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.
GERARD YOSCA Gold Plate & Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet With Lion Motif
By Gerard Yosca
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 20th Century Gerard Yosca gold plated cuff bracelet with a hammered finish and a regal lion medallion framed in sparkling crystal rhinestones. The two inch wide bracelet makes ...
Gold Plate
Missoni Multi-Strand Multicolor Metal, Lucite and Leather Cuff Bracelet
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Missoni bangle bracelet, designed by the renowned fashion house. A rare and striking piece, it showcases a cuff shape with a multi-layer design that seamlessly...
Gold Cuff Sculptural Statement Bracelet Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Paris Mesh and Studded Gold Plated Sculptural Cuff Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Mesh and Studded Statement Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind architectura...
Brass, Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate
Courreges Paris Cobalt Blue Acrylic Lucite Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Courrèges
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Courreges Paris Lucite or acrylic resin bangle bracelet features an important cuff design in a transparent cobalt blue color with a cone shape. The piece is signed on t...
Skull Bone Cuff Chain Bracelet Palladium
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Skull Bone Chain Cuff Bracelet by J Dauphin is a rare vintage piece from 2008, handcrafted in Paris and originally featured in Vogue, reflecting the br...
Brass, Palladium
Vintage Signed John Hardy Sterling Silver Woven Mesh Cuff Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. With a hook and loop closure to the exterior. Marked to the interior. Simply wonderful Hardy design! D...
Sterling Silver
Brutalist Sculptural Cuff Bracelet Vintage 2008 Paris Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist Sculptural Gold Plated Cuff Bracelet World on Fire Archival Statement Jewelry Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this rare archival cuff bracelet is a collec...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
1990s Modern Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet 7 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, mod style cuff bracelet is sterling silver. The face of this cuff measures 7/8 of an inch at its widest point and tapers down to 3/8 of an inch. It has an inner circu...
Sterling Silver
Bulgari 1980's Multi-Gem 18K Yellow Gold Steel Vintage Tubogas Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stainless steel tubogas style cuff with grooved segments and three yellow gold stations Grooved and each centering a bezel set bullet cabochon - citrine, peridot, and p...
Citrine, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Estate Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 18K Yellow Gold Spider Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous estate Tiffany & Co. 18K yellow gold and sterling silver Spider cuff bracelet 2001 Large scale beautiful Tiffany Spider statement cuff in exce...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Floating Pearl Surrealist 14k Gold Cuff Bracelet Statement Piece
Located in Miami, FL
14k Gold Floating Pearl Cuff bracelet is a luxurious fine jewelry piece made of solid 14k gold with 13mm freshwater pearl. Inspired by surrealism, this statement piece is designed t...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Bvlgari Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Bvlgari Vintage Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet is a testament to timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this bracelet radiates a warm, rich glow...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage John Hardy 'Dot' Pattern Gilt Sterling Silver Wide Flex Cuff Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed gilt silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver with an 18 karat gold wash. From the 'Dot' series. Fully marked to the interior. The cuff is flexib...
Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
Skull Cuff Bracelet Green Glitter Enamel Studs Gold Plated Made in Paris
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Skull Studded Cuff 10k Gold Plated Brass Green Pink Glitter Designer: J Dauphin — Archive Collection The Vintage Skull Studded Cuff is a one-of-a-kind architectural sta...
Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage Paris 2000's
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spike Cuff Bracelet Blue Enamel Vintage 2008 Double Chain Made in Paris Gunmetal Plated Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is constructed from gunmetal-plated brass and...
Silver Plate, Brass, Enamel
Modern Blackened White Gold & Diamond Wide Cuff Bracelet by SIERA, 9.30ct
By Siera
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This is a truly innovative wide cuff bracelet by contemporary designer, SIERA. The unique "envelope fold over" design creates a very big look. The surfaces of the filigree work are b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oxidized Silver and 24K Yellow Gold Snake Cuff with Emerald Eyes by Lika Behar
By Lika Behar
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This striking Snake Cuff combines the dramatic contrast of oxidized sterling silver with the warmth of 24K yellow gold, forming a sinuous, sculptural design that wraps elegantly arou...
Emerald, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$295Sale Price|21% Off
Vionnet Sleek Wide Gilt Metal Hinged Cuff Bracelet c 1990s
Located in University City, MO
Vionnet Sleek wide gilt metal hinged cuff bracelet c 1990s The bold severe wide cuff is designed with a triangular pyramid point that converges in the center Makes a very chic eyeca...
Gala 14k Gold Scallop Cuff with Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
Gala 14k Gold Scallop Cuff with Pearl is a luxurious fine jewelry piece made of solid 14k gold with 13mm freshwater pearl. This abstract design is inspired by the scallop shape of a...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Christian Lacroix Paris Silver Plate Jeweled Cuff Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare sculptural Christian Lacroix Paris bracelet bangle features a silver-plate cuff shape with a multi-wire design, ornate with larger metal ropes on the sides. It is embellish...
Silver Plate
$135Sale Price|20% Off
Ornate Filigree Panel Statement Cuff Bracelet, 1940s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '40s - 7.5" length - 1.9" width - Brass - Faux pearls - Faux turquoise, onyx and red jasper cabochons - Fold over clasp closure - Ethnic Asian jewelry...
Sterling Silver, 24K Yellow Gold & Diamond "Carol" Open Cuff by Lika Behar
By Lika Behar
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This handcrafted “Carol” open cuff bracelet by Lika Behar Jewelry combines 24K yellow gold and sterling silver in a bold, artisanal design. The bracelet features brilliant diamonds t...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
An Important 1970s Cartier Gold and Diamond Chevron Cuff
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Bold, architectural, and unmistakably Cartier, this striking cuff bracelet exemplifies the sophisticated glamour that defined the house's jewelry designs of the 1970s. Crafted in 18-...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Turquoise, Coral and Seed Pearl Encrusted Hinged Bracelet By Sandor, 1950s
By Sandor
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 7.5" circumference (fits most wrists) - 1.25" width - Gold tone - Covered in layers of faux turquoise a...
$1,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dainty Round Brilliant Diamond Open Cuff Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold Stackable
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This open cuff bracelet features a 0.32 carat natural round diamond set in 14k yellow gold. Each diamond measures approximately 3.5 mm and is set in a classic prong setting, adding ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold 63 Carats Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat White Gold 63 Carats Diamond Cuff Bracelet This bracelet is crafted in 18 karat white gold with total of approximately 63 carats of dazzling diamonds. The cuff features 11 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage Paris 2000's
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mesh Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Vintage 2008 Parisian Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is engineered with a 54 mm interior diameter. Handcrafted in...
Brass, 18k Gold, Silver Plate
Skull Charm Bracelet Bronze Memento Mori Gun Metal Chain Statement
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Curb Chain Charm Bracelet Skull Spikes Bottle Silver Plated Brass Vintage Made in Paris 2008 Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage one of a kind charm bracelet is constructed from silve...
Brass, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Italian Sterling Silver Sculptural Cut Out Cuff Bracelet By L. Ponte, 1980's
Located in North Miami, FL
This artisan, most likely Italian signed sterling silver bracelet has 3-cut outs and the sterling silver looks to be of a molten form. It is signed 925 LPonte. it is sculptural and a...
Sterling Silver
David Yurman Sterling Silver, 18K Gold, and Blue Topaz Cable Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver, gold, and blue topaz cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 18k yellow gold elements. In the 'Cable' pattern. Each terminal bezel-set with...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Gun Metal Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Statement Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Gun Metal Mesh Studs Designer: J Dauphin Cuff Bracelet with Mesh and Studs in Gunmetal Rhodium Plating, 3" Height, Made in Paris, 2008 Cuff brac...
Rhodium, Brass
Vintage Sterling Silver Buckle Bracelet, Mexico, 1970's Unisex 72.31g
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautifully made and substantial signed hallmarked sterling silver buckle bracelet fits many sizes. On the third hole it fits a sm...
Sterling Silver
Bvlgari 18K Gold Parentesi Hematite Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A classic Bvlgari Parentesi bangle bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold and polished hematite, showcasing one of the house's most iconic and enduring designs. Inspired by the interloc...
Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold
Krizia Italy Massive Gunmetal and Green Resin Cuff Bracelet
By Krizia
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning, Krizia Italy couture bracelet is a rare find. The massive cuff-shaped bangle is made of gunmetal chain links, complemented by huge pearl-like resin beads in a gorgeous...
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet With Opal, Garnet, Amethyst 1980's
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning cuff bracelet all hand wrought is a beautiful combinations of gorgeous set semi precious stones in different shapes and colors. They are set against sterling silver fil...
Amethyst, Carnelian, Garnet, Opal, Sterling Silver
Bvlgari 1990's 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Vintage Parentesi Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of fitted yellow gold and stainless steel geometric segments Displaying the signature Parentesi motif Featuring flush open terminals With high polish finish Stamped with It...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Sophia Vari "Opus 2" Unique Titanium and Silver Bracelet, 2019
By Sophia Vari 1
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Sophia Vari (Greece 1940-2023) "Opus 2" bracelet Titanium and silver Unique piece 2019 Fits a small to medium wrist's size Born in Athens in 1940, to a Greek father and a Hungaria...
Silver, Titanium
David Yurman 7mm Sterling Silver, Citrine, & Diamond Classic Cable Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver, citrine, and diamond cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. In the 'Classic Cable' pattern. Each terminal with a band of pave-set diamonds and ...
Citrine, Diamond, Sterling Silver
Balenciaga Paris Black Enamel Metal Bowtie Cuff Bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Balenciaga Paris bracelet bangle features a romantic cuff shape with a bowtie design in licorice black enamel metal. The piece is engraved with the iconic Balenciaga lo...
Givenchy Paris High-Gloss Gunmetal Chains and Studs Cuff Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Atlanta, GA
Make a bold statement with this exceptional Givenchy Paris bangle bracelet, a rare and striking example of brutalist design. Crafted in high-gloss gunmetal, the important cuff showca...
Brass
Vintage Sterling Silver Modernist Sculptural Link Cuff Bracelet 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful vintage sterling silver cuff bracelet has great weight to it. It is modernist, minimalist and sculptural all at th...
Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Bamboo Style Crossover Bangle Bracelet In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Yellow Gold Bamboo Style Crossover Bangle Bracelet Style: Bamboo Style Crossover Bangle Bracelet Material: 14k Yellow Gold Closure: Hidden Clasp with Dual Safety Latches Desi...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Virgin Mary Cuff Bracelet - Catholic Devotional Medals Cross Bronze Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2012 Bronze Catholic Medal Cuff Bracelet Silver Cross Closure Designer: J Dauphin — Los Angeles Archive The Vintage Devotional Medal Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind statement ...
Silver, Bronze
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Plated Wide Cuff Bracelet With Jewel Tone Stones, 1980's USA
Located in North Miami, FL
The open sculptural design of the gold plated wide cuff bracelet with amazing The luscious jewel tone colored stones large cuff make this a statement piece....
Gold Plate
c1980s Cartier Double C Diamond Bracelet 18k Tri Gold Cuff Vintage Fine Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier 'Double C' cuff bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow, white & rose gold (circa 1980s). From the iconic C de Cartier collection the bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Heavy Vintage Mexican Sterling Tribal Cuff Bracelet 7"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous vintage Mexican cuff bracelet is sterling silver. Measurements: 1 1/4 inches wide - Inner circumference of 7 inches, including the 1 inch gap Weight: 65.8 grams Marks...
Sterling Silver
Bvlgari BZero 18 Karat Rose Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet New Box & Papers
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Bvlgari B.Zero1 cuff bangle bracelet is crafted in radiant 18K rose gold and showcases the iconic spiral design inspired by Rome’s Colosseum—a bold symbol of modern Italian styl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Boucheron 64.47ct Weave Diamond 18k White Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Boucheron
Located in Feasterville, PA
Boucheron Weave Diamond White Gold Cuff is a breathtaking fusion of elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from sumptuous 18k white gold, this cuff features an intricate weave design t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Vintage Cuff Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Wide Bangle Hinged Clasp
Located in Mārupe, LV
An exceptional French vintage cuff bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, distinguished by its bold architectural form and refined craftsmanship. This piece embodies the understated elega...
Yellow Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Exquisite Floral Link Diamond 8.42 Cts Wide Cuff Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This breathtaking wide cuff bracelet is crafted in 14K white gold, featuring an intricate lattice network of glittering floral clusters. Each delicate four-petal flower motif is clos...
Yellow Gold
Marina B. 1984 French Diamond Turquoise Abalone 18K Gold Vintage Cuff Bracelet
By Marina B
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a flexible cuff bracelet comprised of fitted geometric patterned segments Featuring oval shaped turquoise cabochons measuring approximately 10.0 x 12.0 mm Opaque robin's ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT White Gold Exquisite Floral Link Diamond 8.42 Cts Wide Cuff Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This breathtaking wide cuff bracelet is crafted in 14K white gold, featuring an intricate lattice network of glittering floral clusters. Each delicate four-petal flower motif is clos...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Reed Krakoff Gold Tone Knotted Cuff Bracelet, Circa 2000s, 124.6g
By Reed Krakoff
Located in New York, NY
Collectible Reed Krakoff Gold Tone Knotted Cuff Bracelet Circa 2000s. This bracelet is so substantial and well-made. Reed Krakoff didn't produce a large quantity of jewelry during ...
Mixed Metal
Skull & Bone Cuff Bracelet Crystal Chain Enamel Vintage - Designer J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Cuff Bracelet Crystal Chain Vintage 2008 - Designer J Dauphin Skull & Bone Chain Cuff Bracelet – Gold Plated Brass with Enamel & Crystal Chain J Dauphin, Paris, 2008 – Vintag...
Crystal, Brass, Gold Plate, Enamel
Cartier Dinh Van 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Cuff Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an open cuff style bracelet with a flat square form With slightly rounded terminals With high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for Dinh Van for Cartie...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Sculptural Gemstone and Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18K Gold
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
David Webb with this exquisite bangle bracelet, a striking creation that blends bold design with timeless elegance. Hand-crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum, the piece features a...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$476Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Elle "M598" Ruby and Sterling Silver 8 Wire Wide Cuff Bracelet
Located in Towson, MD
This funky, ginchy model 598 vintage Elle circa 1950s - 1960s bracelet features eight sterling silver strands with spacing between each row creating an approximate 1.75" wide cuff. T...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. High Polish Gold, Oval, Hinged, Cuff Bracelet 1 inch Wide
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage one inch wide strap of glistening, high polish finish gold, by Tiffany & Co. is a classic cuff that would be a great addition to any lady's jewelry collection. It's ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
60s Vintage Cartier Bracelet Sterling Silver 18k Gold Cuff Estate Signed Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Cartier cuff bracelet crafted in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1964). The sculptural cuff is a Cartier class...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Gold Tone Diamante Red Buckle Cuff Bracelet, Circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold Tone Diamante Red Buckle Bracelet Circa 1940s. This stunning bracelet has a raised center in the shape of a buckle. The clasp has diamantes on either side. This has the ...
Mixed Metal