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.
Art Deco Gold Tone Link Bracelet, Made in Italy, 7.75 Inches Long
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a Art Deco style gold tone link bracelet with an 18mm toggle clasp. This heavy bracelet has Made in Italy marked inside. A watch band style piece of sculpture on your wrist. ...
Gold Plate
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet 5 Motifs 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a timeless symbol of elegance and versatility. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this bracelet features five white mother-of-pearl clovers,...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Bracelet
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design. Crafted in polished 18K yellow gold, this bracelet exudes sophistication and time...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Bracelet 7 Flowers Large Model Diamond 18k Yellow
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Bracelet is a radiant expression of floral elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted in polished 18K yellow gold, this bracelet showcases seven heart-petaled bl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Bracelet
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design. Crafted in polished 18K yellow gold, this bracelet exudes sophistication and time...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Louis Vuitton Square Cocoa Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Set with Stitched Leather
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning set of three square bracelets by Louis Vuitton Paris, crafted in a rich cocoa‑brown acrylic and designed with the house's unmistakable modern aesthetic. Each bangle featur...
Gilt Metal
Rare Substantial Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Pyramid Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Seaman Schepps 18K yellow gold Pyramid bracelet 20th Century Provenance: Estate of a prominent New York socialite This rare, stunning...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alexis Lahellec Paris Silver Plate Resin Brutalist Link Stretch Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Alexis Lahellec Paris designed this stunning brutalist link bracelet. The rare stretch piece features silver plate metal-coated resin carved elements in a modernist flair. Each point...
Silver Plate
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Bracelet
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design. Crafted in polished 18K yellow gold, this bracelet exudes sophistication and time...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1990's 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Braided Wheat Link Chain Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of woven wheat link chain Braided with a high polish finish Completed by a concealed clasp closure With hinged figure eight safety Stamped for 14 karat gold Fully signed fo...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Metro Silver 18K Cable Pavé Diamond Station Bracelet 6mm - Small
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
A clean and classic David Yurman Metro Collection cable bracelet in sterling silver, finished with a central pavé diamond station framed in 18K yellow gold. The twisted cable design ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier LOVE Cuff Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size 20
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Cartier LOVE Cuff Bracelet, one of the world's most iconic luxury jewelry designs. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this authentic Cartier LOVE cuff features the instantly...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Guy Laroche Tribal Inspired Link Bracelet with Ceramic Charms
By Guy Laroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare Guy Laroche Paris tribal link bracelet features a dangling design with charms in African-inspired mask and shield shapes, possibly Maasai-inspired, with carved and textured...
Gilt Metal
Estate Pasquale Bruni 18K Gold Multi Gemstone Flower Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
A modern Pasquale Bruni prong and bezel-set colorful multi-gemstone floral link bracelet, crafted in 18K yellow gold. The bracelet measures 7.00 inches in length and cannot be altere...
Amethyst, Citrine, Iolite, Peridot, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Signed John Hardy Sterling Silver & Gold 'Dot' Pattern Chain Link Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed cable chain bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold. From the 'Dot' series. With alternating gold dot and silver dot links and ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
70s Vintage Horse Bit Buckle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold 8" Equestrian Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Equestrian themed horse bit bracelet crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1960s to 1970s). The primary horse bit links alternate with smaller belt buckle motifs, ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Italian 14K Yellow Gold Figaro Chain Bracelet, 9 Inch, 2.9g Weight
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday styling with this Italian-crafted 14K gold Figaro chain bracelet. With a refined balance of sophistication and versatility,...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
MODERN Bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 3.20ct 14k gold 12.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.20 ct – F/G – VS/SI – 19 cm long Detailed description The bracelet is 19 cm long, 2.5 mm wide, and 1.9 mm high. The...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Hermes 18KY Gold 'Chaine D'ancre' Vintage Toggle Link Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
A classic nautical-inspired design from Hermès, this Chain d’Ancre bracelet is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and features the iconic anchor-link motif that has become one of the ho...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$23,200Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphires & Rose Cut Diamonds Modern Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, one of a kind, Multi Sapphires Modern Bracelet set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 46.00 carats. The Multi Sapphir...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,048Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier d’Amour 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bracelet, ~0.10ct, 7.25in Long
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Tribute to Love and Refined Elegance Enhance your everyday look or commemorate a special occasion with this Cartier d’Amour Diamond Bracelet, meticulously crafted in 18K r...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
CLAIRE DEVE Attributed Vintage Wide Articulated Statement Bracelet
By Claire Deve
Located in Nice, FR
CLAIRE DEVE attributed vintage antiqued silver-tone articulated bracelet embellished with opalescent and iridescent resin cabochons. This striking vintage bracelet perfectly reflect...
John Galliano Multicolor Aluminum Link Bracelet Bangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare John Galliano bangle bracelet features an aluminum chunky link shape with a multicolor pattern. The bracelet is fully articulated and fits very nicely on the wrist. It clos...
VCA 18k Yellow Gold Malachite Alhambra Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with the exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Bracelet, crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold and adorned with five stunning malachite clovers. This...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VCA 18k Yellow Gold Malachite Alhambra Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with the exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Bracelet, crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold and adorned with five stunning malachite clovers. This...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Satin Finish 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Link Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This elegant bracelet is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with a sophisticated satin finish and features a beautifully designed series of floral links adorned with sparkling diamonds....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou 18K White Gold Classic Bracelet with Diamonds, Size 15
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet redefines elegance with its innovative design. Crafted in 18k white gold, it transforms a common nail into a statement of luxury. The Juste un C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$26,360Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Diamond 18k Gold Platinum X Link Bracelet 7.25"
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Designer: Jean Schlumberger Collection: X Style: Diamond X Link Bracelet Material: 18k yellow gold and platinum Approximately 3.00 carat total weight Design:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$439Sale Price|20% Off
Gold & Resin Cabochon Organic Link Bracelet With Logo Clasp By Givenchy, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 7.5" length - .75" width - Gold plated - Amber, red, brown and green resin cabochons - Crystal rhinestone accents - Fold over "GG" clasp closure - By Givench...
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Cabachon Semi Precious Stones Bracelet
By Vaid
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet is designed with 15 yellow gold links each with a quilted diamond pattern. Every other link features diamond shaped cabachon stones of Amethyst, Citrine, Green & Pi...
Amethyst, Citrine, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Bracelet
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design. Crafted in polished 18K yellow gold, this bracelet exudes sophistication and time...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Mughal Glass Cabochon Link Bracelet By Joan Rivers, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - 7.5" length - 1" width - Gold plate - Ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue gripoix-style glass cabochons ...
Bvlgari 18k White Gold 6 Circle Charm Bracelet 6.25"
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Bvlgari Collection/Style: 6 Circle Charm Bracelet Material: 18k white gold Hallmarks: Bvlgari 750 Design: Six interconnected polished circle charms Measurements: Approxim...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Textured Link Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as oval and bar shaped links alternating in pattern Featuring deeply grooved organic texture throughout Completed by concealed clasp closure Tested as 18 karat gold Numbered...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dog Chain Bracelet with Round Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. sterling silver bracelet. With slightly oval links and a round pendant disk-shaped charm. The charm is not engraved. Great Tiffany design! Date: 20th Cen...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Nautical Flags Enamel Charm Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Maritime Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Nautical charm bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). The nautical themed enameled bracelet features 7 enameled nautical flags. Each of th...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Woven Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of Tiffany & Co.’s bold 1990s design aesthetic, this substantial woven link bracelet is crafted in richly colored 18 karat yellow gold and weighs an impressive...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Peridot and Diamond Chain Bracelet
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This delicate chain bracelet is delicate and modelled in glossy 18ct gold. The bracelet is fastened by simple clasp which when worn you can hardly notice. There are 7 peridot stones ...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold
Bulgari 1980's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hematite Steel Vintage Doppio Cuore Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bulgari 1980s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Vintage Doppio Cuore Bracelet Designed as a segmented geometric links displaying the signature "Doppio Cuore" heart motif Comprised...
Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold And Platinum Lynn Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Tiffany & Co. bracelet designed by Jean Schlumberger, crafted in platinum and 18K yellow gold and set throughout with approximately 4.00 carats of round brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18 Carat Curb Chain Bracelet
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This delicate curb chain bracelet is slim and modelled in glossy 18ct gold. The bracelet is fastened by simple clasp and loop. Each link is hallmarked. Length: 18.5cm Width: 4mm We...
18k Gold
26715 David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold Silver Square Cable Link Rope Bracelet Men's
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
Sterling Silver & 18k yellow gold bracelet weighs 49.6g Square link measures 8.5mm wide Link measures 9.5mm wide Bracelet measures 8.75'' long end to end Bracelet fits up to 7...
Yellow Gold, Silver
Important Mid-Century Cartier oversized gold curb link bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century large-scale gold curblink bracelet featuring highly dimensional links, in 18k. Cartier, New York. #16174. This impressive bracelet fits closer to 7", despite being 7 3...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage MONET matte gold modernist designer runway necklace earrings bracelet se
By Monet
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed MONET • matte gold tone • vintage designer runway necklace, earrings and bracelet set MEASUREMENTS • necklace 6 1/2" by 6 1/2" by 1" bracelet is 2 3/4" in...
Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Puffed Oval Link Bracelet, Late 20th Century
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This classic American made 14K yellow gold bracelet is the perfect piece for any engagement, be it business or social. One continuous line of alternating puffed oval and baton connec...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dog Chain Bracelet and 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
26787 Vintage Tiffany & Co 18k Gold Diamond Twisted Rope Infinity Bracelet 7.25"
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany 18k yellow gold bracelet weighs 28.5g 44 round pave diamonds, total weight 1.98ct All diamonds are F color VS1 clarity Each infinity link measures 10mm Each diamond link m...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Italian Link Bracelet, Unisex, 8.25" Long
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Italian Link Bracelet. This bracelet features polished rounded curb-style links that create a fluid silhouette with a substantial feel. The weight of this bra...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Flat Curb Link 7.75 Inch Bracelet Made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
Stamped Italy 14K, this elegant bracelet embodies the timeless allure of Italian craftsmanship. Designed in a classic flat curb link pattern, it delivers a refined shimmer that compl...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silver Cushion-Cut Purple Amethyst & Diamond Vintage Halo Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Envelop your wrist in the splendor of this vintage-inspired bracelet, featuring a constellation of heat-treated natural purple amethysts, each nestled in a cushion cut that captures ...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
5.15 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 5.15-carat diamond in a rose cut, prized for its domed crown and soft, candlelit glow. It is framed by diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
3.14 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.14-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by emerald accents ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.47 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 1.47-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by yellow diamond accents for...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
11.95 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on an 11.95-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by diamond accents f...
Diamond, 18k Gold
11.95 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This line bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on an 11.95-carat diamond in a step-cut emerald shape. It is framed by diamond accents for added contrast. Crafted ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14.37 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 14.37-carat diamond in an old mine cut, a cushion-shaped antique cut full of vintage warmth. It is framed by ruby a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.32 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This line bracelet from our contemporary estate collection is set with a series of round brilliant cut white diamonds totaling 1.32 carats, framed by bold princess cut yellow diamond...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
3.65 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.65-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. Crafted in 18k gold, it offers a wearable ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
2.51 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tanzanite Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on tanzanite accents totaling 10.88 carats for rich, saturated color. It is framed by a 2.51-carat diamond in a round br...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Gold
3.99 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on vivid yellow diamond accents totaling 6.8 carats in a rich cushion cut, prized for their warm, saturated co...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold