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.
18ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sophisticated, this tennis necklace is crafted in luxurious 14K white gold and features a continuous row of emerald-cut Natural Diamonds. The clean geometric design creat...
14k Gold, White Gold
14k Italian Gold Crucifix Pendant Necklace for Men, only made to order.
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
This made-to-order modern crucifix pendant is a beautiful and elegant way to express your faith. The crucifix is crafted in solid 14k gold and features a refined stylized design with...
14k Gold
David Yurman Albion Sterling Silver Lemon Citrine Diamond Enhancer Pendant
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Albion Sterling Silver Lemon Citrine & Natural Diamond Enhancer Pendant Metal: Sterling silver Citrine: 11.5 x 20.5mm Dimensions: 38 x 17.5 Bale opening: 7mm Weight: 12...
Citrine, Diamond, Sterling Silver
0.7ct Diamond & Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant lariat necklace radiates a sense of calm and sophistication with its carefully placed diamonds, making it the perfect piece for both casual and formal occasions. The des...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) White Gold Cuban Link Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Turn heads with the Diamond Cuban 14K White Gold Chain Necklace, a timeless statement of luxury and confidence. Crafted from solid 14K white gold and drenched in hand-set diamonds, t...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diana M. 14K Yellow Gold 3.50Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
14kt yellow gold diamond tennis necklace weighing 3.50cts tw in a four prong setting, 16" Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, offering a curated col...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with sapphire and single cut diamonds 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with a doublet sapphire and single-cut diamond up to 0.75ct - F/G - VS/SI - 44 cm long detailed description; the necklace is 44 cm long and...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Oval Emerald & 3ct Diamond Choker Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in luxurious 18K white gold, this Oval Emerald Diamond Choker Necklace exudes timeless elegance and refined sophistication. At its center lies a captivating oval-cut emerald,...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
20.75 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Choker Necklace
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18 karat gold and sterling silver, this stunning choker necklace is hand set in 20.75 carats blue sapphire and 5.72 carats of diamonds in blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JE...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
9.02ct Fancy Diamond Moon Lariat Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Moon Diamond 18K White Gold Lariat Necklace is an enchanting piece of timeless elegance. Crafted in 18K White Gold, this luxurious necklace features Fancy Diamonds totaling an im...
18k Gold, White Gold
7.90ctw Fancy Diamond Heart 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Heart Shape 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace features a series of stunning heart-shaped gemstones set in 14K Gold. The vibrant gemstones, such as ruby, emerald, or sapphire, are ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Heart Locket – 14 Karat Gold – Polished Finish – 26 x 28 mm – 6.5 g
Located in Lejre, DK
This heart-shaped locket in 14 karat gold is a classic and personal piece of jewelry with a simple and timeless design. Crafted from solid 14 kt gold, the locket features a beautiful...
14k Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Key Pendant Necklace, 0.25ct, 16-Inch Chain
Located in New York, NY
Unlock timeless elegance with this dazzling 14K White Gold Diamond Key Pendant, a stylish symbol of love, opportunity, and sophistication. Exquisitely crafted in 14K white gold and d...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.60ct Turquoise & 0.25ct Diamond Flower 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Turquoise Enamel Flower 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a perfect blend of luxury and vibrant color. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this stunning piece features natural diamonds ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
An early 20th century diamond-set tiara by Skinner & Co
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century diamond-set tiara/necklace by Skinner & Co, the five principal old-cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of 2 carats, each rub over millegrain-set to...
Diamond, Platinum
0.32ct Pave Diamond & Round Sapphire Heart 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and timeless, this Heart Pave Round Multicolor Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Necklace features a dazzling array of multi-colored gemstones, set meticulously to catch the light and...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1ct Round Diamond Iced Out Box Lock Gold Cuban Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Expertly crafted with 1 carat of round-cut diamonds, this luxurious piece offers a brilliant shine and impeccable quality. Available in rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold, it’s t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Diana M. 14K White Gold 6.20Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
14kt white gold natural round diamond tennis necklace weighing 6.20 cts tw , 16 inches Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, offering a curated collec...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diana M 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace 3.13Cts Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace 3.13Cts Diamonds. FG color and SI calrity and Excellent cut 17" inches. Diana M. is a l...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold 37.60Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond tennis necklace weighing 37.60cts tw set in a four prong setting, 16 inches Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 year...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diana M. Custom 32.20 cts 4 Prong Diamond 18k White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Custom 18 k white gold, 16.5" 4 prong diamond tennis necklace 32.20 cts brilliant cut round diamonds 81 stones 0.40 each FG color SI clarity. Excellent cut.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Lunar Moon Star Green Malachite Gold Pendant Charm Medallion Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Lunar Moon Star Green Malachite Gold Pendant Charm Medallion Necklace Green Malachite Gemstone 0.05 cts Diamond 12 MM Diameter Medallion Charm 18K ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Turquoi...
Judith Ripka 18 Karat Diamond Citrine Necklace Pendant
By Judith Ripka
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Judith Ripka 18 Karat Diamond Citrine Necklace Pendant. The pendant features a large cushion-cut Citrine with thirteen diamonds on the heart-s...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
14k White Gold Flower Pendant on Natural Round Brilliant Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
White Gold Flower Pendant on a Natural Diamonds Tennis Necklace Material: 14k White Gold Pendant Details: White Gold Flower Pendant Pendant Diamond Details: 1.5ctw Center Stone: Nat...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Chopard Red Carpet Pre-Owned 69.90ct Diamond Necklace, 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into the spotlight with the Chopard Red Carpet Collection Diamond Necklace, a masterpiece of elegance and extravagance. Handcrafted in 18k white gold, this show-stopping necklac...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emerald Charm Necklace 14k Yellow Gold, Emerald Fine Jewelry Gift For Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Charm Necklace in 14K Gold studded with octagon cut emerald and diamonds. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Emerald enhances ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14kt Yellow Gold Round Emerald Heart Pendant Enhancer, 1.40cttw, 2.4g
Located in San Diego, CA
Lovely 14kt yellow gold heart pendant with 18 round emeralds of approximately 1.40cttw. The pendant is 23mm long by 17mm wide, stamped 585 14kt, with prong set emeralds that are 2.4m...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Sapphire Reverse Crystal Carving of the Moon
By Diane Griswold Johnston
Located in Cohasset, MA
18 Karat Reverse Quartz Crystal Carving of the Moon with Sapphire bail
Crystal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k enhancer, roman soldier with Lion Lapis Intaglio
Located in Cohasset, MA
Lapis Lazuli pendant, gold Intaglio of a Roman Soldier with a Lion. !8k, 18K bail.
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
0.25 Carat Natural Diamond & Ruby Brooch/Necklace Enhancer Set in 18K Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Brooch/Pendant set in 18K Yellow Gold featuring 0.25 Carats Natural Diamonds, 0.08 Carats Rubies. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of Gem...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.60ct Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Paperclip Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your elegance with this stunning Paperclip Cushion Cut Diamond 14K Gold Pendant Chain Necklace, crafted to add a timeless sparkle to any look. Featuring a brilliant combinati...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.12ct Turquoise & 0.15ct Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Radiate elegance with the Turquoise Shine Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace, expertly crafted in 14K yellow gold. This exquisite piece features natural diamonds totaling 0.15 ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18k enhancer, carved Tanzanite, with Diamond bail
Located in Cohasset, MA
18 Karat one of a kind hand carved Tanzanite flower design pendant with diamond bail. Beautiful with all color outfits. Enhances the wearers eye color. Very unusual special piece des...
Diamond
0.13 Ct Diamond Interlocking Rings Necklace in 14K Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dainty interlocking two circle diamond necklace, Eternity circle necklace, Gifts for her Eternity circle, 2 circle necklace, Handmade jewelr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
91.1 Carat Zambian Emerald 11.56 Carat SI/H Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEN-52327 Gross Wt. :- 57.20 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 36.67 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 11.56 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Zambian Emerald ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold 25.00Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond straight line tennis necklace weighing 25.00 cts tw in a four prong setting (99 stones) Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14kt Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Pendant Enhancer, 12.3mm White Pearl, 1.78cttw
Located in San Diego, CA
The 14kt Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Pendant Enhancer is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines the elegance of pearls with the sparkle of diamonds. This enhancer features a 12.3mm ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Brown White Diamond Dainty Flower Chain Necklace
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Brown White Diamond Dainty Flower Chain Necklace in 14K Gold studded with round cut diamond. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. April ...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Diana M. 18K Yellow Gold 3 Prong 20.15Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold natural round diamond tennis necklace set in a 3 prong straight line setting weighing 20.15 cts tw (84 Stones) Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Masked Medusa Enhancer
Located in Cohasset, MA
18K gold hand carved masked medusa pendant 28mm round
2.85 Ct Marquise Cut Blue Topaz Chain Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Topaz Necklace in 18K Gold studded with marquise cut topaz gemstone. Accessorize your look with this elegant blue topaz chain necklace ennhancer. This stunning piece of jewelry ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.80ct Blue Sapphire 0.50ctw Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 76 Diamond Blue Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace is crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, featuring stunning natural diamonds and blue sapphires. Weighing 7.1 grams, this necklace...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
BNH heart pendant in 14 karat gold – 12 x 12 mm – Classic gold heart
Located in Lejre, DK
Heart pendant from BNH crafted in 14 karat gold with a classic and timeless design. The heart measures 12 x 12 mm and features an elegant and simple appearance, making the pendant su...
14k Gold
ALESSANDRA DONA Pearl Necklace with tahiti and keshi pearls pink gold
Located in Amsterdam, NL
ALESSANDRA DONA Pearl Necklace with Tahiti and Keshi pearls in pink gold Go beyond the classics with this playful pearl necklace by Italian designer Alessandra Dona. The necklace i...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rainbow Moonstone Chain Necklace Gift for Girlfriend in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Rainbow Moonstone Chain Necklace Gift for Girlfriend studded with rainbow moonstone in 18K Gold. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Mo...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Blue Lapis Lazuli Shooting Star Sky Yellow Gold Medallion Charm Pendant
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Shooting Star Sky 18 Karat Yellow Gold Medallion Charm Blue Lapis Lazuli Pendant 18K Yellow Gold Charm Only Natural Blue Lapis Lazuli Slice Medallion 0.05 cts Diamond
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Turquoi...
Diana M. 18K White Gold 28.50Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond straight line tennis necklace weighing 28.50 cts tw in a four prong setting Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Octopus Pendant in 18K Gold Diamonds, Rubies, Pearl Shell
Located in Hong Kong, HK
With six arms to hold you, you'll fall in love with this octopus pendant, which is a part of our sea wonders collections. Crafted in 18kt rose gold, th...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diana M. 18K Yellow Gold 3 Prong 40.00Cts Diamond Opera-Length Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold natural round diamond 3 prong straight line opera tennis necklace weighing 40.00 cts tw (166 Stones) -32 inches long Diana M. J...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 20.6 Ct Blue Sapphire Wedding Necklace in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire Necklace in 18K Gold studded with oval cut sapphire pieces. Accessorize your look with this elegant blue sapphire beaded necklace...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
6.00ct Yellow & 2.50ct White Diamond Tennis Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and sophisticated diamond tennis necklace featuring alternating pear-cut yellow diamonds and round brilliant white diamonds, expertly set in polished 18K yellow gold. The ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5ct Diamond Round Cut 14K Gold Three Prong Tennis Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your elegance with this timeless tennis necklace, featuring a seamless row of round brilliant diamonds, each secured in a classic three-prong setting. Crafted in radiant 14K ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Pl...
Modern 0.24ct Diamond Flower Necklace in 14k Gold, Thailand
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Minimalist diamond flower necklace/ Cluster flower necklace/ Diamond flower/ Gold necklace/ Wedding necklace/ Gifts for her cluster necklace, flower necklace, Handmade jewelry, Bri...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
2.50ct Baguette & Round Diamond Statement Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Turn heads with this luxurious 2.50 Carat Baguette Statement Necklace, crafted in radiant 18K gold. Featuring a stunning array of baguette-cut stones arranged in a striking design, e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
6.00ct Diamond Line Choker 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold, this Diamond Line Choker Necklace features a sleek row of brilliant-cut Natural diamonds arranged in a refined, continuous line for maximum sparkl...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cushion Purple Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
18 Karat White Gold Pendant Sterling Silver Wheat Chain 18 inches 15.0 CT Unheated Purple Blue Lavender Sapphire 1.75 cts Diamonds
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1ct Natural Diamond Station 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted from 14K yellow gold, this necklace showcases the beauty of 22 full-cut natural diamonds totaling 1.00 carat. Weighing 14.28 grams, it embodies elegance and sophistication, m...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Signed JKa White Australian South Sea 14-17.5mm Cultured Baroque Pearl Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent Australian South Sea Cultured Baroque Pearl Necklace set in a graduating strand of 23 pearls measuring approximately 14mm to 17.5mm. The pearls have excellent luster an...
Pearl, 18k Gold
1ct Round Pave Diamond Gold Cuban Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning Pave Diamond 18K Gold Cuban Link Bracelet offers an elegant blend of timeless design and luxurious sparkle. The round-cut diamonds, t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diana M. 18K White Gold 34.00Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond straight line tennis necklace weighing 34.00 cts tw in a four prong setting (82 stones) Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold