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.
Cartier Rose Gold Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 17 B6048117
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stylish 18k rose 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 s...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat Gold Opal and Blue Topaz Bracelet
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k gold opal 11.3mm and blue topaz 6 x 9mm bracelet 6.3 grams.
Opal, Topaz, 14k Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Plain Love Bracelet Size 19 B6035519
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
David Webb Green Enamel, Diamond and Ruby Frog Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous David Webb Frog bracelet is amazing and for a smaller wrist. Made in 18 kt., the stylized frog with braided legs applied all ov...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
3.28 Carat Emerald and Diamond Channel Set Bangle Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
3.28 Carat Emerald and Diamond Channel Set Bangle Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Weight: 3.28 carats Diamond Weight: 0.91 carats A sleek and sophisticated expression of color ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Enigma 18K Gold Bypass Diamond Spinning Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bypass bracelet by Gianni Bulgari is crafted in 18K rose and white gold and comes from the sought-after Enigma collection. The design features two polished spheres, each...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K White Gold 10 Diamond Love with Screw Driver Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Love bracelet in 18K white gold is the elegant diamond version of the Maison’s most iconic design. Sized at 17, it features ten brilliant round-cut diamonds set between ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Curata Italian 18k Yellow Gold Tubogas 3-Strand Rolling Slip-On Bangle Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal Purity: 18k Stamped Country of Origin: Italy Metal Weight: 49 grams Measurement: 8mm wide (each) x 7" per bangle Certificate of Authenticity The Italian 18k Yellow Gold Tuboga...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Plain Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 15 B6048115
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k rose gold Cartier bracelet 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 size 15 wit...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
4 Carat Natural Diamond Pear Cut Floral Cluster Bangle Bracelet 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
The most confident jewelry design decisions are always the ones of deliberate restraint. The upper arc of this handmade bangle is flawless high-polish white gold — unset, unadorned, ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Natural 2.6 Carat Round Diamond Pave Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Rose Gold Natural 2.6 Carat Round Diamond Bangle Pave Bracelet Style: Diamond Bangle Bracelet Material: 18k Rose Gold Diamond Details: There are approximately 2.60 carats tot...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Diamond Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 19 B6048619
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k yellow gold Cartier diamond bracelet from the Juste Un Clou collection. The bracelet is in the style of a nail and has 27 round brilliant cut pave diamonds set in the ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier White Gold Diamond Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 19 B6048719
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A signature 18k white gold Cartier diamond bracelet from the Juste Un Clou collection. The bracelet is in the style of a nail and has 32 round brilliant cut pave diamonds set in the ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Half Diamond Love Bracelet Size 15 B6035915
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Cartier half diamond bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of screw motifs alternating with four round brilliant cut diamonds in a rubover sett...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Full Diamond Love Bracelet Size 17 B6040617
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 18k rose gold full diamond Love bracelet by Cartier. The bracelet is set with 10 round brilliant cut diamonds circulating the outer edge throughout totalling 0.96ct. The br...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Half Diamond & Pink Sapphire Love Bracelet Size 17 N6705917
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 18k rose gold half diamond and pink sapphire double Cartier bracelet from the Love collection. The double bangle features the iconic screw motif alternating with 6 round br...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 19 B6048519
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 18k rose gold Cartier diamond bracelet from the Juste Un Clou collection. The bracelet is in the style of a nail and has 32 round brilliant cut pave diamonds set in the hea...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Red, Yellow, Blue, Enamel Sunflowers Bangle Bracelet
By Mavito
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold oval shaped bracelet is enameled in a medium vibrant blue. Red and yellow enamel sunflowers with green leaves are the ov...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Sapphire & Emerald Bangle 4.50 Carat Modern Bangle 2.4 Size
Located in Jaipur, IN
A refined expression of modern luxury, this 14K yellow gold bangle showcases a harmonious blend of deep blue sapphires and vivid green emeralds, meticulously arranged in a sleek chan...
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Open Cuff Diamonds inlaid Letter "L" Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Open Cuff Bangle, crafted from luxurious 14k yellow gold and adorned with sparkling diamonds inlaid in the elegant letter "L." Wei...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier White Gold Plain Medium Love Bracelet Size 20 B6081620
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A timeless 18k white gold Cartier bracelet from the Love collection. This latest medium version of the classic Love bracelet features the iconic screw motifs and includes a single sc...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Plain Love Bracelet Size 19 B6035519
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
Handmade Modern 925 Silver Cuff Bangle by Roshe Jewels, USA
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bangle in 925 Silver with a hammered metal effect.
Silver
Cartier White Gold Plain Love Bracelet Size 19 B6035419
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold Cartier bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of the iconic screw motifs on the outer edge. The bracelet is a size 19 and features the new style...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier White Gold Plain Love Bracelet Size 17 B6035417
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold Cartier bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of the iconic screw motifs on the outer edge. The bracelet is a size 17 and features the new style...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Plain Love Bracelet Size 17 B6035617
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 18k rose gold Cartier bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of the iconic screw motifs around the outer edge. The bracelet is a size 17 and features the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Myanmar Vivid Apple Green Tricolor Oval Shape Jadeite Jade Bangle
Located in Kowloon, HK
This stunning, premium Myanmar jade bangle is 100% natural, untreated, and undyed Grade-A jadeite jade. Mother Nature's stunning apple green color ...
Jade
Cartier White Gold Plain Love Bracelet Size 21 B6035421
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold Cartier bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of the iconic screw motifs on the outer edge. The bracelet is a size 21 and features the new style...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.52 Carat Sapphire Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.52 Carat Sapphire Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet This gorgeous cuff bangle can be worn alone or stacked with other bracelets and ...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1990's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Love Bangle Size 20 Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an oval shaped gold bangle Engraved with iconic screw head motif With a high polished gold finish Opens via two removable screws Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered fully ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Armenta New World Crivelli Silver Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds
By Armenta
Located in Derby, NY
Armenta New World Crivelli Silver Bangle Bracelet Jewelry Style : Bangle Metal Type : Silver Mother of pearl and champagne diamonds Brand : Armenta New World Crivelli Measuremen...
Diamond, Silver
ADA Jewelry Black Diamond Stretch Bracelet, 4.51 Carats, 14K Yellow Gold
By ADA Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Classic and elegant diamond stretch bracelet crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring 4.50 carats of natural round brilliant black diamonds. Designed with a flexible stretch fit, this b...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Gehry Torque 18k White Gold Square Twisted Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A sculptural and modern design from Tiffany & Company, this 18 karat white gold torque bangle was created in collaboration with renowned archite...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K White And Rose Gold Love 12 Diamonds Size 17 Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Cartier 18K White and Rose Gold LOVE Bracelet is adorned with 12 round brilliant cut diamonds, weighing a total of 0.78 carats. A true masterpiece from Cartier’s iconi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Curata Solid 14k Yellow Gold 7.75" 6mm Comfort Polished Slip-on Bangle Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal Stamp: 14k Country of Origin:United Metal Weight: 9.5 grams (Hollow) Measurement: 6mm x 7.75" Certificate of Authenticity Included This solid 14k Yellow Gold 6mm wide half rou...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ferri Firenze 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Bangle, 1.28ct
Located in New York, NY
The Bubbles Contrairé bracelet crafted from an ornate sweep of 18K yellow gold and champagne diamonds effortlessly hugs the wearer's wrist while echoing uncomplicated motifs. The rep...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati 18K Yellow and White Gold Macri Capri Emerald Bracelet
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated expression of Italian artistry, this Buccellati "Macri Capri" bracelet beautifully captures the understated luxury that has made Buccellati one of the world's most re...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Set Hinged Bangle Bracelet Contemporary Design
Located in London, GB
Crafted in 18 karat white gold, this elegant diamond bangle bracelet showcases a graceful flowing design highlighted by brilliant-cut diamonds. The sweeping lines create a modern and...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier White Gold Plain Love Bracelet Size 15 B6035415
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold Cartier bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of the iconic screw motifs on the outer edge. The bracelet is a size 15 and features the latest st...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Full Diamond Love Bracelet Size 20 B6040520
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 18k yellow gold full diamond Love bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of 10 round brilliant cut diamonds circulating the outer edge with a total weigh...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
11–12mm Australian White South Sea Pearl Diamond Bangle in 18K White Gold
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Plain SM Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 16 B6062616
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k yellow gold Cartier bracelet from the Juste Un Clou collection. This is the slimmer version of the iconic design, featuring a nail motif that wraps elegantly around th...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Half Diamond Love Bracelet Size 16 B6036016
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k rose gold Cartier half diamond bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of screw motifs alternating with four round brilliant cut diamonds in a rubover settin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier White Gold Half Diamond Love Bracelet Size 17 B6035817
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold Cartier half diamond bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of the iconic screw motifs on the outer edge alternating with 4 round brilliant cut d...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Webb White Enamel Ram Animal Bangle with Rubies and Emeralds Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
DAVID WEBB IMPORTANT VINTAGE RAM'S HEAD BRACELET This is a wonderful, rare and elegant bracelet, with a flexible white enameled body, and dramatic cabochon rubies, emerald and sapphires set in the ram's head. This bracelet was made for socialite Carolyne Ryan Foulke, c1960's. Signed WEBB. It was on loan to the exhibition of David Webb jewelry...
Emerald, Ruby, Enamel
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Ruby and Diamond Black Enamel Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Red Ruby Diamond Bull Bracelet is a stunning piece of jewelry that exemplifies the extraordinary cr...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
AENEA 18k Yellow Gold Fancy Yellow Brown White Diamonds Bangle
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
If you are looking for a fantastic elegant, but easy to wear piece, that is the one! Like Cartier and Faberge of the 1920s we combined yellow gold and sterling silver. It is mainly to reduce the weight of the piece, but also a fantastic design aspect, with the two colours. The Fancy Yellow, brown and white diamonds (E-F/VVS) are knife cut set by microscope. For the lady of style and fashion. Stones: White, Yellow and Brown Diamonds...
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Ster...
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
$2,880Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Pear Cut Diamond Open Cuff Bangle Bracelet for Her in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and contemporary bangle bracelet showcases three pear-cut diamonds totaling 0.73 carats, set in 14k yellow gold. Each measures around 6.15 x 3.52 mm, creating a perfect ba...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sonia B. 1.54 Carat Galerie de Bijoux Diamond Gold Flex Bangle Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
Sonia B Galerie de Bijoux Diamond 14k yellow gold flex bangle bracelet. Set with 7 princess cut and 48 full and square cut accent diamonds. Fits up t...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cartier White Gold Coloured Stones Love Bracelet Size 17 B6036317
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 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 a...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Spinel, Gold, 18k Go...
Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Juste Un Clou Bracelet Size 20 B6048520
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 18k rose gold Cartier diamond bracelet from the Juste Un Clou collection. The bracelet is in the style of a nail and has 32 round brilliant cut pave diamonds set in the hea...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier White Gold Half Diamond Love Bracelet Size 18 B6035818
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold Cartier half diamond bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of the iconic screw motifs on the outer edge alternating with 4 round brilliant cut d...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier White Gold Half Diamond Love Bracelet Size 21 B6035821
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An iconic 18k white gold Cartier half diamond bracelet from the Love collection. The bracelet comprises of the iconic screw motifs on the outer edge alternating with 4 round brillian...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier LOVE 10 Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Size 17 Classic Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier LOVE Bangle is a symbol of enduring elegance and iconic design. Crafted from 18k yellow gold, this bangle features 10 round brilliant-cut diamonds, bezel-set, totaling appro...
Diamond, 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
Vintage Geometric Wide Bangle in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish vintage geometric wide bangle set in 18k yellow gold.
The bracelet is composed of a wave-shaped band set with a gradient width. To one side of the bangle is a cl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Quatre White Edition Bangle Bracelet
By Boucheron
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Make a style statement with the Quatre White Edition bracelet on your wrist. Here the Clou de Paris in white Hycream luminates and contrast with the Grosgrain in yellow gold and the...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
R.C.M. 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5.75 Carat Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By RCM
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold ring was designed by Nova. A unique domed setting highlights the tapered Baguette Cut Diamonds which are set with geometric puzzle affect. Ring size 6.25 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K White Gold Juste Un Clou Diamond Classic Bracelet Size 18
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet crafted in 18-karat white gold and set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. The bracelet features Cartier’s signature nail-inspired design, wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold