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 Blue Spinel Walkway Bracelet in 19.2K Rose Gold Portugal 1980s 1990s
Located in Lisbon, PT
This exquisite and bold vintage bracelet features synthetic blue spinel gemstones in a striking "walkway" design, set in 19.2kt rose gold. Crafted in Portugal during the 1980s/1990s,...
Spinel, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cable Multi Row with 18K White Gold Brown Diamonds Filigree Statement Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
A modern bracelet featuring multiple strands of twisted brown and steel cables. The design is accented with round diamonds in square baskets , adding a touch of sparkle. The open cuf...
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Finger Ring Chain Triangle Geometric Diamond 18K White Gold Statement Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
This exquisite bracelet features a delicate white gold chain adorned with sparkling round diamonds. The centerpiece is a geometric triangle encrusted with shimmering diamonds, adding...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$44,440Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Natural Fancy Color 13 Diamonds, 7.47ct Bracelet on 18kt Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Truly remarkable piece of jewelry, behold this exquisite bracelet adorned with 13 natural fancy color diamonds. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the bracelet features an ...
Diamond, Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet 0.14 TDW
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold 7 inch Fancy Link Bracelet with Diamonds 0.14 TDW. 4 grams total weight.
Diamond, 14k Gold
$12,529Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM Diamond Briolette & Ruby 18K White Gold Dangling Bracelet
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Diamond Briolette & Ruby 18K White Gold Dangling Bracelet Bracelets are worn to enhance the look. Women love to look good. Women often wear exqu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Kiss Link Bracelet
Located in London, GB
This wonderful 18 carat yellow gold bracelet is designed with alternating "X" shaped links and bar links. The special elegance of this piece is given by the central links which are b...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,749Sale Price|27% Off
PANIM 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Rosecut Bracelet
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Every cluster in this bracelet is a wonder to behold, sparkling with iridescent whites, a look that can only be achieved by diamonds. A jaw-dropping 4.18 carat of Rosecut Diamonds ar...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern 18kt Yellow Gold Link Bracelet with 6-8ct Pave Diamonds, USA
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and wearable link bracelet featuring pave diamonds on the face of the bracelet. Approximate weight of diamonds is 6-8 carats, most with G-H color, VS-SI clarity. Metal i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rachel Koen Diamond Cuban Link Chain Bracelet 18K White Gold 7.74Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the classic Cuban link chain bracelet look with this perfect everyday wear stackable bracelet. This elegant bracelet is crafted in lu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Over Silver Diamond Accent Layered Infinity 4"-10" Bolo Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A string of romantic heart silhouettes spaced by flowing waves gives this luxury bolo bracelet a signature look. This bolo bracelet is crafted of 14k yellow gold plated .925 sterling...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
14K Rose Gold Over Silver Diamond Accent Layered Infinity 4"-10" Bolo Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Certain to create a sophisticated look with any attire, this stylish diamond bolo bracelet is composed of 14k rose gold plated .925 sterling silver. It features rose gold heart links...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
Rose Plated Sterling Silver 1/3 Cttw Diamond Heart-Linked Bolo Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This tassel bolo bracelet crafted in rose plated sterling silver features 9 brilliant, round cut white diamonds set in beautiful, heart shaped links. It is well-secured with an adjus...
Diamond, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
10K Yellow Gold over Silver Diamond Accented Open Heart Adjustable Bolo Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Express your affection to her with this dazzling bolo bracelet. Elegant and timeless, this gorgeous .925 sterling silver bracelet features a row of six open heart links with petite d...
Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 10k Gold
.925 Sterling Silver 1.0 Carat Rose-Cut Diamond Love Locks Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
For the one person who you want to hold onto forever, here's the perfect gift to let her know. An interlocking sterling silver band brings together rounded links embedded with diamon...
Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
.925 Sterling Silver 1.0 Cttw Diamond Link Bracelet (H-I Color, I1-I2 Clarity)
Located in New York, NY
Discover the effortless elegance of this Sterling Silver Diamond Link Bracelet, where luxury meets contemporary design. Each link, curved and smoothly polished, is a testament to mod...
White Diamond, Sterling Silver
Mark Broumand 2.95ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Link Bracelet in 14k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lovely diamond link bracelet is set with 2.95ct of round brilliant cut diamonds graded at E-F, VS1-VS2. They are perfectly matched and micro pavé set in 14k white gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sterling Silver Diamond Cushion Frame Heart-Sides Twist Adjustable Bolo Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Express your affection to her with this dazzling bolo bracelet. Uniquely designed, it is composed of sleek .925 sterling silver, which is finely polished with grace. The bracelet fea...
Diamond, White Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
10K Yellow Gold 3 cttw Round-Cut Diamond Spiral Link 7.50" Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the mesmerizing allure of our exquisite 10K Yellow Gold Diamond Spiral Link Bracelet. Crafted with utmost precision, this captivating piece is a testament to the brillianc...
White Diamond, Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold 1.00 Cttw Princess-Cut Diamond Chain Link 7" Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the luxurious beauty of this exquisite 14K two-tone gold princess-cut diamond link bracelet. With 99 natural diamonds totaling 1.00 carat, this piece exudes elegance and s...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Mixed Metal, Gold
14K White Gold 7 3/8 Cttw Round Diamond Floral Cluster and S Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, this gorgeous 14 karat white gold tennis bracelet features 7.38 carat total weight of natural round white diamonds. The tennis bracelet has hinged links consist...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
10K White Gold 2.00 Cttw Diamond Floral Design Swirl Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the enchanting allure of our exquisite Diamond Floral S-Link Bracelet. Crafted with delicate precision, this 10K White Gold masterpiece showcases a captivating swirl desig...
White Diamond, Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
.925 Sterling Silver 3.0 Cttw Prong Set Diamond Art Deco Style Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Uniquely designed, this silver tennis bracelet is unlike anything you've come across. Three rows of natural, round-cut diamonds sparkle in art deco style links that give the piece a ...
White Diamond, White Gold, Sterling Silver
10K Rose Gold 1/2 cttw Diamond Cluster and Infinity Weave Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Give a charming appeal to your look by wearing this gorgeous tennis bracelet. Fashioned out of pure rose gold, the bracelet features intertwining ribbons, puncuated with sparkling di...
White Diamond, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
10K Yellow Gold 3.0 Carat Round-Cut Diamond Spiral Link 7.50" Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the mesmerizing allure of our exquisite 10K Yellow Gold Diamond Spiral Link Bracelet. Crafted with utmost precision, this captivating piece is a testament to the brillianc...
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver 1/3 Carat Round-Cut Diamond Double Heart Infinity Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Modern and chic, this beautiful silver bracelet is elegantly crafted with a double heart link design. The metal is genuine .925 sterling silver, ensuring it will stay tarnish free fo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver
Infinite Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted from radiant 14K white gold, the Infinite Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Link Bracelet is a stunning display of elegance and refinement. Weighing 22.2 grams and measuring 6.5 inche...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Connector Pave Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Radiating timeless elegance, the Oval Connector Pave Diamond 14K Gold Link Bracelet is crafted from luminous 14K white gold. Weighing 12 grams, this exquisite piece is adorned with n...
Gold, 14k Gold
Ocean Mist 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this elegant bracelet features natural diamonds (0.62CT) paired with vibrant malachite (2.50CT) and lustrous mother of pearl. A stunning blend of brillian...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Morning Star 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A bold yet elegant statement piece, the Morning Star 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Link Bracelet is expertly crafted from 14K yellow gold. Weighing 6.06 grams, it features 0.10 carats of n...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Dreamcatcher 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Links Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This enchanting bracelet, crafted in 14K yellow, rose, and white gold, features natural diamonds totaling 0.60CT. Its unique oval link chain design blends elegance and charm, making ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Golden Garden 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Flower Cluster Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delicately crafted in 14K gold, the Golden Garden 14K Gold Flower Cluster Link Bracelet is a blend of elegance and modern design. Its crescent-shaped accents shimmer with natural dia...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Dream Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite link bracelet combines 14K yellow, rose, and white gold with natural diamonds. A perfect fusion of elegance and versatility, it’s designed to complement any style, mak...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Diamond 2.50 Carats 18KT Yellow Gold Baguette Link Bracelet
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Indulge in the understated elegance of this exquisite bracelet, meticulously crafted from 18KT gold and adorned with a stunning array of diamonds. A chic row of channel-set baguette ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$393Sale Price|20% Off
14 kt White Gold Black Spinel Bracelet
Located in София, BG
14 ct. White Gold Bracelet set with Black Spinel. Gold Color: White Dimensions: 17 cm (Lenght). Total weight: 2.00 grams Set with: - Black Spinel Cut: Ball Cut Color: Black
Black Spinel, 14k Gold, White Gold
YeBrown Black Cable Row 18K Rose White Gold Diamonds Filigree Statement Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Crafted with a twisted gold-tone steel cable, this piece features five 18K White Gold square accents evenly spaced along its length. Each accent is adorned with intricate detailing t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Finger Ring Chain Hamsa Hand Diamond Symbol 18K Rose Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegantly crafted in gold, this full hand bracelet features a delicate chain design. At its center, a beautifully intricate hamsa hand motif is adorned with ornate filigree work, add...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rachel Koen Leaf Link Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18K White Gold 3.85Cttw 7 Inches
Located in New York, NY
This chic and elegant tennis bracelet features beautiful leaf motif links accented with pave set round cut diamonds weighing 3.85 carats. Crafted in fine 18k white gold. Measuring 7 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M. Jewels 18kt white gold pave linked bracelet containing 18.78 cts
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold pave linked bracelet containing 18.78 cts of round diamonds Diana M is one-stop shop for all your jewelry shopping, carrying line of diamond rings, earrings, bracelet...
White Gold