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, grams 41,50. ava...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
HEAVY 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
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
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
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
EFFY Black and White Diamond Butterfly Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 6.9 Grams Chain Length: 16" Pendant Measurements: 1.00" x 1.24" Diamond Count: 18 black and ~132 white Diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
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
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
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
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
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
Tiffany & Co. 5.5 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Choker Necklace 5.5ct TW, most about G-H and VS range Necklace 16 inches long and 8mm wide Marked: T & Co. 750 T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
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
Van Cleef and Arpels 18K Rose Gold Zodiac Pendant On A Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque “Arietis” (Aries) Long Necklace, an exceptionally poetic and collectible creation inspired by the mysticism of the zodiac and the maison’s enduring fascin...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
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
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
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
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
Pear Cut Emerald Charm Diamond Chain Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
This Pear Cut Emerald Charm Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Chain Necklace features round cut diamond chain necklace with pear cut emerald charms dangling down the chain. Emeralds are s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
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
Pomellato Chain Link 18k White & Yellow Gold Necklace
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Pomellato Chain Link Yellow Gold Necklace. Crafted in radiant 18kt yellow gold, this necklace exemplifies Pomellato's avant-garde design and exquisite craftsmanship. The chain's sun-...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
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
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
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...
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
Two-Tone Natural Diamond Necklace in 18K Yellow & White Gold Pear Cut Diamonds
Located in Diera, AE
Celebrate exceptional craftsmanship and timeless beauty with this luxurious natural diamond necklace crafted in elegant 18K yellow and white gold. Designed with a sophisticated two-t...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
17.64 Ct.Blue Sapphire 5.7 Ct. Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold Statement Jewelry
Located in Diera, AE
Expertly crafted in 18K white gold, this breathtaking blue sapphire and diamond necklace showcases timeless elegance with a refined floral-inspired design. Rich natural blue sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
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
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 Christian Dior Chunky Curb Chain Necklace, 1980s
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1980s Christian Dior textured curb chain necklace in gold plate. This necklace features chunky links with a unique diamond-patterned textu...
Gold Plate
Hermes Paris Vintage 18k Yellow Gold French Necklace
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Hermes Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Braided Necklace. Crafted from 18k yellow gold, this necklace exemplifies the luxury and exquisite craftsmanship synonymous with Hermes. Weighing...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.82 Ct. Natural Tanzanite Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold Pear Drop Set
Located in Diera, AE
A graceful expression of elegance and fine craftsmanship, this necklace is crafted in premium 18K white gold and beautifully adorned with natural Tanzanite gemstones and brilliant na...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Needle Pendant Necklace in 18 Karat Gold by Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
This delicate 18-karat gold necklace features a natural needle-shaped Colombian emerald pendant on a 16-inch solid gold chain. The emerald is set with a cap and ring crafted in 18-k...
Emerald, Gold, 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
7.4 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Chain Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 7.4 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Chain Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry features Brilliant Round diamonds combined with Baguette and Pear shaped diamonds. Small cluster...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k 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
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
14K Yellow Gold 1.8Ct Pear Cut Emerald Station Chain Necklace Fine Jewelry Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant station necklace in 14K solid yellow gold showcases 1.8 carats of pear-cut emeralds, each measuring 3x2 mm and meticulously bezel-set for a sleek, modern look. Arranged ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Blue Sapphire Natural Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold Floral Statement Jewelry
Located in Diera, AE
Crafted in elegant 18K white gold, this exquisite necklace features vivid natural blue sapphires paired with brilliant natural diamonds in a graceful floral-inspired tennis design. T...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Large Oval Link Necklace, 16"
By David Yurman
Located in North Miami, FL
David Yurman Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Large Oval Link Necklace, 16" Description: This David Yurman large oval link necklace combines the designer’s signature cable motif with bo...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Circle Chain Link Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Necklace Specifications: Brand: Tiffany & Co. Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Chain Length: 16.5" (adjustable, you can link the chain into any of the circles for a shorter length) Chain...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Round Green Mottled Jade Disc Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Necklace Length: 18" Stone: Green Mottled Round Jade disc Jade Disc Diameter: 12.8 mm Jade Disc Count: 9 round green mottled jade ...
Jade, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Sapphire Diamond Necklace 14K White Gold 1.50ctw 18in New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This elegant sapphire and diamond necklace in 14kt white gold features a striking cushion cut very dark sapphire totaling approximately 1.50 carats, finished with a flat back for a s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
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