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.
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
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
$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
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
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
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
Lion Bespoke 5 Carat Diamond Red Ruby Statement Head 14Kt Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
A striking and luxurious bespoke lion head pendant, masterfully crafted in rich 14 carat yellow gold, designed to make an unforgettable statement. Measuring approximately 60 x 30 mm ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
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
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
$433 / 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
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
$539Sale Price|30% 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
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful vintage 9ct gold necklace is a classic. It is fastened using a simple clasp. Length: 51cm Widest Point: 3mm Weight: 10.5g
Gold
Yellow Gold Multi-Color Sapphire Open Heart 18-Karat Pendant Necklace In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold Natural Multi-Color Sapphire Open Heart Pendant Necklace Material: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone Details: There are multiple, multi-color, round cut sapphire gemstones. C...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire,...
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
$30,800Sale Price|30% Off
HARAKH 7 3/4 CT Natural Colorless Diamond Tennis Necklace in 18KT White Gold
By Harakh
Located in New York, NY
This handmade necklace is beautifully studded with a total 1066 F color and VS2 clarity natural diamonds. 1008 round and and 58 pear diamonds. This piece will be accompanied by a HAR...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.75tcw Dark Vivid Green Natural Emerald Cross Medium Size Unisex Pendant 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
A stunning, natural deep green emerald gold cross. This remarkable piece features six, earth-mined emeralds. Gorgeous mixed shapes like emerald cut, asscher and a center set oval cut...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970's Bjorn Weckstrom for Lapponia Sculptural Sterling Silver, Resin Necklace
By Lapponia
Located in North Miami, FL
This stellar and sculptural vintage long necklace has a sculptural sterling silver tube with a chunk of green resin embedded in the sterling...
Sterling Silver
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
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
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
25.00 Carat Black Diamond Briolette Bead Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
25.00 Carat Black Diamond Briolette Bead Necklace in 18K White Gold. This stunning black diamond necklace can enhance any pendant or charm and take it to the next level! These are n...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,700
Yellow Gold Star Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
This star pendant shines bright with 96 round VS2, G color diamonds that total 0.87 carats. They are set in 2.5 grams of 18 karat yellow gold. This stunning 5 points star comes with ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,533Sale Price|30% 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
$1,610Sale Price / item|30% 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
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
4.92tcw 14K Natural Emerald-Emerald Cut & Diamond Accent Statement Gold Pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
Captivate your eyes on this stunning, a rare emerald cut emerald and round diamond pendant. The large emerald has a full 4.55-carats of dark green color, very good luster, and transl...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$966Sale Price / item|30% 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
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
$432Sale 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
$1,610Sale Price|30% 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
$7,490Sale Price / item|30% Off
18K Yellow Gold 7.35 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace Gift for Mom
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
7.35 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace Gift for Mom in 18K Gold studded with round cut diamond of 7.35 carats. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$465Sale Price|30% 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
$1,805Sale Price|20% Off
Impressive Pink Sapphire Diamond White Gold Necklace
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Necklace White Gold 14 K Diamond 35-RND-0,09-G/VS2A Pink Sapphire 1-0,49ct Weight 2.07 grams Size 45 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Genev...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$979Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Cross Pendant with Multicolor gemstones
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k solid gold cross pendant with orange opals and chrome diopsides. Cross pendant necklace. Metal: 14k solid gold Pendant size: 31.5 x 19...
Opal, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,904Sale Price / item|30% Off
Multi-Sapphire Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
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
Modernist 12.16 Ct Multi Sapphire Chain Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Sapphire Chain Necklace in 18K Gold studded with oval and pear cut multi sapphire gemstones. Accessorize your look with this elegan...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
Certified Natural Diamond and Oval Emerald Pendant in 18K Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Certified Natural Diamond and Oval Emerald Pendant in 18K Gold. It has a oval cut emerald studded with diamonds that completes your look with a de...
Diamond, Emerald, 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
$2,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Multi Gemstone Beaded Necklace
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gemstone Necklace in 18K Gold studded with octagon cut emerald, ruby, sapphire pieces and diamonds. Accessorize your look with this elegant multi gemstone beaded necklace...
Multi-gemstone, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow ...
Modern 18 Karat Yellow Gold Heart-Shape Charm Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. This yellow gold pendant features a domed heart chased with intertwining lines. Pendant sold only, without the chain of presentation. Height : 1,8 cm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.76 Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond Cluster Pendant in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
2.76 red ruby diamond cushion cluster pendant in 14K Gold. It has a oval cut rubies that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Givenchy 1960's Body Jewel
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Rare Givenchy Body Jewel of gilt bronze from the 1960's. Designed surely to showcase a simple turtleneck mini in solid tones. This massive and rare design s...
Brass, Gilt Metal
Important Emerald and Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Indulge in timeless elegance with our exquisite Important Emerald and Diamond Necklace crafted in luxurious 18k Yellow Gold. This stunning piece features a majestic Pear Shape Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 2.85 Carat Diamond 18-Karat Multi-Circle Knot Necklace In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold Natural 2.85 Carat Diamond Multi-Circle Knot Necklace Product: Natural Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Knot Necklace Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: There are a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,960Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Oval Shaped Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Lapis pendant in 18K Gold. It has a oval cut gemstone that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are used to wear or gifted to represent love and promises. It's an attractive jewelry piece that goes with every basic outfit and wedding too. PRODUCT DETAILS :- > Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold > Gemstone - Lapis Lazuli > Stone Weight - 17.4 ct > Stone pieces...
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Natural Unheated Sapphire Multi-Shape 18-Karat Pendant Necklace In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold Natural Unheated Sapphire Multi-Shape Pendant Necklace Category: Details Product: Unheated Sapphire Multi-Shape Drop Pendant Necklace Material: 18k White Gold Gemston...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$424Sale 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
$2,117Sale Price / item|30% 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
4.18ct 14K Emerald Solitaire Necklace, Emerald Cut Gold Necklace
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured here is a 4.18-carat stunning, Asscher cut emerald necklace in 14K yellow gold. Displayed in the center is a dark green emerald with very good eye clarity, accented by a sim...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
9.70ct 14K Jumbo Emerald Choker Necklace Cuban Link Emerald Choker Necklace
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured here is a 9.70-carat stunning, emerald choker necklace in 14K yellow gold. Displayed in the center is a natural emerald Colombian emerald accen...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lapis Lazuli Beaded Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The blue of the gorgeous lapis stone beads really pop in this necklace. Length: 51cm Large Bead Dimensions: 15x20mm Weight: 56g
Lapis Lazuli
French Modern Platinum Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Cross in platinum, dog head hallmark. This platinum cross is set with 6 modern brilliant- cut diamonds. Total weight of the diamonds : 1.01 carat approximately. Height : 17,6 mm, wid...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$1,400Sale Price / item|30% Off
Emerald Floral Pendant in 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Floral Emerald pendant in 18K Gold. It has a oval cut emerald studded with diamonds that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are used to wear or gifted to repre...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,687Sale Price / item|30% 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
$465Sale Price|30% Off
Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Solid Gold and Precious stone pendants exquisitely crafted by hand, designed with love. PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Aquamarine Stone Sh...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold
$9,268Sale Price / item|20% Off
Peridot Cushion Shaped Gemstone and Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Peridot Necklace in 18K Gold studded with cushion cut peridot pieces and diamonds. Accessorize your look with this elegant peridot beaded necklace. This stunning piece of jewelry ins...
Diamond, Peridot, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
12 Carat Riviera Diamond Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Graduated 3 prong diamond necklace set in 14K white gold. The center stone weighs 0.75 carats. The total carat weight of the necklace is 12.08...
Diamond, 14k Gold