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.
Unisex Tahitian Pearl and Silver Beaded Necklace with Ebony Sandalwood, New
Located in Boostedt, SH
This necklace is made of black Ebony sandalwood beads combined with Tahitian pearl sand silver beads. Black cotton coated elastic band. Meaning: Tahi...
Pearl, Silver
Gurhan 24K Yellow Gold Hammered Vertigo Bracelet – Luxury Jewelry
By Gurhan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The Gurhan 24K Yellow Gold Thin Hammered Vertigo Bracelet embodies sophisticated luxury, exceptional craftsmanship, and the artistry of high-karat gold. Crafted in 24K yellow gold, t...
PSL Certified Natural Blue Rose Madama Akoya Pearl Necklace, Japan, 7.5–8mm
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...
Black Pearl, Pearl
$215Sale Price|20% Off
Three Row "Fruit Salad" Beaded Cuff Bracelet By Hobé, 1950s
By Hobé Jewelry
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Approx 8" length - 2.5" width at widest point - White plastic beads - Colorful glass fruit beads: pear, strawberry, lemon - Slightly adjustable, best fits smal...
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise & Freshwater Pearl Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Freeform Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise & Freshwater Pearl Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver – 16.5cm Product Description: This delicate boho-chic bracelet features lustrous fre...
Turquoise, Silver
7mm Natural Tanzanite Bead Stretch Bracelet – 16cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This captivating stretch bracelet features lustrous 7mm natural Tanzanite beads in a rich, deep violet-blue hue. Each bead is expertly polished, showcasing the stone’s signature vibr...
Tanzanite
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Pink Opal 14K Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
Get ready for some summer glam! This rare sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise bracelet is adorned with 14k gold and blush pink opals. A unique one of a kind bracelet. Discover timele...
Turquoise, Opal, 14k Gold
Turquoise Mother of Pearl Bracelet Florentine 14 Karat Gold Clasp Three Strand
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning Turquoise, Mother of Pearl and 14 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet. The Retro, Mid-Century bracelet has three strands of natural chunky turquoise beads accented by M...
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Etoile Chalcedony Multi-Gem 18k Gold & Sterling Silver Bracelet 8"
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Collection: Etoile Style: Multi-Gemstone Bead Bracelet Material: Sterling Silver and 18k Yellow Gold Gemstones: Natural pink sapphires, blue sapphires, peridot, ...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,350Sale Price / item|20% Off
Solid 18k Yellow Gold 6.29 Carat Rainbow Moonstone Chain Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This 6.29 Carat Rainbow Moonstone Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 6.29 carats endlessly sparkling natural rainbow moonstone. It measures 7.5 inches long in length. Rainbow moon...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$280Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Amethyst 10mm Bead Elastic Bracelet
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Glow with regal elegance in this luxurious Natural Amethyst bracelet. Handcrafted with smooth, high-quality 10mm round Amethyst beads, each stone showcases a rich, vibrant purple hue...
Amethyst
1950s Robert Barre Carnelian Emerald Jewelry Suite
Located in New York, NY
We offer a beautiful one-of-a-kind 1950's jewelry suite by designer Robert Barre using rich amber-colored faceted carnelian beads with 18K gold caps of mo...
Carnelian, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sparkling Peridot Diamond 18K Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary one of a kind bracelet is crafted from rare peridot of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-car...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina J. Woven Pearl Bracelet With Rhodium Plated Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Pearl woven Bridal Bracelet by Marina J. This piece is made with 5.5 - 6mm round Pearls and 2.5 - 3mm button Pearls intricately woven together into an elegant lace like desi...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
9–10mm Rare Peacock Green Tahitian Pearl Stud Earrings in 18K 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...
Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold
$384Sale Price|20% Off
18K Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Beaded Bracelet, 3mm, 17.5cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate and refined bracelet showcases uniform 3mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads in a vibrant, consistent sky-blue color. Sourced from Arizona, Sleeping Beauty turquo...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Pearl & Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver 16.5cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate bracelet beautifully combines lustrous white freshwater pearls with vibrant natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. The design alternates irregular baroque pearls and smooth...
Sterling Silver
Mayveda 14kt Gold Filled Black Diamond Beaded Bracelet, 6 Carats
Located in New York, NY
Embrace simplicity with our Black Diamond Bracelet. This handmade piece features a slim strand of 6 carats of faceted black diamonds. Its minimalist design pairs well with any outfit...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
8mm Natural Rose Quartz Bead Stretch Bracelet – 16cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This soft and feminine stretch bracelet features beautifully polished 8mm natural Rose Quartz beads in delicate shades of pastel pink. Each bead displays a gentle translucency with s...
Quartz
Vintage 18k Gold & Cultured Pearl Single Strand Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage 18k gold & cultured pearl single strand bracelet. With 7 - 7.5 mm round white pearls with fine color and lustre. Set with a 18k gold clasp. Originally retailed by Shapur Mozafarian of San Francisco. Together with its original receipt. Simply a wonderful classic strand of pearls! Date: Late 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Fineness: Marked 18k for gold fineness. Gemstone Measurements: 20 Pearls...
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
PSL Certified Aurora Natural Color Multicolor Tahitian
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...
Black Pearl
26756 Vintage Tiffany Co 18K Yellow Gold 4mm Akoya Pearl Double Strand Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany 18k gold pearl bracelet weighs 14.1g 18k yellow gold bows measures 8mm wide 84 round pearls measures 4mm wide Bracelet measures 7.5'' long end to end Bracelet fits up to 7''...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co 7.5mm Pearl Bracelet Signature 18k White Gold X Clasp Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed estate Tiffany & Co pearl bracelet from the 'Signature' pearls collection, finished with an 18k white gold 'X' clasp. The bracelet features individu...
Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Silvorra Sterling Silver Tiger’s Eye Unisex Beaded Bracelet for Everyday Wear
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet has 28 tiger’s eye gemstones weighing 6.46 carats, bezel set in 925 sterling silver. The 3 x 5 mm oval shaped stones are arranged in a continuous line, highlighting th...
Tiger's Eye, Silver, Sterling Silver
Giant Twisted Rose Quartz Opal 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
** please note this bracelet is ready to ship A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary bracelet is crafted from a rare size and shape of blush pink Rose Quart...
Quartz, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Black Diamond Oval Bead and Crystal Quartz Stretch Bracelet
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Great to stack this Black Diamond Oval shape bead and Crystal stretchable bracelet is lovely. Diamond: 5.12cts Quartz: 125cts Bead Size:14-15mm Cryst...
Diamond, Quartz, Crystal, Black Diamond
10mm Natural Rose Quartz Bead Stretch Bracelet – 16.8cm Product Description:
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate and feminine stretch bracelet features lustrous 10mm natural Rose Quartz beads in soft, romantic shades of pale pink. Each bead is smoothly polished, showcasing the sto...
Quartz
18K Yellow Gold Pink Coral Beads, Diamonds and Ruby Multi-Row Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Amazing retrò bracelet in 14 karat rose gold structure mounted with 4 sections of spheres of pink coral and,between of them, rows of garnets and diamonds. This bracelet was totally h...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl & Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver – 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This charming bracelet beautifully blends lustrous white freshwater pearls with vibrant natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise chips. The design alternates creamy round pearls with bright...
Pearl, Turquoise, Silver
6mm Natural Garnet Bead Stretch Bracelet – 15.9cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This refined stretch bracelet features lustrous 6mm natural Garnet beads with rich, deep red hues and subtle sparkle. Each bead is carefully selected and polished to showcase the sto...
Garnet
Giant Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Swiss Topaz Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
Get ready for some summer glam! This rare sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise bracelet, crafted with large turquoises is adorned with a silver clasp and sky blue Swiss Topaz. Discove...
Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Topaz, Sterling Silver
Pearl & Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver – 18cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This charming bracelet beautifully combines creamy white freshwater pearls with vibrant natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. Lustrous irregular keshi-style pearls are paired with brigh...
Turquoise, Silver
$272Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Rose Quartz 12mm Bead Elastic Bracelet
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Embrace the soft, loving energy of this elegant Natural Rose Quartz bracelet. Featuring large, lustrous 12mm round beads, each stone showcases a delicate pink hue with natural transl...
Quartz
14K White Gold, Diamonds And Pearls Bracelet
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a delicate and elegant 14K white gold, diamonds and pearls bracelet. It depicts a two strands pearl bracelet decorated with four thin white gold bridges with a round cut diamond...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Brazil Aquamarine drop 18K Diamond Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary bracelet is crafted from rare Brazilian aquamarine of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulously hand-carve...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rainbow Sapphire and Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
The perfect pastel rainbow gemstone bracelet, methiciously handknotted and finished with a gold clasp. A stunning bright colored mix of precious gemstones around your wrist! This bea...
Citrine, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Turquoise, Larimar, 14k Gold...
Greenland Rubies 14K Yellow Gold Heated Ruby Beaded Stretch Bracelet
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Discover color with the 14K Yellow Gold Stretchable Bracelet with Heated Ruby Beads by Greenland Rubies. This G Marie exclusive features 21 heated ruby beads totaling 106.05 carats, ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Chunky Three Strand Pearl Bracelet With Gilded Rose Clasp By Givenchy, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 8" length - Rose component measures 1.75" diameter - Gold plated - Faux pearl - Push clasp closure - By Give...
1.80CT Round Black Diamond G/VS 18KT Gold Steel Black Agate Men's Bead Bracelet
Located in London, GB
This Bracelet from features one Pave set diamond bead in 18 Karat White Gold, 3 stainless steel beads and 17 matte Black satin agate beads. Size will fit from 7.00 to 8.50 inches (17...
Agate, Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Giant Brazil Citrine and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary one of a kind bracelet is crafted from rare Brazilian citrine of exceptional quality. Each stone has been meticulousl...
Citrine, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Multi-Strand Cultured Pearl Bracelet with 18K Gold Diamond Clasp
Located in Queens, NY
Multi-Strand Pearl Bracelet with 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Clasp, featuring twenty strands of cultured white and Tahitian pearls approx. 3.5-4.0 mm, strung on silk cords, joined with ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Peridot 14K Gold Charm Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
Get ready for some summer glam! This rare sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise bracelet is adorned with 14k gold and charms. A unique one of a kind bracelet. Discover timeless beauty ...
Turquoise, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Beaded Faux Pearl Mohawk Statement Bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 8.5" length - 1.1" width - Simulated black and golden gripoix pearls - Gold plated hardware - Hidden push box clasp - By Karl Lagerfeld (double signed on clasp...
$158Sale Price|20% Off
Two Strand AB Blue Bead Bracelet With Gold Accents By Eugene Schultz, 1950s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 8" length - Cornflower blue faceted glass beads with aurora borealis iridescent coating - Gold plated ac...
Classic Cultured Japanese Pearl White Double Strand Vintage Bracelet 14k YG
Located in New York, NY
"Why wear one string when you can wear two?" Coco Chanel. You can never go wrong with a classic two strand pearl Bracelet! Large White ( some light pink overtone) Round, high-lust...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gurhan Vertigo 24K Gold Single-Strand Beaded Bracelet – Luxury Jewelry
By Gurhan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The GURHAN Vertigo 24K Gold Single-Strand Beaded Bracelet showcases craftsmanship and the luminous beauty of pure gold. This sculptural 7.5-inch bracelet features hammered 24K yellow...
24k Gold
Signed David Webb Lapis Lazuli Torsade w/ 18k Gold & Carved Coral Floral Motif
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This signed David Webb lapis lazuli torsade style bracelet with a sculptural 18k gold setting and carved coral floral motif originated in the United States, circa 1970. A wide, multi...
Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cultured Pearl Burmese Jade Natural Lapis Lazuli Gold Clasp Bead Bracelet
Located in Kowloon, Hong Kong
**Cultured Pearl, Burmese Jade & Lapis Lazuli Masterpiece** This beautiful Cultured Pearl, Burmese Jade, and Lapis Lazuli Gold Clasp Bracelet is not merely an accessory; it is a wea...
Cultured Pearl, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.30 Karat Bead Cut Sapphire Little Hearts Chain Bracelet
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire Slightly Hammered "Little Hearts" Chain Bracelet. Dimension 8.6 inches (22 cm ) length resizable on order. A nice bracelet handcrafted in 18 karats yel...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Custom Made Blue Sapphire Agate Beaded Bracelets With Gold Balls, Trio, New
Located in North Miami, FL
This trio of custom jeweler made stretch beaded bracelets are a combination of sky blue marbleized agate and blue lace agate mixed in with gold ball findings and other gold filled elements. They are a gorgeous hue of sapphire blue with hints of dark turquoise. They have the original tags on and were never worn as they were shown on a 5 star luxury cruise and marked $225.00 each. They will fit a wrist size of 6, 6.5 and 7 inches maximum. A size 6 wrist will have a bit of dangle room. These were made to fit many wrist sizes. For all seasons and all wardrobes...
Agate, Gold
Vintage Triple Strand Cultured Pearl Bracelet with 14k Gold Clasp
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A classic triple-strand cultured pearl bracelet, elegant and very wearable. 87 round pearls of a soft, creamy white, nicely matched in size and glowing with the warm, satiny luster t...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unisex 15DEGREESLONDON Ebony Necklace with Tahitian Pearls
Located in Boostedt, SH
This necklace is made of black Ebony sandalwood beads combined with Tahitian pearl sand silver beads. Black cotton coated elastic band. Meaning: Tahi...
Pearl, Silver
Giant Brazil Citrine and Peridot 14K Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary one of a kind bracelet is crafted from sparkling citrine quartz, Brazilian Citrine and Peridot of exceptional high qu...
Citrine, Peridot, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Baroque Flame Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
The Flame baroque pearl bracelet is a striking expression of natural elegance and refined craftsmanship. Each pearl is uniquely shaped, celebrating the organic beauty that only genui...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blockchain Diamond & Gold Bead Bracelet
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This limited edition piece is inspired by sacred geometries, fractals, and patterns in nature. This sculptural bracelet is from the John Brevard Orthofract series. The Orthofract se...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
65.96Tcw Cabochon Opal Smokey Diamond 18K Yellow Fine Gold Beaded Bracelet
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cabochon Opal Smokey Diamond 18K Yellow Fine Gold Beaded Bracelet. This beautifully bracelet handcrafted with genuine pink opal and Smokey gemstones and embellished with sparkling di...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Sky Blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
This may be the one of a kind sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise bracelet, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on this beauty! This very rare form of turquoises continue to be a f...
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade Natural Red Ruby Beaded Bracelet with 22k Gold Accents
Located in Eugene, OR
Indulge in the vibrant beauty of nature with this exquisite natural red ruby beaded bracelet. Handcrafted with precision, this dainty bracelet features small, faceted, deep red ruby ...
Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold
Carved Jade and Pave Diamond Ball Bead Stretch Bracelet in Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Great to stack this Carved Jade and Pave Diamond Stretchable Bracelet in Silver is lovely and such a eye catching piece. Diamond Pave ball bead and Jade Beads are 16mm big Silver:1...
Diamond, Jade, Silver
Greenland Rubies Heated Pink & Blue Sapphire 14mm Beaded Stretch Bracelet
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Make a statement with the Heated Pink and Blue Sapphire 14mm Beaded Stretchable Bracelet by Greenland Rubies, an exclusive G Marie luxury jewelry piece. This striking bracelet featur...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold