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.
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, available differ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace, 45cm Long, 12g, Excellent Condition
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: necklace is 45 cm long and 1.7 mm wide total weight: 12.0 grams hallmark present and tested for gold content necklace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
Chain Necklace Glitter Enamel Light Blue Pink Studs Made in Paris J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Paris Palladium Plated Chunky Stud Chain Necklace Blue Pink Enamel Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Palladium Stud Chain is a rare architectural statemen...
Palladium, Brass, Enamel
Chaine d'Ancre Marine 24K Gold Plated Silver Sterling Necklace cm 45
Located in Rome, IT
Bold Chaine d'Ancre Marine 24K Gold Plated Silver Sterling Necklace Handcrafted in Italy, cm 45 in length. The Bold Chaîne d'Ancre Marine Necklace is handcrafted in Italy, made of 24...
24k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
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
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
Formal Blue Topaz Heart Necklace 18 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful necklace is sterling silver. Each of the genuine London blue heart cut topaz stones weighs 1 carat for a total of 5 carats. There are 17 round cut 3.5mm white zircons that accent the chain throughout. It measures 18 inches...
Topaz, Sterling Silver
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
Return to Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 34" Chain Necklace with Heart Dog Tag
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver pendant necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. The heart shaped tag reads "Please Return to Tiffany & Co. / New York / N72464". With a lobster clasp ...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Mesh Tie Scarf 41.5" Large Sterling Silver Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
An iconic Elsa Peretti design for Tiffany & Co., this sterling silver mesh scarf is celebrated for its fluid, sculptural form and exceptional craftsmanship. The finely woven mesh dr...
Sterling Silver
MARKDOWN, 41 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 18"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 41 carat natural diamond tennis necklace crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This classic piece features round brilliant-cut white diamonds, meticulously set in a timele...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver & Enamel Dog Tag or Heart Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver heart tag necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped pendant engraved and inlaid with Tiffany Blue enamel that reads: "Please Return to Tiffa...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$542Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Whiting & Davis Gold-Tone Mesh Triangle Scarf Necklace, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a signed Whiting & Davis Chainmail Scarf Necklace. It is a 70s disco fever 18 x 9 x 9 inch gold-tone mesh triangle scarf necklace with black trim. It has a hook clasp wi...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
Mario Buccellati 1970's 18K Gold Vintage Mulberry Leaf & Berry Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a garland of mulberry tree leaf and berry links alternating in pattern With fine "segrinato" texture and engraved veins throughout Completed by concealed clasp closure Wi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Saint Christopher Medal Pendant by Augis – French Religious Pen
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
Elegant vintage 18k yellow gold pendant signed Augis, depicting Saint Christopher carrying the Child Jesus across the river. A fine example of French craftsmanship, this rectangular ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany Co Necklace Elsa Peretti Diamond by the Yard 0.12ct Solitaire 1P
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Tiffany and Co. 18k Yellow Gold and diamond necklace Elsa Peretti Single diamond "Diamonds by the Yard" Details: 16in length 0.12ct 4mm Diamond bezel set 1.6grams weight Please as...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Hardy Sterling Silver Box Chain Necklace, 6MM
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed box chain necklace. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. With a 6 mm diameter. Simply a wonderful John Hardy box chain necklace! ...
Sterling Silver
Rare Gilded Heart Chain Link Statement Necklace/Belt By Edouard Rambaud, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Extremely rare, hard-to-find style - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - 36" total length, can be adjusted down using clasp along chain length - Go...
$989Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Hummingbird Pendant with Rubies, Bird Pendant with Colored Gemstones!
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k Gold Hummingbird Pendant with Rubies. Bird Pendant with colored gemstones. 14k solid gold Weight: 1.2 g. Size: 12x16.6mm Set with ruby, colo...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 14k 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
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Obsidian Alhambra Bracelet And Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A striking Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra suite crafted in 18K rose gold, comprised of a Five Motif Obsidian bracelet and matching Twenty Motif Obsidian necklace. Together, these iconic...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
36.50 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 36.50 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
24.46Ct Certified Natural Turquoise Cabochon Station Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This refined station necklace showcases 11 certified natural turquoise cabochons totaling 24.46 carats, elegantly set in solid 14K yellow gold. Each turquoise in a softly graduated a...
Turquoise, Gold, 14k 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
Statement Taj Crystal Necklace
Located in Hoffman Estates, IL
A stunning statement piece with intricate details. Embellished with cubic zircon, red, black and faux amethyst crystals. Only 1 available. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view ...
Crystal, Zircon, Base Metal, Brass
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 18K Two Tone Gold Coffee Bean Chain Necklace 16 inches
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier coffee bean link necklace in 18K two-tone gold, designed with sculptural links that echo the natural form of coffee beans. Made in ...
18k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Lacroix Chain Necklace with Pink Resin Heart Medallion
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris pendant necklace features a long silver plate chain, complemented by a dimensional resin heart adorned with crystal rhinestones. Fabulous hot pi...
Silver Plate
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
$1,875Sale Price|44% Off
Yves Saint Laurent Rare Crystal Rock Gilt Metal Necklace by Goossens c 1983
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent Rare crystal rock gilt metal chain necklace designed by Robert Goossens The chunky hammered link crystal rock chain necklace is designed...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Alexis Bittar Modern Gold Filled Link Chain Necklace 13.5" USA
Located in North Miami, FL
The asymmetrical aspect of this signed gold filled link/chain necklace is what is unusual.The larger links are on one side and at the bottom. It is at a perfect length for any outfit...
Gold-filled
18k yellow gold necklace with coral links – 31.7 grams – 70 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with coral links – 31.7 grams – 70 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 70 cm long and 4.8 mm wide Total weight: 31.7 grams Set with: - 24 x 1.1...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$295Sale Price|20% Off
Mixed Metal Modernist Snake Chain Choker Necklace By Givenchy, 1970s
By Givenchy
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 15" length - 2.5" x 1" mixed metal focal area - Snake chain - Clasp closure - By Givenchy (signed on verso) - Dated 1977 - Estate acquired - Good vintage con...
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
$1,026Sale Price|20% Off
Necklace Paperclip Chain Silver 925
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover this elegant 925/1000 silver chain, perfect for enhancing your style. Made with exceptional craftsmanship, this chain features unique paperclip links that add a modern, refi...
Silver
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 a dog tag chain. Simply a wonderful piece from the classic Return to Tiffany line...
Sterling Silver
18KT Yellow Gold Italian Curb Link Necklace
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Bold Gold Look…….. 18 karat yellow gold Curb Link Necklace. Necklace measures 17″ in length. Link measures 5/8 ” (17.00 mm.) wide. Necklace weighs 96.20 grams. Stamped on back of...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermès 18K Rose Gold Échappée Punk Chain Necklace: Safety Pin Link, Toggle Clasp
By Hermès
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This iconic & rarely seen Punk necklace features a chain, punctuated by fine yet sturdy cable links and a signature double toggle closure – designed to be worn visibly as part of ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
$200,000Sale Price|20% Off
80 Carats Bespoke Colombian Emerald Diamond Necklace custom-designed necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Bespoke Emerald & Diamond Necklace custom-designed necklace This extraordinary piece will feature: 60 carats of Colombian emeralds, hand-selected for their vibrant green hue ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Italian 18K Yellow Gold Rope Chain 32 Inches by Just over 1/8 Inch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
It seems that no one else on Earth creates and fabricates fine gold jewelry as well Italian artisans do. This 32 inch long by just over 1/8 inch diameter rope chain is a perfect exam...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage “Return to Tiffany” Heart Tag Necklace in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co. vintage heart tag necklace crafted in solid sterling silver. The iconic “Please Return to Tiffany & Co. New York 925” engraving adorns the classic heart charm...
Silver, Sterling Silver
14k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace, 40cm Long, 14.5g, Excellent Condition
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace – 14.5 grams – 40 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 40 cm long and 6.0 mm wide Total weight: 14.5 grams Hallmarked, tested, and guaranteed 14k...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Rope Twist Link Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 9ct yellow gold necklace is made up of rope twist link chain and fastens using a bolt clip and loop. Length: 47cm Width: 5mm Weight: 7.7g
Gold
$1,086Sale Price|20% Off
Necklace Chain Massive Ogive Silver 925
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover this magnificent 925/1000 silver chain that combines elegance with superior craftsmanship. This chain is specially crafted with almond-shaped links, adding a distinctive tou...
Silver
18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant with Pear Shape Rose Quartz and Diamond Toggle
Located in New York, NY
This lovely 18 karat rose gold necklace features a multi faceted pear shaped Rose Quartz bezel set drop. It hangs from a rose gold open link 18" chain. Joining the pendant with the...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Monete 3cm Coin Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Monete necklace by Bvlgari captures the house’s celebrated ability to merge ancient history with refined modern design. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the pendant features ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$599 / item
14k gold chain necklace
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
N 11 is a finely crafted necklace defined by its delicate, thread-like chain that rests gently against the skin, offering a sense of effortless elegance. Its minimalist design speaks...
14k Gold
$158Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gilded "Enchantress" Rhinestone Swirl Necklace By Sarah Coventry, 1970s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Measures 17" total length, can be adjusted down using hook clasp - Gold plated - Crystal rhinestones - From the "Enchantress" Collection - By Sarah Coventry (ma...
18k White Gold 26.1 Carat Round Cut Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace Chain
Located in Diera, Dubai
26.1 Carat Round Diamond 18k White Gold Tennis Chain Necklace Grandma Gift It features a continuous line of brilliant round-cut diamonds. Diamonds are a universal symbol of eternit...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.67 Carat Octagon Emerald Solitaire Chain Necklace in Bezel-Set 14k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this Octagon Emerald Solitaire Chain Necklace in Bezel-Set 14k Yellow Gold, showcasing a striking emerald-cut Zambian emerald in a sleek bezel setting. The vi...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Vendome 14 Strand Gold Chain Necklace, Circa 1960s
By Vendome
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Vendome Gold 14 Strand Necklace Circa 1960s. This gorgeous necklace features a graduated style, allowing the chains to fall in sync with each other. You can wear anything. D...
Mixed Metal
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Chain Collar Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful vintage 9ct gold collar is flat and sits beautifully. It is fastened using a simple clasp. Length: 42.5cm Widest and Slimmest Point: 12-4.5mm Weight: 18.6g
Gold
Tiffany & Co - Platinum solitaire necklace with a natural diamond
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Presenting an exquisite Tiffany & Co. Solitaire diamond necklace, showcasing a single exceptional natural diamond in a classic brilliant cut. The diamond weighs 0.60 carat and displa...
Diamond, Platinum
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold 15.5 inch Structural Collar Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This striking 18K yellow gold collar necklace by Bvlgari showcases the house’s mastery of bold, structured design. Formed of articulated, architectural links, the necklace creates a ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Filed Curb Chain Necklace, France, 45 cm, 4.9 g
Located in Poitiers, FR
Chain in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Type of mesh : filed curb mesh chain. Dimensions : Length : 45 cm approximately. Width : 1,5 mm approximately. Clasp : spring ring...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Black Resin and Wicker Rattan Extra-Long Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin and Lucite necklace, boasts an extra-long shape with black resin geometric elements contrasted with large flat disks in clear Lucite...
14K Yellow Gold 0.75mm Classic Box Chain Necklace. Unisex Chain - Size 18 Inches
Located in New York, NY
Introducing an exquisite masterpiece crafted with precision and elegance - a Solid 14K Yellow Gold 0.75mm Classic Box Chain Necklace. This unisex chain, meticulously designed in 14K ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Flexible tubogas necklace in 18k gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Flexible tubogas necklace in 18 karat gold. This necklace is made of a flexible and supple "tubogas" mesh. The jewelry ends with a box clasp, concealed within the necklace and protec...
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 20 Motif Vintage Alhambra Turquoise Necklace is a true work of art. Crafted by the renowned French jewelry house, the necklace features the...
Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Unisex Solid 14K White Gold 1.5mm Paperclip Chain Necklace - 18 Inches
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a captivating masterpiece, this Unisex Solid 14K White Gold Paperclip Chain Necklace is a testament to elegance and versatility. Crafted with precision from genuine 14K w...
14k Gold, White Gold