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.
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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
Cartier Juste un Clou Classic Model 18k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Sz 16
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet in Yellow Gold. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this bracelet embodies the transformation of an ordinary nail into a piece of fine jewelry. The design feat...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Pomellato M'ama Non M'ama 18k Rose Gold Onyx Diamond Bracelet
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This elegant bracelet embodies symbolic emotion and Italian craftsmanship. Crafted in polished 18k rose gold, it features a slender open bangle design, effortlessly l...
Black Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Love Diamond Pave Thin Small 18K White Gold Size 17 Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Love bracelet crafted in elegant 18K white gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. This thinner version of the iconic Love bracelet showcases Cartier’s ce...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White 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
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. ...
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...
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
Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lattice Design Bypass Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this exceptional hinged bangle bracelet showcases an intricate lattice design adorned with 108 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 5.50 carats. Graded G...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
Chopard Ice Cube Diamond Bangle Bracelet 18k White Gold
By Chopard
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Chopard bracelet embodies the intersection of architecture and adornment. Crafted in 18k white gold, the Ice Cube collection, designed by Caroline Scheufele, exe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
John Galliano Blue Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Newspaper Inclusions
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning John Galliano Paris bracelet is from the 2000 Autumn-Winter "Newspaper" collection. The bangle features an acrylic, or Lucite, chunky geometric shape in transparent blu...
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
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
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
Silvorra 925 Silver Natural Emerald & Diamond Modern Statement Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This Modern bangle bracelet is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring square cut emeralds weighing 1.40 carats and sparkling diamonds totaling 0.90 carats. The emeralds are set i...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 12.00cttw 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage Tiffany & Co. bracelet rendered in 18K yellow gold, showcasing an intricate nugget-inspired design that feels both organic and sculptural. The surface is composed ...
Diamond, 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
Cartier Triple Bangle 18k Rose, White, Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Three bangles in one by Cartier in 18K rose, white, and yellow gold. The bangle has a inner diameter of 7 inches. Stamped Cartier 1995 60 750.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
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
18K White Gold Diamond Pavé Bangle Bracelet, 5.10 Carats Round Brilliants 24.4g
Located in Plantation, FL
An elegant and substantial 18 karat white gold diamond pavé hinged bangle bracelet, set with approximately 5.10 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. The bracelet features full pav...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
Chopard Ice Cube Diamond Bangle Bracelet 18k White Gold
By Chopard
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Chopard bracelet embodies the intersection of architecture and adornment. Crafted in 18k white gold, the Ice Cube collection, designed by Caroline Scheufele, exe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Massive Flying Saucer Carved Wood Bangle Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning, Christian Dior, ethnic-inspired wood bracelet is a rare find. The important flying saucer-shaped bangle is made of tropical wood with ethnic carving. The marking is lo...
Art Deco Inspired 6.68 Carat Ruby and Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Inspired 6.68 Carat Ruby and Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Weight: 6.68 carats Diamond Weight: 0.88 carats total (0.50 round brilliant, 0.38 baguette)** ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Classic Love Bracelet in White Gold Size 19
By Cartier
Located in Lisboa, PT
This Cartier Classic Love Bracelet in 18 kt white gold, size 19, is an iconic expression of timeless design and enduring commitment. Crafted by Cartier, the renowned French maison, t...
White Gold, 18k Gold
Annibale Baldini Queen Bee Bangle Bracelet
Located in Derby, NY
Create a Buzzzzz! Handcrafted in Italy, the Queen Bee Bangle Bracelet by Annibale Baldini is a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece. Its impressive size and use of Swarovski crystals make i...
Crystal, Brass
$100,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Yellow Gold Green Enamel And Diamond Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of Jean Schlumberger’s signature aesthetic, this Tiffany & Co. hinged bangle is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and adorned with luminous light green paillonné e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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
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
David Webb Sculptural Gemstone and Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18K Gold
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
David Webb with this exquisite bangle bracelet, a striking creation that blends bold design with timeless elegance. Hand-crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum, the piece features a...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Annibale Baldini Italian Swarovski Crystal Bangle Bracelet
Located in Derby, NY
Dramatic! Handcrafted in Italy, the matte Black and Swarovski Crystal Statement Bangle by Annibale Baldini is a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece. This design, made of black enamel over ...
Crystal, Brass
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
Hemmerle Munich Bracelet and Ring and 21 ct Santa Maria Color precious Aquamarin
By Hemmerle
Located in Viena, Viena
A stunning pair of bracelet and ring, created in Munich Germany by the jewelry house of Hemmerle, back in the 1990's. Hemmerle jewelry pieces are rare and very hard to find. The cr...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Vintage Twisted Bangle Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a oval shaped bangle bracelet comprised of grooved twisted rope motif Featuring round brilliant cut diamonds bead set on platinum-topped segments Weighing approximately 1...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ming's Phoenix Dragon Gold Hinged Bangle 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 29.5 Grams Bracelet Circumference: ~8.25" Inner Diameter: ~2.65" Bracelet Height: 14.1 mm Stamped:...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unique 14k White Gold Bracelet with diamonds in brilliant cut 5.07 ct.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Unique bracelet with diamonds in brilliant cut. We present an exceptional bracelet decorated with numerous diamonds with a total weight of approximately 5.07 ct. These stones have b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
La Nouvelle Bague 18k Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Enamel Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A striking and playful design from La Nouvelle Bague, this bangle bracelet showcases the brand’s signature use of vivid enamel paired with luxurious metals. Crafted in sterling silve...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Ilias Lalaounis Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Double Ram Ruby Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable vintage bracelet by renowned Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis, masterfully crafted in richly textured 18K yellow gold. This bold and highly sculptural design features two o...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$48,800Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Love Bracelet 18K White Gold Ceramic With Pave Diamonds – Size 18
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Love bracelet from the iconic collection, crafted in 18K white gold and black ceramic. This contemporary version is defined by the signature screw motif, elevated with pavé-s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$37,600Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold Jean Schlumberger Red Enamel Croisillon Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage Schlumberger bangle crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing the designer’s unmistakable sculptural aesthetic and bold use of color. The bracelet features a con...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Van Cleef Arpels Braided 18k White Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Braided White Gold Bangle Bracelet is a testament to timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Crafted from the finest 18k white gold, this bangle features...
18k Gold, White Gold
$63,200Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Yellow Gold Red Enamel Dots and Losange Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage Schlumberger “Dot Losange” bangle by Tiffany & Co., crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and accented with vivid red enamel. The design is composed of 19 sculptural...
Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
La Nouvelle 18 Karat Gold Bracelet with .59 Carat Diamonds and Burgundy Enamel
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat rose gold bracelet is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, marrying the classic with the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Enamel
c1995 Cartier Trinity Bangle Bracelet Sz 17 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier Trinity bangle bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (with a rose, white and yellow gold trinity designed stations). The Trinity bracelet was released in 1995 a...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold