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
Virgin Mary Necklace Miraculous Medal Palladium Pink Enamel Vintage Crystal
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Miraculous Medal Palladium Pink Enamel Vintage Crystal Designer: J DAUPHIN The Virgin Mary Necklace is a J Dauphin piece from 2008, a marquise medal handcrafte...
Crystal, Brass, Enamel, Palladium
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 ...
Sterling Silver
Coin Necklace Silver Star Medallion Clover Cross Cuba Mens Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coin Necklace Silver Star Medallion Clover Cross Cuba Mens Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Silver coin necklace, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece by J Dauphin, centered on a "Patria ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
David Yurman Sterling Silver & Gold Double Wheat Chain Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Sterling Silver & Gold Double Wheat Chain Necklace Metal: Sterling silver & 18 karat yellow gold Weight: 54.48 grams Chain: 4mm each Length: 16 inches Signed: ©D.Y. 925...
Gold, Sterling Silver
12.50 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
DISCOVER ELEGANT 12.5 cts Natural diamonds tennis necklace average H-VS clean natural diamonds excellent shine 23.82 gram solid 14k yellow gold 3.4 mm wide 16 inch long Style: Tenni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
MONTH-LONG SALE, 15.50 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 20"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
MAGNIFICENT, 15.50 cts Natural diamonds tennis necklace average H-VS clean natural diamonds excellent shine 29.80 gram solid 14k yellow gold 3.4 mm wide 20 inch long Style: Tennis N...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
CLEARANCE EVENT, 9.15 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 19"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 9.15 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 17-inch chain. 2...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.65 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 8.65 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 16-inch chain. 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Signed David Yurman Sterling Silver 4mm Wheat Chain Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver chain necklace. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. With wheat chain links and a lobster claw closure. Marked to the clasp. Simply a wonderful necklace fro...
Sterling Silver
PRICE TO SELL- NO OFFER, 20.55 ct Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 20"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 20.55 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
FLASH SALE, 8.35 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 8.35 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
GIA 1 Carat Round Diamond Bezel Necklace 14K Yellow Gold I VS2
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This stunning GIA certified diamond necklace is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features a 1.00 carat natural round brilliant diamond in a sleek bezel setting. The diamond is graded I...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Monete 1982 Coin Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An important Bvlgari Monete necklace dating to 1982, crafted in 18k yellow gold and centered by an ancient Macedonian silver coin issued under Philip III Arrhidaeus. The substantial ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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 14K Gold 18” Baby Curb Link Chain
Located in Venice, CA
This vintage 14k gold chain is a great option for a simple chain for swapping out charms and pendants. It consists of a sweet, baby curb link and has a nice spring ring clasp. It off...
14k Gold
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, grams 41,50. ava...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier 18k Two-Tone Gold Triple Oval Swirl Charm Chain Necklace 15.5"
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Style: Triple Oval Swirl Charm Chain Necklace Material: Solid 18k white and yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 197064 Design: Chain necklace with three polished oval s...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$62,640Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A highly collectible vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace featuring 10 turquoise motifs set in 18K yellow gold. Each quatrefoil motif is framed by the house’s signature b...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
EXCEPTIONAL SALE - NO OFFER, 11.60 cts Natural Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow 20"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
EXQUISITE 11.60 cts Natural Diamonds Tennis Necklace. Average G,H-VS clarity, boasting a flawless shine. Crafted from 27.30 grams of solid 14k yellow gold, measuring 3.1 mm in width ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Oval Link Chain Necklace w/Paper 30"
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels Era: 1960s Material: 18k yellow gold Design: Substantial rectangular-to-oval link chain necklace with a solid, structured construction Necklace Length: Appr...
Gold, 18k Gold
$1,368Sale Price / item|20% Off
3.4 Carat Natural Zambian Emerald Bezel Set Station Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This modern station necklace showcases 3.4 carats of natural Zambian emeralds, set in 14K yellow gold. The pear shaped emeralds measuring 6.5 x 4.5 mm and oval shaped emerald in mixe...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Frivole Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole 18K Yellow Gold 9-Flower Diamond Motif Necklace A beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring nine signatu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Monete Very Rare Diamond And Ruby Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Bvlgari Monete necklace centered by an ancient Roman bronze coin of Emperor Caracalla, dating to his reign from A.D. 198–211. The coin is framed in 18k yellow gold and...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$19,760Sale Price|20% Off
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
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 16 Diamond Motifs Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned and in excellent condition, this authentic Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace (2012) features 16 motifs crafted in rhodium-plated 18K white gold and fully ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Chain-Link Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany necklace crafted in polished 925 sterling silver. The necklace features a substantial oval-link chain centered by the collection’s sign...
Sterling Silver
Natural Diamond 15.75 Carat Cuban Link Necklace 10 Karat Yellow Gold 19 Inches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metal: 10 Karat Yellow Gold Cuban link Weight: 96.7 Grams of solid 10 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond: Approximately 15.75 Carat Total Weight of Natural Round Cut Diamonds Clarity: VS/SI, ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Vintage Bird Claw Multi Chain Necklace Blue Enamel Palladium Paris 2008
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Bird Claw Multi Chain Necklace Blue Enamel Palladium Paris 2008 J DAUPHIN Designer: J DAUPHIN J DAUPHIN Bird Claw multi-chain necklace handcrafted in Paris in 2008 in pall...
Palladium, Brass, Enamel
Vintage Gunmetal Ruthenium Snake Chain Long Layered Necklace Paris 2008 J DAUP
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Gunmetal Ruthenium Snake Chain Long Layered Necklace Paris 2008 J DAUPHIN Designer: J DAUPHIN J DAUPHIN long snake chain necklace handmade in Paris in 2008 in dark rutheni...
Brass
Vintage Skull Multi Chain Choker Necklace Blue Enamel Ruthenium Paris 2008
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Skull Multi Chain Choker Necklace Blue Enamel Ruthenium Paris 2008 J DAUPHIN Designer: J DAUPHIN J DAUPHIN skull multi-chain choker necklace handmade in Paris in 2008 in r...
Palladium, Brass, Enamel
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
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
Large lustrous Keishi Pearl Station Necklace 50"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
15pc of large and lustrous white Japanese Keishi Pearl appx 16-17mm on White gold plated sterling silver chain 50 Inch Station Necklace. Each pearl is u...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
$704Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
BLOWOUT SALE NO OFFER, 7.01 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 22"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
EXQUISITE, 7.01 carat natural diamond tennis necklace boasting an average G,H-VS clarity and exceptional brilliance. Crafted from 24.44 grams of solid 14k yellow gold, this stunning ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
CLEARANCE SALE, 18.50 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 18"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 18.50 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
26833 Men's David Yurman Sterling Silver 5mm Box Chain 22'' Link Necklace 63g
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
DY sterling silver necklace weighs 63g Box chain measures 5mm wide Necklace is 22'' long end to end Necklace tag stamped ''D.Yurman 925'' Lobster Clasp Comes with a regular necklac...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 18K Gold 18” Fancy Link Chain
Located in Venice, CA
This particular design is often called a fancy link, and was inspired by the French fancy link chains of the Victorian era. The fancy link design consists of lozenge-shaped links con...
Gold, 18k Gold
Gorgeous Rare Haute Couture Thierry Mugler ‘Angel’ Star Statement Collier
Located in GOES, NL
A striking very rare Haute Couture statement piece and a TRUE collectors item by legendary designer Thierry Mugler! This exceptional necklace captures the bold, futuristic glamour f...
Crystal, Silver
Chanel 1998 Silver Rock V Necklace, Three Row Metal Link Design
By Chanel
Located in North Miami, FL
This hot fabulous rock stud Chanel signed necklace is in the shape of a V on your neck. It is signed Made in France Chanel '98. It is silver toned meta...
Silver
Charm Necklace Silver Star of David Cross Crescent Moon Tiger Eye Multi Strand
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charm Necklace Silver Star of David Cross Crescent Moon Tiger Eye Multi Strand Rosary Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Silver charm necklace, vintage 2008 multi strand piece by J Dauphi...
Spinel, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
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
20K Yellow Gold, 18" Hammered Ball Chain by Buddha Mama
By Buddha Mama
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Experience timeless luxury with this exquisite 20K Yellow Gold Hammered Ball Chain Necklace by Buddha Mama, a statement piece that blends artisanal craftsmanship with meaningful desi...
Yellow Gold
Boucheron 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional vintage diamond necklace by Boucheron, crafted in France in 18K yellow gold and set with 21 graduated Old European cut diamonds totaling approximately 13.00 carats. T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sword Necklace Opal Cross Coin Pendant Silver Bronze Liberté Egalité Fraternité
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sword Necklace Opal Cross Coin Pendant Silver Bronze Liberté Egalité Fraternité Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Bronze sword necklace with an opal, a vint...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Bronze
Padlock Customizable Paperclip Chain with Locket, 14k Yellow Gold, Love Locket
Located in Austin, TX
Paperclip chains meet personalization! This paperclip chain and charm design allows you to completely customize a look that fits YOU perfectly. The chain design has two open rings in...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Hallmarked Sterling Silver and Lapis Lazuli Sculptural Necklace, 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This sculptural and fabulous hallmarked vintage sterling silver and lapis lazuli reticulated necklace is quite stunning on. It has a modernist look. This lays well on the neck. Pleas...
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
$14,060Sale Price|20% Off
8.55 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Gold Platinum Chain Necklace
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement necklace from our contemporary estate collection centers on an 8.55-carat diamond in a rose cut, prized for its domed crown and soft, candlelit glow. It is framed by d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Necklace Fancy Diamonds
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Gemstone: White, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Green and Champagne Diamonds 20,32ct. Material: Platinum 950; Yellow Gold 750 This beautiful necklace is handcrafted in Yellow Gold and Plati...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Yel...
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
Vintage Boucheron Braide Necklace in Yellow Gold
By Boucheron
Located in London, England
A stylish vintage Boucheron braide necklace set in 18k yellow gold.
The necklace features braided motifs all around the piece. Due to the design and size, it could be worn...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Hercules Knot Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Steel Tubogas Oval Citrine
By Cartier
Located in Monaco, MC
Cartier Hercules Knot bi-color necklace in 18K yellow gold and polished stainless steel, set with an oval citrine at the center of the iconic knot motif. The tubogas construction — C...
Citrine, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rossella Ugolini Modern Emerald Man Necklace Crafted in Italy 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Rome, IT
Discover the embodiment of timeless elegance in the Rossella Ugolini Emerald Necklace, a masterpiece crafted in Italy with the modern man in mind. This necklace transcends traditiona...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cuban Chain Necklace
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold 1.5mm cuban link necklace. Length is 20 inches with spring clasp. Finished weight is 4.8 grams.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lavender Jade Link Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Jade Measurements: each jade cylinder is ~16 mm in length x 3.8 mm width Stone: Lavender Jade Chain Length: 15.5" Jade Width: 3.8 mm...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970's Two Colored Resin 3 Row Ball Necklace on Wire
Located in North Miami, FL
Orange-Amber and black purple resin balls make this fun vintage necklace eye catching. It is on a wire and connected to 3 staggered rows. The colors are perfect for all seasons Au C...
4.50 Carat Diamond Choker Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Necklace Specifications: Metal: 14K White Gold Total Weight: 37.8 Grams Necklace Width: 9.6 mm Diamond Count: 78 brilliant cut Diamond Color: G-J Diamond Clarity: SI1-I1 Tota...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rodney Rayner 18 Karat Gold Bead Necklace with Rhodolite Hearts and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Rodney Rayner is known for his unique styling and use of beautiful color combinations. This 18 karat yellow gold necklace is a perfect example of his work. This necklace is designed...
Diamond, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold