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.
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
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
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
$5,269Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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...
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
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
18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970s
Located in South Pasadena, CA
18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970s. The 18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bangle Bracelet was made in the 1970s. Made with wide fluted sections, this bangle bracelet has a gre...
18k Gold, Yellow 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
Judith Hendler Black and Transparent Acrylic Lucite Bypass Bracelet Bangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
Judith Hendler designed this stunning Lucite or Acrylic bracelet bangle in the 1980s. This bracelet contrasts black and transparent colors in a coiled, wrapped design. Judith Hendle...
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
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
Cartier LOVE 18 Karat White Gold Bangle Bracelet, Small Model Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier LOVE bracelet, small model, crafted in 18K white gold and featuring the iconic LOVE screw motif. Measuring approximately 3.6mm wide, the bracelet is designed with Cartier’s f...
Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Black Enamel Elephant Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Black Enamel Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Elephant Bracelet A spectacular David Webb elephant bracelet, richly sculpted in gold and finished in glossy black enamel. The elep...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel, 18k 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
David Webb Brown Enamel Emerald Diamond 18K Gold Horse Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional animal-motif bracelet by David Webb, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and richly patterned brown enamel. The articulated body is composed of rounded enamel links outlin...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 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 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
David Yurman Sterling Silver 18K Gold Cable Crossover Cuff Bangle
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Authentic David Yurman Cable Crossover Cuff Bracelet crafted in sterling silver with an 18K yellow gold logo accent. This sculptural cuff features the iconic David Yurman twisted ca...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
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
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
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger 18K Gold Red Enamel Bangle Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
An uncommon masterpiece by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Red Vitreous Paillonné Enamel bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1990. Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumberge...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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
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
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
Bvlgari Serpenti Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Medium
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A striking and iconic design from Bvlgari, this Serpenti bangle bracelet is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and showcases the maison’s legendary serpent motif in a bold and sculptura...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black and Gold Threads Resin Lucite Bracelet Bangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning glitter bracelet bangle has a domed shape and comprises clear Lucite injected with metallic thread inclusions in black and gold. The metallic threads sparkle like Chris...
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
Kieselstein Cord 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wavey Vintage Bangle Bracelet
By Kieselstein
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord Wavy Bangle Bracelet, circa 1982. Expertly crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, this striking bracelet features the designer's signatu...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
22113 Tiffany & Co. 21.3g ITALY 925 Sterling Silver 7.75'' Logo Bangle Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany bracelet weighs 21.3g Bracelet measures 3.6mm wide Bracelet fit up to 7.75'' wrist Stamped "Tiffany & Co. 925 ITALY" Comes with a Tiffany pouch only. Stock #22113
Sterling Silver, Silver
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. 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
Schlumberger 18K Gold Paillonne Green Enamel Cones Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Jean Schlumberger bracelet, crafted in 18K yellow gold and vibrant green enamel, accompanied by its original Schlumberger Paris box. The wide articulated bangle featu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Juste un Clou 18k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet w/Cert Size 18
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Juste un Clou Style: Nail Bangle Bracelet Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 18 FWV482 Au750 Design: Sculptural nail-inspired polished 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
Judith Hendler Black and White Acrylic Bypass Bracelet Bangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
Judith Hendler designed this stunning Lucite or Acrylic bracelet bangle in the 1980s. It is a contrast of black and white with a coiled-wrapped design. Judith Hendler is a famous Ca...
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 Starburst Sterling Silver Diamond Station Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Elegant David Yurman Starburst bracelet crafted in sterling silver. Total weight: 11.5g. Fits approx. 2.5–3 inch wrist diameter. Featuring three starburst stations set with round bri...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Designer Appartement a Louer Oversized Colorblock Resin Bracelet Bangle Trio
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by French atelier Appartement-a-Louer, this striking oversized trio of bracelets showcases bold geometry and sculptural elegance. Crafted from high-quality resin, the three-...
Bvlgari, 18K Gold Mother-of-Pearl Serpenti Quartz Wristwatch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This BVLGARI Serpenti watch bangle coils in sculptural rose gold, articulated with scale-like links for fluid movement. Pavé diamonds accent geometric motifs, framing a sleek dial wi...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose 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
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
$5,283Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow 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 yellow gold, the sl...
Diamond, 14k 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
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond Hoop 18k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet 6.75"
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Designer: Elsa Peretti Style: Diamond Hoop Bangle Bracelet Material: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstones: 1 diamond Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.23 carat Design: Sc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Yellow Gold Deep Blue Enamel Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Tiffany & Co. bracelet designed by Jean Schlumberger, crafted in 18K yellow gold with deep blue paillonné enamel and approximately 6.50 carats of diamonds. The wide a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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 ...
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 h...
Sterling Silver
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
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
Set in 18K Yellow Matte Gold, natural Zambian Emerald modern Bangle Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald Bangle Bracelet set in 18K Matte Yellow Gold. The weight of the Emeralds is 2.24 carats. The Emeralds are completely natural, wit...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Station Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
This exquisite diamond station bracelet is the one to have. This 14-karat yellow gold bracelet features 5 diamonds totaling 0.35 carats, SI1-0SI2, GH color diamonds, set in a bezel s...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
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
Hans Hansen Danish Modern Sterling Silver Beveled Bangle Bracelet
By Hans Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Danish Modern bracelet. In sterling silver. By Hans Hansen. Pattern no. 241. With a beveled edge. Marked to the interior. Simply wonderful Hans Hansen design! Da...
Sterling Silver
$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