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.
$393Sale Price|25% Off
14K Solid Gold Citrine Charm Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Beautiful 14K Solid Gold Citrine Charm. Absolutely gorgeous and shimmering pendant! Citrine Details: Stone Size: 1 inch x 0.8 inch, 30.00 cts Dimensions: 1 inch x 1.02 inch (excludi...
Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold
Gilded Bronze Choker Necklace with Mid-Century Turquoise, White, Blue Enamel
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning French modernist bronze choker necklace features a Mid-Century design with gilded bronze elements embellished with geometric enamel. The enameling features typical 1960...
Bronze, Enamel
$1,200Sale Price|25% Off
14K Solid Yellow Gold 3.95CT Pear Shaped Natural Opal Necklace in 14K Solid Gold
Located in Naples, NY
14 K Solid Yellow Gold 3.95CT Pear-Shaped Natural Opal Necklace in 14K Solid Gold Chain. The pendant also has ca 0.46 carats of fine diamond accent. Elegant design full of flash! Ve...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$652Sale Price|25% Off
14 K Solid Yellow Gold Carved Pink or Green Tourmaline Necklace(It's not a set!)
Located in Naples, NY
It is not a set! The price is for a single pendant only! Send a message indicating which color you would like! 7.7CT 14 K Solid Yellow Gold Carved Pink Tourmaline Pendant Charm. 7...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$726Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Medallion Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : This 14K yellow gold pendant necklace presents a distinctive round medallion design illuminated by 41 natural round brilliant-cut diamonds. The carefully arranged stones crea...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Chanel Pink Chicklet Sautoir Long Necklace, 1981
By Chanel
Located in North Miami, FL
This very desirable and hard to find vintage 1981 Chanel chicklet LONG sautoir necklace has beveled pink glass stations with gold plated surround metal. It is very long and can be st...
Gold Plate
$426Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Geometric Open Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : This 14K yellow gold pendant necklace features a softly geometric open form accented by two round brilliant natural diamonds. The understated structure keeps the design clean...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 72.55 carat Kunzite, Multi Sapphire & Diamond Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Kunzite & Multi Sapphire Necklace set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Kunzite is 72.55 carats. The weight of the M...
Diamond, Kunzite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard Platinum .77TCW Diamond Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds By The Yard platinum six diamond necklace Romantic, timeless, classic. Diamonds: Brilliant full cut, approximately .77 TCW, 6 diamonds Marks: ...
Diamond, Platinum
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
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
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
$444Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Rose Gold Trio Round Diamond Circle Eternity Drop Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace is a modern take on a classic silhouette. The "Y" shape is specifically designed to elongate the neckline, making it a favorite for pairing with V-neck outfits or eveni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek Trio of Interchangeable Resin Pendant Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Bijoux Sleek trio of interchangeable resin pendant necklace c 1970s The iconic set is designed with three interchangeable large scale resin pendants The large resin pendants r...
Gilt Metal
$8,894Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Classic Round Cut Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant piece is a classic 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace. It features a continuous, flexible strand of round brilliant-cut diamonds, each meticulously held in a tradit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$135Sale Price|40% Off
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
Van Cleef & Arpels 10-motif Alhambra 18 Karat Gold Carnelian Clover Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stylish link necklace designed by Van Cleef & Arpels for the iconic Alhambra collection. The piece is crafted in 18K gold. It features ten clover motifs, each carved fr...
Gold, 18k Gold
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
18K Egyptian light solid yellow gold Scarab charm - good luck amulet - Beetle
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this unique and powerful Egyptian charm which is one of our new favourites! It is crafted in 18 karat solid yellow gold and depict a magnificent scarab, in ancient Egypt,...
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow 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
Cartier Santos de Cartier Large Chain Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Cartier necklace, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, exemplifies the maison's dedication to timeless elegance. Featuring long rectangular links with softened corners, this piece s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Thin Oval Link Chain Necklace 30 Inches
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Thin Oval Link Chain Necklace 30 Inches Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 4.49 grams Length: 30 inches Links: 5.5 x 2.7mm LTD F35002416
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Bvlgari Monete Constantine Ancient Coin Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, features a Roman bronze coin struck under Constantine I, set within a polished gold bezel. The heavy curb link chain, weighing 65.7...
18k Gold, Bronze
Vintage 18k solid gold red Coral cross pendant - Religious Catholic charm
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely 18 Karat solid yellow gold cross pendant. This beautiful pendant exist out of red coral bars coming together in the center in a solid gold cross shape. This l...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$390Sale Price|20% Off
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 French 18k Plus qu'hier et moins que demain - Authentic Augis pendant
By A. Augis
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage 1960's heart themed 18 karat white gold Authentic Augis pendant set with single cut diamonds and three rubies For sale is this "Plus qu'hier et moins que demain" love toke...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Monete Ancient Coin Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, embodies historical allure. Featuring an ancient bronze coin from Gela, Sicily, it is set flush in a smooth domed bezel and integra...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace, Malachite in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra long necklace, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, exudes elegance and individuality. Featuring one oversized clover motif, the design showcases a...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Christian Lacroix Gilt Metal Lace Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris pendant necklace features a stylized knitting lace design in gilded metal, textured throughout and topped with the iconic "CL" logo. The long gi...
Gilt Metal
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli 20 Motif Necklace 18K Yellow
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra long necklace, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, showcases timeless elegance and distinctive design. Featuring 20 lapis lazuli motifs, each fr...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Pendant & Dog Tag Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver heart tag necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped pendant reads "Please Return to Tiffany & Co. / New York / M80560" suspended on ...
Sterling Silver
French 18K Vintage Les Amoureux de Peynet pendant - Fine jewelry love gift
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely heart shape pendant crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. It features the two lovers drawn by the Parisian graphic designer Raymond Peynet. Les Amoureux was design...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Natural Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage sapphire and diamond pendant. By Tiffany & Co. In 18 karat yellow gold. Center-set with a approx. 0.61 ct. pear cut natural yellow sapphire that is surrounded b...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver & Enamel Heart Dog Tag Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver heart tag necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped pendant engraved and inlaid with Tiffany Blue enamel that reads: "Please Return to T...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Van Cleef & Arpels Georges Lenfant Taurus Vintage Zodiac Gold Necklace
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels vintage zodiac medallion, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, embodies the artistry of Georges Lenfant, renowned for the Maison's 1970s zodiac series. Modeled af...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$444Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Trio Round Diamond Circle Eternity Drop Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This necklace is a modern take on a classic silhouette. The "Y" shape is specifically designed to elongate the neckline, making it a favorite for pairing with V-neck outfits or eveni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Double Tear Drop Necklace
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 penda...
Sterling Silver
Return to Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Tag Necklace with Black Onyx Heart
Located in University Place, WA
A Return to Tiffany necklace by Tiffany & Co. in sterling silver, featuring a round link chain and a removable double heart pendant. The pendant pairs a sterling silver Return to Tiffany heart tag with a black onyx heart, joined by a spring ring so the pendant detaches and can also be worn as a charm on a bracelet or another chain. A classic Return to Tiffany silver and onyx double heart necklace from Tiffany & Co. Details Round link chain in sterling silver Removable double heart pendant, medium silver heart tag with a large black onyx heart Hearts joined by a spring ring; pendant detaches and can be worn as a charm Silver tag engraved PLEASE RETURN TO TIFFANY & CO. NEW YORK 925 Reverse marked ©Tiffany & Co. 925; chain stamped T&Co. 925 Onyx heart is unmarked, as is standard for Tiffany onyx...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Emerald Diamond Black Onyx Briolette Drop Earrings 14K Yellow Gold 4.85ct
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Gemstone Statement Earrings OGI Ltd Estate Collection Make a sophisticated statement with these striking 14K yellow gold drop earrings, featuring vivid green cabochon emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
$519Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two-Sided Cleopatra Protection Amulet Pendant
Located in Istanbul, TR
Cleopatra Coin Necklace with Emerald and Sapphire. Egyptian Queen Coin Pendant. Two-Sided Cleopatra Amulet Necklace. A striking two-sided Cleopatra amu...
Emerald, Gold, Silver
Margot de Taxco Enamel & Sterling Silver Figural Snake Choker or Collar Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Mexican sterling silver & enamel necklace. In the form of a green-scaled snake or serpent. By Margot de Taxco (Margot van Voorhies Carr). Pattern no. 5554. These coll...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx & Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 5.11 grams Pendant: 15mm Length: 16.5 inches (42cm) Retail: $...
Onyx, 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 ...
Set in 18K Gold, Multi Sapphire, Tsavorite & Diamond modern Necklace & Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphires & Tsavorite Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 81.12 carats. The Mul...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
$635Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Black and White Diamond Yin Yang Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Experience the perfect harmony of light and dark with this striking Yin Yang Pendant Necklace. Crafted in high-polish yellow gold, the circular pendant features the ancient symbol of...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. Cube Torque Sterling Silver Choker Necklace
By Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Cube Torque choker necklace. In sterling silver. Designed by Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. Suspended from a black cable choker necklace Tiffany & Co. Fully hallma...
Sterling Silver
Marina J. Draped Pearl Woven Bridal Choker with Pink Sapphires
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Lace Woven Bridal Choker by Marina J. Jewelry. This gorgeous Choker is made with multi sized luster white Pearls all hand woven together into a fine lace like design, adorne...
Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Certified 84.58 Ct Natural Amethyst Long Tennis Necklace Luxury Gift in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This striking tennis necklace showcases 84.58 carats of natural octagon cut amethyst gemstones elegantly set in 925 solid sterling silver. Featuring 85 beautifully matched 8 x 5 mm a...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Bvlgari 1970s Rock Crystal Gold Long Necklace by Carlo Weingrill
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bulgari necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, embodies elegance and contrast. Featuring a heavy curb chain interspersed with carved rock crystal beads, this piece showcases a ha...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi-Pearl and Dazzling Crystal Vintage Statement Draping Necklace and Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! A Multi-Pearl and Dazzling Crystal Vintage Statement Necklace and matching, Chandelier style Clip-on Earrings. Combining layers of Luminous Simulated Pearls with Sp...
Crystal, Pearl, Copper
Bvlgari Monete Constantine Ancient Coin Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold, features a Roman bronze coin struck under Constantine I, set within a polished gold bezel. The heavy curb link chain, weighing 65.7...
18k Gold, Bronze
Vintage Long Pearl Necklace 60-Inch Rope, 136 Large Baroque Pearls Circa 1980’s
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A substantial and exceptionally versatile vintage endless rope necklace composed of 136 large cultured freshwater pearls, dating to the 1980’s. Details * Period: 1980’s * Origin: U...
Freshwater Pearl, Pearl
Silvorra 925 Sterling Silver Multi Sapphire Heart Pendant Valentine Gift for Her
Located in New York, NY
This 1.95 carat multi sapphire pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring an arrangement of colorful round sapphires in vibrant shades. The sapphires measure approximately ...
Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
David Yurman Lexington 6.5MM 18 Karat Yellow Gold Paper Clip Chain Link Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Lexington 6.5MM 18 Karat Yellow Gold Paper Clip Chain Link Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 30.07 grams Length: 17.5 inches Clasp: Push Width: 6.5mm Note: Center ...
18k Gold, Yellow 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
Cartier Ceramic 18k White Gold Diamond Drop Necklace Suite
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
This striking Cartier suite, crafted with a captivating geometric design, features a ceramic drop necklace and matching earrings. Each piece is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds se...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold