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.
Orange Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Red Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and red garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
White Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Yellow Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and yellow sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Purple Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and White Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and white sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Purple Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Yellow Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and yellow sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Pink Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Red Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and red garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Gold & Citrine Dot Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed gold and citrine Dot pendant necklace By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. With a bezel-set citrine cabochon. Set with an integral bail and ...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Orange Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Blue Topaz
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and blue topaz gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
Two-SidedArt Nouveau Muse Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art Nouveau Muse Coin Necklace with Blue Topaz Stones. Two-Sided Muse Coin Necklace Pendant. Art Nouveau Floral Amulet Necklace. A striking two-sided Muse amulet pendant crafted in s...
Blue Topaz, Gold, Silver
Renato Cipullo 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Jaguar Pendant Necklace Handcrafted
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Make a bold statement with the 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Jaguar Pendant Necklace by Renato Cipullo, an internationally acclaimed designer renowned for blending Italian craftsmanship wi...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage TRIFARI gold leaf modernist designer runway necklace
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • matte gold tone leafs • vintage designer runway necklace MEASUREMENTS • 19" long by 1 1/8" wide CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with mini...
Gold Plate
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Open Heart Pendant Necklace 32" Sterling
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An iconic Elsa Peretti design for Tiffany & Co., this Open Heart pendant necklace features the designer’s signature fluid, sculptural open-heart form in solid sterling silver. Th...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Pink Shell Pendant with Diamond and Red Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and red garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order incl...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Estate 14K White Gold .25 Carat Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous necklace is comprised of 14k white gold. The pendant measures 5/8ths of an inch by 5/8ths of an inch, not including the bail. It features .25 ctw in 22 round cut, natu...
Diamond, White Gold
LANVIN Sleek Green Resin Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek green resin pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic Lanvin necklace is adorned with a large green color lucite pendant suspended from a sinuous gilt metal snake chain ...
Gilt Metal
14KT White Gold Baguette and Round Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The necklace features a central heart-shaped motif that uses a "ballerina" or sunburst setting. A central cluster of round diamonds is surrounded by a halo of baguette-cut diamonds r...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pink Shell Pendant with Diamond and Opal
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and opal gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order includes o...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamond up to 0.60ct 14k gold 1.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold anchor necklace with solitaire pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 0.60 ct – J/K - Pique – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Yellow Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Pink Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and pink sapphire gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order i...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Two-Sided Medusa Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Medusa Coin Necklace with Emerald Green Stone. Medusa Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Medusa Shield Amulet Necklace with Sword Motif. A striking two-sided Medusa protection amulet...
Emerald, Gold, Silver
Two-Sided Diana Moon Goddess Coin Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Diana Coin Pendant. Greek Goddess Diana Coin Pendant. Diana Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Diana Moon Goddess Pendant in Silver with Gold Plating. A beautiful two-sided ...
Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co. Shopping Bag Charm Pendant Sterling Silver Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A charming vintage Tiffany & Co. pendant crafted in sterling silver and finished in the House's signature Tiffany Blue enamel, rendered as a miniature version of the iconic Tiffany s...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
18K solid Yellow Gold Four-Leaf Clover Charm Pendant – Vintage Good Luck Jewelry
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 karat solid yellow gold charm depicting a four-leaf clover which is believed to bring good luck to its wearer. This clover charm is a perfect gift. It will protec...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aphrodite Goddess Two-sided Coin Pendant Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Greek Goddess Aphrodite Coin Pendant. Aphrodite Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. A beautiful two-sided Aphrodite goddess coin pendant crafted in st...
Gold, Silver
Two-Sided Persephone Garnet Coin Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Greek Goddess Persephone Coin Pendant. Persephone Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Persephone Goddess Necklace with Pomegranate Symbol A beautiful two-sided Persephone goddess coin pendant crafted in sterling silver with rich gold plating. One side features a detailed raised portrait of Persephone...
Garnet, Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Pear Cut Swiss Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The teardrop-shaped gemstone is suspended from a gracefully curved pave diamond bail, adding a layer of sophisticated sparkle and fluid movement. The topaz is held securely in a thre...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 18k solid Yellow Gold Cherub Pendant – French Hallmark, Good Luck Charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 Karat yellow gold baby angel pendant. This beautiful detailed medal depicts a little child with curly hear and wings in front of a textured background. Thanks to ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GUCCI Italy Sterling Silver Sleek Bamboo Style Pendant Necklace 21st C
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
GUCCI Italy sterling silver bamboo design pendant necklace 21st c The sleek unisex necklace is designed with an elongated sterling silver bamboo shaped pendant; suspended from a lo...
Sterling Silver
Athena Wisdom Coin Two-sided Necklace Silver, Gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Two-Sided Athena Wisdom Coin Pendant. Aphrodite Mythology Coin Necklace Pendant. Athena Owl Coin Pendant Necklace. A beautiful two-sided Athena wisdom coin pendant crafted in sterli...
Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Heart Solitaire Flush Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in high-polish 14K yellow gold, this necklace features a minimalist and modern heart solitaire pendant. The design showcases a singular, brilliant-cut diamond nestled securel...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT Rose Gold Diamond Interlocking Double Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Celebrate a special bond with this elegant Interlocking Double Heart Necklace. Crafted in polished pink gold, the pendant features two nested hearts: one with a smooth, mirror-finish...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Solid Gold Large Retro Virgin Mary Charm, French Vintage rectangle Religious
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this stunning French mother Mary charm. This lovely pendant depicts a praying virgin Mary. This big medallion is crafted in 18 ct yellow gold and hallmarked with a French...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k solid gold animal charm - articulated fish pendant - Italian 1960's Amethyst
Located in Antwerp, BE
This funky articulated fish pendant is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. This wonderful charm pendant is detailed with many wonderful engravings. Its eyes are purple amethysts, they g...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Del Sol Shell Pendant with Natural Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Del Sol Shell Pendant is made with 14k gold, natural shell, and .14 carat natural diamond. This delicate beauty fits on most small to medium sized chains, consider adding a chain or ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Genuine Opal 10ct Diamond Ruby Emerald Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Ethiopian Opal pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. The pendant showcases a natural pear-shaped Ethiopian ...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with Rose Cut Diamonds, 0.70ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a pendant set with rose cut diamonds. 0.70ct – G/H SI – 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide the pendant is 2....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Round Cut Peridot Bezel Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a touch of vibrant, modern elegance to your style with this Round-Cut Peridot Bezel Solitaire Pendant. Expertly crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, the necklace features a brill...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Pink Rose Quartz Yellow Gold Drop Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary pink rose quartz pendant set in rich 18-carat yellow gold. The hand-cut pink rose quartz that shimmers with breathtaking brilliance...
Quartz, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Panthère Pendant Necklace, 148g 18K Gold, Heavy Chain, Box & Papers 1980
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Panthère Pendant Necklace Cartier, Paris 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond · Signed and Numbered · Cartier Service Papers and Original Presentation Box · 148 Grams Total A...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold, White Enamel Starburst Star Diamond Accent Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Cute! Modern and elegant style for younger women who love to express themselves with jewelry! Materials: 14K Solid Yellow Gold 0.8mm cable chain necklace 16, 17, 18 inch adjustable...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
20.23ct Vivid Neon Bluish Green Natural Paraiba Tourmaline NECKLACE 18K White
Located in New York, NY
Among the world’s most coveted colored gemstones, natural Paraiba tourmaline is celebrated for its extraordinary copper-bearing chemistry—responsible for the legendary neon blue-gree...
Diamond, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Vintage 18K White Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Pendant Necklace
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday elegance with this exquisite pre-owned H. Stern pendant necklace, a signature piece from the renowned Brazilian luxury jewelry house. Founded in 1945 by Hans St...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold London Blue Topaz Teardrop & Diamond Disc Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace features a sophisticated pear-cut London Blue Topaz that serves as its center of attention. The gemstone's deep, inky blue hue is elegantly complemented by a shimmering...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.26ct Emerald-Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Halo Paperclip Chain Necklace 14K Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This modern paperclip chain necklace features a 2.26 carat emerald-cut aquamarine, set in 14K yellow gold. The center stone measures approximately 11 x 6 mm, secured in a classic pro...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with pearl and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.10ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace and pendant set with pearl and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.10ct – F/G – VS/SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Necklace and pendant with single cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 6.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace and a bicolor gold pendant with single-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - 42 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 42 cm long and 1.4 mm wide...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Etoile d'amour charm - Romantic vintage gold pendant, French love Star token
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful and rare "Etoile d'amour" love token which translates to "Star of Love". We think that the details and design are extraordinary. A textured background make...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gold layering necklaces. Solid 14 K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with ruby. Shia Islamic Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib علي Zulfiqar. Zulfikar double Sword. Sword of wisdom pendant. Pe...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Demeter Goddess Two-Sided Coin Pendant with Citrine
Located in Istanbul, TR
A striking two-sided pendant inspired by Demeter, the ancient Greek goddess of harvest, fertility, and the abundance of the earth. The front features a finely detailed raised portrai...
Citrine, Gold, Silver
26734 Tiffany Co Platinum 0.35 H VVS2 Cushion Diamond Legacy Pendant Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Center cushion diamond weight 0.35ct Center diamond H color VVS2 clarity Diamond Crown Laser Inscription ''T&Co.I08070182'' All side round diamonds, total weight is 0.05ct Carat w...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co Victoria Platinum Marquise Diamond Medium Pendant 16" - 18"
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany Victoria collection Medium pendant Platinum necklace weighs 3g 4 marquise diamonds, total weight 0.46ct Diamond F color VS1 clarity Pendant measures 8.5mm x 8.5mm wide Neckla...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. heart pendant diamond 18k Necklace 90s
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. pprox 0.3ct TW, most about F-G and VS range Necklace 18 inches long and 2mm wide, marked Tiffany & Co. 750. Pendant 23 x 20mm, marked Tiffany & Co. 750 To...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Ice Skate Charm Pendant Sterling Silver Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A playful vintage Tiffany & Co. pendant crafted in sterling silver, modeled as a detailed miniature ice skate with enamel finish and a finely rendered blade. The little laced boot an...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Ancient Macedonia Philip III Coin Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Ancient Macedonia Philip III Coin Pendant Necklace A striking and highly collectible creation by Bvlgari, this impressive necklace showcases an authentic anc...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and highly refined Cartier diamond pendant necklace, crafted in luminous 18K yellow gold and set with approximately 2.00 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds. The diamo...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Cluster Necklace in 14kt Yellow Gold - 0.52ctw, 18", New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
Enhance your jewelry collection with this exquisite Diamond Cluster Necklace in 14kt Yellow Gold. Featuring 0.52 carats of GH SI natural diamonds, this necklace combines timeless bea...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Figural Fish Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage figural fish pendant crafted in 18K gold, richly set with 50 round-cut rubies approximate 1.60 carats, 116 white diamonds approximate 1.30 carats and 8 yellow diam...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscuro Shark Tooth 14k Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Oscuro Shark Tooth Pendant is made of genuine shark tooth fossil with solid 14k gold and natural diamonds. Inspired by the concept of surrealism we combined a seemingly ordinary obje...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Nina Zhou Fantasy 4.20ctw Aquamarine Heart Pendant Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Discover the Nina Zhou Fantasy 4.20ctw Aquamarine Heart Pendant Necklace, a breathtaking expression of elegance and emotion. This exquisite piece features a cluster of pear-shaped an...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Vintage 1994 Graff GIA Certified 2.15ct Heart Diamond Cluster Necklace
By Graff
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Graff heart-shaped diamond cluster pendant necklace set in 18k white gold, circa 1994.
The necklace centrally features a spectacular 2.15-carat heart-sha...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Double Tear Drop Pendant
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver pendant necklace. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. From the 'Double Tear Drop' series. Consisting of a large tear drop pendant s...
Sterling Silver