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.
22k Yellow gold anklet bracelet jewellery Indian Asian wedding ceremony art deco
Located in London, GB
22ct yellow gold Anklet chain bracelet Indian Asian wedding ceremony. Gorgeous 22ct pure yellow gold Indian Asian wedding ceremony jewellery anklet chain bracelet coin shaped round ...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Crown Trifari Gripoix Glass Camelia Demi Parure
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Crown Trifari demi parure of Gripoix inspired white milk glass bezel set molded camellia blossoms. Set consisting of a brooch and ear clips, 1950's USA. Excellent Condition, Signed....
Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass, Gilt Metal
Schreiner Jet Crystal Round Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Schreiner Jet Crystal Round Brooch with elaborate construction and stone cuts of ovals, pears, marquises and rounds on a 3D base. Japanned metal finish. Pe...
Gilt Metal
Yellow Gold Diamond by the Yard Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
This exquisite diamond by the yard is the one to have. This 14-karat yellow gold bracelet is adorned with 5 diamonds totaling 0.35 carats of SI1-0SI2, GH color diamonds and is set in...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Italian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Multi Color Enamel Bar Anklet Bracelet 2.7 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Italian made, this 14 karat yellow gold anklet bracelet features multi-color enamel bars weighing 2.7 grams. Available in other colors & shapes. More Anklets in Stock Message fo...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Solid Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet with Diamonds by Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
An elevated take on a jewellery basic, our 2mm-square cuff in 9-carat yellow gold has square beveled edges and two white diamonds. Total diamond carat weight .016 carats. The brace...
White Diamond, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$38,800Sale Price|20% Off
Syna Yellow Gold Cuff Diamond Bracelet
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Diamond 7.50 carats approx. Open cuff bracelet About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharmesh & Namrata Kothari have c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,460Sale Price|49% Off
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Natural Emeralds & Diamonds Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Vintage Retro” Natural Emeralds from Zambia & Diamonds Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Green Emeralds And Oval Shapes Can wear as an anklet as well Natural Eme...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Jean Mahie 22k Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Jean Mahie
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Jean Mahie 22k yellow gold cuff bracelet is a stunning example of exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design. Marked with the signature of the es...
22k Gold
$7,716Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.97 in W 0.4 in Dm 2.29 in
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet the Greek Key Design
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer bracelet in solid yellow gold 18 karat all handmade with the Greek Key design, the symbol of eternal life. The Bracelet is custom made and has brilliant cut white...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Clover Anklet, Adjustable for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
Quality Gold Anklet: Made from real 14k gold featuring dangle clover design charms - Made in Italy Surprise Your Loved Ones with Our Gold Anklet For Her: ...
Yellow Gold
22ct Yellow gold chunky ankle chain bracelet Indian Asian wedding ceremony 49.8g
Located in London, GB
22ct Yellow gold chunky ankle chain bracelet Indian Asian wedding ceremony 49.8g 22ct yellow gold Ankle chain bracelet Indian Asian wedding ceremony. Gorgeous 22ct pure yellow gold ...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$496Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.8 in W 0.55 in D 0.44 in L 0.8 in
Genuine 24.15 Carat Natural Yellow Citrine Pixel Bar Cut Gemstone from Brazil
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Citrine Weight : 24.15 Carats Dimensions : 20.2x13.8x11.1 mm Clarity : Loupe Clean Origin : Brazil Color: Yellow Shape: Emerald Cut: Pixel Cut...
Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Gold-filled, Gold...
Syna Yellow Gold Chrysoprase Diamond Bracelet
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Chrysoprase 2 carats approx. Diamond 0.06 carat approx. Openable oval bracelet Hidden mechanism to open under bauble Crafted from lu...
Diamond, Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Star Anklet Adjustable for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
Double Strand Station Star Anklet: This Simple & Beautiful Rope Chain anklet is measured 9-10" Inches in length with a spring ring closure. Gift Box included: If you are looking to gift your spouse, girlfriend, kid, or mother on a special occasion like Christmas, birthday, engagement or anniversary then look no further! Timeless and unique anklet: for the modern woman who lets her personal style shine through, this anklet is delicate and chic on her ankle, they are the perfect accessory as they are suitable for any occasion! Ease Of Mind and With Full Confidence: Your satisfaction is our only priority so in the improbable case that you are not 100% thrilled with our gold anklet, we will offer you a full refund, No questions asked! This is a stylish 14k Yellow Gold Star...
Yellow Gold
$396 / item
14K Yellow Gold Figaro Link Anklet for Her
Located in Great neck, NY
Figaro Chain Anklet: This Simple & Beautiful Rope Chain anklet is measured 9-10" Inches in length with a spring ring closure. Gift Box included: If you are looking to gift your spouse, girlfriend, kid, or mother on a special occasion like Christmas, birthday, engagement or anniversary then look no further! Timeless and unique anklet: for the modern woman who lets her personal style shine through, this anklet is delicate and chic on her ankle, they are the perfect accessory as they are suitable for any occasion! Ease Of Mind and With Full Confidence: Your satisfaction is our only priority so in the improbable case that you are not 100% thrilled with our gold anklet, we will offer you a full refund, No questions asked! This is a stylish 14k Yellow Gold Figaro Link...
Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond by the Yard Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
This exquisite diamond by the yard is the one to have. This 14-karat yellow gold bracelet is adorned with 5 diamonds totaling 0.35 carats of SI1-0SI2, GH color diamonds and is set in...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Ankle Bracelet in 18 Karat Pink Gold with Diamonds by Messika
By Messika
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Glamorous yet understated, diamond ankle bracelets are making a comeback. The perfect way to embody the famous Californian look, in which fash...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Deck of Cards Anklet 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Fine Vintage Gambling Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed estate deck of cards ankle bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow & white gold. The anklet measures 9 3/4 inches and features a club, diamond, heart and spade in white...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Moon Star Anklet Ankle Bracelet Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Celestial Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage celestial themed anklet crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. A moon and star charm along with two bells adorn the anklet. The anklet features an "S" hook closur...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Anklet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry Ankle Bracelet Flower
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed estate diamond ankle bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Diamonds total an estimated 0.40 carats (estimated at G-H color...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Platinum and 18 Carat Diamond Bead Anklet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This unique bracelet is made in 18k yellow gold and platinum, and it features several diamond beads for a total approximate weight of 18 carats. The dangles measure up to 12mm long, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum