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.
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...
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 ...
Giant Lightning Ridge Opal Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling layered Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted , finished with Paraiba Tourmaline and 14K gold sparkling diamonds. All stones are hand ca...
Diamond, Opal, Paraiba, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Purple Resin Multi-Row Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, acrylic resin choker necklace features an important multi-strand design with a lovely pearlized purple color contrasted with pearl-like be...
Genuine Estate Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal double estate layered 20 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine high grade turquoises from the...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ancient Roman Coin, Ruby & 20KT Gold Multi Strand Necklace
Located in Braintree, GB
A three strand necklace of polished ruby beads divided by 20KT gold spacers, centred on an ancient Roman bronze coin set in a plain high colour gold bezel, with a gold grape cluster ...
Ruby
1990s Costume Jewelry Panther Necklace by Bijoux Cascio
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Striking 1990s Bijoux Cascio Gold-Toned Panther Head & Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace Unleash your inner wildcat with this magnificent vintage necklace by Bijoux Cascio, a prominent...
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
Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise & Diamonds Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal layered necklace, with extremely rare and nearly flawless sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a beautifull graduated size. This necklace features genuine high grade genuin...
Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$558Sale Price|20% Off
Five Strand Crystal Encrusted Leopard Statement Necklace By Heidi Daus
By Heidi Daus
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece - 17" length with additional 4.5" extender chain - 4" x 1.75" leopard head focal area - Antique gold tone - Crystal pavé - Ci...
Sculptural Gold Bow Clasp Graduated 4Strand SnakeChain Necklace MidCentury
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century shiny yellow-gold-plated snake-chain multi-strand necklace features a sculptural finely-textured gilt-metal bow that is positioned to rest on the upper left chest to...
Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, Base Metal, Gilt Metal
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Infinity Double Chain Pendant Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Infinity Double Chain Pendant Necklace Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 7.44 grams Length: 16 inches Pendant: 20mm Signed: ©Tiffany & Co. 925 ...
Sterling Silver
Giant Layered Australian Lightning Ridge Opal & Diamond 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling layered Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted , finished with an 14K gold and sparkling diamonds. All stones are hand carved for an extr...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Multi Strand Gold Heart Motif Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful vintage 18K yellow gold multi-strand toggle necklace by the venerated jewelry house, Tiffany & Co., is just as innovative, fashionable and exciting as the day that...
Gold, 18k Gold
Natural 13.04 Carat Diamond Three Strand Wedding Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Natural 13.04 Carat Diamond Three Strand Wedding Necklace 14K White Gold features three layers of diamonds, cascading around the neckline. Each layer is meticulously arranged with ma...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$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
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...
Western Germany Cherry Red Mold Faceted Bead FlowerClasp 2Strand Necklace c1948
Located in Chicago, IL
Stamped "Western Germany" on the gold-tone underside of its box clasp, this double-strand long necklace with cherry-red beads and decorative clasp features the reflective glossy face...
Gold, Gilt Metal, Mixed Metal
Estate A. Jeschel Pearl, Coral, Onyx, Sponge Coral Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Striking, large triple strand Asian motif pearl, coral, onyx and sponge coral A. Jeschel Elaine Silverstein One-of-a-Kind statement necklace. Provenance: from the estate of a noted New York City psychiatrist and collector of striking, unusual, one-of-a-kind jewels. The bold clasp, a signature piece, depicts a cinnabar style rondel of a classic Chinese prunus...
Coral, Onyx, Pearl, Sterling Silver
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
Exceptional South Sea Pearl Strand Necklace, 16–18mm
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable statement of refinement and rarity, this luxurious South Sea cultured pearl strand features an extraordinary graduation of pearls measuring approximately 16mm to 18mm. C...
South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Givenchy Double Snake Chain Necklace with Crystal Drops, 1990s
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1990s Givenchy statement necklace in gold plate. This choker length heritage necklace comprises two lightweight and flexible hollo...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Angela Caputi Black and White Resin Multi-Strand Knotted Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, crafted this exquisite resin choker necklace in the 1990s. The oversized multi-strand design features tiny oval resin seed beads, complemented by a large knot o...
Jose and Maria Barrera Necklace from Estate of Writer Jackie Collins Turquoise
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning runway Necklace by Jose and Maria Barrera with Turquoise, Carnelian and Agate and from the estate of legendary Hollywood writer Jackie Collins. The dramatic mu...
Carnelian, Turquoise, Gold Plate
Angela Caputi Stormy Gray Beaded Multi-Strand Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi resin choker beaded necklace, made in Italy, features a multi-strand design with assorted-sized beads in stormy gray pearlized colors. Her color matching ...
Angela Caputi Black and Yellow Multi-Strand Resin Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin choker necklace features a multi-strand design with a dominant black color contrasted with lemon-yellow carved beads. Geometric motif...
Angela Caputi Blue and Transparent Resin Multi-Strand Knotted Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, crafted this stunning resin choker necklace in the 1990s. The oversized multi-strand design features tiny oval resin seed beads, complemented by a large knot on...
Multi Strand Baroque Pearl and Gold Bead Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Fine Baroque Pearl 10 Strand and Gold Bead Necklace held by a 14K Yellow Gold circular clasp. Approx. length of necklace: 23”. More Beautiful in real time! Unique a...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Multi-Strand "" Pearl Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning multi-strand pearl tots add necklace is fitted with a 14k Yellow Gold clasp. The necklace weighs in at 88.1 grams and is marked 14k 585
Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 5 Strand Pearl Jade 14K Gold Chocker Pearl Necklace by de Groot & Gudde
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 5 Strand Pearl Jade 14K Rose Gold Chocker Pearl Necklace by de Groot & Gudde, Amsterdam 1960 Amsterdam, not London. Crafted in Amsterdam by Fa. de Groot & Gudde, this five-...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Jade, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Black Necklace with Jade and Carnelian Resin Beads
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi made this gorgeous resin-beaded necklace in Italy. The choker features an oversized multi-strand design with dominant black color seed beads contrasted with faux-jade g...
Multi Colored Sapphire and Ruby Necklace by the Yard 22K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Necklace Specifications: Style: Necklace by the Yard Metal: 22k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 13.9 grams Sapphire and Ruby Diameter: ~3.4 mm each Sapphire and Ruby Total Count: 78 ...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, Ye...
Miriam Haskell Gilt and Pearl Loop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Miriam Haskell gilt and faux pearl necklace composed of a finely woven gilt brass circle mounted on a signature gilt filigree bordered by a twisted rope of small faux pearls. Four...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
Yoko London Freshwater Pearl and Amethyst Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This unique seven row Freshwater pearl and amethyst necklace by Yoko London is simultaneously striking and elegant. Expertly hand crafted...
Amethyst, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$122,500Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Triple Layer 38.2ct Pear Cut Diamond Fringe Necklace
Located in Deira, Dubai
18K White Gold Triple Layer 38.2ct Pear Cut Diamond Fringe Necklace features mixed cut diamonds set in three layers with last one being the fringe design. Diamonds are believed to en...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Licorice Resin Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, is a resin choker beaded necklace with an oversized multi-strand design with black resin seed beads, complemented by a large black carved ...
Christian Dior Couture Murano ArtGlass Crystal Beaded Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Presenting a singular masterpiece from Christian Dior's couture archives: an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind runway necklace conceived as a lavish prototype for the Paris 1980s Dior runway. This rare pièce de résistance showcases an elegant, elongated multi-strand silhouette, culminating in a delicate, fluid tassel that epitomizes timeless sophistication. Meticulously handcrafted, the necklace features an array of hand-blown Murano art-glass crystal beads—each bead a testament to artisanal excellence—interspersed with exquisitely carved gilt metal spacers. The grandeur of every large bead is amplified by sumptuous gold leaf accents and intricate tutti frutti glass...
Gilt Metal
6.48 Ct Zambian Emerald 15.54 Ct Diamond Double Strand Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
There are pieces that belong in a private collection — and there are pieces that define one. This handmade necklace is the latter. A 6.48-carat natural Zambian emerald, emerald-cut a...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 13 Carat Colombian Green Emerald Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
A masterpiece of provenance and design symmetry: A Pristine Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Necklace. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS & PROVENANCE Central Emerald (as authenticate...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$43,750Sale Price|20% Off
Real 16.43 Carat SI/H Multi Shape Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 16.43 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Elsa Schiaparelli 1950's Multi Strand Glass Necklace & Clip on Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
The colors of the sea in alternating glass beads of blues and greens make up this signed vintage stunning Elsa Schiaparelli necklace so wearable. There are 6 wide strands on each sid...
Arthur King 18 Karat Gold and Fresh Water Pearl Multi-Strand Necklace
By Arthur King
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed Arthur King necklace in 18 karat gold and fresh water pearls. The four strand necklace is strung with fresh water pearls with a slight pink to white hue and s...
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
$558Sale Price|20% Off
Five Strand Crystal Encrusted Lion Statement Choker Necklace By Heidi Daus
By Heidi Daus
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 16" length with additional 4" extender chain - 2" x 2" lion head focal area - Antique gold tone - Multi-colored crystal pavé - 5 strands of faux champagne pearl...
Angela Caputi Resin Choker Necklace Gray and Black Multi-Strand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin choker necklace features a multi-strand design with a dominant mouse-gray color contrasted with black tones. The necklace is adorned...
$61,865Sale Price / item|25% Off
18K White Gold Mixed Shape Diamond Statement Necklace 21.43 Carats
Located in Deira, AE
A striking expression of exceptional craftsmanship, this handcrafted diamond necklace is designed to captivate with its elegant arrangement of mixed-cut natural diamonds. Featuring a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,640Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sapphire Two Strand Chain Necklace 18k Yellow Gold, Daughter Christmas Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire Two Strand Chain Necklace studded with pear cut sapphire in 18k Gold. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Sapphire stimulates ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Triple Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal tripple layered 20 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine turquoises from the sleeping beauty...
Turquoise, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Layered Saltwater Akoya Pearl Diamons Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Embrace timeless elegance with this refined double-strand necklace, handcrafted from genuine Japanese Akoya saltwater pearls and sparkling diamonds. These high-quality akoya pearls f...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Multi-Strand Necklace with 13.32ct Pear Cut Multicolor Sapphires
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This modern multi-strand station necklace showcases 13.32 carats of natural multicolor sapphires, set in 18K yellow gold. Each pear cut sapphires measuring 4 x 3 mm in size and secur...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Blue Sapphire Multi Layered Chain Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire Necklace in 18K Gold studded with oval cut Blue sapphire pieces. Accessorize your look with this elegant blue sapphire beaded necklace...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Tiffany & Co. Open Heart Multi Chain Sterling Silver Necklace with Toggle Clasp
Located in London, GB
Elevate your jewellery collection with this outstanding multi strand sterling silver pendant necklace, designed by iconic luxury house, Tiffany& Co. Its elegance and versatile design...
Sterling Silver
$3,094Sale Price|20% Off
South Sea Pearl, Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Necklace, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This classic and elegant Pearl and Diamond Necklace is made of White South Sea Cultured Pearls (with size of 12 - 14.5mm), Tahitian Pearls (with size of approx. 10mm) and Diamonds on 18K White Gold Chain. Product Details: Diamond - 12 pcs - 0.43ct Black Pearl - 5 pcs - 40.39cts White Pearl - 6 pc - 92.10cts 18K White Gold Length: 24 inches 100% guaranteed Natural gemstones. Certification(s) (GIA, GRS, IGI) can be requested by customers with an additional charge. Please kindly contact us for the quotation. This is a brand new item and delivered directly from aUSTY LEE in our own branded jewellery...
Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold Diamond Tassel Necklace, European circa 1975
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking example of European fine jewelry craftsmanship, this vintage 18-karat yellow and white gold tassel necklace exemplifies the bold yet refined aesthetic of 1970s Italian gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$11,980Sale Price|20% Off
Gianmaria Buccellati Torsade Necklace Amethyst Citrine 18k Gold Gemstone Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed Buccellati torsade necklace, finished with a 18 karat yellow gold clasp. Three strands of briolette faceted citrine a...
Amethyst, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Italian Tubogas Torsade Necklace and Bracelet Set
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely and innovative vintage 18K yellow gold tubogas necklace and bracelet set is a wonderful example of the true perennial talent and capabilities of Italian goldsmiths. Two s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Sonora Turquoise Torsade Necklace
Located in Big Bend, WI
An 8 strand natural Sonoran turquoise torsade necklace with 14K yellow gold magnetic clasp. There are 5 strands of Campitos turquoise 4mm beads and ...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century South Sea Pearl Diamond Clasp Yellow Gold Necklace 1950s 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century South Sea cultured pearl and diamond clasp necklace in yellow gold, 1950s/1960s. An exceptional Mid-Century necklace comp...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,960Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Purple, Black Glass 6 Strand Necklace Rare
Located in North Miami, FL
This rare, ultra chic and vintage hallmarked Yves Saint Laurent 6 strand necklace is purple and black glass. This is a very special necklace of the fr...
Vintage 1960's Gold and Clear Austrian Crystal Tiered Bib Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning versatile vintage tiered bib necklace has layers of Austrian bevel cut crystals hanging it tiers in a bib necklace form. They are gold ...
Crystal
$15,862Sale Price|25% Off
18K Yellow Gold Italian Multi Strand Necklace Solid Woven Mesh
Located in Great Neck, NY
This exceptional vintage Italian necklace is masterfully crafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold and showcases a refined multi-strand woven mesh design that drapes fluidly along the ne...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$116,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 12 Carat Green Emerald Pear Cut Minor Oil Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent necklace features an exquisite deep green emerald weighing 12 carat, delicately suspended from a line of pear cut, marquise and round white diamonds representing a l...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum