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.
Virgin Mary Necklace Multi Medal Paperclip Chain Silver Plated Blue Enamel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Multi Medal Paperclip Chain Silver Plated Blue Enamel Vintage Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage charm necklace features an assembly of mixed-material religious m...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Silver Plate, Enamel
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 mes...
Sterling Silver
$1,920Sale Price|20% 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
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, grams 41,50. ava...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sword Opal Pendant Necklace by J Dauphin, Vintage Silver Chain, 2018
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sword Opal Pendant Necklace Vintage Silver Chain Designer J DAUPHIN This pendant was manufactured in the United States in 2018, the chain in Bali 2008. The hardware configuration...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Bronze
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
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
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 36-Inches, Georges L'enfant Chain
Located in New York, NY
A rare opportunity to acquire one of Van Cleef & Arpels' most desirable vintage chains, this authentic 18K yellow gold necklace was crafted by the celebrated Parisian atelier Georges...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris 18K Yellow Gold 33 Inches, Georges L'enfant Makers Mark, Chain
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris Georges L'Enfant maker's mark 18K yellow gold Length: 33 inches Alternating polished link design Ideal for layering or wearing doubled The model is wearing both chains...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris 18K Yellow Gold 32 Inches, Georges L'enfant Makers Mark, Chain
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant in its simplicity and exceptional in its provenance, this Cartier Paris chain necklace is a beautiful example of understated French luxury. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Rare Coco Mademoiselle Campaign Necklace 2011 Keira Knightley Collectors
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible Chanel necklace created for the iconic “Coco Mademoiselle” 2011 advertising campaign featuring Keira Knightley, directed by Joe Wright an...
Lumina Mini Body Chain in Peridot Green with Crystal Teardrop 14k Gold Filled
Located in New York, NY
The Lumina Mini is a lighter, more wearable expression of the Lumina silhouette. Designed for those who love the essence of the collection but want something more delicate and effort...
Crystal, Peridot, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
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
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
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
$419Sale Price|30% 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
MARKDOWN, 41.05 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 18"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 41.05 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
Coin Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Brass Clover Cuba Star J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi Chain Statement Necklace David Star Clover Snake Coin Solid Sterling Silver with Gold Plated & Brass details Vintage 2008 Made in Bali Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage m...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
14 Karat Yellow Gold Peridot Y Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
Delicate and feminine, this 14 karat yellow gold Y-necklace showcases peridot gemstones in an elegant floral-inspired design. At the center rests a faceted round peridot measuring ap...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$959Sale 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
FLASH SALE, 8.35 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 8.35 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
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
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
$798Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Cartier Baby Trinity Pampilles Lariat Necklace 18kt Yellow Gold, Circa 2000
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage Cartier Baby Trinity Pampilles lariat necklace in 18kt yellow gold, Circa 2000 This necklace features a trio of 18kt yellow gold fine cable lin...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Georges L'Enfant France 1960's 18K Gold Vintage Mesh Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as matte woven meshed wheat chain link collar With raised high polish links and edges Completed by concealed press release closure Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coin Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Brass Clover Cuba Star J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi Chain Charm Rosario Necklace Spinal Tiger Eye Solid Silver Vintage 2008 Vintage Archive This vintage multi-strand statement necklace is crafted from solid silver and was han...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
4mm Omega Chain Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Sleek 14k yellow gold omega necklace that measures 4mm wide. Length of 18.5 inches. A fantastic everyday necklace that will go with any outfit. Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 3.85 Carat Tanzanite 3.17 Carat Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A graceful blend of vibrant color and timeless elegance, this handcrafted 18K White Gold Tanzanite & Diamond Necklace features three captivating natural oval tanzanites beautiful...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
Coin Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Brass Clover Cuba Star J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chalice Cup Medal Bead Rosario Chain Necklace Los Angeles French Vintage Silver Medal, Gold Plated Rosario Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage necklace measures 21 inches in length and...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
Large lustrous Keishi Pearl Station Necklace 50"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
15pc of large and lustrous white Japanese Keishi Pearl appx 16-17mm on White gold plated sterling silver chain 50 Inch Station Necklace. Each pearl is u...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
$1,475Sale Price|56% 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
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
Hermès 18K Yellow Gold Chaine D'ancre Extra Large Link Chain Necklace
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally rare and highly sought-after, this Hermès Chaine d'Ancre necklace is a remarkable interpretation of one of the maison's most iconic motifs. Crafted in solid 18K yellow ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18k Gold Diamond Lotus Necklace Meditation Necklace Floral Necklace
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Lotus Necklace made of 18k solid gold available in three colors: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Natural genuine round cut diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA-Certified 34.48ct Round Diamond Tennis Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
An absolute masterpiece of high jewelry, this breathtaking 17-inch tennis riviere necklace showcases 27 magnificent, GIA-certified round brilliant-cut diamonds. Exuding unparalleled ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 10K Gold Bismark Chain Necklace
Located in Venice, CA
The Bismark chain dates back to 19th century Germany and consists of flat, woven, interlocking links braided together to form a fluid and versatile chain. This older design has a tim...
10k Gold
Coin Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Brass Clover Cuba Star J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Star Coin Medal Pendant Chain Necklace Solid Silver Handcrafted This vintage chain necklace is crafted from solid silver and was handcrafted in Bali in 2008. Measuring 23.5 ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
$624Sale Price|20% Off
0.10 Carat Diamond Necklace in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This necklace features 0.10 carat center diamond in 18 karat rose and white gold. The chain length is 17 inch. Chain 17 inch Round Cut Diamonds 0.10carat Diameter:6mm
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Charles Krypell Sterling Silver Link Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A bold and substantial vintage Charles Krypell sterling silver link chain necklace, crafted in the designer’s signature modernist aesthetic. Composed of polished oversized oval links...
Sterling Silver
Thierry Mugler Y2K Angel Star Statement Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A striking statement piece and a TRUE collectors item by legendary designer Thierry Mugler! This exceptional necklace captures the bold, futuristic glamour for which the fashion hou...
Crystal, Silver
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
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
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
Slinky, Flexible Gold 14kt Chain
Located in Stamford, CT
This 14 kt chain is a terrific length at 20 inches. It is shiny, flexible, slinky and sexy. The engraving is a herringbone pattern. It is enough to wear alone or stacked with other j...
Gold, 14k 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
$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
14k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace, 40cm Long, 14.5g
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
$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 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
$995Sale 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
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...
Mid-Century Signed Margot de Taxco Modernist Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mexican modernist necklace. By Margot de Taxco. In sterling silver. With bead-set lozenge shaped links supporting a conforming pendant (that also converts to a brooch). Mo...
Sterling Silver
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
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
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
$4,440Sale Price / item|20% Off
8.88 Carat Pear Cut Ruby Bezel Set Station Chain Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 8.88 carat pear-cut ruby station necklace is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features a graceful arrangement of graduated pear-cut natural rubies. Each stone measures aro...
Ruby, Gold, 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...