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.
Pair Green Glass Jadeite Style Bangle Bracelets
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of lovely green glass bracelets with the look and feel of jadeite. The glass practically glows with a vibrant spring green color. Flat on the interior and rounded at the ext...
Colleen Lopez Rose de France Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
This colorful piece is the Colleen Lopez "Rose de France" Colors of Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bangle. The handcrafted design features: Centerpieces: Two bypass-style squa...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Ippolita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Classico Oval Hammered Bangled Bracelet 4MM
By Ippolita
Located in Baltimore, MD
Ippolita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Classico Oval Hammered Bangled Bracelet Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 6.43 grams Width: 4mm Inside circumference: 7.5 inches Inside diameter: 65mm STD ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Classic LOVE Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cartier Classic LOVE Bracelet, Size 16. An enduring icon of luxury jewelry, this authentic Cartier LOVE Bracelet features the coveted early screw system, a ha...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Miu Miu Turquoise and Yellow Acrylic Jeweled Bracelet Bangle with Apple Charm
By Miu Miu
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Miu Miu Italy acrylic jeweled bracelet is a cute bangle with a charm. Carved from a transparent acrylic or Lucite material, the piece is paved with crystal rhinestones all aroun...
Vintage Taxco Mexican Sterling Silver Modernist Hinged Bangle Bracelet
By Taxco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Mexican silver bangle bracelet. In sterling silver. With a central dome device flanked on either side by openwork and smaller do...
Sterling Silver
Christian Dior Black Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Gilded Hearts
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Dior bracelet features a chunky black acrylic or Lucite bangle with assorted gilded heart designs embedded in the material. The bracelet is engraved on the ed...
A 1990s High Quality Costume jewelry Gilt metal Italian Bracelet
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exceptional 1990s vintage Italian statement bracelet perfectly captures the bold glamour and high-end craftsmanship of late 20th-century European costume jewelry. Meticulously c...
Gilt Metal
Lucite Bracelet Bangle Set Green Grass Swirl with Floral Carving
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning Lucite spacer bracelet bangle, a set of 2 pieces. The Lucite bangles are designed with a domed shape and feature a green grass-swirl color with floral carving all ...
Clear Lucite Bracelet Bangle with Denim Blue Crystal Rhinestones
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Lucite bracelet bangle features a domed shape in a transparent pale yellow color. The bangle is ornate with massive denim blue crystal rhinestones and tiny silver ones. T...
2.42 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.42-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. Crafted in 18k gold, it was chosen ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage, Daniel S. Rine Bangle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage, Daniel S. Rine Bangle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold. Daniel S. Rine was an American jeweler known for high-quality vintage 14K yellow gold jewelry. He was particularly active in...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Transparent Lucite Bracelet Bangle with Multicolor Metallic Thread Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Lucite bracelet bangle has a domed shape and is comprised of transparent acrylic injected with metallic thread inclusions in multicolor tones. The metallic threads spar...
Elsa Peretti For Tiffany & Co. Interlocking Jade and 18K gold Bangle Bracelet
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
A celebrated design by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., this elegant interlocking bracelet amplifies Peretti's enduring vision of organic form, purity of line, and sculptural simp...
Jade, 18k Gold
Cartier Love Classic Bracelet — 18K Rose Gold, 4 Diamonds, Size 17
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier Love bracelet exemplifies refined elegance with its distinctive design. Crafted in 18k rose gold, it features four brilliant-cut diamonds, bezel-set and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Diamond Blue Sapphire Malachite 18K Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Serpenti bangle bracelet by Bulgari, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This striking piece features the Maison's legendary serpent design adorned wit...
Diamond, Malachite, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$437Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald & Diamond Stackable Channel Set Bangle Bracelet in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This sleek hinged bangle bracelet is crafted in 925 sterling silver and features 1.15 carats of emerald and 0.072 carats of diamond. Designed with a minimal and structured profile, t...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Juste Un Clou Size 19 Classic Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An enduring icon of modern jewelry design, the Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet reimagines an ordinary nail as an extraordinary statement of luxury. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, t...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Walking Pantheres Nakoura Cuff Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The beauty of wild cats is captured in this striking Cartier Nakoura Cuff Bracelet. Of sprung design formed of five walking pantheres, each studded with single pear shaped tsavorite ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Knife Edge Square Cushion Bangle
Located in New York, NY
A striking Tiffany & Co. sterling silver bangle featuring a softly rounded square silhouette with fluid, sculptural lines. Crafted in solid sterling silver (.925), the bracelet has a...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Juste un Clou Diamond Pave 18K Rose Gold Nail Bangle Bracelet Size 17
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Juste un Clou bangle bracelet by Cartier, expertly crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This celebrated design reimagines an ordinary nail into a bold symbol of mod...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Robert Lee Morris Colossal Shiny Buckle Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Robert Lee Morris is known for his oversized runway jewelry, much loved by fashion designers and editors world wide. This enormous bracelet is composed ...
Brass
Oxidized Silver and 24K Yellow Gold Diamond Snake Hinged Bracelet by Lika Behar
By Lika Behar
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Striking and symbolic, this oxidized silver and 24K yellow gold snake hinged bangle by Lika Behar coils elegantly around the wrist with sculptural grace. The serpent’s form is richly...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Braided Bangle Bracelet 92.5 Grams
Located in Chicago, IL
An impressive and substantial Tiffany & Co. diamond bracelet crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold. The design features an elegant braided chain motif formed into a bold bangle st...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pomellato Vintage 18k White & Yellow Gold Bangle Suite
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Pomellato bangle suite exemplifies refined Italian goldsmithing and modern design. Crafted in solid 18k white and yellow gold, it showcases a harmonious contrast...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Signed Silver Bangle
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous silver Tiffany & Co band Has a scooped central section on the band. The bangle is modelled in silver and has the signature on the inside of the band also. Inner ...
Silver
David Yurman Sterling Silver & 14K Gold X Classic Cable Station 7mm Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver & gold cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver & 14 karat gold. In the X Classic pattern. Marked to one of the terminals for 925 / 585 / ©DY. Simply a w...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Solari Pearl Bracelet Sterling Silver and Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in Fairfield, CT
David Yurman Solari Pearl Bracelet Sterling Silver and Diamonds This elegant bangle bracelet features David Yurman’s signature twisted sterling silver design, finished at each end w...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
David Yurman Large Cable Classics Sterling Silver Faceted Amethyst Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
An enduring icon of American jewelry design, this authentic David Yurman Cable Classics cuff bracelet exemplifies the sculptural elegance that has defined the house for decades. Hand...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Black Enamel Open Link Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
An iconic statement piece from David Webb, this exceptional bracelet captures everything collectors admire about the legendary American jewelry house—bold scale, architectural design...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Love Bracelet Classic Model 18 karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size 17 Original box and papers The Cartier Love Bracelet Classic Model in 18 karat yellow gold is one of the most recognizable jewelry designs ever created. Introduced in t...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Clover Natural Diamonds Bangle Bracelet 14kt 95547*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds Clover Solid Bangle Bracelet 1.40ct Natural Diamonds Rounds, Full Cut brilliant G-color Vs-2 clarity 14kt yellow gold 49.6 grams Inner: 2.25 inch X 2 inch Top: .38 inch wide...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Diamond 18K White Gold Bangle Bracelet Size 15
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Serpenti bangle bracelet by Bulgari, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This elegant piece features the Maison's legendary serpent design adorned wit...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Panthere Green Tsavorite 18K Yellow Gold Panther Bangle Bracelet Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Panthere bangle bracelet by Cartier, expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This elegant design features the Maison's legendary panther motif accented with...
Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver Black Tourmaline Bangle Bracelet 6.75"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bangle bracelet is sterling silver with faceted lack tourmaline gemstones. It measures 5/16 of an inch wide. It has an inner diameter of 2 by 2 1/2 inches and an inner ...
Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Bakelite Bracelet Bangle Red Tea Amber Marble
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning red tea amber marble Bakelite bracelet bangle features an oversized wide domed shape. The intense red tea marble tone has honey amber cloudy swirling and transparency. ...
Two 1990s Iconic Gold Plated Metal and Black Enamel Bangle Bracelets by Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This rare duo of Chanel bangle bracelets captures the bold, high-contrast glamour of the 1990s. Crafted in heavy gold-plated metal, each bracelet features a deep black enamel inlay t...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Cartier Juste un Clou Diamond Bangle in 18K White Gold – Signed Fine Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 2.26 cts. Certifications: Cartier Certificate Size: 16 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 29.96 grams Period: 21st Century The Cartier 'Juste Un Clou' 18k ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Italian 14K Gold Diamond Flexible Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant and timeless, this Italian flexible bangle bracelet is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and showcases the refined craftsmanship synonymous with fine Italian jewelry of the 197...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Salvatore Ferragamo Red Acrylic Lucite Bracelet Bangle with Faux-Wood Texture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Salvatore Ferragamo, Italy bracelet features a chunky Lucite or acrylic bangle in luminous red color, ornate with faux-wood textured print and the iconic two-shoe horse...
Cartier LOVE 18k Yellow Gold Size 20 Thin Bangle Bracelet In Stock
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier LOVE Small Model Bracelet Designer: Cartier Collection: LOVE Style: Small Model Bracelet Material: 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Size: 20 Closure: Hinged Locking System Add...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold 4MM Cable Classic Citrine Bangle Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Classic Citrine Bangle Bracelet Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Weight: 13.17 grams Width: 4mm Size: Fits up to a 7 inch wrist Signed: ©D.Y. 750 ...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$240,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 18k White Gold Feathered Cloak Diamond, Garnet & Sapphire Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. 18k White Gold Feathered Cloak Diamond, Garnet & Sapphire Cuff Bracelet Notice: Due to the high value, payment is accepted by bank wire only. Please contact us...
Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Eternity Bracelet – 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
The Golden Eternity bracelet is an ode to light, continuity, and timeless elegance. Crafted from 18K yellow gold, its graceful infinity design symbolizes unbreakable bonds, everlasti...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 90s Bulgari Tubogas Bracelet Diamond 18k Gold Stainless Steel Bangle
By Bulgari
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Bulgari 'Tubogas' bracelet crafted in 18k rose gold and stainless steel (circa 1990s). The bracelet is designed to resemble a flexible gas pipe, finished with a pa...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Tri-Tone Gold Diamond Vintage Bangle Bracelet
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Diamond Bangle Bracelet in Three-Color Solid 18K Gold. Accented with Diamonds, approx 0.07tcw. Bracelet measuring approx. 6.10mm. Beautifully Hand crafted in 3-Tone...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Vannes, FR
This sophisticated 18K yellow gold bracelet by Mesure et Art du Temps embodies the timeless balance between strength and elegance. Composed of bold, interlocking links, it combines t...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Portuguese Bangle Bracelet 19k Rose Gold 8" Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Chic vintage bangle bracelet crafted in 19 karat Portuguese rose gold (circa 1980s). Simple and elegant, the bangle is great worn alone or part of a bracelet stack. We have a total...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Menotte Vintage 18K White Gold Screw Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet embodies a fusion of industrial precision and minimalist elegance. Crafted in exquisite 18k white gold, it exudes a cool and refined presence, k...
18k Gold, White Gold
14KT White Gold Elegant Pavé Diamond 6.98 Cts Bangle Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated bangle bracelet features a stunning, continuous array of brilliant round-cut diamonds set in a shimmering pavé arrangement. Crafted in warm 14K white gold, the sle...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Three Station Narrow Bangle Bracelet In Stock
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Three Station Narrow Bangle Bracelet Designer: David Yurman Style: Narrow Bangle Bracelet Material: 18k Yellow Gold and White Gold Design Details: Na...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 18K Gold Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Emerald Bangle Bracelet GIA
By Bulgari
Located in Monaco, MC
Bulgari bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold, set with a GIA-certified 27.63-carat Fancy Intense Yellow diamond of VS2 clarity as the central stone, surrounded by calibré buff-top emer...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Gold Diamond and Opal Floral Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
A beautifully crafted vintage hinged bangle bracelet in 14 karat yellow gold, featuring a central floral cluster composed of a round brilliant-cut diamond surrounded by six round cab...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Paloma Picasso Blue Enamel Star Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Star Bracelet, an exceptionally bold and artistic creation showcasing Paloma Picasso’s unmistakable design language. Crafted ...
Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified Untreated Jadeite Jade Hinged Bangle Bracelet 14K Gold Clasp
Located in New York, NY
A striking and unusual natural jadeite jade bangle bracelet, composed of two contrasting arc-shaped segments showcasing a rare and visually dynamic color combination. One half displa...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver XO Garnet Bangle Bracelet 7.5 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful estate bangle bracelet is sterling silver with 4 oval cut 4x6mm garnets set in an XO pattern. The face of this bracelet measures 1/4 of an inch wide. It has an inner ...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels 1960's 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Twisted Rope Bangle Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a oval shaped bangle bracelet Comprised of grooved twisted rope motif Stamped with French hallmarks for 18 karat gold Numbered with maker's mark for Van Cleef & Arpel...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Carat Yellow Gold Berry Bangle Aenea Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Beryll Bangle handcrafted in 18 carat yellow gold, white diamonds sterling silver and rhodium. Beryll: 22.72cts. White Diamonds: 0.56 cts. He said they danced ‘with one body, one soul...
Peridot, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Bvlgari 18K Gold Parentesi Hematite Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A classic Bvlgari Parentesi bangle bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold and polished hematite, showcasing one of the house's most iconic and enduring designs. Inspired by the interloc...
Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold
TJD 4.50 CT Natural Round & Baguette Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 14KT White Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Curated by The Jewelry Destination, this exquisite natural round and baguette diamond bangle bracelet is crafted in luminous 14 karat white gold, where refined design and luminous ge...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold