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Modern Pendant Setting

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1.12 Carat Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Cluster Pendant
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
This lovely pendant is beautifully set with an oval cut diamond weighing 0.62ct, in a four claw
Category

2010s English Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.45 Carat Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Flower Cluster Pendant
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
This beautiful pendant features a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.18ct, mounted in a rub
Category

2010s English Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.20ct Diamond and Emerald 18 Carat White Gold Oval Pendant
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
This delicate 18 carat white gold pendant is beautifully designed as an oval claw set with 23 fine
Category

2010s English Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Paul Amey "Lemon Sherbet" Sterling Silver with Gold Overlay Bangle
By Paul Amey
Located in Tewantin, Queensland
yellow gold. Match with other "Lemon Sherbet" pieces, pendant, ring and earrings. The "Lemon Sherbet
Category

2010s Australian Artisan Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Quartz, Gold, Sterling Silver

0.45ct Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Pendant and Chain
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
weighing 0.45ct, mounted in a three claw, open back setting. The pendant is further designed with a halo
Category

2010s English Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Unique Diamond Pendant Invisible Setting Diamond Pendant Necklace 18kt White
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rectangular pendant made with diamonds in a unique invisible setting style, the pendant is set so
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Illusion Setting Diamond Pendant in 18k Rose Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Rose Gold Style: Pie-cut Diamond Pendant Total Weight: 3 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Illusion Setting Diamonds Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
pendant is a triumph of craftsmanship and style. The heart of this piece is the illusion setting diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vivid Ruby Pendant in 18K White Gold Settings with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in Houston, TX
- Prong setting Length - 17.90 mm We can customize the Gold Gemstone Pendants according to your
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold-filled

18 Karat Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
design a very nice Heart pendant .The technique use invisible setting .We cut and groove very stone. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Illusion Setting Diamonds Pendant in 18K Rose and White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
dual-tone effect that is both modern and timeless. The main attraction of this pendant is the illusion
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Marquise Cut Blue Sapphire Pendant Set in 18K Yellow Gold Setting
By VR Jewels
Located in Houston, TX
Natural Blue Sapphire pendant in 18K Gold. It has a marquise cut sapphire that completes your look
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
design a very nice Heart pendant .The technique use invisible setting .We cut and groove very stone. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
design a very nice Heart pendant .The technique use invisible setting .We cut and groove very stone. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Pave and Pearl Drop Pendant with Heart Shape White Gold Setting
Located in Miami, FL
Shop this one of one, natural diamond and pearl drop pendant. Handmade with a themed motif of love
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Diamond Pave and Pearl Drop Pendant with Heart Shape White Gold Setting
Located in Miami, FL
Shop this one of one, natural diamond and pearl drop pendant. Handmade with a themed motif of love
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Round Brilliant Multi Diamond Square Setting Pendant in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in timeless elegance with this stunning 1.25 carats total diamond square pendant crafted in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Modern Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Circa 2000s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
setting. With a fixed matt finished diamond set split bale the pendant will sit perfectly on the wearer at
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Modern Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Circa 2000s
Modern Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant Circa 2000s
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W 0.48 in D 0.28 in L 0.79 in
Modern Belgian 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant
Located in Esch-Sur-Alzette, LU
This Modern Belgian 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant is a stunning piece of jewelry characterized
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Belgian 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant
Modern Belgian 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant
Free Shipping
W 1.07 in L 1.19 in
Modern Crystal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 14 karat yellow gold. Modern pendant in yellow gold it is decorated with a square
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Diamond and Platinum Pendant, 2.73 Carats
Located in London, GB
A diamond and platinum pendant, of three graduating open squares, with grain set, round brilliant
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Modern Diamond and Platinum Pendant, 2.73 Carats
Modern Diamond and Platinum Pendant, 2.73 Carats
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W 0.65 in L 2.41 in
Modern Teardrop Shaped Amethyst Pendant, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
precision, giving it a modern and elegant touch. The pendant's teardrop shape creates a graceful and
Category

Late 20th Century German Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Modern Teardrop Shaped Amethyst Pendant, 14k Yellow Gold
Modern Teardrop Shaped Amethyst Pendant, 14k Yellow Gold
Free Shipping
W 0.52 in D 0.24 in L 1.19 in
Modern Octagon Cut Ruby Pendant Mounted with 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in Houston, TX
Modern Octagon Cut Ruby Pendant in 18K Gold. It has a octagon cut ruby that completes your look
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Gold-filled, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat yellow Gold Pendant and Chain
Located in Poitiers, FR
oval ruby is set with 4 claws, topped by a modern brilliant-cut diamond. This ruby-diamond pendant is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Coin Diamond Pendant with Modern Chain Probably Antique Persian Safavid Coin
Located in Viena, Viena
an antique coin in a modern setting and reinterpreted, probably an antique Persian Safavid coin
Category

2010s Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Unique Diamond Pendant Modern Style Minimalistic Diamond Platinum 0.53 Carat
Located in Jupiter, FL
Dainty pendant neklace with solitaire diamond in platinum weighing 0.53ct mounted in a unique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Akoya Cultured Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clutster Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. This elegant pearl pendant is set with modern brilliant-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.36 Carat Diamond White Gold Rectangular Modern Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond pendant necklace. This rectangle shaped setting has three rows for 21 straight baguette
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

3.15tcw Deep Green Asscher Emerald & Diamond Halo Modern Pendant Necklace Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a stunning Asscher cut emerald and diamond halo necklace in 14K gold. The pendant
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Solid White Gold Modern Diamond Bar Pendant Necklace with Chain
By VR Jewels
Located in Houston, TX
. Comfortable and easy to wear, it is just as exquisite worn alone or layered with other charms for a modern
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Modern Style Prong Set Emerald and Diamond Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in Houston, TX
Grams > Setting - Prong setting We can customize the Gold Gemstone Pendants according to your
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Gold 0.20 Carat Diamond Solitaire Necklace in Bezel Setting
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
pendant necklace. "ALL OUR ITEMS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE SHIPPING AROUND THE WORLD" "AVAILABLE IN WHITE
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Gold 0.20 Carat Diamond Solitaire Necklace in Bezel Setting
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
pendant necklace. "ALL OUR ITEMS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE SHIPPING AROUND THE WORLD" "AVAILABLE IN WHITE
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

3.0 Carat Colombian Emerald Solitaire Oval Six Claw Prong Modern Pendant 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured is a stunning, Colombian emerald, oval cut pendant. The gemstone carries 3.0 carats of
Category

2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold

Yellow Sapphire 18 Karat Solid Gold Minimalist Pendant Modern Necklace Enhancer
By AB Jewelry NYC
Located in New York, NY
DANCE, necklace pendant enhancer. Whimsical, modernist style, minimalist pendant or necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18KT White Gold Natural Diamonds Modern Flower Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerpen, BE
A simple flower pendant necklace is elevated with gorgeous diamonds, set miracle star burst
Category

2010s Belgian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary 0.25ct Modern Brilliant Diamond Rub Over Pendant on White Gold Chai
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Hanging on a Contemporary 9ct White Gold Chain, sits a beautiful 0.25ct Diamond pendant. So elegant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Yellow Sapphire 18 Karat Solid Gold Minimalist Pendant Modern Necklace Enhancer
By AB Jewelry NYC
Located in New York, NY
DANCE, necklace pendant enhancer. Whimsical, modernist style, minimalist pendant or necklace
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold, Cushion Cut Emerald w/ Diamond Setting Top
By Murat Uguz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Center Stone: Emerald : 5.20ct Diamond: 0.21ct
Category

2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

14k Gold 3.5 mm Diamond Solitaire Necklace Diamond Solitaire Bezel Setting
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
celebrate her everlasting love with this breathtaking solitaire diamond pendant necklace. "ALL OUR ITEMS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Gold 3.5 mm Diamond Solitaire Necklace Diamond Solitaire Bezel Setting
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
celebrate her everlasting love with this breathtaking solitaire diamond pendant necklace. "ALL OUR ITEMS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Post Modern Convertible Pendant Brooch In 18Kt Gold With Coral
Located in Miami, FL
Italian convertible pendant brooch with coral. A very versatile convertible pendant and brooch
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Classical Roman Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Diamond and 1.33 Ct Pink Sapphire Pendant Mounted with 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in Houston, TX
- 1.123 Grams > Setting - Bezel setting > Length - 18.10 mm We can customize the Gold Gemstone Pendants
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Necklace in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
technique use invisible setting .We cut and groove very stone. This pendant is very nice style you can use
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Necklace in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
use invisible setting .We cut and groove very stone. This pendant is very nice style you can use in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB offers 70’s Sterling Silver Modern Gem encrusted pendant crystal necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux offers a Unique Vintage 70’s Modern Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace. This
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Carnelian, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Sterling Silver

14k Solid Gold Three Diamond Station Necklace Bezel Setting Round Diamond
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
x 2 Pcs, 2.6 MM x 1 Pc. - Setting Type :- Bezel Diamonds :- All Diamonds are genuine, natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Solid Gold Three Diamond Station Necklace Bezel Setting Round Diamond
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
. - Diamond Size :- 1.8 MM x 2 Pcs, 2.6 MM x 1 Pc. - Setting Type :- Bezel Diamonds :- All Diamonds are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

10K White Gold 1/10 Carat Diamond Modern Bezel-Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
diamond in a solid 10K gold bezel setting, set on a 16 to 18 inch adjustable cable chain that is sure to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold

Modern Belle Epoque Style Pink Sapphire, Pearl, Diamond, Silver and Gold Pendant
Located in London, GB
A modern belle époque style pendant, set with a native cushion-cut pink sapphire, weighing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Gold, Silver

1/10 Carat Round Diamond Modern Bezel-Set Solitaire White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
diamond in a solid 10K gold bezel setting, set on a 16 to 18 inch adjustable cable chain that is sure to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold

3.28cts 14K Natural Emerald-Pear Cut Gold Solitaire Split Bale 4Prong Setting
Located in Jupiter, FL
*Chain Sold Separately. Setting Style: Prong Setting Material: 14K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 1.6
Category

2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style Modern Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace in 9ct White Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
milgrain setting with a total of 25pt in 23 stones with the centre being slightly larger in carat weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings by Kavant & Sharart
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Diamond 0.38 carat Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings by Kavant & Sharart Width: 1.3 cm
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

10K Rose Gold 1/5 Carat Round-Cut Diamond Modern Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
diamond in a solid 10K gold bezel setting, set on a 16 to 18 inch adjustable cable chain that is sure to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

10K White Gold 3/10 Carat Round-Cut Diamond Modern Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
diamond in a solid 10K gold bezel setting, set on a 16 to 18 inch adjustable cable chain that is sure to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 10k Gold

10K Rose Gold 1/4 Carat Round-Cut Diamond Modern Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
either 1/5 or 1/4 cttw round brilliant cut diamond in a silver miracle plate setting surrounded by a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, 10k Gold

10K White Gold 3/10 Carat Round-Cut Diamond Modern Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
diamond in a solid 10K gold bezel setting, set on a 16 to 18 inch adjustable cable chain that is sure to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold

10K Rose Gold 1/5 Carat Round-Cut Diamond Modern Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
brilliant cut diamond in a silver miracle plate setting, which is surrounded by a solid 10kt rose gold bezel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, 10k Gold

Natural Diamonds Pendant 0.28 18KT White Gold Statement Pendant
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This exquisite 18KT White Gold Baguette Round Diamonds Emerald Cluster Halo Fashion Pendant is a
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

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Modern Pendant Setting For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the modern pendant setting you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect modern pendant setting may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic modern pendant setting over the years, but those made by La Fleur Jewels are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any modern pendant setting from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 9 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cabochon cut and heart cut cut versions available here, too.

How Much is a Modern Pendant Setting?

The price for a modern pendant setting starts at $236 and tops out at $18,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $4,000.

A Close Look at Modern Jewelry

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.

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.