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.
Diana M. 14K White Gold 12.00Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
14kt white gold diamond tennis necklace weighing 12.00cts tw in a four prong setting, 18 inches Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, offering a curat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,400Sale Price|26% Off
Diamond and Sky Blue Pear Topaz Pendant 18k White Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Diamond and Sky Blue Pear Topaz Pendant Total Carat Weight of Diamonds 0.50 carat F/G Color VS Clarity Sky Blue Topaz Pear measures 36.0 x 17.0mm Set ...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.36ct Full-Cut & 2.67ct Pear Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pear Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Station Necklace is crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, showcasing a stunning mix of full-cut diamonds and pear-shaped diamonds. Weighing 27.32 grams, it inc...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Heart Locket with Pattern – 14 Karat Gold – 22 x 24 mm – 4.8 g
Located in Lejre, DK
This heart-shaped locket in 14 karat gold is a classic and personal piece of jewelry that combines timeless design with meaningful symbolism. Crafted from solid 14 kt gold, the locke...
14k Gold
$757Sale Price / item|35% Off
Modern 0.24ct Diamond Flower Necklace in 14k Gold, Thailand
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Minimalist diamond flower necklace/ Cluster flower necklace/ Diamond flower/ Gold necklace/ Wedding necklace/ Gifts for her cluster necklace, flower necklace, Handmade jewelry, Bri...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s 18K Yellow Gold 0.87 Carats Ruby & 0.08ct Diamond Channel Abstract Pendant
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A striking study in modern geometry, this pendant features an abstract vertical composition crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. At its center sits a trio of tapered baguette rubies tot...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.00ct Yellow & 2.50ct White Diamond Tennis Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and sophisticated diamond tennis necklace featuring alternating pear-cut yellow diamonds and round brilliant white diamonds, expertly set in polished 18K yellow gold. The ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Gold Necklace with Diamonds, Blue Sapphires and Micromosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
The Icon Armonica Necklace is a harmonious blend of elegance and innovation. Crafted in warm rose gold, its fluid ‘S’ shapes dance delicately around the neck, each adorned with scat...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diana M. 18K Yellow Gold 3 Prong 20.15Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold natural round diamond tennis necklace set in a 3 prong straight line setting weighing 20.15 cts tw (84 Stones) Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Photo Locket – 14 Karat Gold – 22 x 30 mm – 6.0 g
Located in Lejre, DK
This oval locket in 14 karat gold is a classic and personal piece of jewelry designed to hold your most meaningful memories. Crafted from solid 14 kt gold and weighing 6.0 grams, the...
14k Gold
BNH heart pendant in 14 karat gold – 12 x 12 mm – Classic gold heart
Located in Lejre, DK
Heart pendant from BNH crafted in 14 karat gold with a classic and timeless design. The heart measures 12 x 12 mm and features an elegant and simple appearance, making the pendant su...
14k Gold
53 Carat Rubellite 18K White Gold Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Houston, TX
Pendant composed of 18K white gold featuring a spectacular 53.28 carat oval shaped rubellite framed by 357 round diamonds. The diamonds total 2.90 carats; G-H color and VS1-VS2 clar...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Signed JKa White Australian South Sea 14-17.5mm Cultured Baroque Pearl Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent Australian South Sea Cultured Baroque Pearl Necklace set in a graduating strand of 23 pearls measuring approximately 14mm to 17.5mm. The pearls have excellent luster an...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold 28.50Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond straight line tennis necklace weighing 28.50 cts tw in a four prong setting Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$73,143 / item
1ct Round Pave Diamond Gold Cuban Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning Pave Diamond 18K Gold Cuban Link Bracelet offers an elegant blend of timeless design and luxurious sparkle. The round-cut diamonds, t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1990s 18K Yellow Gold 1 Carat Blue Sapphire & 0.20ct Diamond Geometric Pendant
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A modern geometric treasure, this 18k gold bar pendant showcases a striking row of deep blue baguette‑cut sapphires totaling 1.00 carat, channel‑set for a sleek architectural profile...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold 25.00Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond straight line tennis necklace weighing 25.00 cts tw in a four prong setting (99 stones) Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M 18K White Gold 19.00Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18 kt white gold, 16.5" 4 prong diamond tennis necklace containing 19.00cts tw of round diamonds (97 stones) Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold 24.20Cts Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace, 3 Prong
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold graduated diamond tennis necklace featuring 24.20cts of diamonds set in a 3 prong setting Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, offer...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Tennis Necklace 20 Pointer Diamonds
Located in Great Neck, NY
Diamond tennis necklace 16 inch set in 14K white gold. Each stone weighs approximately 0.20 carats, the total weight is 21.65 carats. The color of the stones are G, the clarity is SI...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$727Sale Price / item|35% Off
14k Gold Diamond Minimalist Cluster Band Necklace Wedding Diamond Necklace
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond cluster band necklace, Unique diamond cluster necklace, Natural brilliant cut diamond, 14k gold , wedding diamond necklace, gift for her, Minim...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 14K White Gold 6.20Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
14kt white gold natural round diamond tennis necklace weighing 6.20 cts tw , 16 inches Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, offering a curated collec...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
ALESSANDRA DONA Pearl Necklace with tahiti and keshi pearls pink gold
Located in Amsterdam, NL
ALESSANDRA DONA Pearl Necklace with Tahiti and Keshi pearls in pink gold Go beyond the classics with this playful pearl necklace by Italian designer Alessandra Dona. The necklace i...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$49,329 / item
Round Diamond 18K Gold Pear Shaped Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featuring a pear-shaped design adorned with natural conflict-free diamonds, it adds a touch of luxury to any outfit. With a center stone weighing 0.50 carats and a total diamond weig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$995Sale Price|61% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Diamonds 24x12mm Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$11,350Sale Price / item|20% Off
Certified 20.6 Ct Blue Sapphire Wedding Necklace in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire Necklace in 18K Gold studded with oval cut sapphire pieces. Accessorize your look with this elegant blue sapphire beaded necklace...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Diana M. 18K Yellow Gold 15.10Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold natural round diamond tennis necklace weighing 15.10 cts tw in a four prong setting, 18" Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, offeri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Diamond 14 Karat Gold Charm Pendant Necklace
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The 14 karat gold pendant is hand set with .99 carats ruby and .73 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. M...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$703Sale Price / item|35% Off
0.24 Ct Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Flower Necklace in 14k Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Minimalist flower necklace/ Cluster flower necklace/ Emerald Ruby Sapphire flower / Gold necklace/ Wedding necklace/ Gifts for her cluster necklace, flower necklace, Handmade jew...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$755Sale Price / item|35% Off
14k Gold Diamond Star Necklace Star of David Necklace Open Star Necklace
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Star Necklace is made of 14K solid gold available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous natura...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,694 / item
Solitaire Round Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 14K yellow gold necklace combines classic elegance with modern simplicity, making it a versatile piece that effortlessly enhances any look. Handcrafted with meticulous attention...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,534Sale Price / item|35% Off
0.88 Ct Diamond Dangle Necklace in 18K Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond flower wedding necklace, diamond cluster flower, Wedding diamond necklace, 18k gold diamond cluster, round diamond necklace, wedding necklace, diamond pendant, bridesmaid ne...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$86,000 / item
Diana M. 18K White Gold 37.60Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond tennis necklace weighing 37.60cts tw set in a four prong setting, 16 inches Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 year...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diana M 18K White Gold 20.20Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold, 16.5" 4 prong diamond tennis necklace containing 20.20cts total weight of round diamonds (97 stones) Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$753Sale Price / item|35% Off
0.13 Ct Diamond Interlocking Rings Necklace in 14K Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dainty interlocking two circle diamond necklace, Eternity circle necklace, Gifts for her Eternity circle, 2 circle necklace, Handmade jewelr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,850Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.85 Ct Marquise Cut Blue Topaz Chain Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Topaz Necklace in 18K Gold studded with marquise cut topaz gemstone. Accessorize your look with this elegant blue topaz chain necklace ennhancer. This stunning piece of jewelry ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 18K Yellow Gold 11.50Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold natural round diamond tennis necklace weighing 11.50 cts tw in a four prong setting, 18" Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, offeri...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Diana M. 14K Yellow Gold 10.30Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
14kt yellow gold natural round diamond tennis necklace weighing 10.30 cts tw in a four prong setting, 16" Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, offeri...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Royal Touch Turquoise Diamond 14K (18k Custom) Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exude regal elegance with the Royal Touch Turquoise Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace, masterfully crafted in 14K yellow gold. This luxurious necklace features natural diamond...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,470Sale Price / item|20% Off
Rainbow Moonstone Chain Necklace Gift for Girlfriend in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Rainbow Moonstone Chain Necklace Gift for Girlfriend studded with rainbow moonstone in 18K Gold. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Mo...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 18K Yellow Gold 3 Prong 20.20Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold natural round diamond tennis necklace set in a 3 prong straight line setting weighing 20.20 cts tw (84 Stones) Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold 37.00Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold, 16" 4 prong diamond tennis necklace containing 37.00cts total weight of round diamonds (72 stones) Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 ye...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$18,500 / item
6.00ct Diamond Line Choker 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold, this Diamond Line Choker Necklace features a sleek row of brilliant-cut Natural diamonds arranged in a refined, continuous line for maximum sparkl...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Link 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Link 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace exudes elegance with its stunning blend of gemstones and luxurious design. Set in 14K Yellow Gold, this masterpiece features natural ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paperclip Cushion Cut Diamond 14K (18k upon request) Gold Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your elegance with this stunning Paperclip Cushion Cut Diamond 14K Gold Pendant Chain Necklace, crafted to add a timeless sparkle to any look. Featuring a brilliant combinati...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Meghna Jewels 18K Gold Feather Pendant Necklace with 1.39ct Diamonds
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18 Karat gold, this beautiful feather pendant is set in 1.39 carats of sparkling diamonds. Available in yellow and white gold. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,680Sale Price / item|20% Off
Brilliant Round 1.34 ct Ruby Flower Pendant Necklace Studded in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Round cut ruby flower pendant in 18K Gold. It has a round cut ruby that completes your look with a decent touch. Pendants are used to wear or gifted to represent love and promises. I...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Pendant with Bullet, Onyx, Diamonds No Chain
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold with Bullet - onyx, diamonds no chain 36 Diamonds - 0.20 CT 1 Onyx - 5.30 CT 18K Rose gold 9.03 GM only one piece! Onyx is a very powerful stone! Imparts self-con...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified .77 Carat Orange Yellow Fancy Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural fancy intense oval orange-yellow diamond pendant necklace. GIA certified natural fancy intense orange-yellow center diamond, set in platinum with a halo of 12 round diamonds....
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
$33,087 / item
6.25ct Diamond & Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Adjustable Emerald Cut 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Lariat Necklace exudes timeless luxury and refined elegance. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this breathtaking piece showcases Fancy Di...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Evil Eye Diamond 14 Karat Gold Charm Lock Pendant Necklace
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The 14 karat gold pendant is hand set with .25 carats blue sapphire and .24 carats of sparkling diamonds. it is finished in matte gold. Evil Ey...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Cushion Purple Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
18 Karat White Gold Pendant Sterling Silver Wheat Chain 18 inches 15.0 CT Unheated Purple Blue Lavender Sapphire 1.75 cts Diamonds
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$15,000 / item
Diana M. 14K White Gold 13.00Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
14kt white gold diamond tennis necklace weighing 13.00cts tw in a four prong setting, 16 inches Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, offering a curat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Black Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Black Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a bold and luxurious piece that exudes sophistication. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, it features a stunning mix of Black Diamonds (...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Black Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Emerald Black Diamond 14K Gold Lariat Necklace is a striking fusion of bold luxury and refined elegance. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this exceptional necklace features natural di...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Octopus Pendant in 18K Gold Diamonds, Rubies, Pearl Shell
Located in Hong Kong, HK
With six arms to hold you, you'll fall in love with this octopus pendant, which is a part of our sea wonders collections. Crafted in 18kt rose gold, th...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
2.50 Carat Baguette 18K Round Chain Statement Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Turn heads with this luxurious 2.50 Carat Baguette Statement Necklace, crafted in radiant 18K gold. Featuring a stunning array of baguette-cut stones arranged in a striking design, e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Elongated Pear Citrine Halo Diamond Pendant 14k Yellow Gold, Thanksgiving Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elongated Pear Citrine Halo Diamond Pendant in 14K Gold. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Citrine has vibration energy which promote...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20 Pear Shape Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 20 Pear Shape Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Necklace exudes sophistication and elegance with its stunning design. Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this necklace features a perfect combinati...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant Pear Cut Round 14K (18k Custom) Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An intriguing design, the Elegant Pear Cut Round 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Necklace combines elegance and uniqueness with natural fancy diamonds. This necklace is available in ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold