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.
Pink Shell Pendant with Natural Diamonds and Green Tsavorite
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and green tsavorite garnet gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. ...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 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
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
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
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
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
Angela Caputi Pearlized White and Black Resin Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Handcrafted in Italy, this beautiful Angela Caputi resin necklace features a pearlized white tone with black contrast. The rare choker features chunky, domed pebbles in a pearl-imita...
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
Bold Carnelian Bead Necklace with 22K Gold Plated Accents, 1980s Style, New
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a single strand carnelian bold necklace. We created it with 19mm smooth carnelian round beads. It has accents of 22K gold plated 15mm textured square and 18mm patterned round...
Carnelian, Gold Plate, 22k Gold
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
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
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
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
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Red Cinnabar Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in red cinnabar color with white swirling and a black contrast. Her color ...
Marina J. 4 Tier Draped Pearl Choker with 18k Plated Yellow Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Bridal Choker by Marina J. Jewelry. This piece is inspired by old world royal Victorian jewelry. A Stunning Pearl woven choker accented by Faceted 18k Yellow Gold Plated sil...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, 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 ...
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
Set in 18K white Gold, Aquamarines, Emeralds & Yellow Diamonds Link Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarines & Emeralds Necklace set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Aquamarines is 142.71 carats. The wei...
Aquamarine, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Philippe Ferrandis 24K Gold-Plated Rose Quartz Butterfly Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
An elegant tribute to the designer's roots, this exquisite necklace evokes the soft landscapes of his ancestors, where delicate spring butterflies symbolize renewal, beauty, and tran...
24k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Coin Necklace Clover Cuba Star Silver Brass Unisex J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coin Necklace Clover Cuba Star Sterling Silver Brass Details Unisex J Dauphin Handcrafted This vintage chain necklace is crafted from solid silver and was handcrafted in Bali in 20...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
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
Virgin Mary Necklace Vintage Medal Paperclip Chain Blue Enamel Silver Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Vintage Medal Paperclip Chain Blue Enamel Silver Plated Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage charm necklace features an assembly of mixed-material religious medals ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Silver Plate, Enamel
Necklace with coral - 18k gold - 50.8 grams - 42 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with various coral pieces - 50.8 grams - 42 cm Detailed description The necklace is 42 cm long and 1.0 cm wide. The centerpiece measures 2.0 cm and 1.8 cm...
Coral, 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
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
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-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
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
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
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
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
Choker with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace set with sapphire totaling approx. 3.20ct and brilliant-cut diamond 1.00ct - F/G - VS/SI – 42 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 42 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k 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 ...
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
Gold Open Cuff Celestial Starburst Medallion Blue Enamel Torque Collar
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Open Cuff Celestial Starburst Medallion Blue Enamel Torque Collar Designer J DAUPHIN The Celestial Torque Collar is a rigid open-neck cuff handcrafted in 14k gold-plated brass, ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Angela Caputi Multi-Strand Resin Choker Necklace Black, Faux-Marble and Rootbeer
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding resin choker-beaded necklace, designed by Angela Caputi and made in Italy. The multi-strand piece features a three-color contrast; each square pebble bead is carved, d...
CARL BUCHERER necklace with ruby and brilliant cut diamond up to 2.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
CARL BUCHERER - 18k yellow gold necklace with a ruby totaling 3.00ct and brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 2.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - 40 cm long detailed description: necklace is 40 cm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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
14KT Rose Gold Diamond Pave Seashell Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Capture the serene beauty of the ocean with this exquisite Seashell Pendant Necklace. The design features a beautifully sculpted conch-style shell, meticulously crafted in high-polis...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose 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
Tiffany & Co. Legacy Aquamarine Diamond 18K White Gold Lariat Drop Necklace
Located in University Place, WA
A gorgeous aquamarine and diamond drop necklace from Tiffany & Co., crafted in 18k white gold. The pendant pairs a bezel-set square aquamarine with a graceful pear-shaped aquamarine ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Malachite Bead Choker Necklace 16" Gemstone & Gold Beads
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday elegance with this handcrafted 14K Yellow Gold Malachite Bead Necklace. Featuring a delicate 16-inch choker length strung with lustrous 3mm natural malachite be...
Malachite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Mesh Tie Scarf 41.5" Large Sterling Silver Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
An iconic Elsa Peretti design for Tiffany & Co., this sterling silver mesh scarf is celebrated for its fluid, sculptural form and exceptional craftsmanship. The finely woven mes...
Sterling Silver
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
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
Modern 14K Gold Filled Necklace with Aquamarine Spheres, 16.5 Inches
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a smart modern style 14K gold filled necklace with aquamarine. We created it with 18-19mm semi-translucent smooth aquamarine spheres and 6mm 14K gold filled beads. It is comp...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
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
Natural Ruby Bead & 14K Yellow Gold Choker Necklace 16 Inch Gemstone Statement
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this elegant Natural Ruby Bead Choker Necklace, beautifully crafted with vibrant 4mm natural ruby beads accented by polished 4mm 14K yellow gold ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k 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
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
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
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Oval Link Chain Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Oval Link Chain Necklace Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 66.18 grams Retail: $19,500 USD Links: 14-15mm Length: 17 inches SNTD F35002334
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Lightning Ridge Opal Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling layered Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted , finished with Paraiba Tourmaline and 14K gold sparkling diamonds. All stones are hand ca...
Diamond, Opal, Paraiba, 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
8.65 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 8.65 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 16-inch chain. 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Graduated 16" Beaded Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver beaded necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Comprising 54 graduated silver beads strung on a chain necklace. Together with its original...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Panthère Pendant Necklace, 1981 — 148g & Diamond-Set, box and papers
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Panthère Pendant Necklace Cartier, Paris, 1981 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond · Signed and Numbered · Cartier Service Papers and Original Presentation Box · 148 Grams Total...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Certified Tennyo Akoya Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace, 8-8.5mm
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold