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.
Angela Caputi Purple Resin Multi-Row Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, acrylic resin choker necklace features an important multi-strand design with a lovely pearlized purple color contrasted with pearl-like be...
1990s Costume Jewelry Panther Necklace by Bijoux Cascio
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Striking 1990s Bijoux Cascio Gold-Toned Panther Head & Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace Unleash your inner wildcat with this magnificent vintage necklace by Bijoux Cascio, a prominent...
Angela Caputi Black Necklace with Jade and Carnelian Resin Beads
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi made this gorgeous resin-beaded necklace in Italy. The choker features an oversized multi-strand design with dominant black color seed beads contrasted with faux-jade g...
Diana Inspired 17 Carat Natural Tanzanite Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in רמת גן, IL
nspired by the timeless elegance associated with Princess Diana, this exceptional high jewelry necklace centers on a magnificent 17 carat natural oval Tanzanite displaying a rich roy...
Diamond, Pearl, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Infinity Double Chain Pendant Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Infinity Double Chain Pendant Necklace Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 7.44 grams Length: 16 inches Pendant: 20mm Signed: ©Tiffany & Co. 925 KD I-14...
Sterling Silver
Angela Caputi Resin Choker Necklace Turquoise and Black Multi-Strand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin choker necklace features a multi-strand seed-bead design with a dominant turquoise-blue color contrasted with black tones. The neckl...
Sterling Silver 8-9 mm Cultured White Freshwater Pearl 42" Strand
Located in Dublin, IE
Primary Stone Size :: CTW8.0-9.0 mm Necklace Length42 In Finish State Polished Description Cultured White Freshwater Pearl Necklace. Approx. Weight: 0.75 DWT (1.17 grams) Chain Leng...
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
$43,750Sale Price|20% Off
Real 16.43 Carat SI/H Multi Shape Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 16.43 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990's Peridot 14K Gold Vintage Swagged Multi-Strand Snake Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of three swagged strands of yellow gold snake link chain Suspended between prong set emerald cut peridot stations Weighing approximately 3.46 carats total Transparent brigh...
Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Italian Tubogas Torsade Necklace and Bracelet Set
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely and innovative vintage 18K yellow gold tubogas necklace and bracelet set is a wonderful example of the true perennial talent and capabilities of Italian goldsmiths. Two s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Colored Sapphire and Ruby Necklace by the Yard 22K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Necklace Specifications: Style: Necklace by the Yard Metal: 22k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 13.9 grams Sapphire and Ruby Diameter: ~3.4 mm each Sapphire and Ruby Total Count: 78 ...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, Ye...
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Multi-Strand "" Pearl Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning multi-strand pearl tots add necklace is fitted with a 14k Yellow Gold clasp. The necklace weighs in at 88.1 grams and is marked 14k 585
Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage Cartier Cultured Pearl Necklace Triple Strand 6mm 18k Gold Onyx Clasp
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Cartier triple stand cultured pearl necklace (circa 1960s to 1970s) finished with an 18k gold onyx inlaid clasp. Cultured pearls are ...
Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Real 15.79 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are handset with 2.1 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Seven Strand Slinky Chain Necklace By Napier, 1970s
By Napier
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 25" length - Seven strands of boxy link chain - Gold plated - Fold over clasp closure - By Napier (signed on clasp) - Circa 1970s - Estate acquired - Excelle...
Vintage Ciner Sapphire Blue Glass Torsade Necklace with Crystal Rhinestone Clasp
By Ciner
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This elegant vintage Ciner torsade necklace features multiple strands of richly hued sapphire-blue glass beads, intricately twisted to create a full, fluid silhouette. The beads disp...
Crystal
Heavy Italian Multi Strand Mesh Necklace Solid 18K Yellow Gold Woven Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
This exceptional vintage Italian necklace is masterfully crafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold and showcases a refined multi-strand woven mesh design that drapes fluidly along the ne...
Gold, 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
Patricia Von Musulin Multi Strand Pink Conch Shell Bead Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A striking statement necklace by Patricia Von Musulin, showcasing her signature sculptural and organic aesthetic. This exceptional multi-strand design features lustrous conch shell b...
TIFFANY & CO. Estate 18k Pearl Necklace Double Strand
Located in Narberth, PA
A classically beautiful two-strand pearl necklace from legendary designer Tiffany & Co.! The luminous pearls are hand-knotted on ivory-colored thread and exhibit a creamy white color...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
WesternGermany 1950s CherryRed MoldFacetedBead FlowerClasp DoubleStrand Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Stamped "Western Germany" on the gold-tone underside of its box clasp, this double-strand long necklace with cherry-red beads and decorative clasp features the reflective glossy face...
Gold, Gilt Metal, Mixed Metal
Vogue 1960s Multi-Strand Pearl and Goldtone Necklace and Earrings
Located in Alford, MA
Vogue c.1960s necklace and earrings semi-parure of intricate design, essentially a double strand, the innermost a chain of goldtone perforated ovals attached to a single strand of pe...
Pearl
Arthur King 18 Karat Gold and Fresh Water Pearl Multi-Strand Necklace
By Arthur King
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed Arthur King necklace in 18 karat gold and fresh water pearls. The four strand necklace is strung with fresh water pearls with a slight pink to white hue and s...
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
Layered Saltwater Akoya Pearl Diamons Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Embrace timeless elegance with this refined double-strand necklace, handcrafted from genuine Japanese Akoya saltwater pearls and sparkling diamonds. These high-quality akoya pearls f...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Licorice Resin Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, is a resin choker beaded necklace with an oversized multi-strand design with black resin seed beads, complemented by a large black carved ...
Diamond Sapphire Gold Multi-strand Bead Necklace and Double Flower Brooches
Located in Miami, FL
Bask in the beauty of this refreshingly decadent Diamond Sapphire 18K Gold Flower Multistrand Ombre Necklace Brooch! This necklace has 5 ombre strands of light to dark-colored genu...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
A Link Bezel Diamonds by the Yard Necklace 36" in Length 18K White & Yellow Gold
By A. Link & Co.
Located in Los Gatos, CA
A Link Two Tone Necklace Diamond Chain set in 18K White and Yellow Gold. Wear this Diamond chain long or doubled. This Necklace is so versatile. The necklace...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
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 Total Wei...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. Fancy Yellow Diamond Necklace Feturing 49.73 Ct of Diamond Cascading
Located in New York, NY
18kt two tone white and yellow gold fancy 4 chain necklace featuring 49.73 cts of diamonds Fancy Yellow Diamond Necklace Feturing 49.73ct of diamond cascading Diana M. is a leading ...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
11.18 Carat Rough Diamond Bead Multi Strand Necklace in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
11.18 Carat Rough Diamond Bead Multi Strand Necklace in 18K Gold studded with diamond beads. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
17 Carat Total Weight Round Brilliant & Baguette Cut Diamonds Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
17 ct Total Weight Round Brilliant & Baguette Cut Diamonds Necklace. The necklace weighs 54.9 grams, 20" long, 6.1 mm wide. The necklac...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$22,400Sale Price|50% Off
13 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Solid Cuban Link Chain Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
10K Yellow Gold 13.7 ct Total Weight Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Solid Cuban Link Chain Necklace. The necklace weighs 91.3 grams, 16" long, 9 mm(11....
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.75 Carat Emerald Diamond Multi Strained Chain Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Necklace in 18K Gold studded with square cut emeralds. Accessorize your look with this elegant emerald beaded necklace. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a ca...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mikimoto 7.57cts Diamond Four Strands Pearl 18K Gold Layered Flower Necklace
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
This beautiful Mikimoto necklace features four rows of lustrous 6mm wide Akoya pearls with a creamy pinkish hue, strung on silk strands for a timeless and elegant look. The centerpi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Estate A. Jeschel Pearl, Coral, Onyx, Sponge Coral Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Striking, large triple strand Asian motif pearl, coral, onyx and sponge coral A. Jeschel Elaine Silverstein One-of-a-Kind statement necklace. Provenance: from the estate of a noted New York City psychiatrist and collector of striking, unusual, one-of-a-kind jewels. The bold clasp, a signature piece, depicts a cinnabar style rondel of a classic Chinese prunus...
Coral, Onyx, Pearl, Sterling Silver
$280,000Sale Price|20% Off
Important 121 Carats Royal Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace set in 18k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Experience the epitome of elegance with our exquisite necklace featuring 108 carats of natural royal blue Ceylon sapphires, renowned for their vivid blue hue. Complemented by 13 cara...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Tiger Eye Multi-Strand Bead Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The 14K Yellow Gold Tiger Eye Multi-Strand Bead Diamond Necklace is a truly exquisite piece of jewelry. The necklace features six strands of beautifully crafted tiger eye beads, each...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$228,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 40 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Riviera Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
40 Carats Emerald Cut Diamond Riviera Necklace This necklace has a total of 120 GIA certified diamonds. Clarity range VS-SI1, C...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$192,000Sale Price|20% Off
Certified 65 Carat Oval Cut Riviera Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite 65 carat oval diamond tennis necklace set in solid 18 carats white gold f color vs1/vs2 clarity
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold
Sculptural GoldBowClasp Graduated4Strand SnakeChain Necklace, MidCentury
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century shiny yellow-gold-plated snake-chain multi-strand necklace features a sculptural finely-textured gilt-metal bow that is positioned to rest on the upper left chest to...
Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, Base Metal, Gilt Metal
$31,200Sale Price|20% Off
Roberto Coin Appassionata Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Roberto Coin
Located in Chicago, IL
23 diamonds Necklace 16 inches long and 21mm wide Marked: Roberto Coin 18k Italy and signature ruby Total Weight : 198 grams
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
IMPRESSIVE Pink Morganite 115 Carat Pendant Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing a stunning Pink Morganite and Diamond Pendant crafted in luxurious 18 karat white gold. Featuring a magnificent 115.85 carat Morganite gemstone complemented by sparkling...
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold
Genuine Triple Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal tripple layered 20 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine turquoises from the sleeping beauty...
Turquoise, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Angela Caputi Black and White Resin Multi-Strand Knotted Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, crafted this exquisite resin choker necklace in the 1990s. The oversized multi-strand design features tiny oval resin seed beads, complemented by a large knot o...
William Goldberg 63 Carat Spectacular Diamond Infinity Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful example of how fancy shapes can really create a statement piece of jewelry is this diamond necklace by William Goldberg. Designed as a two-row swag of Ashoka [brand name ...
Diamond, Platinum
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
30 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Riviera Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your elegance with our exquisite 19-inch Graduated Tennis Necklace, meticulously crafted in platinum and adorned with captivating emerald-cut diamonds. Each diamond is exper...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$33,000Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18KY Gold Multicolored Pearl Strands Torsade Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This stunning five-strand pearl necklace by David Webb is a true statement piece. Measuring 17 inches in length, the strands are adorned with pearls ranging from 8mm to 10mm in size....
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold
28.45Ct SI/H Natural Diamond Multi Strand Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 28.45 carats of sparkling diamonds. Details Item Code :- SEN-51622C (14k) Gross Wt. :- 30.9 gm 14k White Gold Wt. :...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$11,980Sale Price|20% Off
Gianmaria Buccellati Torsade Necklace Amethyst Citrine 18k Gold Gemstone Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed Buccellati torsade necklace, finished with a 18 karat yellow gold clasp. Three strands of briolette faceted citrine a...
Amethyst, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$54,604Sale Price / item|20% Off
Certified 24.94 Natural Diamond Double Layered Wedding Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Certified 24.94 Natural Diamond Double Layered Wedding Necklace 14k White Gold Each layer features a seamless flow of intricately set mixed cut diamonds, ending in graceful drops tha...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$1,960Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Purple, Black Glass 6 Strand Necklace Rare
Located in North Miami, FL
This rare, ultra chic and vintage hallmarked Yves Saint Laurent 6 strand necklace is purple and black glass. This is a very special necklace of the fr...
$5,260Sale Price|20% Off
Jade Necklace Double Necklace Certified Untreated Midcentury 9.5mm 20" & 24"
Located in Northampton, MA
Grand, beautiful, and rare, this double-strand jade necklace features 114 approximately 9.5mm hand-carved and polished untreated Burmese jadeite beads. These are substantial, fine, o...
Jade, 9k Gold
Elegant Four Strand Graduated 18K Yellow Gold Bead Torsade Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This outstanding yellow gold torsade choker is comprised of four strands of heavy 18K yellow gold beads ranging in size from 5.50mm to 9.50mm. Together they combine to create a styl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 1920's Tiffany & Co. Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Tiffany & Co. Sapphire and Diamond Necklace An exceptional Retro Era creation from Tiffany & Co., this elegant necklace embodies the timeless sophistication and craf...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Triple-strand graduated pearl necklace with 14k yellow gold clasp and diamonds.
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant necklace combines luxurious materials with timeless beauty, making it a true piece of jewelry for those who appreciate fine accessories. In excellent pre-owned condition...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$122,500Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Triple Layer 38.2ct Pear Cut Diamond Fringe Necklace
Located in Diera, Dubai
18K White Gold Triple Layer 38.2ct Pear Cut Diamond Fringe Necklace features mixed cut diamonds set in three layers with last one being the fringe design. Diamonds are believed to en...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Givenchy Double Snake Chain Necklace with Crystal Drops, 1990s
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1990s Givenchy statement necklace in gold plate. This choker length heritage necklace comprises two lightweight and flexible hollo...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Yvel 18 Karat Gold Long Necklace with Baroque Pearls and 6.55 Carat Diamonds
By Yvel
Located in New York, NY
Rare organic pearls are Yvel's signature design. Cellini Jewelers NYC presents their 18 karat yellow gold necklace with four Baroque South Sea Pearls. The 38" necklace is designed wi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Multi Strand Gold Heart Motif Necklace
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful vintage 18K yellow gold multi-strand toggle necklace by the venerated jewelry house, Tiffany & Co., is just as innovative, fashionable and exciting as the day that...
Gold, 18k Gold
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
Golden Yellow AAA South Sea Pearls 18K Yellow Gold Long Necklace
Located in Fairfax, VA
Very Beautiful Golden Yellow AAA Quality South Sea Pearls 18K Yellow Gold Clasps, Details, Strands 6-10MM Pearl Sizes
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold