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.
0.57 Carat White Diamond Round 14K Yellow Gold Semi-Flexible Luxury Cuff Bangle
Located in New York, NY
This stunning semi-flexible cuff bangle is set with a dazzling lineup of White Diamond Rounds, each precisely set to create a seamless and continuous flow of sparkle. With a total ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Diamond Bangle 2.30 Carat
Located in Great Neck, NY
Half-Way diamond bangle set in 14K white gold. Each stone weights 0.07 carats each. The total weight of the bangle is 2.30 carats. The color of the stones...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold
$5,999Sale Price|25% Off
1.70 Ct Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet Honeycomb Design 14K White & Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning diamond bangle bracelet is expertly crafted from 21.4 grams of a luxurious blend of 14k white gold and 14k rose gold. It showcases a delicate honeycomb design with geom...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Autore Black South Sea Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Two-Row Bangle
By Autore
Located in London, GB
This exquisite 18 carat white gold bangle features an open design with two rows of pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds, weighing a total ...
Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Prong Set Round Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet 18K White Gold 3.00Cttw
Located in New York, NY
A classic look with easy elegance, this beautiful diamond bangle bracelet exudes sophistication. Features prong set round brilliant cut fine white diamonds weighing 3.00 carats, set ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$20,500
Diana M Pave Fashion Bangle
Located in New York, NY
18 kt yellow gold bangle adorned containing 17.98 cts tw of diamonds (Part of a tri-color bangle set)
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.7 carat diamond Sequera bracelet in 18K white gold
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Design: Indulge in the allure of sophistication with this stunning 1.7 carat diamond Sequera bracelet. Meticulously crafted in 18K white gold, the bracelet features a modern design t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.35 carat diamond Sequera bracelet in 18K white gold
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Design: Elegance meets modernity in this exquisite diamond Sequera bracelet, a captivating accessory that seamlessly blends sophistication with contemporary flair. Crafted in radiant...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Bracelet Bangle with Security Chain 14k White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
A classic wardrobe staple, perfect for every occasion. This bangle features diamonds that float across the wrist in a delicate shared prong 14k white gold setting. Just perfect amount of sparkle to your bracelet stack...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
1.18 Pear Cut and Round Diamond Bangle 18 Carats White Gold Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
1.18 ct total weight Pear & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Straight Line Station Bangle Bracelet 18K White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rachel Koen Round Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet 18K Rose Gold 0.99Cttw
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully crafted bangle bracelet features round brilliant cut diamonds set halfway through the bangle in four prong setting. Crafted in 18k rose gold. Total diamond weight: 0...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rachel Koen Round Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet 18K White Gold 0.99Cttw
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully crafted bangle bracelet features round brilliant cut diamonds set halfway through the bangle in four prong setting. Crafted in 18k white gold. Total diamond weight: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Price Upon Request
Diana M. 35.00 Carat Diamond Pave Bangle
Located in New York, NY
18 kt white gold pave bangle adorned with multiple rows of 35.00 cts tw of diamonds going half-way around Diana M. is a leading supplier of top-quality fine jewelry for over 35 years...
Diamond, White Gold