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.
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dog Chain Link Bracelet & Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. sterling silver bracelet. With slightly oval links and a heart-shaped pendant charm. The charm is not engraved. Great Tiffany design! Date: 20th Century ...
Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet Box & Papers Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 11.6 grams Gemstone: Mother of pearl Length:; 7.5 inches Retail: ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Signed Sloan 14K Gold & Diamond Figural Heart Locket Pendant or Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique gold & diamond locket pendant or charm. By Sloan & Co. In 14 karat brushed yellow gold. In the form of a heart with a small round diamond to its center. The heart o...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Cable Link Bracelet with Heart Tag / Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver chain link bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped tag or charm. Secured with a lobster clasp closure. Fully marked to the he...
Sterling Silver
80s Vintage Tiffany & Co Dog Charm Bracelet Bone Links Sterling Silver 7.5"
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Tiffany & Co dog themed charm bracelet crafted in sterling silver (circa 1980s). A hard to find and wonderfully whimsical vintage Tiffany & Co charm bracel...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels French 1990's Globe Cable Link Charm Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a cable link chain suspending a single world globe charm Rotates on an axis and matte with high polish continents Completed by lobster clasp closure With high polish fini...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Tag Chain Link Charm Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Tag Chain Link Charm Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 34 grams Length: 7.5 inches Signed: Tiffany & Co. 925 SD F35002495
$276Sale Price|30% Off
10K Yellow Gold Scissors Charm/Pendant - Signed - Canada - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, CA
10K solid yellow gold 'scissors' charm - signed (AKB - ARMANDOR) - Canada - late 20th century. Excellent pre-owned condition - un-soldered bail - no loss - no damage - no repairs - ...
Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Vintage Amulette de Cartier XS Shell and Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A stunning vintage Amulette de Cartier XS mother-of-pearl and diamond bracelet set in 18k yellow gold.
The bracelet features the iconic Cartier's Amulette motif. It is cen...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Gingerbread Man Charm Pendant in Silver with Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A whimsical Tiffany & Co. charm pendant designed in the form of a gingerbread man, crafted in sterling silver and accented with blue enamel. The playful silhouette is enhanced by...
Silver, Enamel
David Yurman Sterling Silver & 18K Gold Charm Bracelet with Assorted Charms
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver charm bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 18 karat gold elements. Comprised of a Figaro style chain with a ribbon bow charm, a smiling sun cha...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Diamond Heart Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Tampa, FL
An iconic Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany bracelet crafted in substantial 18 karat yellow gold, featuring the house’s signature oval-link chain and heart-shaped identification tag. T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Sterling Silver & Enamel Figural Lollipop Charm or Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver charm or pendant for a necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a lollipop with blue and white enamel swirls. Set with an integral bail ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Mid-Century 18K Gold & Ruby Set Figural Purse Charm or Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage figural purse charm or pendant. In 18k gold. Bezel-set with 8 round cut rubies. In the form of a purse or lady's handbag that opens with a hinge to the base, a sna...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$388Sale Price|20% Off
Chunky Gold Toggle Charm Bracelet With Pearl & Heart Motif By Escada, 1980s
By Escada
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 7.5" length - Gold plated - Chunky curb chain - Faux pearl - Toggle closure - By Escada (signed on hang tag...
Pandora 14K Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet
By Pandora
Located in Honolulu, HI
Solid 14k gold Pandora charm bracelet. Weighs 17.3 grams. Bracelet circumference is about 6.5". Inside diameter is about 2.25"
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Italian Charm Bracelet Vintage
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 14K Gold Italian Three-Charm Bracelet with Emerald and Amethyst Gemstones. Crafted with three draped curb-link chains, the bracelet is adorned with three substantial charms: ...
Amethyst, Emerald, 14k Gold
c1994 Tiffany & Co Cupid Arrow Heart Charm Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Tiffany & Co 'Cupid Arrow' bracelet crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1994). The cupid arrow charm bracelet is a Tiffany classic, with thick oval links designed to...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 10k Chain Bracelet with 14k Charms Solid Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry Golf
Located in Greer, SC
Stunning vintage charm bracelet featuring a 10k solid yellow gold chain bracelet accompanied by many 14k solid yellow gold charms. Quite an eye catcher with a variety of charms rangi...
10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 5 motif bracelet in guilloche gold and diamonds
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet 5 motifs in 18K yellow gold and Diamonds. This VCA bracelet in guilloché 18K yellow gold and diamonds. Comes with makers box and a recen...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet w/ 26 Dimensional Charms, Circa 1950-1965
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful vintage 14K yellow gold charm bracelet was assembled at the midpoint of the twentieth century, and is truly is a testament to a life well lived. A total of twenty six ...
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold & Diamond Figural Airplane Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold charm. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a plane with pave-set diamond accents. With an integral bail and jump ring. Marked to the jump ring. Simply ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This timeless design features five signature Alhambra mo...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche 5 Motif 18K White Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This timeless design features five iconic Alhambra motif...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Diamond Pave White Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An exquisite Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K white gold. This elegant design features five iconic Alhambra motifs ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Gold Charm Bracelet with Faux Turquoise and Pearls, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold and Faux Turquoise Charm Bracelet, Circa 1980s. This charm bracelet features charms with various coat of arms motifs. The pop comes from three arms that feature faux tur...
Mixed Metal
Salvatore Ferragamo Gilt Metal Shoe Themed Charm Bracelet c 1990s
Located in University City, MO
Salvatore Ferragamo Gilt metal shoe themed charm bracelet c 1990s The stylish bracelet is adorned with a collection of large scale dangling charms Two of...
Cartier Double C Apple 18k Yellow Gold Charm Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Style: Double C Apple Charm Pendant Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 760790 Design: Sculptural six-part reflective apple charm with the iconic Doub...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aaron Basha 18k Gold Ladybug Charm with Diamonds, Italian Design
By Aaron Basha
Located in Sewickley, PA
This delightful Aaron Basha baby shoe charm is timeless. Crafted in rich 18k yellow gold, the design features blue enamel detailing accented with a sparkling diamond bow. Playfully d...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Horse Charm Pendant 14k Yellow Gold Animal Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage horse charm crafted in 14k yellow gold. The sweet charm features a trotting horse set within a circular mount. The piece...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aaron Basha 18k Gold Pink Pig Charm with Diamonds, Modern Design
By Aaron Basha
Located in Sewickley, PA
This Aaron Basha 18k pig charm iis a delightful expression of playful luxury and fine craftsmanship. Rendered in glossy pink enamel, the plump pig is adorned ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Panthere Tsavorite Black Lacquer 18K Yellow Gold Panther Chain Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Panthere chain bracelet by Cartier, expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This elegant design features the Maison's legendary panther motif accented with ...
Tsavorite, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14k Gold Coral Flower Carving Bracelet, Modern Design, Netherlands
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold bracelet with coral flower carvings - 19.5 cm long Detailed description The bracelet is 19.5 cm long and max. wide is 2.8 cm wide. Total weight: 42.9 grams Set with: - ...
Coral, 14k Gold
18K Gold Evil Eye Diamond Bracelet with Sapphire
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gold Evil eye Diamond bracelet with Sapphire / 18K Solid gold / Dainty minimalist bracelet / Everyday wear gold bracelet. 18K Solid gold, adjustable chain, Pave set, Birthday Hanuk...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Roberto Coin 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Snaffle Horsebit Charm Pendant
By Roberto Coin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic Roberto Coin diamond horsebit charm pendant is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a classic snaffle horse-bit design accented with a sparkling diamond. Eleg...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Evil Eye Diamond Bracelet with Sapphire
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gold Evil eye Diamond bracelet with Sapphire / 14K Solid Gold / Dainty minimalist bracelet / Everyday wear gold bracelet. 14K Solid gold, adjustable chain, Pave set, Birthday Hanukk...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Minimalist Unique Biamond Layering Bracelet Diamond Cluster Bracelet
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Cluster Bracelet / Bezel set diamond bracelet / Gold Minimalist bracelet / Unique diamond layering bracelet / Real natural diamond bracelet C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$769 / item
18K Gold 0.12 Ct Diamond Initial Bracelet
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Beautiful and elegant, this Initial bracelet is made with pure gold and consists of genuine and natural diamonds. This bracelet can be personalized in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Amulette XS Pink Opal and Diamond Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A stunning vintage Amulette de Cartier XS pink opal and diamond bracelet set in 18k rose gold.
The bracelet features the iconic Cartier Amulette motif. It is centrally set wit...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Gold Open Heart Diamond Bracelet Gold Diamond Valentines Bracelet
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Open heart diamond bracelet / 14k Gold / Gold diamond bracelet / Real natural diamond bracelet / Everyday wear diamond jewelry / Valentines jewelry Mini diamond heart, Tiny heart diamond, best friend jewelry, 14k heart link, Diamond heart charm, fancy bracelet, Gift for her, bridal bracelet...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Pandora 14k Solid Yellow Gold 6 Charm Diamond Heart Bracelet
By Pandora
Located in Honolulu, HI
Solid 14k gold Pandora charm bracelet with 6 bead charms. Weighs 30.4 grams. Bracelet circumference is about 7.07". Inside diameter is about 2.25" Diamond Count: 2 diamonds on the ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$479Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist Pear Cut Multi Sapphire Chain Bracelet in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Minimalist Pear Cut Sapphire Chain Bracelet in 18K Gold showcases 5 endlessly sparkling natural multi sapphire, weighing 2.98 carats. It measures 7.25 inches long in length. Sa...
Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 1...
18K Gold 0.14 Ct Diamond Aquarius Zodiac bracelet Ruby Emerald Sapphire stone
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Aquarius Diamond Bracelet is meant to represent you. This Zodiac sign bracelet comes with a birthstone of your choice- Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald. Our collection of zodiac jewelry includes this stunning Diamond Aquarius Bracelet...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
Vintage 14K Gold Figural Hofbräuhaus Stein Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage charm for a bracelet. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a stein with a functional lid. Engraved to the side with the Hofbräuhaus logo, a famous beer hall in ...
14k Gold
Ladies Heavy 14K Gold Charm Bracelet
Located in Bradenton, FL
This heavy vintage 1960's ladies 14K gold charm bracelet is embellished with four (4) various unique charms. The double link 7" long gold bracelet has a snap in lock with a safety ho...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18K Gold Mini Clover Bracelet In Precious Stones Natural Emerald Ruby Sapphire
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Mini clover bracelet in precious stones Emerald / Ruby / Sapphire / Lucky clover bracelet / Natural and authentic stones 18k gold clover, clover bracelet gold, precious stone clover...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Carved Bone Horn Unique Yellow Gold Vintage Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: Rare vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold and featuring elegant bone/horn elements in a distinctive classic design. Condition: Good pre-owned ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold 0.27 Ct Diamond Libra Zodiac bracelet with Ruby Emerald Sapphire stone
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Libra Diamond Bracelet is meant to represent you. This Zodiac sign bracelet comes with a birthstone of your choice- Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald. Our collection of zodiac jewelry includes this stunning Diamond Libra...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
$1,837Sale Price|20% Off
Customized Gold Diamond Bracelet 18 Karat, Letters, Symbols, of Your Choice
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Gold Bracelet 18 K Single or Double chain Also possible to make as a Ring, Necklace,Earrings or Pendant Please send us a message and we will make 3D visualisations of your ideas. (co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gol...
Italian 18K Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet Textured Link Solid Gold 7.25
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Italian 18K yellow gold charm bracelet showcases refined craftsmanship and timeless European design. Expertly crafted in solid 18-karat gold and stamped 750, the bracele...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Christian Lacroix Gold Tone Faux Coral Logo Heart Charm Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a charm bracelet designed by Christian Lacroix in 1980’s. It is crafted in base metal and is gold plated. The piece features hearts with logo and faux coral branches made i...
18K Gold 0.27 Ct Diamond Leo Zodiac bracelet with Ruby Emerald Sapphire stone
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Leo Diamond Bracelet is meant to represent you. This Zodiac sign bracelet comes with a birthstone of your choice- Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald. Our collection of zodiac jewelry in...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
Mid-Century 10k Gold Kangaroo Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage charm for a charm bracelet. In 10 karat yellow gold. In the form of a kangaroo. With an integral bail and jump ring to the back. Simply a wonderful charm! (Chain...
10k Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Five Charm Santos Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An authentic Cartier charm bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, composed of a classic Santos-style link bracelet adorned with five detachable charms. The bracelet measures 6.5 i...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,500Sale Price / item|20% Off
Baguette Diamond Charm Bracelet in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Baguette Diamond Charm Bracelet in 18K gold showcases sparkling natural diamonds, weighing 0.94 carats. April birthstone diamond brings love, fame, success and prosperity. Desi...
Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Robert Lee Morris Matte Gold Plated Occult Symbols Charm Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Occult symbols from ancient books of magic were the inspiration behind this fabulous Robert Lee Morris charm bracelet. Robert Lee Morris created this mysterious and fun piece during the early 1990's after a visit to Ireland and the Hebrides Islands...
Gold Plate, Brass
Retro 14k Gold & Multi-Gemstone Piano Charm or Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage figural piano gold charm for a charm bracelet. In 14k gold. Set with pearls as piano keys, and decorated throughout with applied gold...
Coral, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold
1990's Celine Faux Jumbo Pearl Bracelet
By Celine
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990's era Celine faux jumbo pearl charm style bracelet featuring large and small pearls suspended from a chic gilt metal chain and closing with a bar and circle latch stamped with C...
Vintage 1990s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Heavy Charm Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990's 14K Yellow Gold Heavy Charm Bracelet - The bracelet measure 7 1/4 inches long and 3/8 inches wide. It features a hidden barrel clas...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Football Charm
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage football charm made of 14 karat yellow gold. The charm features a textured surface that resembles the surface of a football. The item ...
Yellow Gold