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 Jean Patou Matte Gold Tone Cuff Bracelet, Circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Jean Patou Studded Matte Gold-Tone Cuff. Four different rows of button-like items protrude from each row. It closes with a pin-like structur...
Mixed Metal
Natural 0.95ct SI/H Diamond Floral 18K White Gold Cuff Bracelet
Located in Deira, Dubai
This Natural 0.95 Carat SI/H Diamond Floral 18 Karat White Gold Open Cuff Bracelet features pear cut diamonds making the dainty flower set on one side of the open bracelet and one si...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
Big Bold Vintage Hammered Finish Bombe Cuff Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage, hammered finish bombe cuff bracelet is quite large, measuring in excess of one inch in width at the center in front and tapering to just under 1/2 inch at the rear. Whe...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Tubogas 18K Yellow Gold Onyx Cuff Bulgari Bangle Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage Bvlgari Tubogas cuff bracelet is a timeless icon of Italian craftsmanship. Featuring sleek round onyx inlays framed in polished 18K yellow gold, the flexible Tubogas des...
Onyx, 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...
Vintage Marvella Gold Tone Cuff Bracelet with Diamante & Pearls, 1960s
By Marvella
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Marvella Gold Tone with Diamante and Faux Pearl Cuff Circa 1960s. This is one of the most unusual cuffs I have ever seen. It resembles a cuff...
Mixed Metal
Serpent Wrap Bangle with Green Jade Beads and Cubic Zirconia
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elegantly crafted in base metal this captivating serpent wrap bangle exudes timeless allure. The open-ended bypass design features a continuous row of lustrous green Jade beads that ...
Jade, Base Metal
$675Sale Price|55% Off
Skull Cuff Chain Bracelet Crystal Chain Gold Plated Enamel Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Cuff Chain Bracelet Crystal Chain Gold Plated Enamel Vintage J Dauphin, Paris, 2008 – Vintage Designer Jewelry Size: Small This rare Skull and Bone Chain Cuff Bracelet by J ...
Crystal, Brass, Gold Plate, Enamel
White Yellow Diamonds Floral Cluster 18k White Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in Deira, Dubai
White Yellow Diamonds Floral Cluster 18k White Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet This bangle features a captivating floral motif with precision-set white diamonds stones forming a blooming ...
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Resin Orange Cuff with Gold Eye Pieces
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Resin Orange Cuff with Gold Eye Pieces. The inside measures 6.5 inches, including the opening. The opening is 1.33 inches. It will fit wrists ranging from small to medium. 1"...
Mixed Metal
Faux Amethyst Florence Resin Cuff
Located in Hoffman Estates, IL
Florence Resin Cuff is handcrafted with three pear shaped faux amethyst stone. The bold piece is surrounded by cubic zircons on each motif. The bracelet i...
Crystal, Base Metal
Verdura 18K Yellow Gold White And Black Interchangeable Onyx Maltese Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
A distinctive and highly collectible Verdura bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring the house’s iconic Maltese cross motif set with a striking combination of diamonds, lumino...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 1970's 18K Gold Vintage Taurus Zodiac Cuff Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a cuff bracelet featuring a grooved and inlaid minimalist bull head motif representing the Taurus zodiac Centering a black jade face measuring 45.0 x 21.0 mm - glossy opa...
Pearl, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffiany & Co. Diamond Large Bow Cuff Bracelet 18K Rose Gold Size Small
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Tiffiany & Co. Diamond Large Bow Cuff Bracelet exudes sophistication. Stunningly crafted in lustrous 18K rose gold. It features a cuff style bangle bracelet with a larg...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Tiffiany & Co. Diamond Large Bow Cuff Bracelet 18K Rose Gold Size Medium
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Tiffiany & Co. Diamond Large Bow Cuff Bracelet exudes sophistication. Stunningly crafted in lustrous 18K rose gold. It features a cuff style bangle bracelet with a larg...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Certified 18 Karat White Gold Pear Cut 2.91Ct Natural Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in Deira, Dubai
Certified 18 Karat White Gold Pear Cut 2.91Ct Natural Diamond Cuff Bracelet. Featuring a sophisticated open cuff design, this bracelet is adorned with brilliant-cut pear-shaped diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet Scandinavian Modern Minimalist Design
Located in Arnhem, NL
A cuff bracelet made of 14 karat solid yellow gold. The bracelet features a modern, minimalist Scandinavian design. It is very suitable to be worn every day as well as during speci...
Yellow Gold
John Hardy Classic Chain Bracelet with Black Sapphire in Sterling Silver
By John Hardy
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: John Hardy Metal: Sterling Silver Metal Purity: AG 925 Bracelet Width: 6.45 mm wide Bracelet Length: 7.5" Gemstone: Black S...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
SI/H Diamond Minimalist Floral Cuff Bracelet 18K Rose Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
This SI Clarity HI Color Marquise Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Minimalist Cuff Bracelet features pear cut diamond set on one end and marquise cut diamond flower et on the other end of ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bulgari 1990's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Vintage Saetta Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of flexible yellow gold and stainless steel geometric segments Featuring grooved yellow gold swirl motifs and steel geometric surrounds With high polish finish and open ter...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Cuff Bracelet Gun Metal Sculptural design Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 World on Fire Gunmetal Ruthenium Plated Cuff Bracelet Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The “World on Fire” Cuff is a one-of-a-kind architectural statement piece hand...
Brass
$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
Yellow Diamond Large Cuff Bangle Bracelet 8.0 CT Natural Diamonds 18 karat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bold Bangle Cuff Real 18k White and Yellow Gold Approx 49 grams Modern Design of a large Link chain Natural mix Yellow Diamonds approx 8.0 Carat pave setting Width 30 mm or a bit o...
Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Bulgari 1970s 18K Gold Torque Bangle with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Very rare "slave" bangle 1970s Sapphire and emerald cabochons approx 0.44 - 0.5ct, with 10 baguette cut diamonds total approx. 1.8ct, Gross weight 22.1 grams. A timeless Bulgari j...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Amethyst 9 Carat Gold Bangle
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite bangle. Set with nine Amethyst stones which total 4.4ct. In between all of these gorgeous stones are pairs of diamond points, each diamond measures 1pt. All modelled in ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman 2 Row Labrynth 18KYG/Sterling Silver Hinged Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
David Yurman Labyrinth Double Loop Cuff Bracelet in sterling silver. This sculptural cuff features David Yurman's bold Labyrinth design with two interwoven loops creating an architec...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$6,115Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.9 Carat Mixed Cut Diamond Cuff Bangle Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
2.91Ct Delicate Mixed Cut Diamond Cuff Bangle Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Jewelry This beautifully crafted bracelet features a modern yet graceful open-cuff design, blending the brillia...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold SI/H 1.30Ct Diamond Sleek Open Cuff Bracelet Gift For Wife
Located in Deira, Dubai
14k Yellow Gold SI/H 1.30Ct Diamond Sleek Open Cuff Bracelet Gift For Wife The bangle features a sleek, polished gold band with delicate diamond accents along the open tips, leading ...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2.70 Carat SI/H Princess Diamond Criss Cross Bangle Bracelet 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
Item Code :- SJEB-3026 (14k) Gross Wt. :- 16.58 gm 14k White Gold Wt. :- 16.04 gm Diamond Wt. :- 2.70 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Customization Available...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Beaded Faux Pearl Mohawk Statement Bracelet by Karl Lagerfeld, 1980s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 8.5" length - 1.1" width - Simulated black and golden gripoix pearls - Gold plated hardware - Hidden push box clasp - By Karl Lagerfeld (double signed on clasp...
$4,420 / item
Against Evil Eye Diamond and Gold Bracelet
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt (18kt available) • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • 1.01ct Natural Round Diamond • 5.10ct Blue Topaz...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
Minimalist 1Ct Zambian Emerald Diamond Cuff Bracelet 18k White Gold Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
Minimalist 1Ct Zambian Emerald Diamond Cuff Bracelet 18k White Gold Jewelry The two ends of the open bangle are capped with single, high-quality gemstones. On one end, there is a pro...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Courreges Paris Arctic White Acrylic Lucite Cuff Bracelet
By Courrèges
Located in Atlanta, GA
Courreges Paris designed this stunning cuff bracelet. The oversized cuff design is made of arctic white opalescent acrylic resin or Lucite. The piece has a spectacular cone shape and...
VERDURA Green Jade and Gem-set 'Maltese' Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in West Hollywood, CA
have two of these, you can buy together or just one. Price Listed is for one bracelet. Designed as a wide dark green jade cuff, centering upon a polished and matte-finished 18K gold...
Amethyst, Citrine, Jade, Cultured Pearl, Ruby
1.36 Carat Diamond Flower Minimal Cuff Bangle Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
This 1.36 Carat Diamond Flower Minimal 18 Karat White Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet features two tiny flowers made of pear and round cut diamonds set on each open end of the bracelet. ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$540Sale Price|40% Off
Chain Cuff Skull Bracelet Crystal Chain Enamel Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chain Cuff Skull Bracelet Crystal Chain Enamel Gold Plated Vintage 2008 Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this rare archival cuff bracelet is a collectible statement...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
18 Karat White Gold 63.63 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Bangle in Modern Style
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 63.63 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Bangle in Modern Style This nouveau riche style royal blue sapphire and diamond bangle is incredib...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Panthère de Cartier 18K Gold Cuff Bracelet Size 17
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Panthere de Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet Unleash Elegance with a Touch of Wild Explore the bold and beautiful with this striking Panthère de Cartier cuff bracelet. Expertly...
18k Gold
Chanel Cuff/bangle with big CC's and black dots, acryl, signed 96P - 1996 spring
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A very unusual open bangle/Cuff by Chanel made of ivory colored acrylic with large CC's and black dots. The size of the CC's are 3 cm x 4 cm, the black dots 1,3 cm in diameter. Very...
Other
$887,500 / item
4.90ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet On Black Gold
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt (18kt available) • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold •4.90ct black diamond • Diamond Color-Clarity: F-...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
South Sea Pearl and Diamond Encrusted 18K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A strong yet wearable yellow gold bracelet centered around three cultured South Sea pearls. Each pearl nests between 2 end caps, which have been set with round brilliant cut diamonds...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Italian 18K Diamond Textured Cuff Bracelet, Sculptural Wide Cuff, Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
This substantial Italian cuff bracelet is crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold and finished with a sculptural textured surface that gives the piece a dynamic, hand-worked character. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Curata Italian Solid 14k Yellow Gold Wide Polished Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal Purity: 14k Stamped Country of Origin: Italy Metal Weight: 44.6 grams Measurement: 47mm (2") wide - Adjustable Certificate of Authenticity Italian Solid 14k Yellow Gold 47mm Wide Polished Cuff Bangle Bracelet is a piece of jewelry made from 14-karat yellow gold that has been polished to a high shine. The cuff bangle style means that it is open and can be slipped onto the wrist, making it easy to wear. The bracelet is 47mm wide, which is just under 2 inches, and it has a substantial feel to it. This type of bracelet is often considered a statement piece, as it is quite bold and eye-catching. It can be worn on its own or paired with other bracelets or bangles for a stacked look. The high-polish finish gives it a luxurious look and the Italian craftsmanship is known for its attention to detail and quality. Solid gold jewelry...
Yellow Gold
$19,192Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond 11.55 cts 18 Karat White gold Multi Row Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Indulge in the ultimate luxury with this exquisite diamond tennis bracelet, where a chic row of channel-set baguette diamonds is beautifully flanked by classic round brilliant diamon...
Diamond, White Gold
David Webb Diamond and White Enamel Slice Cuff
By David Webb
Located in Weston, MA
Designed for a double take, the Slice Cuff from David Webb is the ultimate combination of classic chic and full-blown glamour. A grooved line of pavé-set diamonds, highlighted by dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Sutra 18KT WG Mesh Bracelet 33.54Ct Blue Saph 21.80Ct Pink Saph 8.68Ct Diamond
By Sutra Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 18 karat white gold mesh cuff bracelet by Sutra. This incredible bracelet is set with 33.54 carats of oval blue sapphires and 21.80 carats of oval pink sapphires. Round brilliant diamonds 8.68 carats join the colored stones in this flexible mesh cuff bracelet. The bracelet measures 1.25" in width and 7" in length. Stamped Sutra 18K
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$42,400Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Hammered Cuff Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This vintage David Webb cuff bracelet is an exceptional example of the designer’s bold, sculptural style and mastery of color. Crafted in richly textured 18K yellow gold with Webb’s ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Judith Ripka Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet
By Judith Ripka
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This rich Judith Ripka bangle bracelet is made of 18k white gold with a side hinge for an easy fit! The bracelet features 21 round diamond melee in sets of three down the center of t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Yurman Cable Classic Sterling Silver Natural Diamond & Morganite Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman Cable Classic Sterling Silver Natural Diamond & Morganite Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver Weight: 28.2 grams Width: 5mm Diamonds: Approx. .07 CTW G-H VS round natural ...
Diamond, Morganite, Sterling Silver
Sanalitro Milano Acrylic Cuff Bangle Bracelet with Geometric 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...
$10,900 / item
Marquise Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet Cuff
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning bangle bracelet handmade in 18K gold. It is hand set in .80 carats of marquise sparkling diamonds. Wear it alone or stack it with your favorite pieces. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWE...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1.6 Carat SI/H Diamond Wrap Cuff Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, Dubai
1.6 Carat SI/H Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Wrap Cuff Bracelet features cluster of diamonds in different shapes, set in scattered way in triple layer making a wide design. Diamonds a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tahitian Black Dark Grey Pearl Diamond Pave Set White Gold Bangle Cuff Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Tahitian Black Dark Grey Pearl Diamond Pave Set White Gold Bangle Cuff Bracelet 18K White Gold 1.00 cts Diamonds Silvery Grey Black Tahitian Pearls with Amazing Luster, Color and Sh...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Amber, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Whi...
Robert Lee Morris Sterling Silver Stegosaurus Cuff
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind Stegosaurus collection cuff, created with forged panels of sterling silver sheet. Easy to slip on to any size wrist, as the piece is flexible. The dramatic scale and ha...
Sterling Silver
$2,454Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.35Ct Natural Blue Sapphire SI/H Diamond Open Cuff Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
1.35Ct Natural Blue Sapphire SI/H Diamond Open Cuff Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold The statement bracelet features pear cut blue sapphire and marquise cut diamond each set on the ends ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Double Lion Vintage Cuff Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Prepare to be captivated by the timeless allure of this vintage David Webb cuff bracelet, exquisitely designed with two majestic lions facing each other. This bracelet showcases the ...
Yellow Gold
David Webb Coral Double Lion Head Bangle Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Double Head Lion BANGLE BRACELET, BY DAVID WEBB An important example of David Webb's design, a carved coral bangle bracelet. Designed in David Webb's celebrated and signature animal motif, the bracelet features two dragon heads whereby each is adorned by various diamonds and colored gemstones: emeralds and rubies. The two heads are joined together by a diamond-covered clasp. Signed “David Webb.” Designed as two opposing carved coral dragon...
Cartier Trinity 18 Karat Yellow White and Rose Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck, NY
Cartier Trinity 18k Yellow White and Rose Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet Cartier, Circa 1992, wonderful Trinity cuff bangle bracelet made of 18k White, Yellow,...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold