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.
14K Rose Gold Trio Round Diamond Circle Eternity Drop Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace is a modern take on a classic silhouette. The "Y" shape is specifically designed to elongate the neckline, making it a favorite for pairing with V-neck outfits or eveni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jazz Pear & Round Diamond Platinum Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A graceful drop pendant necklace from Tiffany & Co.'s Jazz collection, crafted in platinum and set with three bezel-set diamonds in a vertical arrangement: a smaller pear-shaped ...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Legacy Aquamarine Diamond 18K White Gold Lariat Drop Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A gorgeous aquamarine and diamond drop necklace from Tiffany & Co., crafted in 18k white gold. The pendant pairs a bezel-set square aquamarine with a graceful pear-shaped aquamarine ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
$11,856Sale Price / item|20% Off
11.65 Carat Natural Pear Cut Diamond Fringe Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Dozens of small diamond clusters hang like fringe along this fine cable chain, each one built from slender marquise-cut diamonds fanned out from a shared point so the whole necklace ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,488Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Vintage 18K White Gold LOVE Charm Necklace, 16-Inch Chain
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Timeless, iconic, and unmistakably Cartier — this vintage LOVE charm necklace in 18-carat white gold embodies enduring elegance and modern sophistication. Featuring the legendary scr...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18k Gold Akoya Pearl 'PANTHÈRE' Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Hong Kong, HK
a pendant necklace mounted in 18k gold, holding a round cream Akoya pearl measuring approximately 8.2mm; pendant necklace 39.5 cm long, with French assay mark for gold, 15.5g
Cultured Pearl
Diamond Platinum Feather Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant platinum feather design necklace features round brilliant and marquise diamond vanes emanating from a quill of carefully selected graduating baguettes brought wonderfull...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified Natural Fancy Light Yellow Heart Diamond Pendant Drop Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified Natural 0.68 Carat Yellow Heart Diamond Pendant Drop Necklace GIA report number: 5232934684 Diamond: 0.68 carat natural fancy light yellow heart SI1 diamond Accent dia...
Diamond
18k Yellow Gold Rope Necklace with Natural Pearls – Vintage drop chain
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this late 18 karat solid gold retro necklace. This necklace checks of all the characteristics of the typical retro jewelry, little to no gemstones (because these were mor...
Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$60,400Sale Price|20% Off
84.76 carats Emeralds & Yellow Rose Cut Diamonds Necklace & Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Drop Necklace set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The combined weight of the Emeralds is 84.76 carats. The Emeralds are natural. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Heavy 18k solid gold Necklace - 60's Italian drapery, Cleopatra collar - 48.2 gr
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely drapery necklace. This treasure is made in solid 18 karat yellow gold and hallmarked with a 750 mark, and the Italian makers mark from Uno Aerre from before 1...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,160Sale Price / item|20% Off
VR Jewels Certified 6.24 Carat Natural Diamond Drop Necklace in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Drop Necklace showcases 6.24 carats of natural diamonds, set in a 14k white gold. Mix of baguette and pear cuts, creating a timeless statement with exceptional brillianc...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Trio Round Diamond Circle Eternity Drop Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace is a modern take on a classic silhouette. The "Y" shape is specifically designed to elongate the neckline, making it a favorite for pairing with V-neck outfits or eveni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 38-Inch Lariat Necklace with Multi-Color Tahitian Pearls
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This 38-inch lariat makes a striking statement with seven luminous 11–13mm multi-color Tahitian pearls. Designed for versatility, the pearls slide effortlessly along the strand, allo...
Pearl
4.85 Carat Natural Marquise Baguette Diamond Necklace Pear Drop 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A repeating pattern of marquise and baguette diamonds forms the body of this necklace, each marquise stone set on the diagonal between vertical baguette pairs for a continuous, textu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 36.35 Carats Diamond Fringe Necklace in 18K White Gold High Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
A breathtaking display of brilliance and craftsmanship, this extraordinary diamond necklace is meticulously crafted in luxurious 18K white gold and designed to make a lasting impress...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
HRD Certified 3.53ct Pear Ruby & 2.81ct Diamond Line Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A single pear-shaped natural ruby hangs at the center of a diamond line necklace in 18K yellow gold, the deep red stone set just below where the diamonds taper together. Ruby weight ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxury Burmese Ruby, Diamond Drop Necklace, 92.36ct, 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Natural Burmese Ruby, Diamond Drop Necklace, 92.36ct, 18K White Gold Metal: 18K White Gold Gemstone: Natural Burma Burmese Rubies Ruby Weight: 92.36 Carats Total Ruby Cuts: Oval Cut & Pear Shape Diamond Weight: Approximately 11.00 Carats Total Diamond Cuts: Round Brilliant Cut & Rose Cut Diamond Clarity: VS Weight: Approximately 88 Grams Style: Ruby Fringe Necklace / Statement Necklace / High Jewelry Necklace / Chandelier Necklace Features: Three-Dimensional Design, Cascading Ruby Fringe, Handmade Construction, Collector Quality Gemstones, Red Carpet Jewelry An extraordinary Burma ruby necklace showcasing an impressive 92.36 carats of natural Burmese rubies set throughout an elegant high jewelry design. Featuring richly saturated oval and pear shape rubies, this exceptional ruby diamond necklace displays the vivid red color and brilliance that have made fine Burma rubies among the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Designed as a dramatic ruby fringe necklace, the piece features a cascading arrangement of natural rubies flowing gracefully from the center, creating remarkable movement, depth, and presence. The three-dimensional design gives the necklace exceptional visual impact while maintaining elegance and wearability. Accenting the rubies are approximately 11.00 carats of natural white diamonds, including round brilliant and rose cut diamonds of VS clarity. These diamonds illuminate the vibrant Burmese rubies and enhance the luxurious appearance of this important ruby statement necklace...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
PANIM Rose cut Lariat Dangling Necklace in 18K White Gold
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Rose cut Lariat Dangling Necklace in 18K White Gold The discreet and distinguished elegance of this necklace, on which a pierced diamond sparkles, sits delicately on the neck ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Round Diamond Celestial Shimmer Drip Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Each station is meticulously set with shimmering pave diamonds, creating a "fringe" effect that captures light with every movement. Material : 14KT White Gold Gold Weight : 2.17 Gr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari 1980's Multi-Gem 18K YG 18K Gold Vintage Three Stone Station Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a fancy link chain centering a stylized station featuring oval cut buff-top tourmaline, peridot, and citrine Transparent medium reddish pink, yellowish green, and brownis...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Tapered Nautilus Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Created as a one of a kind necklace in the late 1970's, this is part of the Nautilus series that Robert Lee Morris designed and made by hand in Soho NYC. Using two elongated hollow t...
Sterling Silver
Burmese Ruby & Diamond Baguette Cut Necklace 16.50ct Art Deco
Located in Great Neck, NY
The Epitome of Modern Elegance, a striking Ruby Solitaire diamond modern, Art Deco/ Contemporary, Choker Necklace. Finely crafted in elegant Platinum and showcases two exceptional Burmese Ruby gemstones...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, W...
$19,302Sale Price / item|20% Off
10.77 Carat Natural Mixed-Cut Diamond Necklace with Pear Drop 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Set link by link, this necklace mixes pear, marquise, round and emerald-cut diamonds in a pattern that never quite settles into a rhythm, which is exactly what keeps the eye moving a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Nina Zhou Symphony 32.10ctw Turquoise Moonstone Diamond Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Nina Zhou Symphony 32.10 ctw Turquoise Moonstone Diamond Necklace is a captivating piece that masterfully blends the vibrant hues of turquoise with the subtle iridescence of moon...
Diamond, Moonstone, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou Symphony 30.10ctw Aquamarine Turquoise Diamond Statement Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Enchanted Symphony 30.10ctw Aquamarine Turquoise Diamond Statement Necklace is a mesmerizing statement piece that harmonizes the serene shades of turquoise with the radiant shimm...
Diamond, Turquoise, Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$964Sale Price / item|20% Off
3.08 Ct. Deep Emerald Charm Necklace 14k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry Gift For Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Gracefully delicate yet richly vibrant, this 14k yellow gold necklace features a stunning arrangement of oval-cut green emerald totaling 3.08 carats. Each gem is bezel-set and evenly...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
31.98 Carat Natural SI/H Pear Shape Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A breathtaking celebration of exceptional craftsmanship, this handcrafted necklace showcases an elegant cascade of pear-shaped natural diamonds arranged in a graceful double-row silh...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Pearl Necklace with Pave Diamonds
Located in Venice, CA
This delicate white gold necklace features a diamond-shaped centerpiece encrusted with pave diamonds and a pearl that is suspended below it. The large pearl has a beautiful nacre and...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
9 Carat Riviera Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K White Gold
By ADA Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A true statement of refined luxury, this graduated Riviera-style diamond tennis necklace is masterfully handcrafted in 14K white gold and adorned with 9 carats of natural round brill...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Ceramic 18k White Gold Diamond Drop Necklace Suite
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
This striking Cartier suite, crafted with a captivating geometric design, features a ceramic drop necklace and matching earrings. Each piece is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds se...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,344Sale Price / item|20% Off
VR Jewels 4.45 Ct Natural Multi Color Sapphire Fringe Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This classic fringe necklace featuring 15 pear cut multi sapphires totaling 4.45 carat, set in rich 18k yellow gold. Each gemstone is crafted in mixed shapes and graduating sizes, se...
Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Yellow Sapphire Flower Power Pendant
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Cellini's iconic Flower Power Pendant In Yellow Sapphire. This stunning pendant is composed with five pear shaped yellow sapphires, with a round brilliant diamond center. Each peta...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Diamond 5 Star Necklace Bolo Chain 14K Yellow Gold Five Pave Diamond Stars
Located in Austin, TX
Diamond star station necklace for the diamond star in your life! This pave diamond star necklace has five star charms with round diamonds that are pave set in gold prong settings. Th...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Percussion Pectoral on Wire Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A very early Robert Lee Morris Necklace, this design if silver tubing, balls, coils and coconut shell, is very iconic of the first decade of Morris' designs. Created originally in th...
Sterling Silver
$8,087Sale Price / item|20% Off
14 Karat White Gold Heart Cut Emerald Diamond Y Drop Lariat Necklace
Located in Deira, Dubai
14 Karat White Gold Heart Cut Emerald Diamond Y Drop Lariat Necklace features heart cut emerald and diamonds set in a row, five emerald and one diamond set in a pattern making a chai...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Cartier 1895 Diamond 0.23ct Round Brilliant Cut Pendant and Chain White Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier 1895 diamond 0.23ct round brilliant cut pendant and chain 18 karat white gold. This pendant is designed as a single round brilliant cut diamond claw set within the signatu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Messika 18K White Gold My Twin Diamond Tie Necklace, Modern Design
By Messika
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A new style of necklace, this My Twin 0,10ct white gold diamond tie necklace enlightens the most classic looks and embellishes the cleavages with sensuality. The glittering of two p...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$391Sale Price|20% Off
Massive Runway Gilt Modernist Character Statement Necklace By Les Bernard, 1980s
By Les Bernard
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Absolutely massive couture statement piece - 17" length two strand twisted chain - 7.75" x 3.75" three abstract...
$17,971Sale Price / item|20% Off
9.78 Carat Natural Mixed-Cut Diamond Necklace with Pear Drop 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
The chain on this necklace never repeats itself for more than a stone or two: pear shapes give way to marquise slivers, round brilliants and emerald-cut baguettes in an alternating r...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Platinum Diamond By The Yard Pendant Drop Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Platinum Diamond By The Yard Pendant Drop Necklace Metal: Platinum Weight: 2.32 grams Diamond: 0.12 carat F VVS natural round diamond Length: 16 inches...
Diamond, Platinum
$102,083Sale Price|20% Off
62.6 Carat Zambian Emerald 20.49 Carat SI/H Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 62.64 carats Zambian emerald and 20.49 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$68,931Sale Price|20% Off
42.19 Carat Oval Ruby 27.96 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 42.19 carats ruby gemstone and 27.96 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the la...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
26 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Pear Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 26.18 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gumuchian Platinum & Diamond 15.55Ct. Cascade Necklace with .94Ct. Pear Diamond
By Gumuchian
Located in New York, NY
Gumuchian is a family business run by a mother with her two daughters. They are carrying the family legacy in the jewelry industry that dates back over 100 years. Their motto is "Des...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,640Sale Price|20% Off
1.97 Carat Emerald Pear Shaped Drop Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Necklace in 18K Gold studded with pear cut emerald pieces. This is a great bridesmaid, wedding or christmas gift for anyone on your list. Accessorize your look with this eleg...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Multi-Stone Colombian Emerald Pendant 3.50 Carats
Located in Brunswick, ME
Elevate your collection with this exquisite multi-stone Colombian emerald AAA quality pendant, masterfully crafted in rich 18K gold. The piece showcases five stunning, natural Colom...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold 3.87 Carat Round Cut Diamond Tennis Chain Necklace Wedding Gift
Located in Deira, AE
Details Item Code :- SECH-73206 Gross Wt. :- 12.44gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 11.67 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 3.87 Ct. ( SI Clarity & HI Color ) Follow JEWEL PALATE STOREFRONT fo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
36.32 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat And Diamond Necklace In 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant royal necklace showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold. It is studded with 61 vibrant cushion cut Burmese rubies weighing 18.30 carat approximately...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$63,947Sale Price|20% Off
Natural 24.80 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEN-51857 Gross Wt. :- 39.37 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 34.41 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 24.80 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Necklace Length ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany &Co One Of A Kind Platinum Pearl Drop Earrings & Diamond By The Yard Set
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Tiffany &Co One Of A Kind Platinum Pearl Drop Earrings & Diamond By The Yard Necklace Set Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Pearl E...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
23.98Ct Multi Shape Diamond Wedding Necklace For Wife 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEN-53156 Gross Wt. :- 19.77 gm 18K White Gold Wt. :- 14.97 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 23.98 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Necklace Length :...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Twilight Ethiopian Opal Necklace, Titanium and 24K Gold Inlay by Zoltan David
By Zoltan David
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Embrace the ethereal beauty of the Twilight Ethiopian Opal necklace, a mesmerizing creation by the visionary Zoltan David. This extraordinary piece featur...
Opal, 24k Gold, Stainless Steel, Titanium
Champagne Diamond Prismatic White Gold Hex Crescent Necklace, Jo Hayes Ward
Located in Dallas, TX
The striking Hex Crescent Necklace, by acclaimed European jewelry artist Jo Hayes Ward, is a refined expression of sculptural design and meticulous craftsmanship. Handcrafted in 18k ...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$28,617Sale Price / item|20% Off
Exclusive White Gold 18K Necklace Blue Sapphire Diamond for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
NECKLACE 18K White Gold Blue Sapphire 15.96 Cts/37 Pcs Diamond 5.11 Cts/502 Pcs
White Gold
Vivid Diamonds 119.13 Carat Diamond Bib Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Emerging from the esteemed House of Vivid Diamonds is an unparalleled masterpiece of jewelry craftsmanship—a necklace that exudes sheer opulence and elegance. This extraordinary crea...
Diamond, Platinum
Baccarat Sterling Silver Drop Necklace with Blue Crystal
By Baccarat
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Mesurements : Chain length : 44cm and 48cm Pendant length : 8cm This exquisite Baccarat sterling silver drop necklace is a perfect embodiment of timeless elegance and French craft...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
15.59 Carat Natural Multi Cut Diamond Y Drop Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A necklace built on a single, unwavering commitment — no two adjacent diamonds share the same cut. Oval and marquise diamonds alternate in a deliberate sequence along the full front ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
123.98 TCW Pink Tourmaline Diamond Blue Topaz Drop Necklace Fine 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
123.98 TCW Pink Tourmaline Diamond Blue Topaz Drop Necklace Fine 18k White Gold This exquisite necklace showcases a harmonious blend of vibrant pink tourmaline gemstones paired with...
Blue Topaz, Tourmaline, Topaz, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Natural 9.69 Carat Diamond Dewdrop Tennis Necklace 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
A graceful fusion of brilliance and modern sophistication, this exquisite necklace showcases an elegant sequence of natural pear-shaped diamonds meticulously arranged in luminous 18K...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold