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.
$1,132Sale Price|20% Off
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
Dramatic Crystal Encrusted Articulated Alligator Choker Necklace 21st c
Located in University City, MO
Dramatic bold crystal encrusted articulated alligator choker necklace 21st c The unique statement necklace is embellished with rows glittering pink & green brilliant crystals ...
Gilt Metal
$764Sale Price|20% Off
Fluted Sleeping Beauty Necklace in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious but perfect for everyday wear! Amazing Sleeping Beauty Turquoise always catches the eye! Necklace total length 18 inches. Simple and elegant, see the pictures and video f...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,084Sale Price|20% Off
14k Solid Yellow Gold Carved Green, Pink, Yellow Tourmaline Leaf Charm Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious 14K Solid Yellow Gold Carved green, pink, and yellow tourmaline necklace! This necklace can be worn in many ways. The pendants are removable so that you can wear a differ...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
LANVIN Paris Mod Sleek Interchangeable Resin Pendant Choker Necklace c 1970s
By Lanvin Paris
Located in University City, MO
LANVIN Paris Sleek mod 1970s interchangeable resin pendant choker necklace in Lanvin presentation box The three large rectangular resin pendants range from jade green, smoky carnelian & glossy jet black The resin pendants are mounted into a gilt metal frame suspended from a slinky gold plated snake chain The bold Lanvin interchangeable...
Gilt Metal
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 ...
Leto Lama 2.24 Cts Zambia Emerald Cushion Cut Necklace 18 Ct Gold
Located in London, GB
A luminous emerald pendant, crafted to celebrate the timeless allure of green. Available with a standard basic link chain of 1 mm in 18 Ct Yellow Gold 16 Inches. . This is handmade...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
$913Sale Price / item|55% Off
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
18k Solid Yellow Gold 7.37CT Natural Heart Shape Opal 0.24CT Diamond Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Lovely 18k Solid Yellow Gold 7.37CT Natural Love Heart Shape Opal 0.24CT Diamond Necklace! Breathtaking! Spectacular 18k Solid Yellow Gold pendant featuring 7.37 carats gem Opal in...
Diamond, Opal, 14k 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
24K Hammered Vertigo Link Necklace by Gurhan
By Gurhan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Refined with a subtle touch of brilliance, this 24K gold hammered Vertigo necklace captures the essence of Gurhan’s signature craftsmanship and timeless design. The single strand fea...
24k Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold 7.23CT Natural Opal 0.4CT Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Naples, NY
Oh my! This necklace is gorgeous! Spectacular 14k solid yellow gold pendant featuring a 7.23 carat gem-quality opal in a classy pear shape. The pendant also has a 0.4-carat fine d...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace, 45cm Long, 12g, Excellent Condition
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: necklace is 45 cm long and 1.7 mm wide total weight: 12.0 grams hallmark present and tested for gold content necklace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
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
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
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
Vintage Augis 18k Gold Guardian Angel Medal Charm 16mm Signed French Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
A charming vintage French guardian angel medal crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold by the prestigious jeweler Alphonse Augis. This delicate pendant features a beautifully detailed ...
Gold, 18k Gold
$595Sale Price / item|55% Off
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
Sterling Silver Multi Gemstone Enhancer Pendant Hinged Pendant
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous enhancer style pendant is sterling silver. It features 4mm and 6mm round citrines, a 5x7mm oval garnet, a 3mm round peridot, 6x6mm trillion and 3mm round blue topaz, 5x...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Cartier Panther Panthere Yellow Gold & Silverium Emerald Pendant Pearl Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A stunning example of Cartier’s iconic artistry circa late 20th century, this 18 karat yellow gold Panthère necklace features five lustrous strands of pearls, elegantly secured by a ...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso 925 Sterling Silver Strand Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
A Tiffany & Co. necklace from the Paloma Picasso collection, crafted in sterling silver with cultured freshwater pearls. It features an 18-inch strand design with soft peach-tone...
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 3.00 Carat F/VS1 Cushion Diamond East-West Bezel Necklace 18K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant necklace features a GIA Certified 3.00 carat Cushion Cut diamond, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and softly rounded geometry. Th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Heart Shape Yellow Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold Prong Set
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This solitaire pendant necklace featuring a 1 carat heart-shaped yellow diamond, set in 18K yellow gold. The diamond measures approximately 6.3 x 5.2 mm and secured in a classic pron...
Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Emerald Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A rare celebration of color and craftsmanship, this extraordinary necklace showcases a luminous Paraiba tourmaline — one of the world’s most coveted gemstones — radiating its unmista...
Diamond, Turquoise, Emerald, Paraiba, White Gold, 14k Gold
$36,300Sale Price|25% Off
38.00 Carat Multicolored Sapphire & Diamond Drop Unique Necklace, 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This unique 14K white gold fringe necklace features 38.00 carats of vibrant, multicolored sapphire drops and 6.11 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds. The sapphires are cut as faceted b...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Necklace of pearl 18k gold claps with brilliant cut diamond up to 2.20ct 46.8 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp with white gold intermediate pieces set with brilliant cut diamonds total 2.20ct - F - VS - on a pearl necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: The total le...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2.00 Carat F/VS1 Pear Diamond East-West Bezel Necklace 18K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant necklace features a GIA Certified 2.00 carat Pear Shape diamond, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and graceful silhouette. The dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$75,040Sale Price|20% Off
29.94 CT Ruby & Diamond Link Necklace Intense Statement Jewelry, 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 18K white gold necklace showcases 29.94 carats of richly saturated red rubies, each cut in a round shape and fastened in a four-prong setting. A halo of brilliant-cut di...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern 1mm 14K Yellow Gold Cable Chain Necklace, 18 Inches, Unisex
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This yellow gold cable chain features a refined 1mm profile and a secure lobster clasp. Measuring 18 inches in length and weighing approximately 1.2 grams of gold, it offers a delica...
Yellow Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
7.12 Carat Ruby and Diamond Necklace Graceful Modern Jewelry, 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning 18K white gold necklace features 7.12 carats of vivid rubies, each set in elegant oval cuts and accented by a delicate arrangement of brilliant and marquise-cut diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
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
$429Sale Price|20% Off
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
Francoise Montague Gold and Crystal Memory Wire Choker Necklace, New
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Memory wire necklace that stretches to fit any neck size. Lays perfectly and is chic and subtle! By Francoise Montague. 5" across & 16" around. Stretches as necessary. Francoi...
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
9.0-9.5mm South Sea Multi-Color Pearl Necklace Elegant Jewelry, 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 18K white gold necklace features a captivating arrangement of South Sea pearls in white, golden, and black hues, measuring approximately 9.0–9.5mm each, gracefully suspe...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chanel, Diamond and Pearl 'Comete' Necklace and Bracelet set in 18K White Gold
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel, Diamond and Pearl 'Comete' Necklace and Bracelet set in 18K White Gold Designed as a constellation, set with cultured pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18 carat w...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Goossens Paris Emerald Green Rock Crystal Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Emerald green rock crystal necklace set in 24k plated brass from Goossens Paris. A timeless theme that sees its colors change with the seasons. Each rock crystal stone is hand-dyed...
Rock Crystal, Emerald
18K Yellow Gold Chakra Necklace by Syna Jewels with bezel set 7mm Labradorite
By Syna Jewels
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This 18K yellow gold Chakra necklace by Syna Jewels is a stunning expression of elegance and mindful design. Featuring bezel-set 7mm labradorite discs, each stone showcases unique fl...
Labradorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace with turquoise beads and 18k gold 92.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold clasp with turquoise beads necklace with gold spacers - 40 cm Detailed description The necklace consists of 6 rows of turquoise beads, each with gold spacers. Three by th...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Gold Necklace with Green Nephrite Pendant
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Enhance your collection with this striking vintage 18K yellow gold necklace, from 1970's. Featuring a Bottle shape green nephrite jade pendant, this modern piece is a creation by Els...
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with Coral and brilliant cut diamonds 14k gold 15.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14 kt yellow gold necklace with pendant set with Corallium Rubrum and brilliant cut diamond, total approx. 0.25 ct F/G VS/SI - 60 cm detailed description the pendant is 4.3 cm hig...
Diamond, Coral, 14k Gold
$46,800Sale Price|20% Off
18.67 Carat Emerald and Diamond Link Necklace, 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 14K yellow gold necklace showcases 18.67 carats of vivid green oval cut emeralds, each framed by a halo of brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 9.36 carats. Each of the twent...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$385Sale 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
Cartier D'Amour Mini Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier D'Amour Mini Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 2.17 grams Diamond: 0.04 CT E VVS round natural diamond Diameter: 3.79mm Length: 16.5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$775Sale Price / item|40% Off
14K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with moissanites
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gold layering necklaces. Solid 14 K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with moissanites. Shia Islamic Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib علي Zulfiqar. Zulfikar double Sword. Sword of wisdom pend...
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,625Sale Price|25% Off
3.76 Carat Diamond Necklace Statement Jewelry, 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 18K white gold diamond necklace features a refined sequence of circular motifs, intricately designed with a total of 3.76 carats of diamonds. Each open circle showcases ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Aquamarine pendant, 25 carats, 18k basket setting
Located in Cohasset, MA
Emerald cut 18k Aquamarine 25 carat pendant. 18k basket setting with jumping.
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Natural Pink Opal Diamond LOVE Heart Necklace in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious Pink Opal Necklace is ready to wear! This pendant charm has a naturally carved pink opal heart in the middle that is surrounded by small diamonds! Absolutely simple and st...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18 Karat Gold 6.00 Carat Amethyst Diamond Chain Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a modern pendant with a chain crafted in 18K white gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 1 amethyst, cushion cut, 6.00ct, P 5/4, VVS - 1 diamond, round brilliant cut, 0.01...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Genuine Emerald and Pink Topaz 14K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite octagon-shaped pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. At its heart shines a radiant emerald-cut pink topaz, ce...
Emerald, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra 1 Motif Diamond 18K White Gold Long Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Magic Alhambra long necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This refined piece features a single iconic clover motif acce...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef Arpels Sweet Heart Alhambra Necklace Genuine VCA 18k Shell Pendant
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Van Cleef and Arpels Necklace Alhambra Collection Pendant. Sweet Heart 18k Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl. Condition: Excellent condition. Details: 9mm x 8mm pendant 2.9g...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Formal Blue Topaz Heart Necklace 18 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful necklace is sterling silver. Each of the genuine London blue heart cut topaz stones weighs 1 carat for a total of 5 carats. There are 17 round cut 3.5mm white zircons that accent the chain throughout. It measures 18 inches...
Topaz, Sterling Silver
Return to Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 34" Chain Necklace with Heart Dog Tag
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver pendant necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. The heart shaped tag reads "Please Return to Tiffany & Co. / New York / N72464". With a lobster clasp ...
Sterling Silver
Marina J. Pearl Woven Bridal Choker with Adjustable Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Choker by Marina J. This piece is made with all Pearls & Seed Pearls woven together into a tight Column like design. A stunning and regal piece. This Choker is woven wit...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$542Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Whiting & Davis Gold-Tone Mesh Triangle Scarf Necklace, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a signed Whiting & Davis Chainmail Scarf Necklace. It is a 70s disco fever 18 x 9 x 9 inch gold-tone mesh triangle scarf necklace with black trim. It has a hook clasp wi...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 'Bean' Sterling Silver 18-Inch Choker Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver choker necklace. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. From the 'Bean' series. Consisting of a large bean shaped pendant on a silver wire wit...
Sterling Silver
18K Rose Gold Hermes Diamond Constance Necklace / Beautiful / Pre - Loved
By Hermès
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant necklace features a finely crafted 18K rose gold chain suspending a charming Hermes Constance handbag-shaped pendant, inspired by iconic luxury design. The petite purse ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Light Purple Shell Pendant with Diamond 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