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.
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Blue Agate Alhambra 20 Motif Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 20 Motif Blue Agate Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold A classic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace featuring 20 blue agate motifs set in 18K ...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Black, Starr & Frost 18K Yellow Gold Torque Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Estate Black, Starr & Frost 18K yellow gold torque necklace. 20th Century Classic spiral twist design with a wonderful double hinged closure. Substantial, fine heirloom quality synon...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gubelin Gold Links Chain Necklace
By Gubelin
Located in Darnestown, MD
Gubelin 18 karat gold necklace with most unusual links. Each goes from narrow to a curved bulbous shape. Were it not for the sapphire , the clasp would be virtually invisible. The ne...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
$62,640Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Alhambra 10 Motif Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A highly collectible vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace featuring 10 turquoise motifs set in 18K yellow gold. Each quatrefoil motif is framed by the house’s signature b...
Turquoise, 18k 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
$704Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold 7.5 Carat Natural Round Cut Turquoise Chain Necklace, 18 Inches
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Turquoise Necklace in 18K Gold studded with round cut topaz pieces and diamonds. Accessorize your look with this elegant blue topaz chain necklace. This stunning piece of jewelry ins...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Frivole Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole 18K Yellow Gold 9-Flower Diamond Motif Necklace A beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring nine signatu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Gold Collar Necklace Light Blue Enamel Diamond Star Torque Choker
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Collar Necklace Light Blue Enamel Diamond Star Torque Choker Torque collar necklace in 14k gold plated brass, a rigid open collar that sits against the collarbone, ending in tw...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
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
$976Sale Price / item|20% Off
Stunning Tsavorite & Diamond Panther Pendant in 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This striking panther pendant showcases 0.71 carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold. Each diamond beautifully set in prong settings to create a dazzling pavé effect across the enti...
Diamond, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$18,704Sale Price|20% Off
Burmese Jadeite Jade & Fancy Color Diamond Necklace, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Golden Fishes' Love Necklace from 'The Jade Dynasty Collection' by Austy Lee. This timeless piece is designed in an adorable and romantic way - with a pa...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Enamel
Gold Collar Necklace Blue Enamel Diamond Star Torque Choker
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Collar Necklace Blue Enamel Diamond Star Torque Choker Torque collar necklace in 14k gold plated brass, a rigid open collar that sits against the collarbone, ending in two sphe...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Vintage 1970's Two Colored Resin 3 Row Ball Necklace on Wire
Located in North Miami, FL
Orange-Amber and black purple resin balls make this fun vintage necklace eye catching. It is on a wire and connected to 3 staggered rows. The colors are perfect for all seasons Au C...
$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
Vintage Hallmarked Sterling Silver and Lapis Lazuli Sculptural Necklace, 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This sculptural and fabulous hallmarked vintage sterling silver and lapis lazuli reticulated necklace is quite stunning on. It has a modernist look. This lays well on the neck. Pleas...
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Star Bright Pendant Star Light w Diamond North Star Pendant with Sapphire Center
Located in Austin, TX
The miracle of life is pictured in this star bright pendant. A miracle in the making, this hand made North Star pendant and chain will beautify any ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$1,500Sale Price|20% Off
Dominique Aurientis Gold Link Necklace With Turquoise, Green Resin Balls French
Located in North Miami, FL
This theatrical and show stopper statement French necklace by Dominique Aurientis has 4 large balls of resin that are caged in with the gold washed metal that are attached to the twi...
Gold-filled, Gold
Modern Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Egyptian Lotus Flower Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. This yellow gold pendant of Egyptian origin features a domed design stylized as a lotus flower. The design is enameled in light blue, navy blue, and ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Natural Pink Extra Large Freshwater Pearl Paradizia Necklace
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description A truly stunning necklace showcasing large 13 to 15 mm semi-baroque freshwater pearls in a unique harmonized variation of natural pink hues, with an unparalleled luster t...
14k Gold
Horse Bit Maxi Gold-Plated and Leather Stirrup Necklace
By Pradera
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Necklace with gold-plated central stirrup and choker with four brown leather strips by Regina Cora Dimensions 46cm Rear chain length 5 cm READY TO SHIP *Shipment of this piece is...
Gold Plate
$3,848Sale Price|20% Off
Messika "Butterfly" Pendant on an 18K White Gold Chain, Diamond Pavement
By Messika
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover Messika's magnificent "Papillon" pendant necklace, a jewel of extraordinary beauty that evokes the delicacy and grace of these winged creatures. This necklace is a masterpie...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$616Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.53Ct Oval Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant featuring an 1.53 carat oval cut aquamarine set in 14k yellow gold half bezel. Accented by a round brilliant-cut diamond 0.02 carats in a bezel setting above th...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Second-Hand 18 Karat Yellow Gold Graduated Flat Curb Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A timeless yellow gold necklace, it is made up of a smooth, flat curb chain. The clasp is a lobster clasp. Length : 45 cm appro...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Paperclip Link Chain Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold 25 Grams 18 Inches
Located in New York, NY
Oval shape link necklace weighing 25.2 grams in 14 karat yellow gold. Made in Italy.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.69-Carat 14K Colombian Emerald Solitaire Pear Gold Pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Solitaire - Prong Setting Material: 14K Yellow Gold Gold Weight: 1.1 grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Pear Cut Approx Weight: 0.69-carats Color: Green Clarity: Semi-T...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
79.26 Carats Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Riviera Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary diamond necklace showcasing 79.26 carats of natural emerald-cut diamonds, meticulously graduated and selected for exceptional color, clarity, and consistency. The n...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,760Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern 18K Yellow Gold Oval Cut 7.6 Ct Green Emerald Chain Necklace
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Chain Necklace in 18K Gold studded with oval cut emerald gemstones. Lightweight and gorgeous, this is a great bridesmaid, wedding or christmas gi...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,840Sale Price / item|20% Off
5.45 Carat Multi Tourmaline Colorful Beaded Necklace in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
5.45 Carat Multi Tourmaline Beaded Necklace in 18K Gold studded with oval cut tourmaline. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elev...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$424 / item
Gold-Plated and Leather Stirrup Necklace
By Pradera
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Necklace with gold-plated central stirrup pendant and choker with seven black leather strips Choker size 46cn Stirrup length 10 cm Rear chain length 5 cm READY TO SHIP *Shipment...
Gold Plate, Silver
$2,110Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Diamond and 1.33 Ct Pink Sapphire Pendant Mounted with 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Pink sapphire and diamond pendant in 18K Gold. It has a oval cut sapphire studded with diamond that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are used to wear or gifted to re...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.91ct Emerald-Pear Cut Georgian Styled Solitaire Pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a natural emerald Georgian styled solitaire pendant in 14K yellow gold. This gorgeous solitaire pendant carries a full 4.91-carat emerald in a prong setting. Black rhodi...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Buccellati Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace in 18K Gold
By Buccellati
Located in Houston, TX
Buccellati necklace composed of 18K yellow and white gold with diamonds and pearls. There are 11 carats of rose-cut and round brilliant-cut diamonds and 15 light gray cultured pearl...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,080Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Evil Eye Pendant Necklace in 14k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Evil Eye Pendant Necklace in 14K Gold studded with round cut blue sapphire and round cut diamonds. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$8,340Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Pear Cut 26 ct Semi Precious Multi Gemstones Necklace
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gemstone Necklace in 18K Gold studded with pear cut semi precious multi gemstone. Accessorize your look with this elegant semi preci...
Blue Topaz, Multi-gemstone, Garnet, Citrine, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
Bersoni 18K Yellow Gold Tubogas Choker Necklace, Italy, Late 20th
Located in Houston, TX
Bersoni tubogas style necklace in 18K yellow gold with a tongue insert closure. The necklace measures 19 inches in length and 1/2 inch wide. Necklace has very nice weight and lays ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Everyday Emerald Diamond Pendant Set in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Everyday Emerald Diamond Pendant in 18K Gold studded with octagon cut emerald and round cut diamond. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit....
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$447Sale Price|20% Off
Beaded "Fruit Salad" Bib Statement Necklace By Hobé, 1950s
By Hobé Jewelry
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 17" total length, adjustable between 14" - 17" using hook clasp along extender chain - 2.5" bib drop - White plastic beads - Colorful glass fruit beads: pear, st...
$524Sale Price|20% Off
Multi Sapphire and Emerald Flower Pendant in 18kt Solid Yellow Gold Mom Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Sapphire and Emerald Flower Pendant in 18K Gold studded with oval cut sapphires and emerald. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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...
Yoko London Freshwater Pearl and Amethyst Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This unique seven row Freshwater pearl and amethyst necklace by Yoko London is simultaneously striking and elegant. Expertly hand crafted...
Amethyst, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
37.40 Carat Bullets And Cadillac Step Graduating Diamond Gold Necklace
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Stunning & Unusual Graduating Necklace The necklace is made from bullets & Cadillac step cut diamonds. The necklace has 37.40Ct I/J VS The necklace is 18K White Gold The...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,350Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Solid Yellow Gold Fine Diamond "I" Initial Pendant Necklace Gift For Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Diamond "I" Initial Pendant Necklace studded with diamonds in 18K Gold. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April birthstone diamond br...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,440Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Multi Sapphire 11.85 cts Round Cut Beaded Necklace
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Sapphire Necklace in 18K Gold studded with round cut sapphire pieces. Accessorize your look with this elegant multi sapphire beaded necklace...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$10,500Sale Price|30% Off
Mesh Scarf Necklace Woven 18K Yellow Gold Wrap Wear 43.5 inches Japan
Located in Austin, TX
This solid gold necklace is impeccably woven. The solid 18 karat yellow gold scarf has huge diversity in how you can wear it! Toss it around your neck twice and let the dangles hang ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Estate Hammerman Bros. 18K Gold Diamond and Turquoise Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
Hammerman Bros. collar necklace is composed of 18K yellow gold with carved turquoise and diamonds. There are 645 round diamonds that total 35.50 carats, G-H color and VVS-VS clarit...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Diamond Open Collar Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Italy
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 66.2 Grams Necklace Length: ~15.5" Necklace Width: ~14.7 mm wide Stamped: "18K" "750" "ITALY" Emerald Count...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,060Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist Diamond Chain Necklace in 14k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist Diamond Chain Necklace in 14K Gold studded with round cut diamond. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April birthstone diam...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1960's Reticulated Gold Plated Textural Collar Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
A combination of brushed and woven gold-plated bar makes this vintage collar necklace a stunner. It lays beautifully on the neck and looks like real gold. This is elegant on the neck...
Gold Plate
Greek Evil Eye Pendant Necklace 18Kt White Gold with Blue Sapphires and Diamonds
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Greek Evil Eye pendant necklace handcrafted in 18Kt gold blue sapphire and diamonds. A frame of blue sapphires surrounds the white pave diamonds and th...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,330Sale Price|20% Off
Octagon Ruby Pendant with Halo of Diamonds in Solid 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Halo Diamond Ruby Pendant in 18K Gold. It has a octagon cut ruby with diamonds that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are used to wear or gifted to represent love and...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cultured South Sea Pearl Station Long Necklace
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
11pc of Cultured Authentic South Sea Pearl appx 11-12mm White Gold Plate Sterling Silver 38 Inch Station Necklace. Unique white gold plated sterling silver chain. This is a Custom ...
South Sea Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
$2,420Sale Price / item|20% Off
Yellow Sapphire Chain Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Sapphire Necklace in 18K Gold studded with mix cut sapphire pieces. Accessorize your look with this elegant yellow sapphire chain necklace. This stunning piece of jewelry inst...
Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$4,380Sale Price|20% Off
Colorful 18k Yellow Gold Dangling Multi Sapphire Chain Necklace, Bridesmaid Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Colorful Multi Sapphire Chain Necklace studded with sapphire in 18K Gold. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Emerald enhances the inte...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,520Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 18k Yellow Gold Natural 0.90 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Bezel Set Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
GIA 18k Yellow Gold Natural 0.90 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Floating Necklace Product: Natural Pear Shape Diamond Bezel Set Floating Necklace Material: 18k Yellow Gold Chain & Bez...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K White Gold Necklace with a Snowflake Diamond Pendant
Located in Houston, TX
This pendant style necklace features a pendant with a snowflake design in 18K white gold with diamonds. There are 14 oval diamonds that total 6 carats and 3.50 carats of round bril...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,460Sale Price|35% Off
Classic Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
Delicate diamond necklace crafted in white gold 18 karat. Fine anchor chain interrupted by 9 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 2.75 ct of G/8H...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$15,200Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 6.33 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Exquisite and timeless round diamond tennis necklace with dangling asscher cut and GIA certified pear brilliant diamond. High jewelry by Alexander Beverly Hills. 6.33 carats total di...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold