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.
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
$483Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
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
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
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Twisted Necklace - Solid Gold Chain, 16.93 Inches
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely 18 karat solid yellow gold necklace with a mesmerising twisted pattern. This elegant necklace is hallmarked with a makers mark and a 750 mark. We adore this l...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
26795 Tiffany & Co Peretti 18k Yellow Gold 0.30ct Diamond By The Yard Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
18k yellow gold necklace weighs 2 grams 3 round diamonds, total weight 0.30ct Diamonds are F color VS1 clarity Bezel measures 3.8mm wide Necklace is 16.5" long Stamped "Tiffany & Co. 750 (c) Peretti" Current retail price $3,700 + TAX Comes with Tiffany jewelry box...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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
$704Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold 7.5 Carat Natural Round Cut Turquoise Chain Necklace, 18 Inches
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Turquoise Necklace in 18K Gold studded with round cut topaz pieces and diamonds. Accessorize your look with this elegant blue topaz chain necklace. This stunning piece of jewelry ins...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9.15 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 17"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover Unparalleled Value: Introducing Our Latest Collection of Exquisite Natural Diamond Tennis Necklaces. Boasting 9.15 cts, averaging G-H,VS CLEAN clarity, on a 17-inch chain. 2...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
FACTORY-DIRECT PRICING, 7.01 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 22"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
EXQUISITE, 7.01 carat natural diamond tennis necklace boasting an average G,H-VS clarity and exceptional brilliance. Crafted from 24.44 grams of solid 14k yellow gold, this stunning ...
Diamond, 14k 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
FLASH SALE, 8.35 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 16"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 8.35 carat natural diamond tennis necklace crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This classic piece features round brilliant-cut white diamonds, meticulously set in a tim...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 3 Carat Diamond Bamboo Link Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Exuding the timeless elegance of the legendary French maison, this exquisite Cartier bamboo necklace is a masterclass in organic luxury design. Crafted from lustrous 18k yellow gold,...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Chanel Rare Coco Mademoiselle Campaign Necklace 2011 Keira Knightley Collectors
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible Chanel necklace created for the iconic “Coco Mademoiselle” 2011 advertising campaign featuring Keira Knightley, directed by Joe Wright an...
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
Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver & Enamel Dog Tag or Heart 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 Tiffa...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Toggle Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A timeless icon from Tiffany & Co., this sterling silver Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Toggle Necklace embodies the effortless elegance that has made the collection a jewelry class...
Sterling Silver
VIP SPECIAL SALE, 20.55 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 20"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 20.55 carat natural diamond tennis necklace crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This classic piece features round brilliant-cut white diamonds, meticulously set in a tim...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$450Sale Price|40% Off
Charm Necklace Silver Multi Chain Brass David Star Clover Coin Snake Cross
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi Chain Statement Necklace David Star Clover Snake Coin Solid Sterling Silver with Gold Plated & Brass details Vintage 2008 Made in Bali Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage m...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
$1,475Sale Price|56% Off
Yves Saint Laurent Rare Crystal Rock Gilt Metal Necklace by Goossens c 1983
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent Rare crystal rock gilt metal chain necklace designed by Robert Goossens The chunky hammered link crystal rock chain necklace is designed...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Vintage 14K Gold Squared Wheat Chain
Located in Venice, CA
We love the link of this vintage 14k gold chain, which is a variation of a wheat chain that is squared off. It is a link you don’t see that often and that is labor intensive to make....
14k Gold
$1,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.67 Carat Octagon Emerald Solitaire Chain Necklace in Bezel-Set 14k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this Octagon Emerald Solitaire Chain Necklace in Bezel-Set 14k Yellow Gold, showcasing a striking emerald-cut Zambian emerald in a sleek bezel setting. The vi...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paperclip Chain 4.2mm Necklace 20 inches, 14K Yellow Gold, Paper Clip Link
Located in Austin, TX
Paperclip chains are a classy new clean-line look! They are stylish, modern, and complement any outfit! This 4.2 millimeter wide paperclip chain necklace is a great width for a state...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,760Sale Price|20% Off
ELEGANT, 41.05 Carat Natural Diamond Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold 18"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning 41.05 carat natural diamond tennis necklace crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This classic piece features round brilliant-cut white diamonds, meticulously set in a tim...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.00 Carats D Flawless Heart Diamonds Station Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This elegant station necklace features a GIA Certified 2.00 carat Heart Shape diamond, graded D color and Flawless clarity, set in a refined bezel setting that highlights its brillia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$25,374Sale Price / item|20% Off
12.81 Carat Natural Round Diamond Graduating Riviera Necklace 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A Riviera necklace is the purest test of a diamond cutter's and jeweler's craft — no color, no design complexity, no gemstone variety to draw the eye away from the stones themselves....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large lustrous Keishi Pearl Station Necklace 50"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
15pc of large and lustrous white Japanese Keishi Pearl appx 16-17mm on White gold plated sterling silver chain 50 Inch Station Necklace. Each pearl is u...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Hummingbird Pendant with Rubies, Bird Pendant with Colored Gemstones!
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k Gold Hummingbird Pendant with Rubies. Bird Pendant with colored gemstones. 14k solid gold Weight: 1.2 g. Size: 12x16.6mm Set with ruby, colo...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
PRICED WHOLESALE , 11.60 cts Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace 14K Yellow 20"
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
EXQUISITE 11.60 cts Natural Diamonds Tennis Necklace. Average G,H-VS clarity, boasting a flawless shine. Crafted from 27.30 grams of solid 14k yellow gold, measuring 3.1 mm in width ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Gold 16.25” Snake Chain
Located in Venice, CA
This vintage snake chain is super fluid, allowing charms to move up and down it easily. Sleek and slinky, it also looks great alone as a clean, simple line. A great useful staple for...
14k Gold
Statement Taj Crystal Necklace
Located in Hoffman Estates, IL
A stunning statement piece with intricate details. Embellished with cubic zircon, red, black and faux amethyst crystals. Only 1 available. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view ...
Crystal, Zircon, Base Metal, Brass
John Hardy Sterling Silver Box Chain Necklace, 6MM
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed box chain necklace. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. With a 6 mm diameter. Simply a wonderful John Hardy box chain necklace! ...
Sterling Silver
$42,240Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Paris 18K Yellow Gold 32 Inches, Georges L'enfant Makers Mark, Chain
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant in its simplicity and exceptional in its provenance, this Cartier Paris chain necklace is a beautiful example of understated French luxury. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Hallmarked Sterling Silver and Lapis Lazuli Sculptural Necklace, 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This sculptural and fabulous hallmarked vintage sterling silver and lapis lazuli reticulated necklace is quite stunning on. It has a modernist look. This lays well on the neck. Pleas...
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Sterling Green Amethyst Chrome Diopside Necklace 17.5 to 18.5 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful necklace is sterling silver. It features an estimated 18 carats in green amethyst and 2.8 carats in chrome diopside. It is adjustable from 17.5 to 18.5 inches. Marks...
Sterling Silver
Modern 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Convict Mesh Chain
Located in Poitiers, FR
Chain in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Chain type: round chain link. Dimensions: Length : 56.5 cm approximately. Width : 2.9 mm approximately. Clasp : spring ring. Weigh...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 10K Gold Bismark Chain Necklace
Located in Venice, CA
The Bismark chain dates back to 19th century Germany and consists of flat, woven, interlocking links braided together to form a fluid and versatile chain. This older design has a tim...
10k Gold
Hermès 18K Yellow Gold Chaine D'ancre Extra Large Link Chain Necklace
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally rare and highly sought-after, this Hermès Chaine d'Ancre necklace is a remarkable interpretation of one of the maison's most iconic motifs. Crafted in solid 18K yellow ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Peridot Y Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
Delicate and feminine, this 14 karat yellow gold Y-necklace showcases peridot gemstones in an elegant floral-inspired design. At the center rests a faceted round peridot measuring ap...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Georges L'Enfant France 1960's 18K Gold Vintage Mesh Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as matte woven meshed wheat chain link collar With raised high polish links and edges Completed by concealed press release closure Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$483Sale Price|30% Off
Sword Necklace Opal Cross Coin Pendant Vintage Sterling Silver Bronze 2000's
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sword Necklace Opal Cross Coin Pendant Vintage Sterling Silver Bronze 2008 Designer J DAUPHIN This pendant was manufactured in the United States in 20...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Bronze
$295Sale Price|20% Off
Mixed Metal Modernist Snake Chain Choker Necklace By Givenchy, 1970s
By Givenchy
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 15" length - 2.5" x 1" mixed metal focal area - Snake chain - Clasp closure - By Givenchy (signed on verso) - Dated 1977 - Estate acquired - Good vintage con...
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cuban Chain Necklace
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold 1.5mm cuban link necklace. Length is 20 inches with spring clasp. Finished weight is 4.8 grams.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$375Sale Price|25% Off
Silver Medal Necklace Vintage Chalice Cup Rosario White Beads J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver Medal Necklace Vintage Chalice Cup Rosario White Beads Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage necklace measures 21 inches in length and features an antique French silver medal sus...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
Cartier Hercules Knot Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Steel Tubogas Oval Citrine
By Cartier
Located in Monaco, MC
Cartier Hercules Knot bi-color necklace in 18K yellow gold and polished stainless steel, set with an oval citrine at the center of the iconic knot motif. The tubogas construction — C...
Citrine, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rossella Ugolini Modern Emerald Man Necklace Crafted in Italy 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Rome, IT
Discover the embodiment of timeless elegance in the Rossella Ugolini Emerald Necklace, a masterpiece crafted in Italy with the modern man in mind. This necklace transcends traditiona...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Chain Necklace Charm David Star Crescent Moon Cross Tiger Eyes Spinel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charm Necklace David Star Crescent Moon Cross Tiger Eyes Spinel Multi Chain Vintage 2008 Vintage Archive J DAUPHIN This vintage multi-strand statement necklace is crafted from sol...
Spinel, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass
18kt White Gold Multi-Motif Necklace, Florere by Renu Oberoi
Located in Mumbai, IN
Handcrafted in 18kt gold, fine jewellery piece accented with pavé-set natural diamonds. Available in yellow, rose, and white gold. Inspired by nature in bloom, Florere celebrates ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k yellow gold necklace with coral links – 31.7 grams – 70 cm long
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with coral links – 31.7 grams – 70 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 70 cm long and 4.8 mm wide Total weight: 31.7 grams Set with: - 24 x 1.1...
Coral, 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 a dog tag chain. Simply a wonderful piece from the classic Return to Tiffany line...
Sterling Silver
$16,449Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Graduated 7.49 Ct Natural Diamond Riviera Necklace Bridal Gift
Located in Deira, AE
A classic graduated line of round brilliant diamonds runs the full length of this 18K white gold necklace, growing from small link-set stones at the back to a bold cluster at center ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Gemstone SI/H Diamond Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEN-52952 Gross Wt. :- 30.39 gm 18k White Gold Wt. :- 19.67 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 14.67 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Blue Sapphire...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18kt White Gold Multi-Motif Necklace, Avia Collection by Renu Oberoi
Located in Mumbai, IN
Handcrafted in 18kt gold, fine jewellery piece accented with pavé-set natural diamonds and finished with diamond-cut gold for a refined play of light. Available in yellow, rose, and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 17-Inch Peacock Pearl and CZ Necklace
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful necklace is 14k white gold. It features 5 round 5mm peacock pearls and 5 round cut 4mm cubic zirconia stones. Measurements: 17 in...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$798Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Gilded Heart Chain Link Statement Necklace/Belt By Edouard Rambaud, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Extremely rare, hard-to-find style - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - 36" total length, can be adjusted down using clasp along chain length - Go...
Mid-Century Signed Margot de Taxco Modernist Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mexican modernist necklace. By Margot de Taxco. In sterling silver. With bead-set lozenge shaped links supporting a conforming pendant (that also converts to a brooch). Mo...
Sterling Silver
Charles Krypell Sterling Silver Link Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A bold and substantial vintage Charles Krypell sterling silver link chain necklace, crafted in the designer’s signature modernist aesthetic. Composed of polished oversized oval links...
Sterling Silver
Pomellato Chain Link 18k White & Yellow Gold Necklace
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Pomellato Chain Link Yellow Gold Necklace. Crafted in radiant 18kt yellow gold, this necklace exemplifies Pomellato's avant-garde design and exquisite craftsmanship. The chain's sun-...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold