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.
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
Orange Shell Pendant with Diamond and Blue Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and blue 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, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
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
14k Yellow Gold 5.35CT Oval Shape Natural Opal Necklace with Diamond Accents
Located in Naples, NY
Gorgeous 14k Yellow Gold 5.35CT Oval Shape Natural Opal Necklace. Super shiny and flashy! Diamond accents. Watch the video to see how opal changes colors. Full on flash! Chain: 1...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold Carved Green, Pink, Yellow Tourmaline Leaf Charm Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
FYI: Explanation of the visual composition! The pendants on the necklace do not stay in place as they appear in the pictures when spread out on a white background. The idea behind t...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Aquamarine Rondelle and Round Pearl necklace with SS Hammered Clasp
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a aquamarine and pearl necklace. We created it with up to 21 mm faceted aquamarine rondelle beads and round pearls. It comes with a sterling silver square hammered push box c...
Aquamarine, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage Peacock Overtone Black Cultured Pearl Necklace 18K Diamond Clasp
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Vintage Black Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp in 18K White Gold An elegant vintage necklace composed of lustrous black cultured pearls displaying rich metallic overto...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handcrafted Modern Artisan Silk Beaded Necklace by Variously in Indigo & Gold
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Inspired by the Sanskrit word Mihika, meaning morning dew, this necklace reflects freshness, purity, and the gentle beauty found in nature. Each piece is carefully handcrafted using ...
Angela Caputi Choker Necklace Banana-Choco and Black Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in a banana-and-milky-chocolate swirl color with black contrast. Her color...
18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Circle Pendant Necklace 23 Inches
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
dd a touch of effortless sophistication to your jewelry collection with this stunning 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Circle Pendant Necklace. Showcasing a beautifully polished turquoise c...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Tiffany & Company Elsa Peretti Diamond Solitaire 18KYG Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond Solitaire pendant is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and showcases an approximately 0.46 carat round brilliant-cut diamond graded I color ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, carved Turquoise & natural Diamonds Bracelet/Choker Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Turquoise Bracelet/ Choker Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight the carved Turquoise is 29.47 carats. The Turquo...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with brillint cut diamonds up to 0.26ct 14 gold 1.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.26ct - G/H - VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by 0.7 mm ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k 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
Cadaques Red Shell Pendant with Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
Cadaques Pendant features natural shell with 14k gold and red garnet gemstone. Purchase includes paperclip chain measuring 16" long. Pendant measurements: 27mm x 32mm x 20mm Weigh...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Necklace Suite, Diamond Pendant & Earrings, 18K Gold
By Mikimoto
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A complete Mikimoto suite with versatility and recognisable design. A refined Mikimoto cultured Akoya pearl necklace suite, comprising a graduated strand of high-quality pearls, a d...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Double-Sided Carved Lapis Lazuli Pendant, Figural Bird Motif, Gold Bail
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial carved lapis lazuli pendant of notable scale, worked in relief on both sides with a continuous composition of birds among stylised foliage. Probably China, late 20th c...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k 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
LANVIN Paris Rare Mod Large Scale Resin Pendant Necklace & Earrings c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek mod rare large scale resin enamel striped pendant choker necklace c 1970s The large scale resin enamel striped rectangular pendant is suspended from a slinky sinu...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
14k Yellow Gold Bicolor Pendant Necklace with Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a bicolor gold pendant set with ruby, sapphire and old mine cut diamond. 0.50ct - H/I - SI - 45 cm long detailed description necklace is 45 cm long an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Costa Brava Shell Pendant with Natural Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Costa Brava Pendant is made of natural shell with 14k gold and .10 carat natural diamond. This delicate beauty fits on most small to medium sized chains, consider adding a chain or d...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,114Sale Price|20% Off
Rossella Ugolini Anchor Chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini anchor-inspired chain Sterling Silver Chain Necklace Made in Italy. Bold Chaine d'Ancre Marine Silver Sterling Necklace, cm 45 in length. 18 inches, grams 41,50. ava...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Akoya Cultured Pearl Opera Necklace 8.5–8.9mm Diamond and Gold Clasp Enhancer
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial and versatile Akoya cultured pearl opera necklace, composed of 82 well-matched pearls measuring approximately 8.5–8.9mm, offering a refined balance of scale, symmetry, ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co Vintage Wild Rose Dogwood Flower Necklace 18K Gold Choker
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and beautifully sculpted vintage Tiffany & Co. necklace from the celebrated Tiffany Classics collection, crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold. This exquisite choker-style ...
18k Gold
Marina J. Large Baroque Black Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat Gold Beads and Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This necklace features large Black Baroque Pearls meeting at a 14k Yellow Gold toggle clasp. Each pearl was carefully selected by Marina J., to create balanced aesthetic for this pie...
Black Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Pearl Necklace Labradorite
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Plated Silver Long White Pearl Bead Necklace Labradorite Protection Jewelry Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in gold-plated silver, this long beaded necklace features white pearl...
Labradorite, Pearl, Gold Plate
Bvlgari Monete 18K Yellow Gold Ancient Greek Coin Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Monete Necklace. Crafted with historical reverence, this necklace embodies Bvlgari's fusion of ancient artistry and modern elegance. The substantial curb-link...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Cartier Panthère Necklace, crafted in 18k white gold, epitomizes the maison's iconic feline motif. The Panthère collection, a hallmark of Cartier's design legacy, showcases the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Panthere Diamond 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Cartier Panthère Necklace, crafted in 18k white gold, epitomizes the maison's iconic feline motif. The Panthère collection, a hallmark of Cartier's design legacy, showcases the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White 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
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
Vintage Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Italian Oval Link Necklace 18 Inches Long
By Roberto Coin
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely Roberto Coin necklace is entirely suitable for wearing out for a casual lunch or for wearing in the boardroom. All of his pieces are fabricated in this venerated designer...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Handmade Opal Gemstone Tennis Necklace in 16 inch 925 Silver Strand
Located in New York, NY
This necklace features opal totalling 14.34 carats, bezel set in 925 sterling silver. Each gemstone is bezel set and linked in a linear design, allowing fluid movement. Measuring 16 ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Bvlgari Monete 18k Yellow Gold Ancient Coin Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari Monete Necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, epitomizes the brand's Roman essence with its authentic ancient bronze follis centerpiece. The Monete collection, a testamen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate Flower Diamond 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Van Cleef & Arpels 18k White Gold Necklace with Delicate Floral Elegance. Crafted from 18k white gold, this necklace embodies the luxury and poetic artistry synonymous with Van Cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 14k gold 1.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 0.25ct – H/I - VS/SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long b...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Cartier LOVE Two Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant Link Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier LOVE Pendant necklace crafted in 18 karat rose gold, featuring the iconic LOVE collection design accented with two round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.03 ca...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Chain Necklace Glitter Enamel Light Blue Pink Studs Made in Paris J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Paris Palladium Plated Chunky Stud Chain Necklace Blue Pink Enamel Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Palladium Stud Chain is a rare architectural statemen...
Palladium, Brass, Enamel
E.HABAN 18k gold lock with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct on pearl necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
E. HABAN 18k white gold clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 1.00 ct – F/G – VS/SI – on a pearl necklace – 55 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 55 cm long and 7.6...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Dragon Gold Tone Statement Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Enter the dragon! You will turn heads and garner compliments with this striking dragon necklace in an antiqued gold tone metal. The intricate dragon has an Asian influence with detai...
Gilt Metal
Marina J. Woven Seed Pearl Choker with Adjustable Rhodium Plated Silver Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Pearl Choker by Marina J. This piece is made with luxury Cultured Seed Pearls all intricately woven together into a stunning lace like design. The Pearls display a white and...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
Bvlgari Vintage Tubogas Diamond Choker Tri Color 18k Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 2023 This vintage choker necklace is finely crafted in 18k multi-tone gold. The necklace features the distinctive Tubogas design, showcasing intertwining bands of yellow, whit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Estate Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a large size. This necklace features genuine high grade genuine turquoises from the sleeping ...
Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. T-Drop Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. T-Drop Diamond Platinum Necklace This exquisite Tiffany & Co. T-Drop necklace is crafted in platinum and weighs 26.9 grams. The elegant drop design is set with...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 14k Gold & Mother-of-Pearl Miniature Gun Pendant or Charm
Located in Venice, CA
This highly collectable vintage 14k gold pendant is a miniature replica of a (non-working) gun. It has sweet, carved mother-of-pearl on both sides of its grip, a historical style of ...
14k Gold
French 18K Yellow Gold Augis Saint Christopher Medal Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
This exceptional French devotional medal is a magnificent creation by the esteemed house of Alphonse Augis, widely celebrated for their masterful sentimental and religious jewelry. B...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Round Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Round Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace A timeless creation from Tiffany & Co., this exquisite pendant features a substantial 4.01 carat round brilli...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Robinsons Eggs Blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise & Diamonds Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and nearly flawless sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoises in a beautifull graduated size. This necklace features genuine high grade ge...
Turquoise, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Gold Tone Six Strand Chain Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone 6 Strand Chain Necklace, Circa 1980s. This piece is a closet hanger until you see it on. I saw a Chritian Dior choker almost the same that was magnificent and this...
Mixed Metal
14K Solid Yellow Gold Butterfly Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Genuine 14K Gold diamond charm pendant. This particular yellow gold butterfly pendant has small diamonds paved on it, no dull or milky diamonds here, they are all super sparkly and e...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra 925 Silver Elegant Tennis Necklace with Opal Gemstone Jewelry for Women
Located in New York, NY
This graceful tennis necklace is crafted in 925 sterling silver and adorned with 63 natural opal gemstones, each carefully shaped in a classic oval cut measuring 3X5 mm. The opals di...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Necklace and pendant with pearl and single cut diamonds up to 0.19ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with pendant set with pearl and single-cut diamond 0.20 ct - F/G - VS/SI - 45 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide. The ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Red Coral Necklace Ball Size 11mm to 12mm Gold
Located in Brunswick, ME
Stunning Natural Coral Necklace with stunning orange red color and lovely round shape! 11.2mm to 12.4mm big sizes(32-34 coral balls beads). 18 inch necklace with yellow gold clasp...
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
Red coral bead necklace with 925 silver clasp - 80 cm long Detailed description The beads are in various sizes, approximately 6 mm to 9 mm. Weight: 49.5 grams With - 115 x 6 mm ...
Coral, Silver
Missoni Bi-Color Rigid Collar Necklace, Spring 2014 Collection
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
Missoni Italy created this incredible couture choker necklace for its ready-to-wear spring 2014 runway show. The piece features an asymmetric shape, built with a gunmetal rigid band,...
AAA White Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace, 14K Gold Clasp, 18" Length
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This is a AAA white pearl strand beaded necklace featuring a yellow gold clasp measuring 18" in length. Materials: Matching Akoya cultured pearls with a 14 karat yellow gold clasp. ...
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
$382Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Christian Dior gold plated chain necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous vintage Christian Dior chain necklace. Gold plated metal, the chain is a nice long length that can easily be wrapped over twice and is designed with a lovely fancy rope t...
Gold Plate
Rare Vintage Augis 18-Karat Gold Libra Zodiac Plaque Pendant All Gold
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A sophisticated and rare vintage astrological treasure from the acclaimed House of Augis. This exceptional plaque pendant, meticulously crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, feature...
Gold, 18k Gold