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.
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Rose Quartz Torsade Bead Necklace 18K Gold Vintage
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning necklace designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. The necklace is a vintage Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Multistrand Rose Quartz Torsade Bead Necklace with...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Multi-Strand Faux-Gray-Marble Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made in Italy, resin choker-beaded necklace features an oversized multi-strand design with assorted faceted beads in black and white, with a faux-marble ...
Angela Caputi Licorice Resin Multi-Strand Caviar Seeds 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 caviar seed beads, complemented by a large black ...
Estate 18K Gold Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond One Of A Kind Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal layered 19.5 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine turquoises from the sleeping beauty mine ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Resin Beaded Bib Statement Necklace Designed by Pono c 1980s
Located in University City, MO
Italian resin beaded bib statement necklace designed by Pono circa 1980s The unique large scale bib necklace is comprised of five strands of resin beads in various sizes & colors t...
Genuine Estate Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
** please note this necklace is ready to ship, we ship the next day A regal double estate layered 20 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turq...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Multi-Strand Resin Choker Necklace Black, Faux-Marble and Rootbeer
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding resin choker-beaded necklace, designed by Angela Caputi and made in Italy. The multi-strand piece features a three-color contrast; each square pebble bead is carved, d...
Vintage 18KT Gold Seed Pearl Multi Strand Necklace with Diamond Hand Clasp
Located in Braintree, GB
Multi strand seed pearl necklace in 18KT gold, fastening on a sculpted hand clasp, the cuff pavé set with diamonds, closing into a matching diamond set ring. The hand motif clasp is...
18k Gold
$558Sale Price|20% Off
Five Strand Crystal Encrusted Leopard Statement Necklace By Heidi Daus
By Heidi Daus
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece - 17" length with additional 4.5" extender chain - 4" x 1.75" leopard head focal area - Antique gold tone - Crystal pavé - Ci...
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
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
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld 1998 Multi-Strand Fantasy Pearl & Beaded Sautoir Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Layered Chanel pearls with a more directional edge. This late 1990s multi-strand sautoir features cascading rows of fantasy pearls interwoven with faceted metallic beads. The aesthetic is quintessential late-90s Chanel—sophisticated yet effortless. With its long, fluid construction, it delivers that "slightly undone” Chanel elegance that transitions perfectly from runway to street. • Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld • Pre-Fall 1998 Métiers d’Art era • Multi-strand sautoir construction • Faux pearls with mixed metallic bead accents • Champagne ivory glass-core costume pearls • Gold- and silver-tone faceted beads • Engraved Chanel clasp...
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...
Angela Caputi Stormy Gray Beaded Multi-Strand Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi resin choker beaded necklace, made in Italy, features a multi-strand design with assorted-sized beads in stormy gray pearlized colors. Her color matching ...
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Necklace Fancy Diamonds
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Gemstone: White, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Green and Champagne Diamonds 20,32ct. Material: Platinum 950; Yellow Gold 750 This beautiful necklace is handcrafted in Yellow Gold and Plati...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Yel...
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
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
18K Yellow Gold Vermeil Pearl Strand Necklace with Rolo and Paperclip Chain
Located in New York, NY
Discover the splendor of timeless elegance with this exquisite necklace, beautifully marrying the lustrous glow of cultured freshwater pearls with the warm radiance of 18K yellow gol...
Pearl, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Double Strand Long Pearl Necklace with Pearl and Rhinestone Clasp
Located in Alford, MA
Vintage double-strand medium length pearl necklace featuring a clasp of pearls and rhinestones that can be worn at the nape of the neck or on one side. the pearls are hand knotted an...
Pearl
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Necklace SI/H Diamond 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEN-53039 Gross Wt. :- 26.10 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 22.65 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 7.43 Ct. ( SI Clarity & GH Color ) Zambian Emerald Wt. :- 9.82 Ct. Necklace...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White 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
Angela Caputi Blue and Transparent Resin Multi-Strand Knotted Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi, Italy, crafted this stunning resin choker necklace in the 1990s. The oversized multi-strand design features tiny oval resin seed beads, complemented by a large knot on...
Giant Lightning Ridge Opal Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling layered Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted , finished with Paraiba Tourmaline and 14K gold sparkling diamonds. All stones are hand ca...
Diamond, Opal, Paraiba, 14k 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
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
$5,720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Blue Sapphire Multi Layered Chain Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire Necklace in 18K Gold studded with oval cut Blue sapphire pieces. Accessorize your look with this elegant blue sapphire beaded necklace...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$17,272Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural 13.04 Carat Diamond Three Strand Wedding Necklace 14K White Gold
Located in Deira, 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
Sculptural Gold Bow Clasp Graduated 4Strand 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
$122,500Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Triple Layer 38.2ct Pear Cut Diamond Fringe Necklace
Located in Deira, 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
Multi Strand Baroque Pearl and Gold Bead Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Fine Baroque Pearl 10 Strand and Gold Bead Necklace held by a 14K Yellow Gold circular clasp. Approx. length of necklace: 23”. More Beautiful in real time! Unique a...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Mings Hawaii Large Amber Bead Strand Necklace
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstones: Amber Total Weight: 94.8 Grams Necklace Length: 23" Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned 100% Authent...
Amber, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
White Gold 18 Karat Diamond Topaz Feminine Tender Necklace
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
GOLD 18K Diamond 40-RND-1,6-F/SI1A Діамант 40-RND-0,88-F/SI1A Діамант 40-RND-0,26-F/SI1A Topaz 35-41,44ct
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Caputi Green Resin Multi-Strand Necklace with Multicolor Teddy Bears
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi's delightfully playful resin choker necklace celebrates her unmistakable flair for bold, unconventional color. Designed with a lively multi‑strand composition, the piec...
$3,640Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sapphire Two Strand Chain Necklace 18k Yellow Gold, Daughter Christmas Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire Two Strand Chain Necklace studded with pear cut sapphire in 18k Gold. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Sapphire stimulates ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond and Multi Color Gemstone Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Diamond and Multi Color Gemstone 24" Long Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.85 carats G/H Color VS/SI Clarity Rubies 1.30 carats Sapphires 1.10 carats Citrine...
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Multi Chain Statement Necklace
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Vintage rose /antique gold plated multi chain bib /statement necklace with filigree ends . Chain link are plain and brush/textured gold . Marked on backside . Dates late 20th centu...
Gilt Metal
Red Coral Multi-Strand Necklace with 18K Gold Clasp, Modern Design
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
2.14 Carat Rosecut Y Drop Natural Diamond Layered Necklace, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
This contemporary natural diamond necklace features a delicate double-layered yellow gold chain adorned with individually spaced rose-cut diamonds in round, trillion, and pear shapes...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Caputi Resin Choker Necklace Gray and Black Multi-Strand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, resin choker necklace features a multi-strand design with a dominant mouse-gray color contrasted with black tones. The necklace is adorned...
Vintage 5 Strand Pearl Jade 14K Gold Chocker Pearl Necklace by de Groot & Gudde
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 5 Strand Pearl Jade 14K Rose Gold Chocker Pearl Necklace by de Groot & Gudde, Amsterdam 1960 Amsterdam, not London. Crafted in Amsterdam by Fa. de Groot & Gudde, this five-...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Jade, 14k 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
Vintage Emerald Necklace 17" Multi Strand Collar 14k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage multi strand emerald collar necklace crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1980s). Cabochon cut natural emerald measures 7mm. A glowy natural emerald adorns ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k 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...
729 Carat Pink Strawberry Quartz Multi Strand Beaded Necklace with Ball Slider
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous 729 carat Round Pink Strawberry Quartz necklace features approximately 10.6 mm strawberry pink beads. The necklace is finished with an adjustable ball slider closure at...
Quartz, Other
$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 Sonora Turquoise Torsade Necklace
Located in Big Bend, WI
An 8 strand natural Sonoran turquoise torsade necklace with 14K yellow gold magnetic clasp. There are 5 strands of Campitos turquoise 4mm beads and ...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$711Sale Price|20% Off
38" Blue Prismatic Pagoda Swarovski Crystal Double Strand Necklace, 1950s
$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
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...
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...
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
$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
$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
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
Sicis 18K White Gold Micro Mosaic Necklace with Black Diamonds & Tahitian Pearls
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Black Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Double Panthere Tassel Long Strand Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Panthere de Cartier, this double head tri-chain tassel necklace is satisfyingly tactile. Each panther head features smooth black lacquer inlays...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
4.03 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald Yellow Gold Pendant, Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional natural Colombian emerald pendant showcasing a 4.03 carat round brilliant cut emerald of remarkable vivid green color, elegantly presented in a refined yellow gold set...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold