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.
$375Sale Price|25% Off
Silver Medal Necklace Vintage Chalice Cup Rosario White Beads J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver Medal Necklace Vintage Chalice Cup Rosario White Beads Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage necklace measures 21 inches in length and features an antique French silver medal sus...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
E.HABAN 18k gold lock with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct on pearl necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
E. HABAN 18k white gold clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct – F/G – VS/SI – on a pearl necklace – 55 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 55 cm long and 7.6...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Handmade Rainbow Moonstone Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
A one of a kind sparkling rainbow moonstone necklace that reflects all the hues of the rainbow spectrum. This necklace is made out of the highest quality blue flash rainbow moonstone...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20.95 Carat Natural Peridot and Diamond Pendant Necklace Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pendant necklace featuring a Natural 20.95 Carat Peridot and 2.08 carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Peridot is a natural gem-quality variety of olivine, prized for ...
Diamond, Peridot, Platinum
LANVIN Paris Rare Mod Large Scale Resin Pendant Necklace & Earrings c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek mod rare large scale resin enamel striped pendant choker necklace c 1970s The large scale resin enamel striped rectangular pendant is suspended from a slinky sinu...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Giant Estate 400 Carat Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a large size. This necklace features genuine high grade genuine turquoises from the sleeping ...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$13,344Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural 3.85 Carat Tanzanite 3.17 Carat Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A graceful blend of vibrant color and timeless elegance, this handcrafted 18K White Gold Tanzanite & Diamond Necklace features three captivating natural oval tanzanites beautiful...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Large 11ct Red Ruby Square Cushion Cut 9ct Gold Pendant Enhancer
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking statement pendant featuring an impressive 11.24ct natural ruby displaying vivid, passionate red hues. The ruby is cushion square-cut and claw-set in 9ct gold, allowing maxim...
Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage crystal flower necklace, choker, Butler and Wilson
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Butler and Wilson crystal flower necklace. Intricately detailed glass flowers in purple and smoky effect glass. The front bib of the necklace is made up of well ...
Crystal, Stainless Steel
John Hardy Sterling Silver Box Chain Necklace, 6MM
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed box chain necklace. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. With a 6 mm diameter. Simply a wonderful John Hardy box chain necklace! ...
Sterling Silver
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Chain Necklace Charm David Star Crescent Moon Cross Tiger Eyes Spinel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charm Necklace David Star Crescent Moon Cross Tiger Eyes Spinel Multi Chain Vintage 2008 Vintage Archive J DAUPHIN This vintage multi-strand statement necklace is crafted from sol...
Spinel, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
$175Sale Price|50% Off
Elegant Sterling Silver Pendant with Emerald Gemstone Unisex Jewelry for Him
Located in New York, NY
This Elegant Sterling Silver Pendant with Emerald Gemstone in sterling silver studded with octagon cut emerald. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dre...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
14K White Gold Pear-Shaped Emerald & Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace 17 Inch
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday elegance with this refined 14K white gold necklace featuring two matched pear-shaped emeralds, totaling 0.70 carats, gracefully suspended in a vertical drop des...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Amethyst Pendant Necklace, Circa 1880, 8.00 Carats
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold pendant set with amethyst - 60 cm long detailed description: necklace is 60 cm long and 1.5 mm wide The pendant is 4.8 cm high and 3.2 cm wide...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$238Sale Price|20% Off
'50s Four Strand Coral Bead Choker Necklace With Cluster Clasp By Eugene Schultz
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 16" length - Faux coral glass beads - Fancy push clasp with bead cluster and gilded leaf motif - By Eug...
Bulgari 2000's Pearl Multi-Gem Diamond 18K Gold Contemporary Allegra Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as two rows of fancy hinged link chain featuring an array of gemstones prong and bar set throughout Gemstones consist of pink and green tourmaline, citrine, blue and pink to...
Citrine, Diamond, Iolite, Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k G...
18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant in Invisible Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
We design a very nice Heart pendant .The technique use invisible setting .We cut and groove very stone. This pendant is very nice style you can use in many occasion in day time and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$102,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Paloma Picasso Tiffany & Co Hammered Link Necklace Bracelet Earrings Set 18K
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional Tiffany & Co. jewelry suite designed by the renowned Paloma Picasso, crafted in luxurious hammered 18K yellow gold. This striking three-piece set includes a bold l...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2018 Holiday Edition Vintage Alhambra Mother of Pearl Pendant
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A highly collectible 2018 Holiday Limited Edition Vintage Alhambra Pendant Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This rare annual...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,144Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist Natural Zambian Emerald Solitaire Pendant Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This minimalist pendant necklace featuring a 0.41 carat acrafted in 14K yellow gold. The emerald measuring approximately 4.5 x 3.5 mm. The stone is secured in a classic prong setting...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leitao & Irmao Diamond Crown Medal Pendant 19k Yellow Gold Limited Edition
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed estate diamond crown pendant by Leitao & Irmao (limited edition - 1442/2017). Crafted in Portuguese 19k yellow gold, the beautiful medallion features a crown with d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. Cube Torque Sterling Silver Choker Necklace
By Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Cube Torque choker necklace. In sterling silver. Designed by Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. Suspended from a black cable choker necklace Tiffany & Co. Fully hallmarked. S...
Sterling Silver
14k Yellow Gold Bees of Malia Pendant – Minoan Amulet, Greek Revival Jewelry
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely 14k yellow gold pendant. This lovely pendant is a replica of the Minoan Bees, also known as the Bees of Malia. The pendant is hallmarked with a 585 mark and u...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Choker Necklace Pearlized Champagne Resin Carved Beads
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed this stunning, made-in-Italy beaded necklace. The choker features a single-strand shape built with large, carved resin beads in a light yellow champagne-colore...
18ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sophisticated, this tennis necklace is crafted in luxurious 14K white gold and features a continuous row of emerald-cut Natural Diamonds. The clean geometric design creat...
14k Gold, White Gold
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Gemstone Beaded Necklace With Modernist Medallion By Tulla Booth, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 21" length - Two strands of beaded gemstones - Gold plated medallion measures 3" x 2.5" - Push clasp closure ...
$1,968Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Black Onyx & Turquoise Circle Pendant Necklace, Italy
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A refined yet fashion-forward piece, this 18K yellow gold pendant necklace showcases a striking interplay of deep black onyx and vibrant turquoise in a modern circular motif. Suspend...
Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Georges L'Enfant France 1960's 18K Gold Vintage Mesh Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as matte woven meshed wheat chain link collar With raised high polish links and edges Completed by concealed press release closure Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. One of a kind Woven Pearl Necklace with Antique Enamel Centerpiece
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous One of A Kind piece by Marina J. This Necklace features a Vintage Blue Enamel Silver brooch with original Antique Pearls that is reworked into this stunning Centerpiece. A l...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver, Enamel
$5,260Sale Price|20% Off
Jade Necklace Double Necklace Certified Untreated Midcentury 9.5mm 20" & 24"
Located in Northampton, MA
Grand, beautiful, and rare, this double-strand jade necklace features 114 approximately 9.5mm hand-carved and polished untreated Burmese jadeite beads. These are substantial, fine, o...
Jade, 9k Gold
23.98Ct Multi Shape Diamond Wedding Necklace For Wife 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEN-53156 Gross Wt. :- 19.77 gm 18K White Gold Wt. :- 14.97 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 23.98 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Necklace Length :...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
29.94 Carat Ruby & Diamond Link Necklace Eye-Catching Jewelry 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
29.94 Carat Ruby & Diamond Link Necklace Eye-Catching Jewelry 18K White Gold Ruby Weight: 29.94 carats Diamond Weight: 14.31 carats This elegant 18K white gold necklace showcas...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage TRIFARI gold leaf modernist designer runway necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • matte gold tone leafs • vintage designer runway necklace MEASUREMENTS • 19" long by 1 1/8" wide CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with mini...
Gold Plate
18k gold lock with single cut diamonds up to 0.10ct on a coral bead necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold lock set with single-cut diamonds up to 0.10ct – F/G – VS/SI on a coral bead necklace – 1.00 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 100 cm lon...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
1.30 Carat Heart Ruby and Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Nothing says "I Love You" like this Beautiful Heart and Diamond Necklace! Centering a 1.30 Carat Heart shape Ruby, surrounded by round Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$602Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Solitaire Oval Cut Peridot Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a refreshing pop of color to your jewelry collection with this elegant Oval-Cut Peridot Solitaire Pendant. Meticulously crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, the necklace features...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$183Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Gilt & Milk Glass Statement Pendant Necklace With Tassels By Pauline Rader
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '70s - 35" chain - 7.5" x 2" pendant - Gold plated - Faux milk glass cabochon - Gold chain tassel details - By Paul...
Necklace -GIA 18.24 Ct Pink Sapphire Pear Drop 150 CTW Rubies & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Hand-crafted in a substantial 64.6-gram framework of solid 18K white gold, this magnificent 17-inch statement collar weaves together an incredible treasure trove of the world's most ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold 1.10 Carat SI/H Pear Brilliant Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 1.10 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with alexandriet and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp on a leather necklace with a white gold pendant set with alexandrite and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.20ct – F?G – VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description th...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$435Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow 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, Yellow Gold
Hermès 18K Yellow Gold Chaine D'ancre Extra Large Link Chain Necklace
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally rare and highly sought-after, this Hermès Chaine d'Ancre necklace is a remarkable interpretation of one of the maison's most iconic motifs. Crafted in solid 18K yellow ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$556Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Round Cut Peridot Bezel Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a touch of vibrant, modern elegance to your style with this Round-Cut Peridot Bezel Solitaire Pendant. Expertly crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, the necklace features a brill...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Peridot Y Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
Delicate and feminine, this 14 karat yellow gold Y-necklace showcases peridot gemstones in an elegant floral-inspired design. At the center rests a faceted round peridot measuring ap...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori Snake Blue Sapphire Diamond 18K White Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Bulgari Serpenti 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace An iconic creation from Bulgari’s Serpenti collection, this striking pendant necklace is crafted in 18K white gold and features vivid...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Massive Cream-White Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in creamy butter color with white swirling and a black contrast. Her color...
18K White Gold Multi Shape 3.33 Ct Natural Diamond Choker Wedding Necklace
Located in Deira, Dubai
Breathtakingly architectural and undeniably glamorous, this 18K solid white gold diamond choker necklace features 3.33 carats of natural diamonds set in a sleek pavé-lined bangle-sty...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Konstantino Sterling Silver 'Paganini' Onyx Cross Pendant
By Konstantino
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed onyx cross pendant. By Konstantino. In sterling silver. Part of the 'Paganini' collection (inspired by the Italian Renaissance violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Carl F. Bucherer 18k Gold Necklace, 3.00ct Ruby & 2.50ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
CARL BUCHERER - 18k yellow gold necklace with a ruby up to 3.00 ct and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 2.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 40 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 40 cm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bulgari 1989 Diamond Pearl Multi-Gem 18K Gold Vintage Geometric Collar Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of fitted geometric segments displaying a chevron zig-zag pattern centering two rows of diamonds Round brilliant cut and weighing approximately 10.00 carats total - G color...
Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$54,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Maillon Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Link Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional example of Cartier’s timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship, this Maillon Diamond Necklace is crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold and showcases the bold y...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate Flower Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold Necklace with Delicate Floral Elegance. Crafted from 18k white gold, this necklace embodies the luxury and poetic artistry synonymous with Van Cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.31 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Pear Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Timeless elegance meets exceptional craftsmanship in this handcrafted pear-shaped diamond halo pendant necklace. At its center rests a magnificent pear-cut natural diamond, gracefull...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Eighteen Karat White Gold Linear 0.30 Carat Diamond 16.63 Inch Necklace Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our stunning 18 Karat White Gold Linear Diamond Necklace Pendant, a true embodiment of elegance and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exqu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pink Sapphire Diamond Necklace and Ring Suite, GCS Certified
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A beautifully matched fine jewellery suite comprising a natural Madagascan pink sapphire diamond pendant necklace in 18 karat gold and a natural Madagascan pink sapphire diamond halo...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 10K Gold Bismark Chain Necklace
Located in Venice, CA
The Bismark chain dates back to 19th century Germany and consists of flat, woven, interlocking links braided together to form a fluid and versatile chain. This older design has a tim...
10k Gold
14k gold lock with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds with pearl necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold clasp set with sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.36ct – F/G – VS/SI on a pearl necklace – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 ...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Goossens Paris Chalcedony and ruthenium Medal Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Discover the subtle harmony of this double-sided blue chalcedony medallion necklace in a palladium finish, an exceptional piece that combines timeless elegance with contemporary desi...
Chalcedony
Vintage 18K Gold Hammered Clasp Large Angel Skin Coral Bead Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and highly substantial coral bead necklace featuring a single strand of impressively large round coral beads measuring approximately 18.2 mm to 19.8 mm in diameter. T...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1994 Graff GIA Certified 2.15ct Heart Diamond Cluster Necklace
By Graff
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Graff heart-shaped diamond cluster pendant necklace set in 18k white gold, circa 1994.
The necklace centrally features a spectacular 2.15-carat heart-sha...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold