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.
Aquamarine Rondelle and Round Pearl necklace with SS Hammered Clasp
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a aquamarine and pearl necklace. We created it with up to 21 mm faceted aquamarine rondelle beads and round pearls. It comes with a sterling silver square hammered push box c...
Aquamarine, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Peacock Overtone Black Cultured Pearl Necklace 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Vintage Black Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp in 18K White Gold An elegant vintage necklace composed of lustrous black cultured pearls displaying rich metallic overto...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White 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 ...
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Necklace Suite, Diamond Pendant & Earrings, 18K Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A complete Mikimoto suite with versatility and recognisable design. A refined Mikimoto cultured Akoya pearl necklace suite, comprising a graduated strand of high-quality pearls, a d...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Cultured Pearl Opera Necklace 8.5–8.9mm Diamond and Gold Clasp Enhancer
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial and versatile Akoya cultured pearl opera necklace, composed of 82 well-matched pearls measuring approximately 8.5–8.9mm, offering a refined balance of scale, symmetry, ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Marina J. Large Baroque Black Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat Gold Beads and Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This necklace features large Black Baroque Pearls meeting at a 14k Yellow Gold toggle clasp. Each pearl was carefully selected by Marina J., to create balanced aesthetic for this pie...
Black Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Pearl Necklace Labradorite
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Plated Silver Long White Pearl Bead Necklace Labradorite Protection Jewelry Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in gold-plated silver, this long beaded necklace features white pearl...
Labradorite, Pearl, Gold Plate
E.HABAN 18k gold lock with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct on pearl necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
E. HABAN 18k white gold clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct – F/G – VS/SI – on a pearl necklace – 55 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 55 cm long and 7.6...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Giant Estate Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a large size. This necklace features genuine high grade genuine turquoises from the sleeping ...
Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robinsons Eggs Blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise & Diamonds Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and nearly flawless sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a beautifull graduated size. This necklace features genuine high grade ge...
Turquoise, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 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
AAA White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace, 14K Gold Clasp, 18" Length
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a yellow gold clasp measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yellow gold clasp. ...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Red Coral Necklace Ball Size 11mm to 12mm Gold
Located in Brunswick, ME
Stunning Natural Coral Necklace with stunning orange red color and lovely round shape! 11.2mm to 12.4mm big sizes(32-34 coral balls beads). 18 inch necklace with yellow gold clasp...
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a beautifull graduated size up to 9.5mm. This necklace features genuine high grade genuine tu...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k gold lock with single cut diamonds up to 0.10ct on a coral bead necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold lock set with single-cut diamonds up to 0.10ct – F/G – VS/SI on a coral bead necklace – 1.00 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 100 cm lon...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Necklace with turquoise beads and 18k gold 92.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold clasp with turquoise beads necklace with gold spacers - 40 cm Detailed description The necklace consists of 6 rows of turquoise beads, each with gold spacers. Three by th...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
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
Marina J. Turquoise & Pearl Adjustable Woven Necklace with Filigree Gold Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of a Kind Necklace by Marina J. This piece is made with Turquoise, Pearl and 18k Yellow Gold Plated Faceted Beads all woven together into an intricate lace like design. The 18k Gold Plating perfectly compliments the vibrant Turquoise. Due to its Adjustable Clasp, this Necklace is able to measure between 14.5 - 18 inches. A stunning vintage Filigree brooch...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Pearl Woven Bridal V Necklace with Solid 14k Gold Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simple, classy, stunning. This V Necklace is made with all Seed Pearls intricately woven together into a lace like design. This Necklace is a perfect piece for any formal or Bridal e...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Australian Mint Green Chrysoprase 18K Yellow Gold Nugget Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure Australian Chrysoprases in a large size up to 1 inch! This necklace features genuine high grade genuine Chrysoprases from A...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Emerald Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A rare celebration of color and craftsmanship, this extraordinary necklace showcases a luminous Paraiba tourmaline — one of the world’s most coveted gemstones — radiating its unmista...
Diamond, Turquoise, Emerald, Paraiba, White Gold, 14k Gold
$1,113Sale Price|25% Off
Monies of Denmark Large Crystal Clear Lucite Square Mod Statement Necklace
By Monies
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful handmade Monies of Denmark crystal clear lucite statement necklace. Completely handmade in Rey limited quantities. Large clear squares linked together, with two black magne...
18k bicolor gold clasp with pink opal beads necklace - 62.9 grams 65 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold clasp with pink opal beads necklace - 65 cm Detailed description The necklace is 65 cm long, with opal coral beads ranging from 5.4 mm to 1.4 cm. The clasp measur...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Marina J. Pearl Woven Lariat Sautoir With Gold & Diamonds
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous One Of A Kind Lariat / Sautoir by Mairna J. This piece is made with all Seed Pearls intricately woven together into a tight, lace like design. The Seed Pearls in this piece ...
Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold
$135Sale Price|20% Off
35" Turquoise Gemstone Nugget Beaded Necklace, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 35" length - Genuine turquoise chip beads - Silver tone flower clasp - Circa 1950s - Estate Acquired ...
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso 925 Sterling Silver Strand Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
A Tiffany & Co. necklace from the Paloma Picasso collection, crafted in sterling silver with cultured freshwater pearls. It features an 18-inch strand design with soft peach-tone...
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
King Baby Rosary with Onyx Beads, Sterling Silver Skull, and Traditional Cross
By King Baby
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed rosary necklace. By King Baby. Pattern no. K56-5042. Comprised of onyx beads interspersed silver rose-shaped beads throughout. Set with a silver skull pendant enha...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Certified Layered Akoya Pearl & Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A whisper of rarity and refinement, this exquisite necklace is a true celebration of timeless elegance. Crafted in luminous 14-karat gold, it gracefully cradles a strand of lustrous ...
Paraiba, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k gold lock with single cut diamonds up to 0.86ct with two row pearl necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold lock set with single cut diamonds up to . 0.86ct – G/H – SI – on a two-row pearl necklace - 45m long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
MONET - Vintage 12 mm. Faux Pearl Necklace - Hand Knotted - U.S. - Circa 1980's
By Monet
Located in Chatham, CA
MONET - Vintage 12 mm. hand knotted faux pearl statement necklace - featuring a single strand of 45 large simulated pearls - yellow gold tone box clasp - signed on both sides of the ...
Pearl, Gilt Metal
Marina J. Pearl Draped Necklace With Rhodium Silver Findings
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Victorian inspired Necklace by Marina J. This lovely piece features a Rhodium plated Silver decorative Filigree Bead which sits as the Centerpiece. Strands of Graduated Pear...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
Giant Rainbow Gemstone Necklace with 14K Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Embrace yourself with sparkling gemstones that capture the colours of the rainbow! The facetted shapes of the stones enhance this necklace’s beauty, with precious stones featuring fa...
Amethyst, Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tu...
Giant Blue Rainbow Moonstone 18K Yellow Gold Nugget Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with high grade blue flash rainbow moonstones.This necklace features genuine high grade genuine moonstones from Tamil Nadu mine in India. Each stone giv...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Appartement a Louer French Designer Extra Long Chrome and Murano Beads Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by the French atelier Appartement à louer, this striking extra-long necklace showcases bold geometry and playful elegance. Crafted from chromed metal chain, the rare piece i...
David Yurman Elements Sterling Silver, Onyx, & Hematite Beaded Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed 36" inch silver beaded necklace. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. From the 'Elements' collection. Comprising graduated sterling silver and white beads with tex...
Hematite, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Genuine 390 Carat Estate Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 14K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal double layered 21 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine high grade Robinson Egg Blue turquois...
Turquoise, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Giant Estate 400 Carat Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a large size. This necklace features genuine high grade genuine turquoises from the sleeping ...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$4,300Sale Price|30% Off
Akoya Pearl Necklace, Diamond Clasp, 9mm Luxury Size Pearls, circa 1980s, Iconic
Located in Northampton, MA
This is a stunning vintage pearl necklace measuring 18 inches in length and composed of 55 9mm-9.4mm round cultured Akoya pearls and finished with an 18K white gold beaded ball clasp which glitters with a multitude of small full-cut diamonds that total approximately .50 carats. The necklace was purchased in the United Kingdom but bears no hallmarks. It's very well-made and remains on its original silk, which still appears sturdy. I believe the necklace dates to the 1980s. Cultured Akoya pearls over 8mm in diameter are the most coveted of all Akoya pearls because fine ones are difficult to achieve. The longer a pearl remains inside the oyster the thicker the nacre and larger it grows but the greater the opportunity for any number of variables to come along and spoil the pearl. These large 9-9.4mm pearls are luminous and stunning: they are creamy-white with a soft pink overtone. The pearls possess a nice, sharp shine. This 18" necklace truly represents the quintessential cultured Akoya pearl necklace...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Balenciaga Paris Gilded Necklace with Black and Yellow Lava Resin Beads
By Balenciaga
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Balenciaga Paris necklace, from the 1980s, features a heavy, gilt metal, carved beaded choker shape complemented with resin lava rock or sponge-like beads. The lava bea...
Gilt Metal
Chanel, Diamond and Pearl 'Comete' Necklace and Bracelet set in 18K White Gold
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel, Diamond and Pearl 'Comete' Necklace and Bracelet set in 18K White Gold Designed as a constellation, set with cultured pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18 carat w...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Giant Peridot drop 18K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary necklace is crafted from rare Peridot of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-carved into elegan...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AAA White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace, 36" Opera Length, Japan
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace measuring 36" in length. Opera length that can be doubled up for versatile styles. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls Color: ...
Pearl, Gold, Gold-filled
Serpent Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 14K Yellow Gold Ruby Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal giant handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises, natural diamonds and genuine rubies. This...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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...
Amethyst Bead Necklace, 400.00 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rich in color, this elegant necklace from Gump's presents a beautifully graduated strand of amethyst beads of exceptional quality. Exhibiting the deep, saturated purple hue associate...
Amethyst, 14k Gold
11mm Jumbo Pearl Strand 18" Necklace Beads 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a white gold shiny ball-clasp, and measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching pearls with a 14 karat gold clasp. Color...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Giant 14K Yellow Gold Smoky Quartz Beaded Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with high grade Smoky Quartz. This necklace features genuine high grade handcarved giant Smoky Quartz beads that capture the light in dazzling ways. Eac...
Quartz, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Pink Rainbow Sapphire and Emerald Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This vibrand hand made rainbow gemstone necklace includes polished bright multi-colored gemstones, such as: • Pink Sapphire • Ruby • Peruv...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, Opal, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Ye...
AAA Vintage Akoya Pearl Beaded Necklace, 6.3mm, 14K Gold Clasp, Japan
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA vintage-style white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a yellow gold clasp measuring 22" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yello...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handmade Rainbow Moonstone Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
A one of a kind sparkling rainbow moonstone necklace that reflects all the hues of the rainbow spectrum. This necklace is made out of the highest quality blue flash rainbow moonstone...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Garnet by the Yard Chain
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Weight 3.70g Garnet by the Yard Chain Length 16in 33 Garnet Beads Very Classy type of stacking necklace to add to your collection!
Garnet, Platinum
AAA Vintage Akoya Pearl Beaded Necklace, 6.5mm, 14kt Gold Clasp, Japan
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA vintage-style white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a 14kt gold clasp measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yellow...
Vintage Green Quartz Choker Necklace with Faux Pearls, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Green Unpolished Green Quartz Choker Necklace Circa 1990s. In between the quartz pieces are faux pearls. This is a very chic piece. It really has a look. The chain is a p...
Mixed Metal
Radiant Faceted Fire Opal Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Clasp by Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Experience the fiery brilliance and captivating warmth of this extraordinary necklace, a dazzling creation by the renowned designer Paula Crevoshay. This exquisite piece features 171...
Fire Opal, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Essential Pearls Necklace, Modern Design, 16"
Located in Sewickley, PA
Timeless and elegant, this "Tiffany & Co. Essential Pearls Collection" necklace is a classic staple for any jewelry collection. Measuring 16 inches in length, it features luminou...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Marina J. Pearl Necklace With Solid 14k Gold Ball Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pearl Strung Necklace by Marina J. This piece is made with all Cultured 7 - 9mm Graduated Pearls strung together with industrial strength thread that will hold up for generations. M...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Persian Blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamonds 18K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal giant 18 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine and nearly flawless Robinson Egg/ Persian Blue...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
SeidenGang 1990's Diamond Multi-Gem 18K Gold Vintage Multi-Strand Necklace
By SeidenGang
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of two strands of variously shaped gold beads with grooved texture Featuring three stations of bezel set amethyst, peridot, tourmaline, and topaz Triangular, cushion, and o...
Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, Topaz, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Brazil Aquamarine drop 18K Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary necklace is crafted from rare Brazilian aquamarine of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-carve...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A 5-row labradorite bead necklace with moonstone and opal doublet 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
A 5-row labradorite bead necklace featuring an 18 kt. yellow gold pendant clasp set with a cabochon moonstone and an opal doublet – 40 cm long Detailed description the length of th...
Labradorite, Moonstone, Opal, 18k Gold