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.
Pink Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Green Tsavorite
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and green tsavorite garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. ...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Pearlized White and Black Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Handcrafted in Italy, this beautiful Angela Caputi resin necklace features a pearlized white tone with black contrast. The rare choker features chunky, domed pebbles in a pearl-imita...
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Red Cinnabar Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in red cinnabar color with white swirling and a black contrast. Her color ...
Angela Caputi Multi-Strand Faux-Gray-Marble Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin choker-beaded necklace features an oversized multi-strand design with assorted faceted beads in black and white, with a faux-marble ...
$668Sale Price|30% Off
Fluted Sleeping Beauty Necklace in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious but perfect for everyday wear! Amazing Sleeping Beauty Turquoise always catches the eye! Necklace total length 18 inches. Simple and elegant, see the pictures and video f...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Purple Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and White Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and white sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Pink Shell Pendant with Diamond and Red Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and red garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Marina J. 4 Tier Draped Pearl Choker with 18k Plated Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Bridal Choker by Marina J. Jewelry. This piece is inspired by old world royal Victorian jewelry. A Stunning Pearl woven choker accented by Faceted 18k Yellow Gold Plated sil...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Purple Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Yellow Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and yellow sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long Detailed description The beads are in various sizes, approximately 6 mm to 9 mm. Weight: 49.5 grams With - 115 x 6 mm ...
Coral, Silver
Set in 18K white Gold, Aquamarines, Emeralds & Yellow Diamonds Link Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarines & Emeralds Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarines is 142.71 carats. The wei...
Aquamarine, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Orange Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Red Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and red garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold Carved Green, Pink, Yellow Tourmaline Leaf Charm Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
FYI: Explanation of the visual composition! The pendants on the necklace do not stay in place as they appear in the pictures when spread out on a white background. The idea behind t...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
18K solid Yellow Gold Four-Leaf Clover Charm Pendant – Vintage Good Luck Jewelry
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 karat solid yellow gold charm depicting a four-leaf clover which is believed to bring good luck to its wearer. This clover charm is a perfect gift. It will protec...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace with coral - 18k gold - 50.8 grams - 42 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with various coral pieces - 50.8 grams - 42 cm Detailed description The necklace is 42 cm long and 1.0 cm wide. The centerpiece measures 2.0 cm and 1.8 cm...
Coral, 18k Gold
CARL BUCHERER necklace with ruby and brilliant cut diamond up to 2.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
CARL BUCHERER - 18k yellow gold necklace with a ruby totaling 3.00ct and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 2.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - 40 cm long detailed description: necklace is 40 cm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$700Sale Price|20% Off
LANVIN Sleek Green Resin Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek green resin pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic Lanvin necklace is adorned with a large green color lucite pendant suspended from a sinuous gilt metal snake chain ...
Gilt Metal
Angela Caputi Multi-Strand Resin Choker Necklace Black, Faux-Marble and Rootbeer
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding resin choker-beaded necklace, designed by Angela Caputi and made in Italy. The multi-strand piece features a three-color contrast; each square pebble bead is carved, d...
$530Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Medusa Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Medusa Coin Necklace with Emerald Green Stone. Medusa Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Medusa Shield Amulet Necklace with Sword Motif. A striking two-sided Medusa protection amulet...
Emerald, Gold, Silver
$530Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Diana Moon Goddess Coin Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Diana Coin Pendant. Greek Goddess Diana Coin Pendant. Diana Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Diana Moon Goddess Pendant in Silver with Gold Plating. A beautiful two-sided ...
Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co. Interlocked Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Tiffany elegance meets modern layering versatility. This refined ladies' necklace features a sculptural 18k yellow gold pendant with Tiffany's signature bold, interlocked hard...
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$530Sale Price / item|44% Off
Aphrodite Goddess Coin Pendant Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Greek Goddess Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Aphrodite Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. A beautiful two-sided Aphrodite goddess coin pendant crafted in st...
Gold, Silver
$530Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Persephone Garnet Coin Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Greek Goddess Persephone Coin Pendant. Persephone Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Persephone Goddess Necklace with Pomegranate Symbol A beautiful two-sided Persephone goddess coin pendant crafted in sterling silver with rich gold plating. One side features a detailed raised portrait of Persephone...
Garnet, Gold, Silver
$517Sale Price|25% Off
Gold Open Cuff Celestial Starburst Medallion Blue Enamel Torque Collar
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Open Cuff Celestial Starburst Medallion Blue Enamel Torque Collar Designer J DAUPHIN The Celestial Torque Collar is a rigid open-neck cuff handcrafted in 14k gold-plated brass, ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
$712Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Ruby Bead & 14K Yellow Gold Choker Necklace 16 Inch Gemstone Statement
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this elegant Natural Ruby Bead Choker Necklace, beautifully crafted with vibrant 4mm natural ruby beads accented by polished 4mm 14K yellow gold ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$530Sale Price / item|44% Off
Athena Wisdom Coin Necklace Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Athena Wisdom Coin Pendant. Aphrodite Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Athena Owl Coin Pendant Necklace. A beautiful two-sided Athena wisdom coin pendant crafted in sterli...
Gold, Silver
Necklace of pearl 18k gold claps with brilliant cut diamond up to 2.20ct 46.8 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp with white gold intermediate pieces set with brilliant cut diamonds total 2.20ct - F - VS - on a pearl necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: The total le...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Handcrafted Modern Artisan Silk Beaded Necklace by Variously in Indigo & Gold
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Inspired by the Sanskrit word Mihika, meaning morning dew, this necklace reflects freshness, purity, and the gentle beauty found in nature. Each piece is carefully handcrafted using ...
14k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with Rose Cut Diamonds, 0.70ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a pendant set with rose cut diamonds. 0.70ct – G/H SI – 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide the pendant is 2....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscuro Shark Tooth 14k Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Oscuro Shark Tooth Pendant is made of genuine shark tooth fossil with solid 14k gold and natural diamonds. Inspired by the concept of surrealism we combined a seemingly ordinary obje...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$483Sale Price|30% Off
Virgin Mary Necklace Vintage Medal Paperclip Chain Blue Enamel Silver Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Vintage Medal Paperclip Chain Blue Enamel Silver Plated Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage charm necklace features an assembly of mixed-material religious medals ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Silver Plate, Enamel
18k solid gold animal charm - articulated fish pendant - Italian 1960's Amethyst
Located in Antwerp, BE
This funky articulated fish pendant is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. This wonderful charm pendant is detailed with many wonderful engravings. Its eyes are purple amethysts, they g...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Pearl Woven Bridal Choker with Rhodium Silver
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Bridal Choker by Marina J. This piece is made entirely of multi sized Pearls all intricately woven together into a tight lace like design. The Pearls display a soft iridesc...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
Choker with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 20.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI – 42 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 42 cm long by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Panthère Pendant Necklace, 1981 — 148g & Diamond-Set, box and papers
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Panthère Pendant Necklace Cartier, Paris, 1981 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond · Signed and Numbered · Cartier Service Papers and Original Presentation Box · 148 Grams Total...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Mesh Tie Scarf 41.5" Large Sterling Silver Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
An iconic Elsa Peretti design for Tiffany & Co., this sterling silver mesh scarf is celebrated for its fluid, sculptural form and exceptional craftsmanship. The finely woven mes...
Sterling Silver
$460Sale Price|20% Off
GUCCI Italy Sterling Silver Sleek Bamboo Style Pendant Necklace 21st C
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
GUCCI Italy sterling silver bamboo design pendant necklace 21st c The sleek unisex necklace is designed with an elongated sterling silver bamboo shaped pendant; suspended from a lo...
Sterling Silver
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Oval Link Chain Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Oval Link Chain Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 66.18 grams Retail: $19,500 USD Links: 14-15mm Length: 17 inches SNTD F35002334
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Yellow Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and yellow sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Yellow Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Pink Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and pink sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order i...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Orange Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Blue Topaz
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and blue topaz gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
Pink Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Red Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and red garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co Blue Double Heart Tag Pendant Necklace Sterling Silver
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Sterling Silver Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany® Tiffany Blue® Double Heart Tag Pendant Necklace featuring the iconic mini double heart tag design from one of Tiffany's most belo...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Legacy Aquamarine Diamond 18K White Gold Lariat Drop Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A gorgeous aquamarine and diamond drop necklace from Tiffany & Co., crafted in 18k white gold. The pendant pairs a bezel-set square aquamarine with a graceful pear-shaped aquamarine ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Twisted Necklace - Solid Gold Chain, 16.93 Inches
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely 18 karat solid yellow gold necklace with a mesmerising twisted pattern. This elegant necklace is hallmarked with a makers mark and a 750 mark. We adore this l...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Giant Persian Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
An Extraordinary "Tiffany blue" Turquoise Masterpiece A regal giant 19.5 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare Turquoises with the sought after "Persian Turquoise color...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 7.5 Carat Natural Round Cut Turquoise Chain Necklace, 18 Inches
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Turquoise Necklace in 18K Gold studded with round cut topaz pieces and diamonds. Accessorize your look with this elegant blue topaz chain necklace. This stunning piece of jewelry ins...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
41.91 Carat Natural SI/H Diamond Five Strand Necklace 18K White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
There are pieces of jewelry that accessorize an outfit — and then there are pieces that become the occasion itself. This five-strand diamond cascade necklace belongs firmly in the se...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Del Sol Shell Pendant with Natural Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Del Sol Shell Pendant is made with 14k gold, natural shell, and .14 carat natural diamond. This delicate beauty fits on most small to medium sized chains, consider adding a chain or ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, carved Turquoise & natural Diamonds Bracelet/Choker Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Turquoise Bracelet/ Choker Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight the carved Turquoise is 29.47 carats. The Turquo...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Giant Blue Larimar Diamonds White Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Make a bold heavenly statement with this breathtaking sky blue larimar beaded necklace. Hand-knotted with methicious care and finished in dazzling 14K solid gold, it hangs with large...
Larimar, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Amethyst and Larimar Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Make a bold heavenly statement with this breathtaking sky blue larimar beaded necklace. Hand-knotted with methicious care and finished in dazzling 14K solid gold, it hangs with large...
Amethyst, Larimar, Apatite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 14K Gold Filled Necklace with Aquamarine Spheres, 16.5 Inches
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a smart modern style 14K gold filled necklace with aquamarine. We created it with 18-19mm semi-translucent smooth aquamarine spheres and 6mm 14K gold filled beads. It is comp...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
20.23ct Vivid Neon Bluish Green Natural Paraiba Tourmaline NECKLACE 18K White
Located in New York, NY
Among the world’s most coveted colored gemstones, natural Paraiba tourmaline is celebrated for its extraordinary copper-bearing chemistry—responsible for the legendary neon blue-gree...
Diamond, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Heart Solitaire Flush Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in high-polish 14K yellow gold, this necklace features a minimalist and modern heart solitaire pendant. The design showcases a singular, brilliant-cut diamond nestled securel...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$399Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Pear Cut Swiss Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The teardrop-shaped gemstone is suspended from a gracefully curved pave diamond bail, adding a layer of sophisticated sparkle and fluid movement. The topaz is held securely in a thre...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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
Cartier 18KY Gold Heart Pendant Necklace Signed Au750 Luxury Love Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate timeless romance with this authentic signed Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Heart Pendant Necklace, a refined expression of one of luxury jewelry's most enduring motifs. Crafted in...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Freshwater Pearl and SeaShell Multi Strand Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite multi-strand freshwater pearl choker is designed to captivate. A breathtaking blend of shimmery gray, black, and smoky pink rice seed pearls creates a luminous, sophis...
Freshwater Pearl, Silver Plate
Marina J Bridal Pearl Woven Choker with Rhodium plated Silver beads and clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful Bridal Choker is made with Multi sized Pearls and Radium Plated Faceted Silver beads all intricately woven into a tight lace like design. This choker has been woven wi...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver