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.
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Small 'Bean' Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver pendant necklace. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. From the 'Bean' series. Consisting of a large bean shaped pendant suspended from a th...
Sterling Silver
1.02 Carat Natural, Untreated, Pigeon Blood Ruby & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pendant made in Platinum featuring AIGS Certified 1.02 Carat of Natural Untreated, Pigeons Blood Ruby and 0.41 Carats Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sa...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18k solid gold - multi coloured stone necklace - Thin chain, Minimal design
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this spontanous multi coloured necklace. This chain is decorated with many small marquise shaped stones. these stones are no gemstones, yet they bring the perfect amount ...
Gold, 18k Gold
24K Yellow Gold Ruby Bead Necklace by Gurhan, 23.90 Carats
By Gurhan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Refined, radiant, and endlessly versatile, this 24K gold ruby bead necklace is a striking expression of artisan craftsmanship and timeless design. Measuring 36 inches in length, this...
Ruby, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White and Yellow Gold Blue and White Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This pendant necklace is a refined and highly eye-catching design, set with 0.57 carats total weight of diamonds, including 0.39 carats of white diamonds and 0.18 carats of blue diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels De Papillon Turquoise Diamond Butterfly 18K Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Van Cleef & Arpels De Papillon butterfly pendant necklace crafted in 18K gold and accented with vibrant turquoise and brilliant natural diamonds. Showcasing the maison’s celebrated n...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$6,791Sale Price|20% Off
2.25 Carat SI/H Pear Round Diamond Pendant Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite necklace is handset with 2.25 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
2.85 Carat Natural Type A Lavender Jade and Diamond Pendant Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pendant featuring a 2.85 Carat, Natural, Non-dyed Lavender Jadeite and 0.35 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Jadeite has been cherished for millennia. Its natur...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Chalcedony-Pearls ca. 12.1 - 12.3 mm 6.50 Carat Diamonds White Gold Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite 18K White Gold Necklace with Chalcedony Pearls and Diamonds: This magnificent necklace embodies timeless elegance and refined luxury. Crafted from fine 18K white gold, it ...
Chalcedony, Diamond, White Gold
$693Sale Price / item|44% Off
14K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with ruby
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gold layering necklaces. Solid 14 K Gold Zulfikar sword pendant with ruby. Shia Islamic Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib علي Zulfiqar. Zulfikar double Sword. Sword of wisdom pendant. Pe...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$30,624Sale Price / item|20% Off
Real 8.56 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Collar Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A rigid polished collar meets a full line of marquise diamonds along the front, both sides converging toward a single meeting point rather than a fixed centered pendant. At the base,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$998Sale Price|20% Off
Necklace Paperclip Chain Silver 925
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover this elegant 925/1000 silver chain, perfect for enhancing your style. Made with exceptional craftsmanship, this chain features unique paperclip links that add a modern, refi...
Silver
$599Sale Price / item|24% Off
Teddy bear pendant in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Teddy bear pendant in 14k gold. Puffed Gummy Pear Statement Necklace. Love Care Symbol Gold Pendant. Cute bear charm. Metal: 14k gold Pendant size: 21.5x11.5 Weight: 1.7 gr Pendant...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
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
Nina Zhou Ocean Life 90ctw Aquamarine, Topaz & Pink Sapphire Collar Necklace
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Crafted with light blue aquamarine and topaz, symbolizing the immense power and energy of the sea, and pink sapphire, representing lives and hope, each gemstone is uniquely shaped to...
Aquamarine, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Chain Collar Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful vintage 9ct gold collar is flat and sits beautifully. It is fastened using a simple clasp. Length: 42.5cm Widest and Slimmest Point: 12-4.5mm Weight: 18.6g
Gold
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
Appartement a Louer French Designer Extra Long Chrome and Murano Beads Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by the French atelier Appartement à louer, this striking extra-long necklace showcases bold geometry and playful elegance. Crafted from chromed metal chain, the rare piece i...
Necklace and pendant with coral 17.0 grams 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with coral - 50 cm Detailed description The necklace is 50 cm long and 1.2 mm wide. The pendant measures 4.3 cm high and 1.9 cm wide. To...
Coral, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
White Pearl Bead Necklace Grey Labradorite Gold Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Pearl and Labradorite Bead Necklace Gold Plated Silver Long Opera Strand Designer: J DAUPHIN The Pearl and Labradorite Necklace is handcrafted in gold plated silver, a long b...
Labradorite, Pearl, Gold Plate
14K Briolette Gemstone Pendant Necklace
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful vintage gemstone pendant is 14k with natural gemstones. Measurements: 1 7/16 inches Comes on an adjustable 14K over sterling silver chain that adjusts from 16 to 18 ...
14k Gold
Christian Lacroix Silver Plate Chain Necklace with Lavender Resin Heart Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Lacroix Paris pendant necklace features a silver plate long chain, complemented with a dimensional resin heart adorned with crystal rhinestones. Fabulous lave...
Silver Plate
18k gold clasp with brilliant cut diamond 2.00ct - on a pearl bead necklace
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold clasp set with brilliant cut diamond 2.00ct F/G VS/SI - on a pearl necklace - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 12 mm wide size of th...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Giant Australian Mint Green Chrysoprase 18K Yellow Gold Nugget Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handcrafted necklace, with extremely rare and pure Australian Chrysoprases in a large size up to 1 inch! This necklace features genuine high grade genuine Chrysoprases from A...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,374Sale Price / item|20% Off
4.63 Ct Diamond Pear Cut Fringe Drop Wedding Collar Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Round diamonds trace an open curve around the neckline, one side ending in a smooth vertical drop, the other in a short fringe of five pear-cut diamonds hung side by side. Each side ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
18k Fancy Yellow White Diamond Cascading Necklace 32.00ct Heart Pear Oval Shape
Located in Great Neck, NY
An extraordinary high jewelry diamond cascading necklace, masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with over 32.00 carats of brilliant diamonds, creating a dramatic, fluid silh...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
$137,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Diamond Woven Collar Necklace, 34.97 Cts, 18K White Gold, Bridal Gifts
Located in Deira, AE
A dense, multi-row diamond collar built from interlocking pear-cut stones, broken at the front by one larger accent diamond set slightly off-line. Set in 18k white gold with 34.97 ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Naimah Love Lips Statement Necklace, Ruby
By Naimah
Located in Istanbul, 34
Our pendant necklace is made with high-quality gold vermeil, ensuring it is durable and long-lasting. The heart shape design symbolizes love , making it a thoughtful gift for someone...
Zircon, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Vintage 10K Iolite Pink Topaz Tourmaline Amethyst Pendant
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful pendant is 10k white gold. It features a 4mm round cut iolite, a 4mm round cut pink tourmaline, an estimated .28 carats in round amethysts and an estimated .28 carats ...
Amethyst, Iolite, Topaz, Tourmaline, 10k Gold
$652Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Black and White Diamond Yin Yang Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Experience the perfect harmony of light and dark with this striking Yin Yang Pendant Necklace. Crafted in high-polish yellow gold, the circular pendant features the ancient symbol of...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Cartier Juste un Clou Nail Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Juste un Clou pendant necklace crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and accented with brilliant natural diamonds. Part of Cartier’s iconic Juste un Clou collection, this desi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Lace Woven Pearl Choker with Adjustable Rhodium Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic, Timeless Choker by Marina J. This piece is is made with all Seed Pearls intricately woven into a stunning Lace like design, inspired by old world and Victorian jewelry. Thi...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Collection for Donna Karan Armadillo Collar
Located in New York, NY
This khaki color of brass is one of the most desired colors and tones that Donna Karan asked Robert Lee Morris to create for many of her runway shows. This massive wide collar is lik...
Brass
2000s Dinh Van Menottes 18 Karat Gold Pearl Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stylish pearl necklace designed by Dinh Van in 2000s. It features cultured pearls. The clasp is crafted in 18K yellow gold. Created in 1976, the Menottes clasp has become a...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Necklace in Invisible Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
One heart for life .This is the new collection of "La Fleur Jewels" For this new collection .One part of profit will donate to the hospital for construction and buying the medical de...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Peridot Pendant, 25.85 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning pendant by Van Cleef & Arpels centers a monumental 25.85-carat peridot. The exceptional gemstone displays a coveted deep green hue, among the most desirable colors ...
White Diamond, Peridot, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 5 Strand Pearl Jade 14K Gold Chocker Pearl Necklace by de Groot & Gudde
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 5 Strand Pearl Jade 14K Rose Gold Chocker Pearl Necklace by de Groot & Gudde, Amsterdam 1960 Amsterdam, not London. Crafted in Amsterdam by Fa. de Groot & Gudde, th...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Jade, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Blue Agate 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra pendant, beautifully crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This refined piece features a rich blue agate motif, showcasing t...
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,606Sale Price|20% Off
18 Carat Yellow Gold, Ruby and Diamond Pendant
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover our elegant 18-carat yellow gold pendant necklace. This necklace is the perfect companion to add a touch of refinement to your outfit. A 42cm chain, a...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Necklace Fancy Diamonds
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Gemstone: White, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Green and Champagne Diamonds 20,32ct. Material: Platinum 950; Yellow Gold 750 This beautiful necklace is handcrafted in Yellow Gold and Plati...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Yel...
Van Cleef & Arpels Pink Sapphire Diamond De Papillon Two Butterfly Gold Necklace
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon Butterfly pendant, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This refined piece features a graceful butterfly motif adorned ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18k zodiac charm pendant - Virgo charm - solid yellow gold
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this vintage charm depicting Virgo, the sixth astrological sign in the zodiac. This Constellation Star Sign Pendant is associated with the birth dates between 23 August and 23 September. This 18 ct gold charm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal 17 inch long handcrafted necklace with extremely rare and fine Sleeping Beauty Turquoises. This necklace features genuine high grade Robinson Egg Blue turquoises from the sle...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
3.76 Carat Diamond Necklace Statement Jewelry 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
3.76 Carat Diamond Necklace Statement Jewelry 18K White Gold Total Diamond Weight: 3.76 carats This elegant 18K white gold diamond necklace features a refined sequence of circular ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Amethyst and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous brooch holds a bright purple amethyst stone and a crown holding pearls. A Luckenbooth is a traditional Scottish love token often given as a wedding gift. The heart repr...
Amethyst, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Gold
Padlock Customizable Paperclip Chain with Locket, 14k Yellow Gold, Love Locket
Located in Austin, TX
Paperclip chains meet personalization! This paperclip chain and charm design allows you to completely customize a look that fits YOU perfectly. The chain design has two open rings in...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Double Heart Two-Tone Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Double Heart 2-Tone Gold Diamond Pendant Necklace. Centering a Hand set 0.22 Carat RBC Diamond and surrounded by Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.47tcw. Hand cr...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 20th Century 62 inch White Topaz Sterling Chain Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Faceted white topaz fills this chain with little space between the stones. The length is wonderful. It can be wrapped around the body twice or divided into two chains. The links and ...
Topaz
Angela Caputi Pearlized Cocoa Brown Resin Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Angela Caputi resin choker necklace, made in Italy, features a multi-strand design in lovely pearlized cocoa brown with black contrast. The flat, slightly domed, oval peb...
$117,016Sale Price|20% Off
9.90 Carat Zambian Emerald 25.75 Ct SI/H Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite choker is handset with 9.90 carats Zambian emerald and 25.75 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the lat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara 14K Solid Gold Heart Ruby Pendant Necklace, Modern Design
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: This classic solitaire ruby pendant will steal your heart with its glorious purplish red splendor. Crafted in 14K Solid Gold, its design showcases a heart-sha...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 90cm Long Tigers Eye, Pearl and Gold Continuous Bead Necklace
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Vintage Tigers Eye, Freshwater Pearl and Gold Long Necklace A beautifully composed long necklace featuring richly coloured natural tiger’s eye beads displaying exceptional chatoyanc...
Pearl, Tiger's Eye, Gold
Certified Madagascar Pink Sapphire, Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional pink sapphire and diamond cluster drop pendant necklace crafted in solid 18 karat gold, centring on a GCS London certified natural Madagascar pink sapphire weighing ap...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$4,368Sale Price|20% Off
18K Rose Gold, Pink Sapphire, Diamond Pendant
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover timeless elegance embodied in our 18kt Rose Gold Pendant Necklace adorned with sparkling Pink Sapphire and glittering diamonds. The pendant features a brilliant Pink Sapphi...
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 2016 Holiday Edition Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Gold Pendant
Located in Fairfax, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra pendant from the 2016 Holiday Edition by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This refined piece features the ...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Trinity Black Cord Pendant Necklace Large Model
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Trinity black cord pendant necklace, large model, set in 18k yellow, rose and white gold.
The pendant is composed of three 3-millimetre bands, ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,592Sale Price / item|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.17ct Conch Pearl and Marquise Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This 1.17ct conch pearl and diamond pendant necklace is set with three round brilliant cut diamonds and two marquise cut diamonds, with total carat weight of 1.38ct, and included a 1...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Diamond Pave 1 Motif Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra 1 motif pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K gold. This refined piece features the Maison’s iconic cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold