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.
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard Platinum .77TCW Diamond Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard platinum six diamond necklace Romantic, timeless, classic. Diamonds: Brilliant full cut, approximately .77 TCW, 6 diamonds Marks: ...
Diamond, Platinum
$449Sale Price|25% Off
Modern CZ on Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a new CZ on gold chain necklace. This necklace has heavy gold plated 0.75 x 0.5 large chain decorated with CZ on the sides of the links. Looks very 80s modern style. See our ...
Gold Plate, Brass
REDUCED, 11.01 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 15"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 11.01 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
Vintage Christian Dior gold plated chain necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Christian Dior chain necklace. Gold plated metal, the chain is a nice long length that can easily be wrapped over twice and is designed with a lovely fancy rope t...
Gold Plate
Vintage Whiting & Davis Gold-Tone Mesh Triangle Scarf Necklace, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a signed Whiting & Davis Chainmail Scarf Necklace. It is a 70s disco fever 18 x 9 x 9 inch gold-tone mesh triangle scarf necklace with black trim. It has a hook clasp wi...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
Chain Necklace Glitter Enamel Light Blue Pink Studs Made in Paris J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chunky Palladium-Plated Punk Stud Chain Necklace with Blue and Pink Enamel – Vintage 2008 Paris Design by J Dauphin This chunky stud chain necklace by J Dauphin is a rare vintage co...
Palladium, Brass, Enamel
LIQUIDATION SALE, 41 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 18"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 41 carat natural diamond tennis necklace crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This classic piece features round brilliant-cut white diamonds, meticulously set in a timele...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
11.07 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 18"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 11.07 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
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
DEAL, 13.17 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 18"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 13.17carat natural diamond tennis necklace crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This classic piece features round brilliant-cut white diamonds, meticulously set in a time...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver & Enamel Dog Tag or Heart Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver heart tag necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped pendant engraved and inlaid with Tiffany Blue enamel that reads: "Please Return to Tiffa...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Italian Turquoise and Gold Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A thread of blue against gold. This contemporary necklace is crafted in Italy in 18k yellow gold, its fine chain punctuated by fourteen small turquoise beads spaced with deliberate ...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany Co Necklace Elsa Peretti Diamond by the Yard 0.14ct Solitaire 1P
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Tiffany and Co. 18k Yellow Gold and diamond necklace Elsa Peretti Single diamond "Diamonds by the Yard" Details: 16in length 0.14ct Diamond bezel set 2grams weight Please ask for ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$26,240Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 15.5 inch Structural Collar Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This striking 18K yellow gold collar necklace by Bvlgari showcases the house’s mastery of bold, structured design. Formed of articulated, architectural links, the necklace creates a ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stephen Dweck Sterling Silver Necklace Citrine & Diamonds One of a Kind 2006
Located in Greer, SC
Stunning handmade sterling silver statement necklace by designer Stephen Dweck, this one of a kind necklace features sparkling faceted yellow quartz along with an adorable small bug ...
Diamond, Quartz, Sterling Silver
14k Gold Hummingbird Pendant with Rubies, Bird Pendant with Colored Gemstones!
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k Gold Hummingbird Pendant with Rubies. Bird Pendant with colored gemstones. 14k solid gold Weight: 1.2 g. Size: 12x16.6mm Set with ruby, colo...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
$798Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Gilded Heart Chain Link Statement Necklace/Belt By Edouard Rambaud, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Extremely rare, hard-to-find style - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - 36" total length, can be adjusted down using clasp along chain length - Go...
Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Pendant & Dog Tag Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver heart tag necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped pendant reads "Please Return to Tiffany & Co. / New York / M80560" suspended on a dog tag chain. Simply a wonderful piece from the classic Return to Tiffany line...
Sterling Silver
$27,680Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Monete 3cm Coin Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Monete necklace by Bvlgari captures the house’s celebrated ability to merge ancient history with refined modern design. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the pendant features ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,080Sale Price|40% Off
Diamond Station Necklace in 14kt White Gold – 0.32ctw, 17.5in, New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This elegant diamond station necklace in 14kt white gold features 0.32 carats total weight of natural GH SI2–I1 round diamonds set across ten evenly spaced stations for refined, mode...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14.63 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 20"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 14.63 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
David Yurman Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Large Oval Link Necklace, 16"
By David Yurman
Located in North Miami, FL
David Yurman Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Large Oval Link Necklace, 16" Description: This David Yurman large oval link necklace combines the designer’s signature cable motif with bo...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Lustrous Keishi Pearl Station Vermeil Necklace 48"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
15pc of lustrous white & peach Japanese Keishi Pearl appx 12-17mm on 18k yellow gold plated sterling silver chain 48 Inch Station Necklace. Each pearl i...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate, Vermeil
Skull Chain Necklace Blue Glitter Enamel Rose Gold Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k Rose Gold-Plated Stud Chain Necklace – Vintage 2008 Paris Design by J Dauphin This gold-plated stud chain necklace by J Dauphin is a rare vintage collectible from 2008, handcraf...
Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Brass, Enamel
Medal Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Clover Doves Cross J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Medal Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Clover Doves Cross J Dauphin Coin Clover Cross Chain Necklace by J Dauphin, produced in 2008 and crafted in Bali. The design includes symbolic e...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
14k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace, 40cm Long, 14.5g, Excellent Condition
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace – 14.5 grams – 40 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 40 cm long and 6.0 mm wide Total weight: 14.5 grams Hallmarked, tested, and guaranteed 14k...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dodo by Pomellato Bollicine Sterling Silver & 9k Rose Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
Dodo by Pomellato Bollicine Sterling Silver & 9k Rose Gold Lariat Necklace Versatile and sculptural, this authentic lariat necklace from the Bollicine collection by Dodo (Pomellato) ...
9k Gold, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace, 45cm Long, 12g, Excellent Condition
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: necklace is 45 cm long and 1.7 mm wide total weight: 12.0 grams hallmark present and tested for gold content necklace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Bulgari Diamond Long Chain Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This elegant chain necklace by Bvlgari is a testament to the brand's exquisite craftsmanship, originating from Italy in 1960. Weighing 119.6 grams, it is meticulously crafted from lu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Necklace is a true work of art. Crafted by the renowned French jewelry house, the necklace features the...
Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Leather Multi Chain Necklace Silver Plated, Paris - J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin Archival Multi-Chain Necklace (Paris, 2008) Provenance & Identification Designer: J Dauphin Collection: 2008 Paris Archive Origin: Produced in Paris, France Atelier: Ha...
Silver, Brass, Silver Plate
Green Rhinestone Chain Necklace Gunmetal Plating, Paris - J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin Multi-Chain Necklace, Gunmetal Plated Brass with Green Crystals — Paris 2008 Description: Multi-chain necklace by J Dauphin, Paris, 2008. Gunmetal plated brass construction...
Crystal, Brass
Statement Taj Crystal Necklace
Located in Hoffman Estates, IL
A stunning statement piece with intricate details. Embellished with cubic zircon, red, black and faux amethyst crystals. Only 1 available. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view ...
Crystal, Zircon, Base Metal, Brass
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Seven Strand Slinky Chain Necklace By Napier, 1970s
By Napier
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 25" length - Seven strands of boxy link chain - Gold plated - Fold over clasp closure - By Napier (signed on clasp) - Circa 1970s - Estate acquired - Excelle...
$29,200Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Lapis And Coral 33 Inch Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels long necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold, designed with alternating lapis lazuli and coral bead stations along a twisted rope-link chain. The composition balances ...
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Gold Tone Diamante Necklace Circa 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone Diamante Necklace Circa 1990s. This is a very sleek and well-made necklace. It can be worn as a choker or a necklace, though it looks stunning wrapped double. Ev...
Mixed Metal
Rossella Ugolini Anchor Chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini anchor-inspired chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy. Bold Chaine d'Ancre Marine Silver Sterling Necklace, cm 45 in length. 18 inches, available different size on order. This statement piece features a bold, hollowed marine link chain design, which gives it a substantial yet elegant appearance. The links are beautifully polished, offering a refined shine that complements its luxurious look. Despite its bold design, the necklace is lightweight due to the hollowed construction, making it comfortable to wear. The Chaîne d'Ancre, inspired by nautical anchor chains...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier Agrafe 18K White Gold Diamond Lock Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless Cartier statement piece, this Agrafe necklace is crafted in solid 18K white gold and features the iconic Agrafe-inspired link design, finished with a striking diamond-set ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Chain Collar Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful vintage 9ct gold collar is flat and sits beautifully. It is fastened using a simple clasp. Length: 42.5cm Widest and Slimmest Point: 12-4.5mm Weight: 18.6g
Gold
$422Sale Price|30% Off
14 Karat Gold Cross Pendant Necklace, Tiny Cross Necklace
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 Karat Gold Cross shaped Charm Necklace. Cross pendant necklace. Cross necklace for women. Gold cross necklace. Gold cross necklace women. Tiny cross neck...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alexis Bittar Link Chain Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
The asymmetrical aspect of this signed gold filled link/chain necklace is what is unusual.The larger links are on one side and at the bottom. It is at a perfect length for any outfit...
Gold-filled
$3,456Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Emerald Station Necklace with Paperclip Chain in 14K Yellow Gold 3.22 Ct
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant station necklace features 4 octagon emeralds totaling 3.22 carats, set in rich 14k yellow gold. each emerald measuring approximately 6.5 x 4.5 mm, securely set in bezel ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
FLAWLESS Investment grade South Sea Pearls Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
his stunning 17" South Sea pearl, measuring 14 × 16.4 mm, is a true statement of natural elegance. Featuring a very good cut grade and a beautifully round shape, it displays exceptio...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage “Return to Tiffany” Heart Tag Necklace in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co. vintage heart tag necklace crafted in solid sterling silver. The iconic “Please Return to Tiffany & Co. New York 925” engraving adorns the classic heart charm...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$10,160Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold Grey Mother Of Pearl Butterfly Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels butterfly necklace crafted in 18K white gold, featuring wings formed from grey mother-of-pearl with soft natural iridescence. The body of the butterfly is set with...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Mesh Tie Scarf Necklace 41.5" Large
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This is the large-format Elsa Peretti mesh tie scarf, crafted in ultra-fine sterling silver mesh. The construction is extremely delicate and flexible, giving it a silky, fabric-like ...
Sterling Silver
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
Modern 18 Karat Gold Curb Chain Necklace
Located in Ridgefield, CT
This timeless 18k yellow gold curb chain necklace is a staple piece that exudes understated elegance. Expertly crafted with precision, each link in this chain catches the light beaut...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ball Link Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A refined Tiffany & Co. ball link chain crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, featuring evenly spaced polished gold beads for a classic, minimalist look. The necklace measures approximat...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful vintage 9ct gold necklace is a classic. It is fastened using a simple clasp. Length: 51cm Widest Point: 3mm Weight: 10.5g
Gold
$52,000Sale Price|20% Off
FLAWLESS Investment grade South Sea Pearls Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This necklace is a refined and versatile piece, perfect for any occasion. It features beautifully matched South Sea pearls displaying a rare and luminous white rose overtone, prized ...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Studio Rêves Eternal Cascade Baguette Diamond Necklace in 18kt White Gold
By Studio Rêves
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
An exquisite expression of modern high jewellery, this 18kt white gold necklace is crafted in a luminous double-strand cascade, entirely adorned with impeccably matched baguette-cut ...
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,977Sale Price|20% Off
4.20 Ct SI/H Natural Diamond Tennis Graduated Wedding Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
4.20 Ct SI/H Natural Diamond Tennis Graduated Wedding Necklace 14k White Gold This tennis necklace is designed with a continuous row of finely cut round stones, set with precision to...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$295Sale Price|20% Off
Chunky Satin Gilt Chain Necklace w/ Ruby Crystal Pendant By Leslie Block, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Matte gold plated - 45" twisted link chain - Pendant measures 2" x 1.5" - Ruby red crystals with enamel detai...
Italian Beaded-Link Necklace in 14K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Minimal form, maximal charm. Crafted in Italy in 2020, this contemporary chain necklace brings a sculptural sensibility to everyday gold. Elongated rectangular links are punctuated ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$602 / item
14k gold chain necklace
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
N 11 is a finely crafted necklace defined by its delicate, thread-like chain that rests gently against the skin, offering a sense of effortless elegance. Its minimalist design speaks...
14k Gold
Vintage Sterling Silver C Link Chain Necklace
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage C link chain necklace crafted from sterling silver manufactured in the 1990s. The necklace closes with a lobster ring. It is marked with 925 and Polish symbols for sterling...
Silver
Tiffany & Co. Circle Chain Link Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Necklace Specifications: Brand: Tiffany & Co. Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Chain Length: 16.5" (adjustable, you can link the chain into any of the circles for a shorter length) Chain...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Tiffany and Co Aquamarine Necklace. 18k WG Tiffany Aqua Diamond Pendant
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Tiffany and Co. 18k White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Lariat Necklace Rare Genuine T&CO Necklace with Aquamarine and Diamonds. Original MSRP $4000 Comes with Original Tiff...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold 1.8Ct Pear Cut Emerald Station Chain Necklace Fine Jewelry Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant station necklace in 14K solid yellow gold showcases 1.8 carats of pear-cut emeralds, each measuring 3x2 mm and meticulously bezel-set for a sleek, modern look. Arranged ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Akoya Pearls AAA+ Quality Four Strand Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant necklace is composed of Japanese Akoya pearls, measuring approximately 8.0 x 7.4 mm, selected for their refined proportions, soft luster, and classic appeal. The design...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold