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.
Gold Sculptural Cuff Chain Bracelet Studs Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Sculptural Cuff Chain Bracelet Mesh Studded Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in gold plated brass. A structured ...
Brass, Gold Plate
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 ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Chain Cuff Bracelet Black Leather Silver Chainmail Sculptural Mens
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chainmail Cuff Bracelet Leather Silver Chain Sculptural Vintage Paris Designer: J DAUPHIN The Chainmail Cuff is a rare archive piece, handcrafted in Paris. A wide black leather cuf...
Brass, Silver
Sacred Heart Cuff Bracelet Jesus Silver Sculptural Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sacred Heart Cuff Bracelet Jesus Antique Silver Sculptural Vintage Paris Designer: J DAUPHIN The Sacred Heart Cuff is a rare archive piece, handcrafted in Paris and finished in ant...
Brass, Silver, Silver Plate
Gold Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Brutalist Studded Mesh Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Brutalist Studded Mesh Vintage Statement piece Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in brass with a ...
Brass, Gold Plate
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Antique Silver Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Mesh Studs Vintage Paris 2000's Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is engineered with a 54 mm interior diameter....
Brass, Silver Plate
Leather Cuff Bracelet Studded Spike Tan Buckle Wide Cuff Gold Silver Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather Cuff Bracelet Studded Spike Tan Buckle Wide Cuff Gold Silver Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Tan leather studded cuff by J Dauphin, a wide band set across the face with pointed...
Silver Plate, Brass
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Openwork Criss-Cross or Woven Knot Cuff Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a braided or woven wire in a criss-cross pattern (sometimes referred to as a 'Love Knot' or a 'Celtic ...
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
Skull Charm Bracelet Curb Chain Spikes Bottle Silver Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Charm Bracelet Silver Mens Curb Chain Spike Toggle Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Skull charm bracelet in silver plated brass on a chunky curb chain, a one of a kind vintage 200...
Brass, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Skull Chain Cuff Brutalist Silver Burnt Bracelet J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Chain Cuff Brutalist Silver Burnt Bracelet J Dauphin Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The “Skull and Bone” Chain Cuff is a one-of-a-kind architectural statement piece hand...
Palladium, Brass
David Yurman Renaissance Sterling Silver & Gold Gemstone Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Renaissance Sterling Silver & Gold Gemstone Cuff Bangle Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver & 14k yellow gold Weight: 30.3 grams Gemstone: Tourmaline & blue sapphire Width:...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
Vintage John Hardy 'Dot' Pattern Sterling Silver Wide Flex Cuff Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. From the 'Dot' series. Fully marked to the interior. The cuff is flexibile and is opened to slide the h...
Sterling Silver
Silver Studded Cuff Bracelet Black Calfskin Leather Silver Mens
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver Studded Cuff Bracelet Black Calfskin Leather Silver Mens Designer: J DAUPHIN The Studded Cuff is handcrafted in Italy in black leather. A wide band is set across the face wi...
Silver, Brass
Sanalitro Milano Acrylic Resin Cuff Bangle Bracelet with Pastel Silk Scarf
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sanalitro Milano Lucite Cuff Bracelet – Abstract Collection, 1991 Designed by renowned Italian artist Massimo Sanalitro, this stunning cuff bracelet is a bold statement piece from hi...
Tiffany & Co. Metro Collection 18K White Gold Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, modern, and unmistakably Tiffany, this authentic Tiffany & Co. Metro Collection Diamond Cuff Bracelet embodies the sleek elegance and metropolitan glamour that ins...
Diamond, White Gold
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
Black Leather Bracelet Wrap Cuff Zipper Mens Buckle Italy J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Leather Bracelet Wrap Cuff Zipper Mens Buckle Italy J Dauphin Designer J DAUPHIN The Zipper Triple Wrap Bracelet is a statement piece handcrafted in smooth black calfskin le...
Silver Plate, Brass, Silver
$302Sale Price / item|50% Off
925 Silver Two Stone Emerald Diamond Halo Open Cuff Bangle Bracelet Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This sparkling open cuff bangle bracelet is crafted in 925 Sterling Silver and showcases 9.12 carats of emerald cut natural emeralds, beautifully accented by a 0.19 carat diamond hal...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Sculptural Cuff Studded Bracelet Gun Metal Ruthenium Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Cuff Studded Bracelet Gun Metal Ruthenium Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in ruthenium plated brass with a...
Brass
Leather Cuff Bracelet Mesh Chain Gunmetal Zipper Buckle Wide Cuff Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather Cuff Bracelet Mesh Chain Gunmetal Zipper Buckle Wide Cuff Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Black leather mesh cuff by J Dauphin, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece, a wide Itali...
Brass, Silver 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...
Industrial Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Chain Studded Vintage Piece Ruthenium
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Chain Studded Vintage Piece Ruthenium Palladium Mesh Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in b...
Brass, Palladium
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
Tiffany & Co. 1837 Element Sterling Silver Cuff Bangle
Located in New York, NY
A modern sterling silver cuff bracelet from Tiffany & Co.’s iconic 1837 collection. The openwork design features raised plaques engraved “T&CO.,” “1837,” and “925,” framed by...
Sterling Silver
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 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
Studded Cuff Chain Bracelet Brutalist Industrial Gun Metal Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Studded Cuff Chain Bracelet Brutalist Industrial Gun Metal Vintage Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is constructed from gunmetal-plated brass and was manufactured in P...
Silver Plate, Brass, Enamel
Philippe Ferrandis 24k Gold Cuff Bracelet with Pearls and Crystals
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A vibrant tribute to the designer’s roots, delving into the colorful landscapes of his ancestors, with flowers and bright plant forms of the island of his childhood. Composition Met...
Pearl, 24k Gold, Copper
Cuff Bracelet Virgin Mary Bronze Silver Cross Devotional Sacred Medal Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cuff Bracelet Virgin Mary Bronze Silver Cross Devotional Sacred Medal Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Bronze cuff bracelet of devotional medals, a one of a kind vintage 2012 piece by J...
Silver, Bronze
Gold Sculptural Cuff Brutalist Bracelet Industrial Statement Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Sculptural Cuff Brutalist Bracelet World on Fire Archival Statement Jewelry Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this rare archival cuff bracelet is a collectible s...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
Tiffany & Co Makers Wide Cuff Bracelet Japanese Pattern Sterling Silver
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Tiffany & Co Makers cuff bracelet crafted in sterling silver (circa 1980s to 1990s). Making a great statement on the wrist, the wide cuff measures 35mm (1.37 i...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Awake Star Studded Cuff Bracelet Ruthenium Paris 2008 J DAUPHIN
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Awake Star Studded Cuff Bracelet Ruthenium Paris 2008 J DAUPHIN Designer: J DAUPHIN The J DAUPHIN “Awake” Star Cuff is a sculptural statement bracelet handcrafted in Paris...
Brass
Vintage Rhodium Plated Studded Wide Cuff Bracelet Paris 2008 J DAUPHIN
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Rhodium Plated Studded Wide Cuff Bracelet Paris 2008 J DAUPHIN Designer: J DAUPHIN Origin: Paris, France Year: 2008 Size: Small / Medium (fits approximately 6"–6 1/2" wrist...
Rhodium, Brass
Industrial Cuff Bracelet Sculptural Gun Metal Grey Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Cuff Bracelet Sculptural Gun Metal Grey Vintage J Dauphin Vintage 2008 World on Fire Gunmetal Ruthenium Plated Cuff Bracelet Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The “Wor...
Brass
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...
Cartier Trinity 18k Tri-Color Gold Double Wire Cuff Bracelet w/Service Paper
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Trinity Style: Open Double Wire Cuff Bracelet Material: 18k yellow, rose, and white gold Hallmarks: Cartier Paris 750 168495 Design: Open double-wire cuff ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
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
Cuff Bracelet Panther 18kt White Gold with Diamonds, Onyx and Emeralds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Width : 1.3 cm Top Depth : 1.1 cm The Panther Cuff Bracelet is an exceptional expression of luxury craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Meticulously handcrafted in 18 karat whit...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yves Saint Laurent Green, Yellow Lucite and Gilded Metal Cuff Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Yves Saint Laurent YSL bracelet bangle features a chunky design with a heavily domed Lucite or acrylic cuff shape. The fashion piece boasts...
Gilt Metal
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
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
Skull Cuff Bracelet Gold Spike Stud Green Pink Enamel Snake Chain Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Cuff Bracelet Gold Spike Stud Green Pink Enamel Snake Chain Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Gold skull cuff bracelet in 10k gold plated brass, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece ...
Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
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...
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
Leather Cuff Bracelet Black Gold Ring Wool Sculptural Cuff Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather Cuff Bracelet Black Gold Ring Wool Sculptural Cuff Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Black leather cuff bracelet by J Dauphin, a structured cuff built from layered black Italia...
Gold Plate, Brass
White Leather Bracelet Silver Studded Cuff Bracelet Pyramid Calfskin Mens
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Leather Bracelet Silver Studded Cuff Bracelet Pyramid Calfskin Mens Designer: J DAUPHIN The Studded Cuff is handcrafted in Italy in white calfskin leather. A wide band is set...
Silver, Brass
David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver 18K Gold 4mm
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Both classic and contemporary, this David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet adds a beautiful touch to any ensemble. Crafted in 925 Sterling Silver with a classic X-motif in the...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Skull Bracelet Charm Curb Chain Gunmetal Bronze Memento Mori Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Bracelet Charm Curb Chain Gunmetal Bronze Memento Mori Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Gunmetal skull charm bracelet on a curb chain, a one of a kind vintage 2010 piece by J Daup...
Brass, Bronze
Salvatore Ferragamo Yellow and Brown Wood Enameled Cuff Bracelet Bangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Salvatore Ferragamo, Italy, bracelet bangle features a massive, geometric, chunky cuff shape, built on carved wood with enamel in pale butter yellow and bittersweet tof...
Vintage Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet With Authentic Pearls, 1980's
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage gorgeous 1980's sterling silver and pearl wide cuff bracelet is a showstopper. It is artisan made and has the 925 marking. It may well be one of kind. Then scroll like d...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
0.83 Carat Round & Emerald Cut Diamond Bangle Cuff Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Crafted in classic 18k yellow gold, this sleek diamond bangle bracelet features 0.83 carats of natural diamonds in a clean open design. Each end showcases an emerald-cut diamond surr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Judith Hendler Clear and Frosted Acrylic Lucite Cuff Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Judith Hendler designed this stunning Acrylic Lucite cuff bracelet in the 1980s. This rare bangle features a contrast of frosted and transparent colors and a triple-decker design. J...
Industrial Cuff Brutalist Bracelet Antique Silver Statement
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Cuff Brutalist Bracelet Antique Silver Statement Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this heavy archival cuff bracelet is a collectible statement piece fro...
Brass, Silver Plate, Silver
David Yurman Sculpted Cable Diamond 18k Gold Wide Cuff Bracelet 96g
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Collection: Sculpted Cable Style: Diamond Cable Cuff Bracelet Material: 18k yellow gold and 18k white gold Hallmarks: D.Y. 750 Gemstones/Diamonds: Natural di...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$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
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
Vintage Sterling Silver Wavy Cuff Bracelet 7 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous vintage cuff bracelet is sterling silver. It measures 1 1/2 inches wide. It has an inner circumference of 7 inches including the 1 inch gap. Weight: 27.3 grams Marks:...
Sterling Silver
Gold Cuff Bracelet Chain Link Chunky Open Cuff Mixed Link Sculptural Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Cuff Bracelet Chain Link Chunky Open Cuff Mixed Link Sculptural Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Gold cuff bracelet in gold plated brass, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece by J Da...
Gold, Gold Plate, Brass