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 Black and Yellow Multi-Strand Resin Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin choker necklace features a multi-strand design with a dominant black color contrasted with lemon-yellow carved beads. Geometric motif...
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...
Exceptional South Sea Pearl Strand Necklace, 16–18mm
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable statement of refinement and rarity, this luxurious South Sea cultured pearl strand features an extraordinary graduation of pearls measuring approximately 16mm to 18mm. C...
South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
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
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
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 ...
Sterling Silver
5 Tahitian Pearl By the Yard Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 14.6 Grams Chain Length: 17" Pearl: Tahitian Pearl Pearl Diameter: 11.4 mm Stamped: "14K" "Italy" Conditi...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Jose and Maria Barrera Necklace from Estate of Writer Jackie Collins Turquoise
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning runway Necklace by Jose and Maria Barrera with Turquoise, Carnelian and Agate and from the estate of legendary Hollywood writer Jackie Collins. The dramatic mu...
Carnelian, Turquoise, Gold Plate
$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
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...
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
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...
$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
$3,094Sale Price|20% Off
South Sea Pearl, Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Necklace, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This classic and elegant Pearl and Diamond Necklace is made of White South Sea Cultured Pearls (with size of 12 - 14.5mm), Tahitian Pearls (with size of approx. 10mm) and Diamonds on 18K White Gold Chain. Product Details: Diamond - 12 pcs - 0.43ct Black Pearl - 5 pcs - 40.39cts White Pearl - 6 pc - 92.10cts 18K White Gold Length: 24 inches 100% guaranteed Natural gemstones. Certification(s) (GIA, GRS, IGI) can be requested by customers with an additional charge. Please kindly contact us for the quotation. This is a brand new item and delivered directly from aUSTY LEE in our own branded jewellery...
Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k 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
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
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
$36,329Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural 13.04 Carat Diamond Three Strand Wedding Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Natural 13.04 Carat Diamond Three Strand Wedding Necklace 14K White Gold features three layers of diamonds, cascading around the neckline. Each layer is meticulously arranged with ma...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$3,500Sale Price / item|30% Off
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
9.70 Carat F/VS1 Three-Strand Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning tennis necklace features Round Brilliant Cut diamonds totaling 9.70 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for their exceptional brilliance and uniform sparkl...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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
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
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
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
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
Multi Strand Italian Pearl / MOP Necklace with Chic Floral Accent
Located in Palm Desert, CA
One of the most commented about necklaces we have posted on Instagram. A sold out piece by Italian Company Ottaviani Bijoux. A 10 strand neclace of silver mini beads draped with pear...
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
$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
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
$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
Gold South Sea Pearl & Diamond Necklace, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This necklace consist of 15 Gold South Sea Cultured Pearl (with size of 9.5 - 13mm), alternating with 14 round brilliant cut diamonds bezel set in 18K White Gold. The necklace is des...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Pink Topaz Necklace 7.9 Carats 18K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 16 Pink Topazes = 7.90 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Length: 18 Inches
Topaz, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
1950's Vintage Elsa Schiaparelli Multi Stran Glass Necklace Clip on Earrings Set
Located in North Miami, FL
The colors of the sea in alternating glass beads of blues and greens make up this signed vintage stunning Elsa Schiaparelli necklace so wearable. There are 6 wide strands on each sid...
$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
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
$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
$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
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
Massive 8.00ct Diamonds 18k White Gold Flex Lace Design Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic 18k white gold diamond bib necklace features a dramatic flex lace design set with approximately 8.00 carats of sparkling diamonds. The elegant bib silhouette creates a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 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
Yvel 18KT Yellow Gold Diamond .47Ct Sapphires .42Ct Freshwater Pearl Necklace
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 7 flat freshwater pearls. The 21" necklace is designed with a ...
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Topaz Necklace 7.9 Carats 18K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 16 Pink Topazes = 7.90 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Length: 18 Inches
Topaz, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$127,168Sale Price|20% Off
28.45Ct SI/H Natural Diamond Multi Strand Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 28.45 carats of sparkling diamonds. Details Item Code :- SEN-51622C Gross Wt. :- 37.21 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 31....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Ugo Correani 1980's Italian Black Glass Beads Lucite Rhinestone Strand Necklace
By Ugo Correani
Located in North Miami, FL
This dramatic and collectable signed Italian Ugo Correani necklace is au courant. It is comprised of hundreds of tiny linked black glass beads in many many strands with a lucite and ...
$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
Tiffany & Co. Open Heart Multi Chain Sterling Silver Necklace with Toggle Clasp
Located in London, GB
Elevate your jewellery collection with this outstanding multi strand sterling silver pendant necklace, designed by iconic luxury house, Tiffany& Co. Its elegance and versatile design...
Sterling Silver
Miriam Haskell Gilt and Pearl Loop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Miriam Haskell gilt and faux pearl necklace composed of a finely woven gilt brass circle mounted on a signature gilt filigree bordered by a twisted rope of small faux pearls. Four...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
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
Coral Multi-Strand Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp
Located in Queens, NY
Red Coral Bead Multi-Strand Necklace, featuring eight strands strung on silk cord, with interspersed gold overlaid beads, joined with 18K yellow gold double hook and eye clasp. Gold ...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$116,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 12 Carat Green Emerald Pear Cut Minor Oil Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent necklace features an exquisite deep green emerald weighing 12 carat, delicately suspended from a line of pear cut, marquise and round white diamonds representing a l...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Mid-Century South Sea Pearl Diamond Clasp Yellow Gold Necklace 1950s 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century South Sea cultured pearl and diamond clasp necklace in yellow gold, 1950s/1960s. An exceptional Mid-Century necklace comp...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 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
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
$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
$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