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.
$240Sale Price|20% Off
10K Yellow Gold Diamond Abstract Bar Motif Pendant
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
We ship from Thailand- International buyers are responsible for any applicable import duties, taxes, or customs fees levied by their destination country. These charges are not inclu...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Chai Open Work Small to Medium Size Unisex Pendant
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Yellow Gold Chai Open Work Unisex Pendant Style: Chai Pendant Material: 14k Yellow Gold Design Details: Classic chai pendant featuring a traditional Hebrew symbol. Pendant Di...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,463 / item
0.12ct Diamond MAMA Letter 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A timeless tribute to motherhood, our MAMA Letter 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace sparkles with elegance. Designed with natural diamonds set in luxurious 14k yellow gold, this neckl...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Oval Photo Locket – 14 Karat Gold – Polished Finish – 22 x 30 mm – 6.0 g
Located in Lejre, DK
This oval locket in 14 karat gold is a classic and timeless piece of jewelry with a simple and elegant appearance. Crafted from solid 14 kt gold, the locket features a polished finis...
14k Gold
Heart Locket – 14 Karat Gold – Polished Finish – 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 with a simple and timeless design. Crafted from solid 14 kt gold, the locket features a beautiful...
14k Gold
18k enhancer, multi mini fleur de lis intaglio on lapis
Located in Cohasset, MA
Lapis lazuli round pendant, carved with multi gold mini flour de lis. 18k bail
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Heart Locket with Pattern – 14 Karat Gold – 26 x 28 mm – 6.4 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
18K Rose Gold Hummingbird Necklace with Multi Color Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This amazing exquisite piece has the following value: 19 blue sapphires 0.09 ct 12 diamonds - 0.15 ct 20 green garnet 0.19 ct 2 pink sapphires 0.17 ct 13 rubies 0.11 ct 18K rose an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Rose Gold
$995Sale Price|56% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold 23x17mm Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp 17mm
18k Gold
18 Karat Sapphire Reverse Crystal Carving of a Whale Family Pendant in 18 Karat
Located in Cohasset, MA
18 Karat Reverse Crystal Carved Pendant of a Whale Family with a Sapphire bail by Idar Oberstein Carvier
Crystal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k Gold Masked Medusa Enhancer
Located in Cohasset, MA
18K gold hand carved masked medusa pendant 28mm round
Oval Photo Locket – 14 Karat Gold – 17 x 25 mm – 3.8 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 3.8 grams, the...
14k Gold
$30,368Sale Price / item|20% Off
25.96 Ct Natural Pear & Round Diamond Fringe Riviere Necklace, 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
"This necklace is built around a marquise diamond fringe riviere necklace composition, set with 25.96 carats of natural diamonds. The marquise, round stones are arranged to create mo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
BNH pendant with cross, anchor and heart in 14 karat gold – Faith, hope and love
Located in Lejre, DK
Classic pendant from BNH crafted in 14 karat gold featuring the three well-known symbols: cross, anchor, and heart. The piece symbolises faith, hope, and love, and has for generation...
14k Gold
$19,940 / item
20ct Diamond Tennis Necklace in 18K Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Round Cut 18k Gold Tennis Necklace. Meticulously crafted with oval natural diamonds, this necklace offers a luxurious sparkle that complements any look. Available in white, y...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Triple RockCrystal Pendant on Palladium Chain .
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Palladium rope chain and 3 rock crystal stones in a square, circle and rectangle shapes. Lassical and elegant with a modern flair. This designer was Robert Goossens personal assista...
Palladium
BNH wide bar cross in 14 karat gold – 21.5 x 34 mm – Polished finish
Located in Lejre, DK
Wide bar cross from BNH crafted in 14 karat gold with a classic and timeless design. The cross features broad bars and a polished finish, giving the piece an elegant and refined appe...
14k Gold
Heart Locket with Pattern – 14 Karat Gold – 16 x 19 mm – 3.1 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
Diamond Luxe Revival 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Luxe Revival 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace is an exquisite piece crafted in 14K Yellow Gold. Featuring natural diamonds, this necklace showcases timeless elegance and ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$3,560Sale Price|60% Off
Jewel Of Ocean Two Tone 18K Gold 30mm Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
BNH heart pendant in 14 karat gold – 19 x 19 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 19 x 19 mm and features an elegant and simple appearance, making the pendant su...
14k Gold
Oval Photo Locket – 14 Karat Gold – 26 x 40 mm – 9.4 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 9.4 grams, the...
14k Gold
$950Sale Price|62% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold 20x13mm Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$713Sale Price / item|24% Off
Diamond Blue Teal Turquoise Sky Dove Peace 18 Karat Yellow Gold Medallion Charm
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Sky Dove Peace Bird 18K Yellow Gold Medallion Charm Light Blue Teal Turquoise Pendant 18K Yellow Gold Charm Only Natural Light Blue Teal Turquoise ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Turquoi...
Diana M. 18K White Gold 25.25Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond straight line tennis necklace weighing 25.25 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
Multi Sapphire Emerald 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This luxurious station necklace is crafted in 14K gold with options for yellow, rose, or white gold. It features a combination of diamonds, rubies, multi sapphires, emeralds, and blu...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,460Sale Price / item|20% Off
10.84 ct Drop Multi Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Necklace for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Sapphire Chain Necklace Enhancer in 18K Gold studded with drop cut multi sapphire gemstones. Accessorize your look with this elegan...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Photo Locket – 14 Karat Gold – Polished Finish – 17 x 25 mm – 3.8 g
Located in Lejre, DK
This oval locket in 14 karat gold is a classic and timeless piece of jewelry with a simple and elegant appearance. Crafted from solid 14 kt gold, the locket features a polished finis...
14k Gold
BNH Modern 14kt Gold Wide Bar Cross Pendant, 21.5 x 34 mm, Denmark
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant cross pendant crafted in solid 14 karat gold with a classic and timeless design. The cross features wide bars and a polished finish, giving the piece an exclusive and refined appearance. The simple design makes the pendant suitable both as a traditional cross necklace, a personal pendant, or as part of a modern jewellery collection. The polished surface highlights the gold beautifully and also makes the pendant ideal for engraving or personal customisation. 14 kt gold crosses are popular gifts for baptisms, confirmations, birthdays, and other special occasions, and can be worn by both men and women. The timeless design makes the pendant easy to combine with both delicate and heavier gold chains. BNH is known for high-quality jewellery with a focus on classic design and solid craftsmanship. This cross pendant combines a clean and elegant look with a solid construction, giving the piece an exclusive quality feel and long-lasting durability. — Producer: BNH — Material: 14 karat gold — Type: Cross pendant / cross jewellery...
14k Gold
$812Sale Price|60% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Diamonds Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
Diamond, 18k Gold
BNH heart pendant in 14 karat gold – 15 x 15 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 15 x 15 mm and features an elegant and simple appearance, making the pendant su...
14k Gold
Oval Photo Locket – 14 Karat Gold – Polished Finish – 26 x 40 mm – 9.7 g
Located in Lejre, DK
This oval locket in 14 karat gold is a classic and timeless piece of jewelry with a simple and elegant appearance. Crafted from solid 14 kt gold, the locket features a polished finis...
14k Gold
BNH pendant with cross, anchor and heart in 14 karat gold – Faith, hope and lov
Located in Lejre, DK
Classic pendant from BNH crafted in 14 karat gold featuring the three well-known symbols: cross, anchor, and heart. The piece symbolises faith, hope, and love, and has for generation...
14k Gold
3.2ct Diamond Bezel Paperclip 14K Yellow Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning Bezel Tennis Necklace, featuring a chic paper clip design. Crafted from luxurious 14k yellow gold and adorned with natural diamonds, this piece combines classic beauty ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Dewdrop 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite lariat necklace features natural diamonds set in 14K yellow gold, offering a sparkling dewdrop effect. The necklace measures 16+2 inches and weighs 2.8 grams, with a t...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Taurus 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Zodiac Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Taurus 14K Yellow Gold Zodiac Necklace is a breathtaking piece of jewelry, featuring natural diamonds set in your choice of 14K yellow or white gold. With a delicate desi...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$995Sale Price|60% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold 22mm Multi Strands Bar Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
18k Gold
Cellini Exclusive 18KT White Gold Enamel Boy Teddy Bear Charm
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Just the cutest....Teddy bear charm made exclusively for Cellini by Ambrosi of Italy. This 18 karat white gold teddy bear charm is crafted with ...
18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$1,950Sale Price|50% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Diamonds 27mm 3 Strands Bar Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,890Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Uncut Diamond Necklace Crafted in 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Uncut Diamond Necklace in 18K Gold studded with pear cut diamond. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dre...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.71ct Diamond & Black Enamel 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Celebrate timeless beauty with the Black Enamel Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace, crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold. This captivating piece features a stunning array of na...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$995Sale Price|62% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold 23x15mm multi strands Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
18k Gold, White Gold
$700Sale Price|50% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold 19x9mm Magnatic Double Strands Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,646 / item
Malachite & Lapis 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Malachite Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Necklace is a striking fusion of bold color and refined luxury. Crafted in warm 14K yellow gold, this elegant necklace features a rich green mal...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$600Sale Price|50% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold 19x13mm Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp 13x19mm
18k Gold
$800Sale Price|50% Off
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold 26mm 3 Strands Bar Clasp
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean 18K Gold Clasp
18k Gold
Diamond Eye Shape 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Eye Shape 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a captivating blend of elegance and mystique. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this stunning piece features natural diamonds (0.15...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emerald Drop Accents 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Emerald Drop Accents 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace exudes sophistication and elegance. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this stunning piece features an Emerald stone weighing 0.51 c...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$4,500Sale Price / item|20% Off
11.45 ct Multi Sapphire Chain Necklace Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Multi Sapphire Chain Necklace in 18K Gold studded with round cut multi sapphire gemstones. Accessorize your look with this elegant multi ...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Thread Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Thread Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a stunning display of elegance and vibrant color. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, it features natural diamonds (0.08 carats) and Fan...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14.5ct Yellow & White Diamond Tennis Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and contemporary, this tennis necklace is crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold and features alternating yellow and white square-cut Natural Diamonds. The modern two-tone desi...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold Amethyst Enamel and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Oval Pendant is all handmade in a classic style to create a stunning showpiece. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Onyx, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, ...
Diamond Mirage 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Mirage 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a captivating blend of elegance and sophistication. Crafted in 14K Yellow and White Gold, this stunning piece features Fancy Dia...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
3.90ct Round Blue Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Embrace timeless elegance with this exquisite 14K solid gold necklace, featuring a mesmerizing sapphire gemstone. Set in luxurious gold, the deep blue sapphire radiates sophisticatio...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emerald Cut 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Emerald Cut 14K Yellow Gold Chain Necklace is a sleek and timeless piece designed to elevate any look. Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this necklace features a striking emer...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$10,987 / item
5.03ct Round Diamond 14K White Gold Tennis Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite necklace is crafted in 14K white gold, featuring a chic paperclip-style design. Adorned with 5.03ct of natural round diamonds, it offers a perfect blend of modern eleg...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Amulet 5MM Letter 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold MAMA Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning Amulet 5MM Letter 14K Yellow Gold MAMA Necklace is a timeless tribute to motherhood. Featuring natural diamonds, it offers a touch of elegance while keeping the design ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Halo Evil Eye Turquoise 18K Rose Gold Pendant Charm Medallion Necklace
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Halo Evil Eye Turquoise 18K Rose Gold Pendant Charm Medallion Necklace Turquoise Gemstone (Around 5 Carats) Mother of Pearl 0.40 cts Diamonds 0.20 cts Ruby Adjustable 18K Rose Gold chain 16...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold,...
Pretty Round Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Hamsa Eye Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sparkling round diamonds that enhance its symbolic meaning. Crafted in 14k gold, this necklace adds a luxurious touch to any outfit, available in white, yellow, or rose gold. Whether...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.09ct Pave Diamond & Blue Sapphire Evil Eye 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold, this Evil Eye necklace features a stunning sapphire centerpiece that symbolizes protection and style. The deep blue sapphire gemstone forms the ey...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum