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.
Vintage Tiffany Sterling Silver 1837 Bangle Bracelet
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage Tiffany Sterling Silver 1837 Bangle Bracelet. 2.5" Diameter interior. The Tiffany & Co. 1837 Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet stamped with the 1997 copyright date is a highl...
Sterling Silver
Jade Bangle Sterling Silver Hinged Circa 1940s Old School Polish
Located in Northampton, MA
If you had been fortunate enough to visit Shanghai China in the 1940s, you would have encountered treasures like this natural, white untreated jadeite jade bangle. This opaque stone ...
Jade, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold "T" Wire Bracelet Large #26856
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold "T" Wire Bracelet Large This Tiffany & Co 18k yellow gold T wire bracelet features the iconic T design with a sleek silhouette and polished finish. Its ...
18k Gold, Yellow 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
Jadeite Jade Bangle Light Green Highly Translucent
Located in Northampton, MA
Color isn't the story with this Jade bangle, translucency is. This gorgeous jade bangle was hand-carved from natural and untreated Burmese jadeite Jade. It has a round profile and h...
Jade
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Diamond Ruby Onyx Bracelet 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and symbolic power. Crafted in polished 18K white gold, this bracelet exudes clarity and sophistication. The...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Heart Love Knot Bangle Bracelet Sterling Silver 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in an authentic Tiffany & Co. Heart Love Knot Bangle Bracelet in Sterling Silver and 14K Gold. The bangle features the iconic Heart Love Knot design with a polished hook-...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Cartier Love Series Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet 7"
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Love Series 1970s Yellow Gold Bracelet: A Rare Collector’s Treasure from the Origins of an Iconic Design This extremely rare Cartier Love Series bracelet from the 1970s is a...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermès Clic H Narrow Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel & Yellow Gold
By Hermès
Located in Baltimore, MD
Hermès Clic H Narrow Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel & Yellow Gold Metal: Gold plated and black enamel Size: GM, M/L, 17cm Width: 12mm Retail: $810 USD TD F35002684
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Hermes Kelly Bracelet 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
Hermès Kelly Rose Gold Diamond Bangle is a refined expression of elegance and luxury. Crafted in 18K rose gold, this bangle embodies sophistica...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Roberto Coin 18 Karat White Gold Natural Diamond Lattice Hinged Bangle Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in Baltimore, MD
Roberto Coin 18 Karat White Gold Natural Diamond Lattice Hinged Bangle Bracelet Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 33.17 grams Diameter: 59mm Width: 16mm Size: Fits up to a 6.5 inch wrist...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Sixteen Stone Bangle in Platinum with 4.32ct Diamonds
Located in Feasterville, PA
Jean Schlumberger Diamond Bangle is a testament to timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship. Crafted from platinum, this bangle features round brilliant diamonds alternating with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
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...
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
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
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
Hermes Kelly 18K Rose Gold Full Pave Diamond Bangle Bracelet Size SH
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
Hermès Kelly Diamond Bracelet is a striking embodiment of luxury and iconic design. Crafted from 18k rose gold, this bracelet reimagines the classic Kelly silhouette with its trapez...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Hermes Kelly Bracelet 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
Hermès Kelly Rose Gold Diamond Bangle is a refined expression of elegance and luxury. Crafted in 18K rose gold, this bangle embodies sophistication. The warm rose gold is meticulous...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
John Galliano Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Gold Flakes Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking John Galliano Lucite bangle bracelet showcases the designer's bold and unmistakable aesthetic. Expertly crafted from transparent acrylic resin, the substantial, sculptu...
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Clovers Rose Gold Diamond Large Bracelet
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Clovers Bracelet is a refined expression of luxury and craftsmanship. Crafted in 18K rose gold, this bracelet features 80 round diamonds, totaling 1.78 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bulgari 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Spiga Chevron Vintage Bangle Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bracelet is comprised of fitted chevron links alternating in pattern with gold and steel With considerable flex for wrapping Featuring rounded bypass terminals With high polish finis...
Gold, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
1960s Vintage Jade 14 Karat Gold Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An elegant vintage jade and 14K yellow gold hinged bangle bracelet, featuring smoothly polished pale celadon jade with naturally varied areas of soft to brighter green coloration. T...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Diamond Ruby Onyx Bracelet 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and symbolic power. Crafted in polished 18K white gold, this bracelet exudes clarity and sophistication. The...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Somerset Collection Extra Wide Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Timeless Tiffany & Co., this sleek sterling silver bangle bracelet is from T&Co.'s popular Somerset Collection was first introduced circa 1970s is has remained as a popular a...
Sterling Silver
Cartier 18k White Gold Diamond Large Juste un Clou Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Cartier large-sized Juste un Clou bracelet reinterprets the house's iconic nail motif in 18k white gold, its sculptural nail silhouette pavé set to the front with brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
Cartier Love Bracelet Small Model 18k Yellow Gold Size 19
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier LOVE Bracelet, Small Model – 18K Yellow Gold. Iconic Cartier LOVE bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold (750/1000), featuring a 3.6mm width and signature screw motif. Size 19. ...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Coloured Stones Love Bracelet Size 16 B6036516
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A colourful and coveted 18k rose gold bracelet by Cartier from their Love collection. Set with 10 coloured stones, including rose and yellow sapphires, green and orange garnets, and ...
Amethyst, Garnet, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
David Yurman Noblese Diamond 18KYG/SS Cable Bangle Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
David Yurman Noblesse Diamond Cable Bracelet in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold. This elegant bracelet features David Yurman's iconic twisted cable design with a polished sterlin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
Hermès Multicolor Le Chat Carre Enamel Clic H Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Hermès Clic H enamel bracelet from the whimsical Le Chat Carré collection, crafted with palladium-plated hardware and vibrant multicolor enamel featuring the playful feline motif ins...
Enamel
Cartier Juste un Clou 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bracelet 16 Small Model Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A modern icon from Cartier, the Juste un Clou bracelet is crafted in 18 karat rose gold and reimagines an ordinary nail into a bold statement of design. This small model size 16 is a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier LOVE 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Authentic 18 karat yellow gold Cartier LOVE Bangle, size 16, is a timeless and iconic piece of luxury jewelry. Known for its signature design, the bangle features the distinctive...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier LOVE 18 Karat Rose Bangle Bracelet Size 19 Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Rose Gold Cartier LOVE Bracelet, Size 19. An enduring symbol of love and commitment, this authentic Cartier LOVE Bracelet is expertly crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold and featu...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Coloured Stones Love Bracelet Size 16 B6036516
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k rose gold bracelet by Cartier, from their Love collection. Set with 10 coloured stones, including rose and yellow sapphires, green and orange garnets and amethysts. This brace...
Amethyst, Garnet, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier White Gold Coloured Stones Love Bracelet Size 16 B6036316
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold coloured stones Cartier bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet is set with 10 coloured stones throughout the centre, including purple spinel, blue and pink...
Blue Sapphire, Spinel, Pink Sapphire, Aquamarine, Amethyst, White Gold, ...
Vintage Christian Fish Ichthys Buckle Bangle Bracelet Mexican Silver 6.5"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, vintage Ichthys bangle bracelet is sterling silver with brass buckle and loop. Measurements: 5mm wide, 2 by 2 1/2 inches in diameter, adjustable from 6 1/2 to 7 inches...
Silver, Brass
Cartier 18K Rose Gold Juste Un Clou Diamond Classic Bracelet Size 16
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet crafted in 18-karat rose gold and set with round brilliant-cut diamonds at each end. The bracelet features Cartier’s signature nail-inspired design, wi...
Diamond, 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
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
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
Vintage Chrysoprase Quartz Bangle - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage Chrysoprase quartz bangle - semi translucent - mid 20th century. Excellent/mint vintage condition - all original - no loss - no damage - no repairs - minor signs of age and ...
Cartier Yellow Gold Plain Love Bracelet Size 16 B6035516
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Cartier bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet has the screw motif displayed around the outer edge and features the new style screw fitting. This bracelet...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Multi-Color Enamel Gemstone Bangle Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver Multi-Color Enamel Gemstone Bangle Bracelet Metal: 14k yellow gold & sterling silver 925 Weight: 29.52 grams Size: Fits up to a 7 inch wrist In...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Christian Dior Bracelet Bangle Turquoise Acrylic and Silver Dior Logos
Located in Atlanta, GA
This cheerful and sophisticated Christian Dior bangle bracelet embodies the house's flair for bold color and modern design. Crafted from high-quality acrylic resin (Lucite), the brac...
Vintage Cartier Love Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Size 18 with Original Box & Screw
By Cartier
Located in Austin, TX
An iconic Cartier Love Bracelet crafted in luxurious 18 K yellow gold, featuring the timeless screw motif that has become one of the world's most recognizable jewelry designs. This a...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger 18K Gold Blue Enamel Bangle Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
An uncommon masterpiece by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Blue Vitreous Paillonné Enamel bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1990. Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumberg...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Love Diamond Pave 18K White Gold Classic Model Size 18 Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Love bracelet crafted in luxurious 18K white gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. This classic model of Cartier’s iconic Love bracelet features the mai...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Plain Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 17 B6048217
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stylish 18k yellow gold bracelet by Cartier from the Juste Un Clou collection. The bracelet is wrapped around with a nail head at one end and nail end at the other. The bracelet is...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger 18K Gold Green Enamel Bangle Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
An uncommon masterpiece by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Green Vitreous Paillonné Enamel bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1990. Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumber...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Love Bracelet Classic Model in 18 Karat White Gold, Size 18
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Sleek, polished, and instantly recognizable, this Cartier LOVE bracelet features the iconic screw motifs that have made it one of the most celebrated designs in jewelry history. The ...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Bamboo Bypass Bangle Bracelet, Circa 1965-1980
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This classic 14K Yellow gold American Made Florentine and high polish finish vintage bypass bamboo motif bangle bracelet, is certain to please any discerning and stylish lady. It is ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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...
Marquise Champagne Crystal Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet
Located in Hoffman Estates, IL
Stunning Slip On bangle embellished with neutral color crystal and rhinestone. Further enhanced with 3 over sized marquise champagne crystals. Only 1 available. Inner diameter 65.00...
Crystal, Base Metal
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
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
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Flex Citrine Bangle Cuff Bracelet 4MM
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Flex Citrine Bangle Cuff Bracelet Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 17.82 grams Width: 4mm Size: Fits up to a 7 inch wrist Gemstone: Greenish/ye...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Modern Link Bracelet, 18.5cm, France, Unisex
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