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.
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 heart....
Sterling Silver
Vintage 14K Gold & Enamel Judaica Mezuzah Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold & enemel mezuzah charm for a bracelet or pendant for a necklace. In 14 karat yellow gold. With a blue enamel Star of David &...
14k Gold, Enamel
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Diamond Pave Motifs Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This refined piece features the Maison’s iconic clover motifs f...
Diamond, 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
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Circle Tag Charm Chain Link Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Circle Tag Charm Chain Link Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver 925 Weight: 36.7 grams Length: 7 inches Signed: Tiffany & Co. 925 TD F35001334
Sterling Silver
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
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...
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
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Elephant Charm Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic Cartier elephant charm pendant is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a charming miniature elephant design accented wit...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seal Charm Bracelet Circa 1890s-1990s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A charming bracelet from the late 20th century featuring gold seals from the Victorian era. This curb link padlock bracelet holds fifteen unique seals of various gold carat, gemstone...
Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Citrine, Onyx, Quartz, Turquoise
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
Aaron Basha Lady Bug Mary Jane with Diamonds
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
10K Yellow Gold 1/10 Cttw Diamond Paperclip Charm Adjustable Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Infuse your ensemble with a sprinkle of shimmering elegance with this exquisite 10K yellow gold bracelet, masterfully crafted to embrace the whimsical allure of a chic paperclip char...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carolina Bucci 18kt WG Diamond 2.71ct. & Silk Teal/Purple Lucky Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Carolina Bucci makes inspiring, distinctive jewellery designed with a reverence for craftsmanship and executed with elegance. Two white diamond pavé links are shown here combined wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
$3,200
Aaron Basha Dog Charm
By Aaron Basha
Located in Sewickley, PA
This delightful Aaron Basha dog charm showcases the brand's signature whimsy paired with fine craftsmanship. Crafted in polished 18K gold and detailed with smooth enamel, the playful...
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
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold 12 Charm Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos charm bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold, composed of a substantial Santos link chain and adorned with twelve charms. The bracelet is accompanied by its original Cart...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aaron Basta Pink Pig Charm
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
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Open Heart Charm Link Bracelet with Diamonds 18K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Open Heart charm link bracelet is a graceful expression of one of the house’s most iconic designs. Crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold, the brace...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Open Heart Diamond Bracelet Gold Diamond Valentines Bracelet
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Open heart diamond bracelet / 10k 14k 18k 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
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 r...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Palladium Finish R de Cartier Rollerball Pen
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Cartier rollerball pen in a palladium finish with signature rivet pattern and blue resin cabochon on the cap. This piece is part of the Cartier Collection : R de Cartier. Com...
Gold Plate, Palladium
$585 / item
18K Gold Evil Eye Bracelet
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gold Evil eye bracelet with Sapphire / 10K, 14K and 18K gold / Dainty minimalist bracelet / Everyday wear gold bracelet. 18K Solid gold, adju...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. The Landmark Limited Edition Charm
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your holiday decor with the limited edition Tiffany & Co. Silver toned Tag Charm, a stunning Christmas ornament that embodies elegance and sophistication. Crafted with a ...
Stainless Steel
$23,200Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Whistle Charm/Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Classic 14k yellow gold whistle charm crafted in a sleek, minimalist design. Weighing 3.62 grams. Solid and well-made with a smooth polished finish. A unique vintage novelty pendan...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18ct Yellow Gold Pasha Fountain Pen Charm
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the designer Cartier comes this wonderful Pasha Fountain pen charm. Crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, the charm features enamelling on the lower part of the pen to create charmin...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Bracelet with coral flower carving - 14k gold - 19.5 cm
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
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
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
18KT White Gold Baby Shoe With White and Light Blue Enamel
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
The Absolute Perfect Gift for Mom" This 18 karat white gold bootie shoe charm is designed with white / light blue enamel. The shoe is further enhanced with a bow set with a white go...
White Gold, Enamel
Tiffany & Co Hourglass Charm Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Timer Rock Crystal Pendant
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Tiffany & Co infinity hourglass charm crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The charm is a hard-to-find retired piece and no long...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Covered Omega Slide Bracelet Watch
Located in Bradenton, FL
The covered watch bracelet has a Limoges enameled portrait covered lid and is adorned with ten slides. The slides are set with cameos and various gemstones (carnelian, coral, shell,...
Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Tri color Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Expertly crafted by Bulgari’s master Italian artisans, this striking bracelet hails from the iconic B.Zero1 collection. Fashioned in 18k yellow, rose, and white gold, it showcases si...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
VR Jewels Pear Emerald Charm Chain Bracelet in 18k Solid 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, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$1,888Sale Price|20% Off
10k White Gold Diamond Baguette Round Diamond Charm Bracelet Cuban Link Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 10-karat gold, these exquisite bracelet are handset with 1.81 carats of sparkling diamonds. Details:- Item Code:- STBR-4042 Gross Weight:- 7.44 gm Solid 10k White Gold Wei...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Cellini Exclusive 18KT Yellow Gold 1.07Ct. Diamond Enamel Boy Teddy Bear Charm
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Just the cutest....Teddy bear charm made exclusively for Cellini by Ambrosi of Italy. This 18 karat yellow gold teddy bear is fully set with round brilliant pave diamonds. He has bl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1990's 14k Rose Gold Wide Charm Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990's 14K Rose Gold Wide Charm Link Bracelet - The bracelet measures .5 inches wide and 8 inches long and features a hidden plunger clasp with a safety latch. The bracelet w...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
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 14K Gold & Baroque Pearl Figural Duck Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold & pearl charm for a charm bracelet. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a duck with two wings fashioned from baroque pearls. Each wings is mounted on a pi...
Pearl, 14k 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
Vintage 14K Gold Music Box Charm Pendant with Baby Shoe Design
Located in New York, NY
Charming vintage 14k yellow gold music box charm. Total weight is 19.7 grams. featuring an adorable pair of baby shoes—one for a boy and one for a girl—set on top as a sentimental de...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pistol Handgun Charm Pendant in Solid 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This bold authentic pistol handgun charm pendant is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and features detailed, sculptural workmanship that captures the classic form of a pistol. Substan...
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
Aaron Basha Ballet Pink and Black Shoe
By Aaron Basha
Located in Sewickley, PA
Celebrate the beautiful baby girl in your life with a signature Girl Baby Shoe Charm handcrafted by Aaron Basha. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, the design features soft pink and bo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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 Ove...
Sterling Silver
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
Cellini Exclusive 18KT White Gold and Enamel Teddy Bear Charm
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Just the cutest....Teddy bear charm made exclusively for Cellini by Ambrosi of Italy. This 18 karat white gold teddy bear charm is crafted with a soft white enamel for the body. Her...
18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Louis Vuitton Collectable Snowman Onyx 18k Two Tone Gold Charm Pendant
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Louis Vuitton Collectable Snowman Onyx 18k Gold Charm Pendant is a luxurious and unique piece of fine jewelry. Made from high-quality 18k gold with a multi-tone finish, this pend...
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sterling Silver Charm Collection Bracelet c. 1952
Located in Stamford, CT
An interesting collection of silver charms on a bracelet that will likely strike home with many viewers. It illustrates a partial story of a woman's life. There is an MD satchel, exa...
Sterling Silver
Aaron Basha Pink Baby Mary Jane Shoe with Diamonds
By Aaron Basha
Located in Sewickley, PA
This delightful Aaron Basha baby shoe charm is crafted in rich yellow gold, the design features soft pink enamel detailing accented with sparkling diamonds, including a diamond-set s...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Dolce & Gabbana Gold-Tone Vintage Chunky Multi-Charm Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Striking vintage Dolce & Gabbana chunky bracelet crafted in a rich gold-tone finish, featuring an eclectic mix of signature charms including a heart, red roses, perfume bottle, lipst...
Mixed Metal, Steel
$5,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
18kt Platinum Gold Leather Bracelet Personalized Charms: Custom Made-to-Order
Located in San Diego, CA
18kt Platinum Gold Leather Bracelet with Personalized Charms: Custom Made-to-Order Featured Description: Introducing our exceptionally personalized 18kt yellow gold and platinum unis...
Alexandrite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue...
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cege with a Heart Charm Bracelet
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage charm made of 14 karat yellow gold presenting a cage with a heart. The charm is made of 14 karat yellow gold and the heart inside it is covered with red enamel. The item wa...
Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18 Carat Yellow Gold Chain Diamond Charm Bracelet
Located in London, GB
Full of character and detail, this Tiffany & Co. charm bracelet is crafted in rich 18 carat yellow gold, with a bold oval link chain that feels substantial yet elegant on the wrist. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Just Married Charm Pendant in Sterling Silver with Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A playful and collectible charm pendant by Tiffany & Co., crafted in sterling silver and accented with blue enamel. The design features two suspended elements with “Just Married” det...
Sterling Silver, Enamel