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.
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
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 ...
Red Shell Pendant with Diamond and Amethyst
Located in Miami, FL
Shell pendant with natural diamonds and amethyst gemstone, set in 14k gold. Wear this pendant alone or layer it with other gold chains for a beautiful layered effect. Order includ...
Diamond, Amethyst, 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
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
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
$668Sale Price|30% 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
$770Sale Price|30% Off
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
$965 / item
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
$965 / item
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
Choker with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 20.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold necklace set with ruby and brilliant-cut diamonds total approx. 1.00ct – F/G – VS/SI – 42 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 42 cm long by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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
$966 / item
Aphrodite Goddess 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
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
Virgin Mary Necklace Multi Medal Paperclip Chain Silver Plated Blue Enamel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Multi Medal Paperclip Chain Silver Plated Blue Enamel Vintage Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage charm necklace features an assembly of mixed-material religious m...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Silver Plate, Enamel
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
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
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
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
Necklace with pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace set with pearl and brilliant cut to. 0.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - 42 cm long detailed description: the length of the necklace is 42 cm long by 1.1 mm wide The si...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k 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 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 ...
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
Modern 14K Gold Filled and 18mm Aquamarine Spheres Necklace, 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
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
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
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
Genuine Amethyst and Larimar Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Make a bold heavenly statement with this breathtaking sky blue larimar beaded necklace. Hand-knotted with methicious care and finished in dazzling 14K solid gold, it hangs with large...
Amethyst, Larimar, Apatite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,950Sale Price|25% Off
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
Green Shell Pendant with Diamond 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
Angela Caputi Italy Choker Necklace Massive Black and Orange Resin Chain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy, choker necklace features an extra-large flat resin chain design in apricot orange color with a black contrast. Her color matching is alway...
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
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
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 Giant Persian Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
An Extraordinary "Tiffany blue" Turquoise Masterpiece A regal giant 19.5 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare Turquoises with the sought after "Persian Turquoise color...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Necklace with Gold Multi-Strand Freshwater Pearls Large Mother of Pearl
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A beautifully crafted contemporary necklace composed of a finely executed torsade of lustrous white freshwater pearls, centred by a striking sculptural mother-of-pearl pendant mounte...
Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,920Sale Price|20% 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
Angela Caputi Navy Blue and White Resin Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Angela Caputi, made-in-Italy resin choker necklace features chunky carved pebble beads with a central round domed bead with crystal rhinestones spacers, and works on na...
Vintage Large Carved Jade Tiger Claw Pendant Necklace Known for Love
Located in Stamford, CT
The large carved jade claw necklace is a rich green, the color of mid summer maple leaves. It is a beautiful object that will enhance your collection. The frame is beautifully carved...
Jade, Gold-filled, Sterling Silver
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
Marina Large Pearl Pendant with Natural Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Marina Pendant features a lustrous natural freshwater pearl set with natural diamond (.06 carat) and 14k gold. Pendant fits on most chains, consider adding on a delicate chain or om...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k 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...
Coral, Diamond, 14k 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
Angela Caputi Choker Necklace Pearlized Champagne Resin Carved Beads
Located in Atlanta, GA
Angela Caputi designed this stunning, made-in-Italy beaded necklace. The choker features a single-strand shape built with large, carved resin beads in a light yellow champagne-colore...
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
Purple and Brown Shell Pendant with Diamond 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
Marina J. Woven Pearl Bridal V Necklace with 14k Gold-plated Silver Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simple, classy, stunning. This V Necklace is made with all Seed Pearls intricately woven together into a lace like design. This Necklace is a perfect piece for any formal or Bridal e...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
18k solid gold - Virgin Mary pendant - Catholic charm, our lady of Scapular
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful 18 karat solid yellow gold medal. This lovely estate pendant is representing our lady of Scapular inside of a royal detailled border. This Virgin Mary hold...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
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
Pearl necklace with diamonds up to 2.00ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold centerpiece set with a pearl, taper, and brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.00 ct – F/G – VS/IS – on a pearl necklace with a silver clasp – 40 cm long Detailed descriptio...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Freshwater Pearl and SeaShell Multi Strand Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite multi-strand freshwater pearl choker is designed to captivate. A breathtaking blend of shimmery gray, black, and smoky pink rice seed pearls creates a luminous, sophis...
Freshwater Pearl, Silver Plate
Regal Length Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal length sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Necklace. Fully consisting off genuine turquoises, delicately strung together with solid 14k gold sparkling beads, creating an elega...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist 3.66ct Natural Emerald Bezel Set Solitaire Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This solitaire pendant showcases a 3.66 carat of natural octagon emerald, set in 14K Yellow Gold. The emerald measuring approximately 10 x 8.7 mm, securely set in a sleek bezel sett...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sword Opal Pendant Necklace by J Dauphin, Vintage Silver Chain, 2018
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sword Opal Pendant Necklace Vintage Silver Chain Designer J DAUPHIN This pendant was manufactured in the United States in 2018, the chain in Bali 2008. The hardware configuration...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Bronze
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
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
Tiffany & Co. Vintage Sterling Silver Multi Strand Wire Choker Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
This vintage Tiffany and Co. sterling silver necklace is composed of thirty individual sterling silver wires joined together at a barrel clasp, creating a sculptural, multi strand ch...
Sterling Silver