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.
Yellow Gold Necklace with White Diamonds and Hand Decorated Micromosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
The Trinity Sunset necklace is an icon of timeless elegance that captures the elusive essence of sunset. A strand of yellow gold gracefully encircles the neck, culminating in a burs...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 14K Yellow Gold 12.85Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
14kt yellow gold natural round diamond tennis necklace weighing 12.85 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
Diamond Heart 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Heart 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a stunning fusion of elegance and contemporary style. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this exquisite necklace features natural diamon...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Charm Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Charm Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a stunning piece that radiates elegance and sophistication. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, it features Fancy Diamonds totaling 0.43 ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.40ct Smoky Topaz Solace 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Smoky Topaz Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace is a stunning piece that combines the deep allure of smoky topaz with the brilliance of natural diamonds. Crafted in 14K yell...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$12,613 / item
Malachite & Diamond 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, Yellow Gold
Yellow and White Gold Heart Pendant with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Yellow and White Gold Heart Pendant with Diamonds is a symbol of love and elegance, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Made from...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Dainty Full-Cut Diamond Bezel 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Dainty Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Bezel Necklace is a timeless piece crafted in 14K Yellow Gold. Featuring Full Cut Diamonds, it offers a sophisticated and radiant look that will ne...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Blue Sapphire 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Blue Sapphire Eternal 14K Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Necklace is a dazzling masterpiece of elegance and color. Crafted in a blend of 14K yellow and white gold, this exquisite ne...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Pure Elegance Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pure Shine 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Lariat Necklace radiates understated elegance. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this delicate necklace features natural diamonds totaling 0.07 carat...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Multi Color Diamond 14K (18k upon request) Yellow Gold Sapphire Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning lariat necklace combines natural diamonds and multi-color sapphires for a vibrant, eye-catching design. Set in 14K yellow gold, it features a modern and versatile silho...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
White Gold Pendant, Enhancer, Set with 1.1 Carat Diamond Solitaire
Located in Berlin, DE
Modern white gold pendant with 1.1 carat diamond solitaire. Carat: approx.1.1 Color: G Cut: very good. Clarity: SI Including certificate of...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Star of David Baguette Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Celebrate tradition and elegance with the Star of David Baguette Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Necklace, crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold. This timeless piece features a stunning array o...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
8.20ct Pink Sapphire & 1.05ct Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pink Sapphire Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Lariat Necklace is a breathtaking display of luxury and elegance. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this exquisite piece showcases vibrant...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.32ct Round Diamond & Pearl Curved Bar 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Strike a bold statement with our Curved Bar Pearl Round Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Necklace. This electrifying piece features a sleek lightning bolt pendant encrusted with shimmering di...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Plat...
2.17ct Oval Emerald & 0.18ct Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Bar Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Embrace the radiant allure of the Oval Cut Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bar Necklace, featuring an exquisite natural emerald surrounded by sparkling diamonds. Crafted in 14K yello...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Exquisite Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Charm Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite Exquisite Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Charm Station Necklace is crafted from radiant 14K yellow gold and adorned with a stunning combination of natural fancy diamonds and ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant Invisibly Set Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Gold Buckle Pendant
Located in Darnestown, MD
Exquisitely designed and made 18 karat gold pendant with invisibly set rubies and sapphires framed by diamonds. The pendant is in a buckle design measuring 1 1/4 inches in length and...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Emerald-Cut 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Solitaire Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek, modern, and effortlessly radiant — the Emerald-Cut Blue Topaz Solitaire Necklace captures the essence of refined simplicity. Crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, this minimalist ...
Emerald, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold...
Baguette Square Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Baguette Square Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a striking combination of modern design and luxurious sparkle. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this stunning piece features...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$700Sale Price / item|30% Off
Diamond Tree of Life Yellow Gold Medallion Charm Teal Blue Turquoise Pendant
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Tree of Life Yellow Gold Medallion Charm Teal Blue Turquoise Pendant 18K Yellow Gold Charm Only Natural Turquoise Gemstone 0.05 cts Diam...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, ...
Baguette Knot Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Symbolizing eternal elegance, this lariat necklace is crafted in 14K gold, available in yellow, rose, or white gold. Featuring natural diamonds, its timeless infinity knot design add...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$867Sale Price / item|35% Off
Modern 0.24ct Diamond Flower Necklace in 18k 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, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,330 / item
Black Onyx 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Black Onyx 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Lariat Necklace is a striking combination of elegance and color. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this stunning piece features a blend of natural di...
Onyx, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,211 / item
0.50ct Round Diamond Bezel Station 14K Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featuring eight stunning round-cut diamonds, each securely set in a sleek bezel, this necklace offers effortless beauty in 14K gold. Available in yellow, rose, or white gold, it's pe...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.75ctw Diamond Turquoise 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning lariat necklace features natural diamonds and turquoise set in 14K yellow gold. With a total weight of 6.71 grams, the necklace showcases 0.75CT of diamonds and vibrant...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Symphony Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Gemstone Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite necklace features a harmonious blend of natural diamonds and vibrant emeralds, creating a captivating symphony of color and sparkle. Crafted in 14K yellow gold, it sho...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bold Multi Sapphire 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Bold Multi Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace features 6.50 carats of multi sapphires set in luxurious 14K yellow gold. Weighing 14.9 grams, this necklace is designed to m...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
13 Round Green Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 13 Round Green Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace is a refined blend of color and minimal elegance. Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this delicate necklace features 13 ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,196Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Sapphire & Diamond Halo Pendant Platinum In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Natural Sapphire & Diamond Halo Pendant Platinum In Stock This Natural Sapphire & Diamond Halo Pendant in platinum features a stunning central diamond surrounded by a dazzling sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Lariat Bezel 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Set Accents Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this exquisite lariat necklace features natural diamonds with a total weight of 0.6CT. Weighing 8.8 grams, the necklace's brilliant diamonds are set to ca...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold 9.00Cts Diamond Tennis Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond tennis necklace weighing 9.00 cts tw in a four prong setting , 16 inches Diana M. Jewels is a trusted name in fine jewelry for over 35 years, o...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Crescent Moon 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning 14K yellow gold necklace features a combination of natural diamonds, blue sapphires, multi sapphires, and emeralds. The necklace is designed with a 16+2 inch length, of...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$79,047 / item
Baguette Cut Lariat 18K White Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Baguette Cut Lariat 18K White Gold Diamond Necklace is a true statement of luxury and sophistication. Crafted in 18K White Gold, this exquisite piece features 70 Fancy Diamonds t...
18k Gold, White Gold
$2,777 / item
0.38ct Diamond Flow 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Flow 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a beautiful embodiment of fluid elegance. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this exquisite piece features natural diamonds totaling 0.38...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.50ctw Diamond Pearl 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Noble Radiance Diamond Station Necklace is a sophisticated piece crafted in 14K Yellow Gold. Featuring natural diamonds and pearls, it radiates timeless elegance. Weighing 6.58 g...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
BNH heart pendant in 14 karat gold – 10 x 10 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 10 x 10 mm and features an elegant and simple appearance, making the pendant su...
14k Gold
Station Bezel Set 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Round Diamonds Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant 14K gold station necklace is crafted with natural diamonds set in yellow and white gold. The necklace features 0.13 carats of full-cut diamonds, offering a delicate, lum...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Aurora Spectrum Gemstone 14K (Custom) Yellow Gold Station Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted with precision and elegance, this Radiant Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 14K yellow gold showcases a continuous line of dazzling, brilliant-cut stones that capture and reflect li...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Protective Diamond Charm 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Hamsa Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carry the symbol of protection and good fortune with this exquisite 14k Gold Diamond Hamsa Necklace. Adorned with round, brilliant diamonds...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
BNH Amoré cross pendant in 14 karat gold – 20 x 13 mm – Polished finish
Located in Lejre, DK
BNH Amoré cross pendant in 14 karat gold is a classic and timeless piece crafted in solid gold with a polished finish. The elegant cross measures 20 x 13 mm and features a simple des...
14k Gold
Diamond Cross 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Elegance Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Cross 14K Yellow Gold Elegance Necklace is a stunning symbol of faith and sophistication. Crafted in 14K Yellow and White Gold, this beautiful piece features natural diam...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.26ct Diamond Serenity 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Serenity 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace features natural diamonds totaling 0.26 carats and Fancy Diamonds (0.15 carats). Crafted in 14K Yellow and White Gold, it weighs ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.27ct Fancy & 0.18ct Full-Cut Diamond Station 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Six Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Station Necklace is a sophisticated blend of classic design and contemporary flair. Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this necklace features a stunn...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Urban Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Urban Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace is a sleek and modern take on classic elegance. Crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold, this necklace features evenly spaced round-cut ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Bloom 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Bloom 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a delicate and elegant piece that exudes timeless beauty. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this stunning necklace features natural dia...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Brilliance Weave 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning lariat necklace is crafted with natural black diamonds and set in 14K yellow gold. The woven design brings a unique, contemporary flair, making it an elegant yet bold c...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.12ctw Diamond Butterfly 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Butterfly 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace is a delicate and elegant piece that exudes timeless beauty. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this stunning necklace features natural...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Baguette Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Round Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Baguette Lariat Necklace is a timeless piece of elegance. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, it features natural round diamonds (0.36 carats) and Baguette ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.36ct Full-Cut & 0.07ct Pear Diamond 14K Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A timeless piece that blends classic elegance with modern design. This lariat necklace is adorned with sparkling natural diamonds, showcasing a refined and sophisticated look. Crafte...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.07ctw Diamond Multi Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Star Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Multi Sapphire Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Star Liat Necklace shines with elegance and charm. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this beautiful piece features natural diamonds totaling 0.07...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Malachite 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite 14K yellow gold necklace is adorned with a blend of natural diamonds, malachite, black enamel, turquoise, blue enamel, and mother of pearl. The elegant design weighs 9...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.02ct Black Diamond & Mother of Pearl 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your style with this luxurious Black Diamond Pearl 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace, meticulously crafted in 14K yellow gold. This striking piece features a harmonious blend ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.26ct Marquise & 0.25ct Pear Fancy Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Aura 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace is made of 14K Yellow Gold and features a variety of fancy diamonds. Weighing 4.91 grams, it includes pear, baguette, full-cut, marq...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ball Chain 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Ball Chain 14K Yellow Gold Station Necklace is a captivating piece of jewelry that combines the elegance of full cut diamonds with the timeless beauty of a butterfly desi...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Starlit Elegance 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite lariat necklace showcases natural fancy diamonds set in 14K yellow gold, offering a dazzling yet elegant design. The combination of the refined lariat style and the br...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Heart Cluster 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning Diamond Heart Cluster 14K Gold Pendant Necklace is a symbol of elegance and love. Featuring brilliant natural earth-mined diamonds with a 0.50 carat total weight, this ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.31ct Full-Cut Diamond Modern Cascade 14K Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Modern Cascade 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Lariat Necklace blends elegance and vibrancy. Crafted in 14K yellow and white gold, it features a stunning combination of fancy diamonds, p...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Dream 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Station Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Dream Diamond Bezel 14K Yellow Gold Bar Station Necklace is crafted in 14K Yellow Gold and features natural diamonds. With an adjustable length of 15+3 inches, it offers a perfec...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.30ct Fancy Diamond Slim Lariat 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined and elegant 14K gold lariat necklace featuring natural diamonds. This sleek design showcases a slim silhouette with a delicate diamond drop, perfect for layering or wearing...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum