in 14K white gold and adorned with 9 carats of natural round brill...
Diamond, White Gold
5.94 Carat Natural Brazilian Alexandrite and Diamond Necklace Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A gorgeous necklace featuring 5.94 Carats, Natural Alexandrite and 4.48 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Alexandrites produce a natural color-change phenomenon as they exh...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Italian Oval Link Necklace 18 Inches Long
By Roberto Coin
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely Roberto Coin necklace is entirely suitable for wearing out for a casual lunch or for wearing in the boardroom. All of his pieces are fabricated in this venerated designer...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2016 Holiday Vintage Alhambra Diamond Black Onyx 18K Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A highly collectible 2016 Holiday Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This limited-edition design featur...
Onyx, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Open-Back Crystal Necklace with Antique Gold Hands, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Open-Back Crystal Long Necklace, Antique Gold Hands, Circa 1990s. One of the most gorgeous pieces I have. The crystals are set on an antique gold base. There are two gold-t...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern 18K Gold & Turquoise Charm / Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Italian gold & turquoise charm or pendant. In 18 karat yellow gold with applied granulation and wire work. With bezel-set turquoise cabochons throughout. Fully hallmarked t...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
$957Sale Price / item|44% Off
Solid 14 karat Gold Zulfiqar Sword Pendant with Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Istanbul, TR
Solid 14k solid gold zulfiqar sword pendant with natural emerald and diamonds. May birthstone pendant. Islamic Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib علي Zulfiqar...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold
Handcrafted Natural Pear-Cut Blue Sapphire Solitaire Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This solitaire pendant showcases a 0.7 carat natural pear-cut blue sapphire, set in 14K yellow gold. The sapphire measuring approximately 6.53 x 4.5 mm, securely set in a sleek bezel...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Conch Shell Pendant Diamond 14k Gold Heavy 16.1 Grams Ocean Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage conch shell pendant crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1970s). The beautifully detailed large 3-dimensional conch shell makes a statement! A nod to the ocea...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Sunburst Pendant with 3.2 Ct Citrine and Zircon in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Thi pendant showcases natural Citrine and sparkling Zircon gemstones set in solid 925 sterling silver. Designed in a radiant sunburst style, it features a striking combination of bag...
Citrine, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$100Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Handcrafted 4.17 cts Solitaire Citrine Pear Shape Pendant in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver and features a pear shaped natural citrine measures 13x8 mm, weighs 4.17 carats and is securely set in a bezel. The pendant itself weig...
Citrine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pomellato Chain Link 18k White & Yellow Gold Necklace
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Pomellato Chain Link Yellow Gold Necklace. Crafted in radiant 18kt yellow gold, this necklace exemplifies Pomellato's avant-garde design and exquisite craftsmanship. The chain's sun-...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Platinum Feather Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant platinum feather design necklace features round brilliant and marquise diamond vanes emanating from a quill of carefully selected graduating baguettes brought wonderfull...
Diamond, Platinum
Pink Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold "By The Yard" Link Necklace 36 Inches
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire Bezel-Set "By the Yard" Necklace featuring a continuous arrangement of vibrant rose-cut pink sapphires, each individually bezel set to maximize their de...
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$689Sale Price / item|44% Off
14K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gold layering necklaces. Solid 14 K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with ruby. Shia Islamic Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib علي Zulfiqar. Zulfikar double Sword. Sword of wisdom pendant. Pe...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Pearl Necklace with gold lock with single cut diamonds up to 0.10ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold clasp with a single-cut diamond, totaling 0.10 carat F/G VS/SI, on 7 rows of pearl necklaces - 40 cm Detailed description The length of the pearl necklace is appro...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold