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.
Bold Carnelian Bead Necklace with 22K Gold Plated Accents, 1980s Style, New
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a single strand carnelian bold necklace. We created it with 19mm smooth carnelian round beads. It has accents of 22K gold plated 15mm textured square and 18mm patterned round...
Carnelian, Gold Plate, 22k Gold
Vintage crystal flower necklace, choker, Butler and Wilson
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Butler and Wilson crystal flower necklace. Intricately detailed glass flowers in purple and smoky effect glass. The front ...
Crystal, Stainless Steel
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Graduated 16" Beaded Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver beaded necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Comprising 54 graduated silver beads strung on a chain necklace. Together with its original...
Sterling Silver
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
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
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 ...
Tiffany & Co. Signature X Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace, 18k White Gold
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A quintessential Tiffany & Co. pearl necklace from the house’s celebrated Signature X collection, featuring a single strand of luminous Akoya cultured pearls in a soft cream hue with...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Modern 14K Gold Filled Necklace with Aquamarine Spheres, 16.5 Inches
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a smart modern style 14K gold filled necklace with aquamarine. We created it with 18-19mm semi-translucent smooth aquamarine spheres and 6mm 14K gold filled beads. It is comp...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
Natural Ruby Bead & 14K Yellow Gold Choker Necklace 16 Inch Gemstone Statement
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this elegant Natural Ruby Bead Choker Necklace, beautifully crafted with vibrant 4mm natural ruby beads accented by polished 4mm 14K yellow gold ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k 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
Certified Tennyo Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace, 8-8.5mm
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Estate Giant Persian Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
An Extraordinary "Tiffany blue" Turquoise Masterpiece A regal giant 19.5 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare Turquoises with the sought after "Persian Turquoise color...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A delicate sparkling graduated Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted, finished with an 18K gold clasp and a diamond bead. All stones are hand carved for...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 18" Beaded Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver beaded necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a lobster clasp closure. With a jump ring for a charm. Marked to the tag and the clasp. Toge...
Sterling Silver
Genuine Amethyst and Larimar Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Make a bold heavenly statement with this breathtaking sky blue larimar beaded necklace. Hand-knotted with methicious care and finished in dazzling 14K solid gold, it hangs with large...
Amethyst, Larimar, Apatite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Long Pearl Necklace 60-Inch Rope, 136 Large Baroque Pearls Circa 1980’s
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial and exceptionally versatile vintage endless rope necklace composed of 136 large cultured freshwater pearls, dating to the 1980’s. Details * Period: 1980’s * Origin: U...
Freshwater Pearl
Regal Length Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal length sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace. Fully consisting off genuine turquoises, delicately strung together with solid 14k gold sparkling beads, creating an elega...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Genuine Giant Blue Larimar Diamonds White Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Make a bold heavenly statement with this breathtaking sky blue larimar beaded necklace. Hand-knotted with methicious care and finished in dazzling 14K solid gold, it hangs with large...
Larimar, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
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
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
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
Pearl necklace with diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold centerpiece set with a pearl, taper, and brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.00 ct – F/G – VS/IS – on a pearl necklace with a silver clasp – 40 cm long Detailed descriptio...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Regal Sky Blue Diamond Aquamarine Beaded Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure aquamarines in a large size. This necklace features genuine high grade genuine aquamarines with a heavenly blue color, hand...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Giant 14K Yellow Gold Lavender Turquoise & Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
One of the rarest turquoises ever mined! A celebration of nature's finest artistry, this extraordinary necklace showcases extremely rare Golden Hills Turquoise or lavender turquoise,...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Tortoiseshell and Black Resin Extra-Long Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This sophisticated Angela Caputi, made in Italy, beaded necklace features an ethnic-inspired design with an extra-long length, built with assorted-shaped resin beads imitating tortoi...
Regal Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamonds Snake Necklace with Emerald
Located in GOES, NL
A regal giant 21 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure untreated Sleeping Beauty Turquoises, natural diamonds, colombian emeralds and genuine sapphires. This ne...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oversized 15-27mm Baroque Freshwater Pearl Long Opera Necklace, 45 Pearls, 90 cm
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Oversized Baroque Cultured Freshwater Pearl Opera Necklace, 45 Pearls, 90 cm, 137 Grams, Sterling Silver Clasp Details * 45 cultured freshwater baroque pearls * Pearl size: approxi...
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
Handcrafted Modern Artisan Silk Beaded Necklace by Variously in Red & 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 ...
14K Yellow Gold Natural Morganite Bead Choker Necklace 16" with 14K Gold Beads
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate everyday elegance with this refined 16-inch choker-length bead necklace. Natural morganite beads (soft peach-to-pink beryl) are thoughtfully spaced with solid 14K yellow gold...
Morganite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Diamond Clasp Necklace with Pink Opal Beads, 2.10ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold clasp set with a 2.10ct brilliant-cut diamond, F/G, VS/SI, on a pink opal bead necklace - 48 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 48 cm long and 1.2 cm wide...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 14k Gold
Necklace with amazonite with enamel and diamonds 18k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold clasp set with decorated with red, green and blue enamel and set with brilliant cut diamond up to 0.05ct - F/G - VS/SI - on an amazonite bead necklace with gold piece...
Amazonite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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 ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Golden Hills Lavender Turquoise Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
One of the rarest turquoises ever mined! A celebration of nature's finest artistry, this extraordinary necklace showcases extremely rare Golden Hills Turquoise or lavender turquoise,...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
61" Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso Moonstone, Quartz & Onyx Beaded Necklace
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed, beaded necklace. By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. Strung with alternating moonstone, quartz, and onyx 10 mm beads on an incredibly large 61-inch silk cord. ...
Moonstone, Onyx, Quartz
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
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
Coral beads Necklace and 18k gold lock with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.35ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
Coral necklace with gold intermediate links and bicolour gold lock set with brilliant cut diamonds 0.35 ct F/G VS/SI - 85 cm long detailed description: Total length is 85 cm. Cora...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
White Pearl Bead Necklace Grey Labradorite Gold Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Pearl and Labradorite Bead Necklace Gold Plated Silver Long Opera Strand Designer: J DAUPHIN The Pearl and Labradorite Necklace is handcrafted in gold plated silver, a long b...
Labradorite, Pearl, Gold Plate
Multi color pearl neckalce
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat White Gold South Sea Multi-Colored Pearl Single Strand Necklace Diamond Clasp Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 83.7 grams Pearls: South sea cultured pearls 10-12.5mm each Diam...
Diamond, Pearl
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Chunky Beaded Tortoise & Moonstone Three Strand Necklace By Arnold Scaasi, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 19" length - Faux tortoise and moonstone beads (resin) - Push clasp closure - By Arnold Scaasi (signed on clas...
Marina J. Bridal Woven Pearl Timeless Sizeless Lariat / Sautoir with Diamonds
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Lariat / Sautoir by Marina J. This stunning piece highlights a vintage weave inspired the old world jewelry. This Sautoir is made of all Seed Pearls intricately woven togeth...
Diamond, Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
Necklace coral beads with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold clasp set with pearls, brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30ct – F/G – VS/SI and coral engraved with birds and flowers on a 7-strand coral bead necklace - , necklace with...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Marina J. Black & White Pearl Sautoir Lariat with Diamonds
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Pearl Sautoir / Lariat by Marina J. Jewelry. This 'Art Deco' inspired piece is made of all cultured Black & White Pearls woven together into a lace like column. The Whit...
Diamond, Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
Natural Spinel 4mm Bead Necklace with 18K Gold Accents
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elegant and vibrant, this beautiful Natural Spinel necklace features perfectly matched 4mm round Spinel beads in a rich, lustrous hue. Spinel is prized for its brilliance, durability...
Spinel, 18k Gold
Marina J. Pearl Strung Necklace with Bow Centerpiece and Rhodium Silver Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Bow Necklace by Marina J. This Necklace is made entirely of Pearls and Solid 14k Yellow Gold. The Centerpiece displays a simple yet gorgeous Pearl Bow with two Rhodium Pla...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
Japanese Akoya Pearl Necklace, 7-8mm, 18K Gold Solid Bar Link Design
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Baltic Hand Knotted Cognac Amber Necklace - 28" Long - 83 Grams - Circa 1950
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage Baltic cognac amber bohemian style beaded necklace - hand knotted raw freeform beads - no closure (slips over the head and neck) - featuring 79 graduated beads to the thick w...
Amber
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Angel Skin Carved Coral Bead Necklace
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Angel skin coral and carved coral bead yellow gold necklace circa 1960. The facts you want to know are listed below. Read on. It is all remarkably...
Coral, 14k Gold
19" Pearl Strand Necklace 6mm Beads With Gold Clasp
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a yellow clasp and measuring 19" in length. Materials: Cultured pearls with a 120/14kt-karat gold clasp. Color: Slightly baro...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
Genuine Giant Blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal Sleeping Beauty Turquoise large beaded 20 inch long necklace with extremely rare and finest quality Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in an exceptional large size. Finished with spa...
Turquoise, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
14k yellow gold Graduated Beads and Lavender Jade Bead Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold Beads and Lavender Jade Bead Necklace Bead size: 8.5mm x 6.50mm Length: 16 inches Clasp: Plunger
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Genuine Arizona Turquoise and Sapphire Bead Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Embrace yourself with blue sparkling gemstones that create a seabreeze around your neck. The facetted shapes of the stones enhance this necklace’s beauty, with precious stones featur...
Turquoise, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
2000s Dinh Van Menottes 18 Karat Gold Pearl Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stylish pearl necklace designed by Dinh Van in 2000s. It features cultured pearls. The clasp is crafted in 18K yellow gold. Created in 1976, the Menottes clasp has become a...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Pearl Necklace with gold lock with single cut diamonds up to 0.10ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold clasp with a single-cut diamond, totaling 0.10 carat F/G VS/SI, on 7 rows of pearl necklaces - 40 cm Detailed description The length of the pearl necklace is appro...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 17"-18" Natural White Diamond (0.55ct) Necklace in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, this vintage-inspired diamond by the yard necklace features a 0.55 carat, 6.5mm round rose-cut natural white diamond with H–I color and SI clarity. The diamond ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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...
$3,500Sale Price|20% Off
Jade Necklace with Pearl & Imperial Jade Clasp Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
This gorgeous certified natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade necklace is composed of 45 10mm hand-carved and polished light lavender jade bead...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold