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.
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
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
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
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
Celestial Necklace Star Choker Torque Collar Diamond Blue Enamel Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Celestial Necklace Star Choker Torque Collar Diamond Blue Enamel Gold Plated Designer: J DAUPHIN The Torque Collar is a rigid open-neck collar handcrafted in 14k gold plated brass,...
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
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
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
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
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
White Pearl Bead Necklace Grey Labradorite Gold Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Pearl and Labradorite Bead Necklace Gold Plated Silver Long Opera Strand Designer: J DAUPHIN The Pearl and Labradorite Necklace is handcrafted in gold plated silver, a long b...
Labradorite, Pearl, Gold Plate
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
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
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
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
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
Moira Sapphire Diamond Plique à Jour Enamel Silver and Gold Calla Lily Necklace
By Moira
Located in London, GB
A modern, sapphire and diamond calla lily floral wreath necklace, which is part of the MOIRA Collection, featuring calla lilies, in a graduating wreath, which are pavé set with sapph...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver, Enamel
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
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
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
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 ...
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
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...
73.95 ct Multi Semi Precious Gemstone Necklace in 18K Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Semi Precious Gemstone Chain Necklace in 18K Gold studded with mix cut multi gemstone. Accessorize your look with this elegant semi multi gemstone chain necklace...
Multi-gemstone, Gold, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
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...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 1...
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
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
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
GIA 18k Yellow Gold Sri Lankan Oval Sapphire & Diamond Necklace In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Sri Lankan Oval Sapphire & Diamond Necklace Style: Sapphire & Diamond Station Necklace Material: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone Details: Seven oval Sri Lankan sapphires ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Taxco Sterling Silver Graduated Multi-Stone Necklace
By Taxco
Located in Venice, CA
This is a stunning Taxco sterling silver necklace featuring onyx, jasper, turquoise and another unidentified polished black striped ston...
Sterling Silver
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
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,...
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
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
7.20 Carat Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Halo Drop Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Showcasing a pear shape Vibrant Ruby weighing 7.20 carats. Surrounded by a row of brilliant round diamonds. Pendant suspended on an oval shape diamond halo, attached to a diamond by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Diamond Heart Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. open heart diamond necklace in solid 18k yellow gold. The pendant depicts the iconic Elsa Pere...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
13.15 Carat Marquise Ruby and Diamond Halo Drop Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Showcasing a Marquise shape Vibrant Ruby weighing 13.15 carats. Surrounded by a row of brilliant round diamonds. Pendant suspended on an pear shape diamond halo, attached to a diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
78.3 Grams Huge 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Crystal Pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
Showcased is a rare, rough emerald crystal pendant. 57 total carat weight of genuine, rough, Colombian emerald crystal is perfectly capped by sm...
Crystal, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
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
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
Diamond Pave Gun Revolver Tiger's Eye Gem 18K Rose Gold Necklace Pendant Charm
Located in Tysons, VA
18 Karat Rose & White Gold Genuine Tiger’s Eye Stone & Natural Diamonds 0.50 CTW Approximate Mini Peacemaker Length: 1.3” inches / 3.3 centimeters Approximate Chain Length: Adjustabl...
Diamond, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold