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.
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain
Located in valatie, NY
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain. This high-quality bracelet in 8" is a standard men’s or ladies wrist size. It is characterized by round, interlocking link...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet embodies timeless elegance with its refined design. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features the iconic Panthère de Cartier motif, a symbol of gr...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.20ct 14k gold 12.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.20 ct – F/G – VS/SI – 19 cm long Detailed description The bracelet is 19 cm long, 2.5 mm wide, and 1.9 mm high. The...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mozambique Red Ruby & Diamond Curb Chain Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant chain bracelet features a 0.45 carat ruby set in 14K yellow gold. The ruby measuring 5.8 x 4.1 mm in a classic prong setting. The center stone is accented by 0.13 carats...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Stars Motif Links Vintage Rare Star 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Crafted in 18K yellow gold Approximate weight: 15 grams Approximate length: 7 inches Signed Tiffany & Co. Star motif design Hallmarks and maker’s marks present Elegant and collectib...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Bracelet Flat Woven & Braided 2 Strands, in Herringbone Pattern by Indaerre
Located in valatie, NY
14K Yellow Gold Bracelet, Flat Woven and Braided with 2 Strands in a Herringbone Pattern by "Indaerre" a jewelry manufacturer based in Vicenza, Italy. UNOAERRE (often referred to as ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver & 14K Gold 5mm Wheat Chain Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 14 karat yellow gold accents to each terminal. In a wheat chain style in the 5mm size. With a lobster claw...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver
$275,000
Bvlgari 38 Carat Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptional vintage bracelet by Bvlgari, designed and retailed in the mid-1960s, masterfully crafted in platinum and set with approximately 38 carats of diamonds arranged in an elega...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiac Star Signs Astrology Vintage 18K Gold Anchor Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Rare and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiac Star Astrological Signs bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold, dating to the 1970s–1980s period. This exceptional vintage piec...
18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cable Chain Bracelet, 8 Inch, 42.6g, Vintage Elegance
Located in Towson, MD
An exceptional 18 karat yellow gold cable chain bracelet, measuring approximately 8 inches in length and 1/2 inch in width, and weighing a substantial 42.6 grams. The bracelet featur...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$439Sale Price|20% Off
Gold & Resin Cabochon Organic Link Bracelet With Logo Clasp By Givenchy, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 7.5" length - .75" width - Gold plated - Amber, red, brown and green resin cabochons - Crystal rhinestone accents - Fold over "GG" clasp closure - By Givench...
Bvlgari Naturalia Vintage Fish Station Bracelet 18K Yellow & White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 1990s. This Bvlgari bracelet from the Naturalia line captures the playful essence of nature through the lens of Roman architectural elegance. Crafted in polished 18K yellow go...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,416Sale Price|20% Off
Classic 13.7ct Turquoise Cabochon Bezel Set Station Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bracelet features 7 natural turquoise cabochons totaling 13.7 carats, arranged in a solid 14K yellow gold. Each l turquoise is securely framed in a refined bezel setting...
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Link 14K (Custom) Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Diamond Link Chain Bracelet is crafted in polished 14K yellow gold and features a bold, modern link design with a refined diamond-accent centerpiece. The elongated gold links cr...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rossella Ugolini 24K Yellow Gold Plated Unique Links Chain Bracelet
Located in Rome, IT
Elevate your style with the exquisite Rossella Ugolini Italian Design Modern Bracelet, a manifestation of contemporary luxury in Silver Sterling 24K Yellow Gold plated . Meticulously...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate
14kt Gold Evil Eye Bracelet with Blue, White and Black Glass Charms, Made in USA
Located in North Miami, FL
Contemporary 14kt yellow gold evil eye bracelet featuring eighteen round glass evil eye charms in vibrant shades of blue, white, and black. Arranged along a delicate gold chain, the ...
Celine Pave Padlock Bracelet
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Celine's amazing heavy metal padlock bracelet from the late 1980's. The pave padlock opens and closes to lock a wide curb link multichain bracelet ...
Gilt Metal
Tiffany & Co. 1990's Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Vintage Strand Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of four tiered twisted herringbone rope chains Featuring five platinum-topped bar stations Bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.50 carat tota...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Tennis Bracelet, 14K Yellow Gold, Heavy Gold Bracelet
Located in Austin, TX
This tennis bracelet is a sleek design that will accent any bracelet party or it can stand alone. If you have always wanted a tennis bracelet this 14 karat yellow gold is a beauty with its white gold settings to hold 17...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Hemmerle Heart Moonstone Diamond Curb Chain Bracelet 18k 750 Yellow Gold
By Hemmerle
Located in München, DE
Rare Vintage Hemmerle curb chain bracelet in 18k 750 yellow gold with heart-shaped moonstone and diamond settings, a collectible German high jewelry piece ideal for gifting and moder...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sterling Silver Gucci Toggle Bracelet
By Gucci
Located in Venice, CA
This unusual take on a curb link bracelet is made by Gucci circa the 1980’s. The curb link is both elongated and squared off for a bold, edgy look with a lot of presence on the wrist...
Sterling Silver
Bea Bongiasca 9 Karat Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Bead Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
This bracelet is designed by Bea Bongiasca and crafted in 9 karat yellow gold. The design features a central lapis lazuli bead measuring approximately 10 mm in diameter, set within a...
Lapis Lazuli, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Hardy 9mm Sterling Silver 'Icon' Chain Bracelet with Diamond Clasp
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. From the 'Icon' series. Simply a wonderful signed John Hardy bracelet! Date: Late 20th Century or Early 21st Ce...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Pomellato 18k White Rose & Yellow Gold Chain Link Vintage Diamond Bracelet
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Pomellato bracelet embodies timeless design and modern elegance. Crafted in 18k white, rose, and yellow gold, it features interlocking circular links that create...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Minimalist 14K Solid Yellow Gold Heart-Shaped Natural Ruby Dainty Chain Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bracelet showcases a single heart-shaped natural ruby weighing 0.41 carats, measuring approximately 4.1 x 4.4 mm, set in 14k gold with a classic three-prong solitaire se...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Mid-Century Thick Snake Chain Bracelet
Located in Venice, CA
This 14k gold snake chain has a beautiful fluid quality and mesmerizing pattern within the links. It is a luxurious weight, with a sleek and slinky feel. Because the chain is thick, ...
Gold, 14k Gold
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Oval Cut Emerald and Halo Diamond Chain Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bracelet showcases an oval-cut natural emerald weighing 0.31 carats, encircled by a halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling about 0.05 carats. Each stone is prong-...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$372Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire Pear Cut Station Chain Bracelet Handmade Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Handmade 14K yellow gold station bracelet featuring pear cut natural pink sapphires, with a total weight of 1 carat. Each sapphire is bezel set along a gold chain. The bracelet measu...
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Bracelet, c.1970s
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1970s, this impressive Cartier bracelet is crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. At 110 grams, this heavyweight bracelet wraps around the wrist beautifully, truly making a s...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Givenchy Herringbone Chain Bracelet with Logo Clasp, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
1980s Vintage Givenchy herringbone chain bracelet in gold plate. This vintage bracelet features a flat, wide herringbone chain with a statement d...
Gold Plate
Chrome Hearts Cross Symbol Diamond 22 Karat Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: Authentic Chrome Hearts bracelet crafted in luxurious 22K yellow gold and accented with brilliant natural diamonds throughout. Featuring the brand’s iconic cross symbol ...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 14K Yellow Gold Oval Cut Blue Sapphire & Diamond Halo Chain Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet features a 0.46 CT oval-cut blue sapphire, beautifully encircled by a halo of round brilliant- cut diamonds totaling 0.05 ct. Set in 14K yellow gold, the stones are sec...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$352Sale Price|20% Off
7.1 Ct Bezel Set Oval Garnet Chain Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bracelet features oval-cut garnets totaling 7.1 carats, each set in smooth 14K yellow gold bezel settings. The gemstones are linked by a delicate gold chain, designed f...
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Givenchy Curvy Link Chain Bracelet, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
1980s vintage Givenchy chain bracelet with curvaceous links in gold plate. This vintage bracelet features decoratively curvy intertwined links ...
Gold Plate
14KT “puffed” LG San Marco Italian Bracelet
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Statement Bracelet…………………………………… 14 karat yellow Gold San Marco Link Bracelet. Bracelet links measures 15/16″ (22.00mm.) wide x 1/2″ (12.00mm.) x 5/16 ” Ht Bracelet measures...
14k Gold
John Hardy Classic 11mm Sterling Silver Classic Chain Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver bracelet. By John Hardy. With a push button clasp closure. From the John Hardy Classic Chain collection. In a thick 11mm size. Simply a wonderful bracele...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet embodies timeless elegance with its refined design. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features the iconic Panthère de Cartier motif, a symbol of gr...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Louis Vuitton 18K Yellow Gold 8 Charm Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A rare and captivating Louis Vuitton charm bracelet crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, designed with eight detailed signature charms inspired by the house’s legendary world of travel ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,736Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.76 Carat ERS Chain Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Bracelets are worn to enhance the look. Women love to look good. It is common to see a woman rocking a lovely gold bracelet on her wrist. A gold gemstone bracelet is the ultimate sta...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Givenchy Byzantine Chain Bracelet, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in London, GB
1980s Vintage Givenchy Byzantine link chain bracelet in gold plate. This vintage bracelet features ornate textured links with a signature Givenchy ...
Gold Plate
$2,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist Stackable Multi Sapphire Chain Bracelet for Her in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Minimalist Stackable Multi Sapphire Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases endlessly sparkling natural multi sapphire, weighing 7.22 carats.. It measures 7 inches long in length. ...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$576Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Mounted Peridot Gemstone Link Chain Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Peridot Linking Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 12 endlessly sparkling natural peridot, weighing 5.85 carats. It measures 7 inches long in length. Peridot attracts love an...
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$448Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist 14K Solid White Gold Bar-style Row Diamonds Chain Bracelet for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Delicate yet dazzling, this bar bracelet is crafted in 14K white gold and adorned with shimmering diamonds totaling 0.135 carats. The sleek horizontal bar design adds a modern, minim...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$215Sale Price|20% Off
Gold & Cream Enamel Chunky Link Bracelet By Ciner, 1970s
By Ciner
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 7.5" length - 1.4" width - Cream acrylic - Gold plated - Hidden box clasp with safty chain - By Ciner (signed on clasp) - Circa 1970s - Estate acquired - G...
$960Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Curb Link Chain Bracelet with Solitaire Emerald & Halo Diamond
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite 14k yellow gold bracelet, featuring a vibrant 0.79-carat emerald-cut emerald framed by a sparkling halo of 0.13 carats of brilliant round diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,000
Cartier Gold Links Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Darnestown, MD
Cartier bracelet with intricate 18 karat gold links. The links create a three dimensional design of ovals and figure eights. The bracelet measures 13/16" wide and 7 3/4" long. It ha...
Gold, 18k Gold
$936Sale Price|20% Off
Alluring 4.14 Ct Round Cut Yellow Sapphire Chain Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Bracelets are worn to enhance the look. Women love to look good. It is common to see a woman rocking a lovely gold bracelet on her wrist. A gold gemstone bracelet is the ultimate sta...
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Five Open Hearts Sterling Silver Bracelet
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. 5 Open Hearts bracelet. In sterling silver. Designed by Elsa Peretti. With 5 openwork hearts connected by small chain links and with a spring action clasp. ...
Sterling Silver
Minimal Natural Ruby Diamond Chain Bracelet in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Minimal Natural Ruby Diamond Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 0.32 carats endlessly sparkling natural ruby and 0.05 carats of diamond. It measures 7 inches long in length. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,650 / item
Ruby Chain Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Ruby Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 1.78 carats of endlessly sparkling natural ruby. It measures 7 inches long in length. Ruby improves mental strength. Designed with ova...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond Heart Chain Link Bracelet 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Diamond Count: 72 brilliant cut diamonds Diamond Carat Weight: 0.35 Diamond Color: G-J Diamond Clarity: SI1-I1 Bracelet Length: ~...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Jasseron Link Bracelet
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage jasseron link/chain bracelet crafted from 14 karat yellow gold. The bracelet closes with a lobster claw clasp. The clasp closes tightly and it is fully functional. The clo...
Yellow Gold
Leather Chain Bracelet Silver Plated, Paris - J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Multi-Chain Bracelet Black Leather Antiqued Silver Plated Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Multi-Chain Archival Bracelet is a rare, one-of-a-kind stateme...
Silver, Brass, Silver Plate
$3,264Sale Price / item|20% Off
4.16Ct Round Ruby & Diamond Halo Adjustable Bolo Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This 14K yellow gold bracelet features 4.16 carats of round-cut rubies, each framed by round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.86 carats. The stones are set in halo-style pave and pr...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stackable 14k Solid Yellow Gold Ruby Link Chain Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Stackable Ruby Link Chain Bracelet in 14K Gold showcases 20 endlessly natural ruby, weighing 1.52 carats. It measures 7 inches long in length. Ruby gemstone improves mental str...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Hardy Sterling Silver Box Chain Double Wrap Blue Stone Chain Link Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Baltimore, MD
John Hardy Sterling Silver Box Chain Double Wrap Blue Stone Chain Link Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver 925 Gemstones: Lapis lazuli, sodalite & hematite beads Width: 6mm Length: (7.5...
Sterling Silver
$560Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Blue Agate Bracelet, Modern Design, Unisex, 7.25"
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 14K Yellow Gold Blue Agate Bracelet Add a touch of elegance to your jewelry collection with this stunning 14K yellow gold blue agate bracelet. The bracelet features a beaut...
Agate, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18KR Gold 5 Motif Grey Mother Of Pearl And Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet is crafted in 18K rose gold and features five iconic clover motifs, including three grey mother-of-pearl Alhambras and two diamond...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$430 / item
Kubes Nomad Bracelet In Gold Vermeil
Located in London, GB
A timeless classic and great for layering, this much-loved design has been revived from our archives. Guaranteed to elevate any outfit, the sterling silver bracelet is handcrafted in...
Vermeil
Modern Paperclip 18K Gold Chain Bracelet
Located in Ridgefield, CT
Experience refined sophistication with this 18k yellow gold paperclip chain bracelet, handcrafted in Brazil. Measuring 7 inches, its sleek, elongated links create a modern and elegan...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold