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 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 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...
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
Genuine Estate Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal double estate layered 20 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine high grade turquoises from the...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White 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...
$96,250Sale Price / item|20% Off
41.91 Carat Natural SI/H Diamond Five Strand Necklace 18K White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
There are pieces of jewelry that accessorize an outfit — and then there are pieces that become the occasion itself. This five-strand diamond cascade necklace belongs firmly in the se...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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...
$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
Western Germany Cherry Red Mold Faceted Bead FlowerClasp 2Strand Necklace c1948
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
$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...
18K White Gold Mixed Shape Diamond Statement Necklace 21.43 Carats
Located in Deira, AE
A striking expression of exceptional craftsmanship, this handcrafted diamond necklace is designed to captivate with its elegant arrangement of mixed-cut natural diamonds. Featuring a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Giant Layered Australian Lightning Ridge Opal & Diamond 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling layered Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted , finished with an 14K gold and sparkling diamonds. All stones are hand carved for an extr...
Diamond, Opal, 14k 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 ...
Sterling Silver
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
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
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
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
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...
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 13 Carat Colombian Green Emerald Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
A masterpiece of provenance and design symmetry: A Pristine Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Necklace. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS & PROVENANCE Central Emerald (as authenticate...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$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...
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
$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
61.19 Carat Natural Diamond Multi Strand Necklace 18K White Gold Handmade
Located in Deira, AE
An extraordinary expression of high jewelry craftsmanship, this magnificent multi-strand necklace is meticulously handcrafted in 18K white gold and adorned with an exceptional 61.19 ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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...
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
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
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...
$46,083Sale Price / item|20% Off
6.48 Ct Zambian Emerald 15.54 Ct Diamond Double Strand Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
There are pieces that belong in a private collection — and there are pieces that define one. This handmade necklace is the latter. A 6.48-carat natural Zambian emerald, emerald-cut a...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Real 16.43 Carat SI/H Multi Shape Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, 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
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
$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
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
Vintage 18K Yellow & White Gold Diamond Tassel Necklace, European circa 1975
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking example of European fine jewelry craftsmanship, this vintage 18-karat yellow and white gold tassel necklace exemplifies the bold yet refined aesthetic of 1970s Italian gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$53,592Sale Price / item|20% Off
22.8 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Double Layer Drop Necklace 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Details:- Item Code :- SEN-52904A (14k) Gross Wt. :- 19.17 gm 14k White Gold Wt. :- 14.61 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 22.80 Ct. ( SI Clarity & HI Color ) Chain Length :- 16 Inches ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Real 15.79 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
Located in Deira, 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
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
$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
Layered Sleeping Beauty Turquoise & Diamonds Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal layered necklace, with extremely rare and nearly flawless sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a beautifull graduated size. This necklace features genuine high grade genuin...
Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 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
$558Sale Price|20% Off
Five Strand Crystal Encrusted Lion Statement Choker Necklace By Heidi Daus
By Heidi Daus
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 16" length with additional 4" extender chain - 2" x 2" lion head focal area - Antique gold tone - Multi-colored crystal pavé - 5 strands of faux champagne pearl...
9.70 Carat F/VS1 Three-Strand Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
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, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Purple Amethyst Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 4.0 Grams Chain Length: 17" adjustable can be made shorter by ~0.62" or ~1.25" Pendant Drops: 1.25" Diamond Cou...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
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
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
Real 16.43 Carat SI/H Multi Shape Diamond Necklace 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 14-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, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$21,112Sale Price / item|20% Off
10.25 Ct Natural Diamond Double Layer Drop Necklace 14k White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k 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
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
$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
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 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
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...
$61,599Sale Price / item|20% Off
Real 24.13 Carat SI/H Diamond Multi Strand Chain Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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
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
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
$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
$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
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
Patricia von Musulin Rock Crystal and Opaline Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
In this one of a kind from Patricia Von Musulin opaline and rock crystal beads are strung on black Japanese silk threads and finished with a sterling silver clasp.
Rock Crystal
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