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.
Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold, 0.80 Carats
By ADA Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Graceful and full of brilliance, this cluster diamond necklace is a timeless design that radiates elegance. Crafted in 14K white gold, the pendant showcases a floral-inspired cluster...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Oval Sapphire Pendant with Diamonds in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$957Sale Price / item|44% Off
Flower Pendant with sapphire in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Flower Pendant with sapphire in 14k gold. Blue sapphire cabochon pendant. Round sapphire pendant. Yellow and blue sapphire pendant. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. Size: 20 x 20 mm. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold
$238Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt & White Enamel Seashell Dangle Choker Necklace By Frederick Mosell, 1960s
By Mosell
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 15" length with additional 2" extender chain - Approx 1.5" width, including shell dangle charms - Gold p...
Estate Golden Jewish Mezuzah Pendant Judaica Charm Necklace
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Golden Jewish Mezuzah pendant Judaica Charm necklace Yellow Gold 1.3 Grams Lenth 32 mm Hight 29.5 mm Width 6.5 mm
Yellow Gold
Certified 9.93 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond Multi Strand Drop Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Certified 9.93 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond Multi Strand Drop Necklace 18k White Gold featuring two strands of diamonds and stunning teardrop-shaped center pendants. Diamonds are a unive...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ametrine Pendant Necklace by Willow Diamonds in 18K Gold
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This one-of-a-kind handmade necklace is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and features a stunning artisan-cut ametrine by Darryl Alexander. The oblong fancy cut gemstone, measuring 12 ...
18k Gold
$1,605 / item
0.27ct Natural Diamond Flower 14K Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant flower necklace, crafted from 14k gold, brings a delicate touch of luxury to any look. Adorned with natural diamonds, its sparkling petals make it the perfect statement ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Necklace and pendant with brilliant and single cut diamond up to 0.80ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with pendant set with brilliant-cut and single-cut diamonds totaling 0.80ct - F/G - VS/SI - 40 cm long detailed description: necklace is 40 cm long and 1.7 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18" Platinum Station Necklace with Tahitian Keshi Pearls & Diamonds – Reversible
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
This exquisite 18-inch necklace features seven pearl stations -Tahitian Keshi pearls, graduating in size from 5mm to 9mm, alternating with six diamond stations (0.42 total carat wei...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$52,000Sale Price|20% Off
16 Carat Natural Untreated Diamond Tennis Necklace 18 Carat White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous 16 Ct necklace will simply take your breath away! It features a 105 natural round brilliant cut diamonds.These sparkling diamonds conservatively grade as G VS1-SI1 in quality. The diamonds are set in white gold riviera or tennis style necklace...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$20,422Sale Price|20% Off
Impressive Emerald Diamond White 18K Gold Statement Necklace for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White 18K Gold Necklace With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva-based jewelry brand that creates modern jewelry masterpieces suitable for every...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Sterling Silver C Link Chain Necklace
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage C link chain necklace crafted from sterling silver manufactured in the 1990s. The necklace closes with a lobster ring. It is marked with 925 and Polish symbols for sterling...
Silver
Necklace and pendant with citrine and brilliant cut diamonds 14k and 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with 18k white gold pendant set with citrine and 0.23 ct diamond - length 45 cm detailed description: the dimensions of the pendant are 1.8 cm long by 1.7 c...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Oceana Modern Tahitian Pearl Strand Necklace by Jhana Pearl
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The Oceana Strand is a fresh take on the classic pearl necklace, featuring round 8mm pastel Tahitian pearls accented by two luminous 11mm Tahitian pearls at the base. A graceful cent...
Pearl
$158Sale Price|20% Off
Safari Themed Handmade Ceramic Beaded Necklace By Flying Colors, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 18" length - Handmade ceramic animals include lion, tiger, elephant, leopard and zebra - Screw clasp closure -...
18K Chinese Freshwater White Fancy Freeform Pearl Necklace by Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Experience the allure of timeless elegance with this Chinese Freshwater White Fancy Freeform Pearl Necklace. This exquisite piece features an array of lustrous white pearls, each uni...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
Marquise 2.62Ct Certified Diamond Choker Collar Necklace 14k White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Celebrate this festive season with a touch of pure brilliance. Our 14K gold diamond choker necklace is more than jewelry — it’s a statement of timeless elegance. Handcrafted in soli...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
18k White Gold 0.66ct Natural Diamond Graduated Circle Pendant on 9k Gold Chain
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This stunning 18k white gold circle pendant features 20 natural diamonds in a graduated design from 1.5mm to 3mm, with an estimated total diamond weight of 0.66ct. Exceptionally spa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, 9k Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Braintree, GB
An elegant Edwardian ruby and diamond pendant necklace, with a fine platinum chain and a pendant in 18KT yellow gold and platinum. The openwork pendant is set with square cut rubies ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.00 Carat Yellow Sapphire Untreated 18 Karat Gold Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in Brunswick, ME
This drop solitaire pendant necklace features an oval cut, lemon yellow natural unheated sapphire weighing 2.00 carats. (9.4mm x 6.5mm). Set in 18K Yellow Gold setting and fixed to ...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
c1981 Ultra Long 105" Vintage Chanel Flower Necklace Purple Glass Beads
By Chanel
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Chanel flower necklace crafted in yellow gold-tone (circa 1981). We haven't come across a Chanel necklace quite like this one! Measuri...
IGI Certified 2.00 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Discover the allure of this magnificent 18K White Gold Pendant, officially certified by the International Gemological Institute. This pendant, weighing 2.25 grams in total, showcases...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$43,749Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sea Pearl & 18.30 Carat Natural Diamond Lattice Choker Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A lattice-patterned pearl and diamond choker in 18K yellow gold, where diamond-outlined panels frame lustrous pearls across the collar before releasing into a fringe of pearl and dia...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Topaz Necklace 7.9 Carats 18K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 16 Pink Topazes = 7.90 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Length: 18 Inches
Topaz, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Ruby Diamond Halo Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Style: Pendant with Chain Design: Ruby Diamond Halo Necklace Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.2 Grams Pendant Measurements: 7 mm x 7 mm Chain Length:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18k White Gold Surrealist Unisex Italian Pendant Necklaces
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18k White Gold Surrealist Unisex Italian Pendant Necklaces. Dimension: 40 inches (80 cm ) long necklace. The surrealist handmade pendant necklace in 18k white gold, ...
White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Messika 18kt Pink Gold Onyx and Diamond Lucky Move Necklace, France
By Messika
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Lucky Move pink gold, diamond and onyx necklace is the perfect companion for women who are in control of their own destinies. A symbol of strength and boldness, onyx is a preciou...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$656Sale Price|25% Off
French J.P. Coutrel Silver-Plate And Sterling Silver V Necklace
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely french necklace is both sterling silver and silver-plate and is signed J.P. Coutrel. The weave of silver-plate is textural. It is from the 80's. It rests on the high poin...
Engraved Lalique Yellow Base Metal Hallmarked Frame Hanging 2 Inch Pendant Charm
By Lalique
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Engraved Lalique Yellow Base Metal Pendant Charm Hallmarked Frame Hanging 2 Inch 1.5 Inch Wide 18K gold cover on base metal 12.7 gram Signed In good co...
Base Metal
25.40 Carat SI/H Baguette Diamond Choker Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Celebrate this festive season with a touch of pure brilliance. Our 18K gold diamond choker necklace is more than jewelry — it’s a statement of timeless elegance. Handcrafted in soli...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian Pierez 18K White Gold Diamond Angel Wings Pendant Approximately 3 Carats
Located in Plantation, FL
An elegant and finely crafted Italian diamond angel wings pendant by Pierez, executed in luminous 18k white gold and set throughout with approximately 3.00 carats of natural pavé-set...
Diamond, White Gold
Angara Natural Bezel 4.2ct London Blue Topaz Solitaire Pendant in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Topaz, Gold
Diana M 14 Kt White Gold 4.00 Ct Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
14 kt white gold, 17" 4 prong diamond tennis necklace featuring 4.00 cts tw round diamonds
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Small Open Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of a 1.0 mm cable link chain suspending a heart-shaped pendant With a sinuous organic design and high polish finish Completed by spring clasp closure with logo tag Stamped ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Garnet Birthstone Heart Pendant White Enamel 14K Gold by Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
From the "Home Is Where Your Heart Is" Collection Inspired by the feeling of love, comfort, and belonging, the "Home Is Where Your Heart Is" Collection celebrates the memories, mile...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Miriam Haskell Gilt and Pearl Loop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Miriam Haskell gilt and faux pearl necklace composed of a finely woven gilt brass circle mounted on a signature gilt filigree bordered by a twisted rope of small faux pearls. Four...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
Natural Diamond Mother of Pearl Floral Pinwheel Pendant 18K Rose Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Motion is one of the hardest things to capture in a static object. This pendant does it effortlessly. Twelve trapezoidal blades of luminous white mother of pearl are arranged in a cl...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
7 Carat SI/H Natural Baguette Diamond Designer Pendant 18K Rose Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Some jewelry tells you what it is immediately. This pendant asks you to look closer. At first glance, a bold geometric disc. Then — a face. Two almond-shaped eyes cut symmetrically i...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Tourmaline Tsavorite Pendant with Chain 750 Rose Gold Bubble round Gemstone
Located in Viena, Viena
sweet bubble necklace with 9 mm large green tourmaline in fine colour quality approx. 3.02 ct, solid modern crab setting with long double crabs, pendant eyelet set with four poison g...
Tsavorite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.05 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace in 14k White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A stylish pendant necklace showcasing a row of blue sapphire alternating diamonds, set in an open-work, circular design. 7 oval shape sapphires weigh 2.05 and 7 brilliant-cut diamond...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Angela Cummings Large Scribble Brooch – Sterling Silver, Circa 1987
Located in North Miami, FL
Angela Cummings Large Scribble Brooch – Sterling Silver, Circa 1987 This authentic Angela Cummings large Scribble brooch exemplifies the bold creativity of one of the most celebrate...
Diana M. 14 kt white gold, 16" diamond tennis necklace featuring 3.00 cts tw
Located in New York, NY
14 kt white gold, 16" diamond tennis necklace featuring 3.00 cts tw diamonds FG SI Diana M. is a leading supplier of top-quality fine jewelry for over 35 years. Diana M is one-stop s...
Diamond, White Gold
Lavender Jade Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A custom designed 14K yellow gold pendant centered around an oval, double cabochon lavender jade. The jade has been certified by the Gemological Institute of America, in report numbe...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,176Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Long Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace Long Pave Diamond 0.49 Carats
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Cross Pendant with Round Cut Real Natural Diamond in 14K solid gold. Available in three colors of gold:- White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, thes...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Masked Medusa Enhancer
Located in Cohasset, MA
18K gold hand carved masked medusa pendant 28mm round
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Sapphire Diamond 18K Drop Necklace 2 Carats
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This necklace is made in 18K White Gold and features 2 beautiful Blue Sapphires. The style is modern yet bears a vintage drop necklace style. The...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold 2.30 ct Diamonds By The Yard Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18k white gold 2.30 ct diamonds by the yard necklace, 18" Diana M. is a leading supplier of top-quality fine jewelry for over 35 years. Diana M is one-stop shop for all your jewelry ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Signed Peter Von Post Swedish Silver Flower (Twinflower) Pendant Necklace
By Peter Von Post
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Scandinavian Modernist pendant necklace. In Swedish sterling silver. By Peter Van Post. In the form of a flower (possibly a Swedish twinflower or orchid) together with a si...
Silver
Lovely Aquamarine Pendant w Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14k Gold Oval 6x4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This beautiful pendant features a 0.4 carat oval aquamarine gemstone with a natural earth mined diamond set in solid 14K gold. This pendant can be a lovely March birthstone gift for ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Spanish Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Cross with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This wonderful cross is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, known for its lustrous and rich appearance. This high-quality gold is often used in fine jewelry due to its durability and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vivid Diamonds 14.60 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite diamond tennis necklace is crafted in yellow gold, showcasing 120 stunning round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 14.60 carats total, F-G color, VS clarity. Each diamond was...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified AAAA Grade Japan Amami Mabe Pearl Pendant with 18K Gold and Diamond
Located in Kowloon, HK
Experience the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship with this exquisite mabe pearl pendant from Amami island. The iridescent color of the pearl creates a stunning display of hues, while ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Pennino Art Deco Flower Baguette and Link Choker Necklace Circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Pennino Flower Baguette and Link Art Deco Choker Necklace Circa 1960s. Pennino made some of the most realistic, fine-looking jewelry of the time, and when you can find one i...
Mixed Metal
ARAYIAN Modern 2.87 Carat Ruby Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A statement of color and craftsmanship, this hexagon pendant is crafted in 18K white gold and set with 2.87 carats of vivid rubies, complemented with diamonds for just the right touc...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Natural Emerald Bar Necklace Medium Green Baguette Cut Emerald Set East
Located in Jupiter, FL
This stunning 14k gold bar necklace showcases four exquisite baguette-cut natural emeralds, boasting a medium green hue, semi-transparent clarity, and captivating luster, totaling 0....
Emerald, 14k Gold
$102,374Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold 30.33ct Natural Diamond Riviera Necklace, Holiday Party Gift Set
Located in Deira, AE
Pear-shaped natural diamonds run the full length of this necklace, set alternately in white and yellow gold prongs for a warm-and-cool two-tone effect. Total diamond weight reaches 3...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Fancy Link Station Italian Chain
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold fancy link chain consists of elongated bisected oval links, sandwiched between sections of box link chain. The shape adds texture and reflects the light, making for a v...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver & 18k Gold Metro Diamond Choker Necklace 15"
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
David Yurman Sterling Silver & 18k Gold Metro Diamond Choker Necklace 15" Designer: David Yurman Style: David Yurman Metro Diamond Choker Necklace Material: Sterling Silver Cable B...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
0.87 Carat Natural Diamond Chain Pendant Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning Pendant Necklace featuring 0.87 Carats Diamond set in 18 Karat Pink Gold. Diamonds have been adorned and cherished throughout human history and date back to thousands of y...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold