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.
$103Sale Price|20% Off
Juliana Style Aurora Borealis Crystal and Frosted Moonstone Bracelet, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 7" length - .75" width - Gold tone - Aurora borealis (AB) crystal rhinestones - Prong set frosted faux moonstone cabochons - Fold over clasp closure - In the ...
Piaget 4.70 Carats Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Link Heart Bracelet in White Gold
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
A large vogue-ish heart link bracelet, featuring round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 4.70 carats total with D-E-F color and VVS clarity. The heart links are approximately 1 inch wi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Star Sapphire Diamond Statement Bracelet in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Gemstones: blue star sapphires Sapphire Carat Weight: 56.40 carats Sapphire Count: 11 Diamond Count: 176 Diamond Carat Weight: 5...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$360Sale Price|20% Off
CZ KJL Cubic Zirconia by Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Crystal Flower Bangle Bracelet
Located in Milford, DE
Floral-themed bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a flower decorated with clear and lemon cubic zirconia crystals, set on a wide black acrylic band. Hallmarks: none Inner circu...
Zircon
Estate Oscar Heyman 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Houston, TX
Oscar Heyman & Brothers bracelet composed of 18K yellow gold with oval rubies and round diamonds. The rubies total 35.73 carats and round brilliant-cut diamonds that total 5.18 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold
Gents Diamond Figaro Curb Link Bracelet in Heavy Solid 14ct White Gold
Located in London, GB
This striking gents diamond-set Figaro curb link bracelet is crafted in heavy solid 14-carat white gold, delivering a bold and confident statement of style. Each link is meticulously...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$487Sale Price|25% Off
Kara Ross 1990's Gold Plated Hinged Cuff Bracelet With Black Stamped Leather
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely modernist Kara Ross hinged cuff bracelet is from the 90's. It is marked on the inside. The stamped snakeskin leather is black with gold plating a...
Gold Plate
Triple Strand Three Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 204 Round Cut Diamonds Diamond Carat Weight: ~5.25 carats Diamond Color: F-G Diamond Clarity: VS Bracelet Length:...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$950Sale Price / item|20% Off
Emerald and Sapphire Stacking Chain Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Dainty Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Bracelets are worn to enhance the look. Women love to look good. It is common to see a woman rocking a lovely gold bracelet on her wrist. A gold gemstone bracelet is the ultimate sta...
Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Castlecliff Vintage Gold Plated and Silver Twisted Cuff Bracelet, 1960's Design
By Castlecliff
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning period bracelet looks authentic and real by Castlecliff. It is finely lined with a brushed satin finish on the metals. Has a modern elegance to it. Gold plated and silv...
Gold, Silver
Roman Malakov 10.18 Carat Total Princess Cut Diamond Channel-Set Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A stylish tennis bracelet, featuring one row of princess cut diamonds weighing 10.18 carats total, set in a gorgeous channel setting. Finely made with platinum, 7 inches in length. P...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Sterling Silver, Amethyst and Agate Stone Bracelet Hallmarked 1950's
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage Mexican stamped 925 sterling silver bracelet is set with prongs that resemble hands to hold the agates and amethyst stones. It woul...
Agate, Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Diamond Flower Chain Link Bracelet in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Diamond Count: 44 Diamond Carat Weight: 2.5 Diamond Color: F-G Diamond Clarity: SI Bracelet Length: ~7 inches Bracelet Width: ~ ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Karl Stittgen Organic Pearl and Multi Stone Gold Cuff Bracelet, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural, organic design cuff bracelet by Karl Stittgen circa 1970 featuring diamonds, druzy agate, cabochon rubies, emeralds and sapphires, baroque,...
Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yel...
Modern Vermeil Scarab Beetle Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in vermeil, silver covered with yellow gold. Tubogas bracelet it is formed of a broad flexible mesh which spreads out at the base to be threaded on the top. This vermeil bracelet is adorned with a chiseled beetle motif. Total weight of the jewel : 43,5 g approximately. Width of the bracelet : 23,5 mm, thickness : 5,8 mm, height of the beetle : 26 mm approximately, width of the beetle : 20,6 mm approximately, interior circumference : 14,5 cm. New contemporary jewel. Our opinion: easy to wear, this retro style bracelet fits perfectly on the wrist. This bracelet can be matched with earrings scarab beetle...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Vermeil, Silver
1.66 Carat Pink Tourmaline and Diamond 18 Carat White & Yellow Gold Leaf Bangle
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous 18 carat gold bangle features a 1.66ct oval shaped pink tourmaline in the centre, highlighted by two beautifully detailed solid yellow gold leaves which are decorated w...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Green Emerald Cabochon, Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular and exciting David Webb 18K Yellow Gold gemstone bracelet with diamonds. The gemstones include emeralds, sapphires,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$56,250Sale Price|25% Off
18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet features 28.05 carats of F-H VS-SI diamonds and 13.49 carats of moderately strong transparent red rubies. This bracelet features 1 pear brilliant, 13 marquise brilliant...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Round and Baguette Cut Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Count: 15 Baguette Diamonds, 30 Round Diamonds Diamond Carat Weight: ~ 3 carats Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS1-SI...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 14K Gold Carved Emeralds & Rose-Cut Diamonds Bracelet, 1900
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Carved Emeralds Rose-Cut Diamonds Bracelet, 1900 Antique bracelet with natural untreated Emeralds weighing approximately 350Ct. Each Emerald is carved, creating a leaf-like ornament...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Vivid Diamonds 2.87 Carat Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Vivid Diamonds Bangle Bracelet crafted in rose gold, featuring 262 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.87 carats total, F-G color, VS-SI clarity. This elegant bangle is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mings Hawaii Green Jade Hinged Bangle 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 59.1 Grams Bracelet Circumference: ~7.0" Bracelet Width: 13 mm Bracelet Thickness: 7.9 mm thick Stamped...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
AENEA 18k Yellow Gold Rainbow Multi-Color Emeralds Ruby Sapphire Bangle
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
This rainbow and multicolour bangle is part of the AENEA Flow Collection and can be easily worn throughout the day into the night. You will always be perfectly dressed, whatever occa...
Amethyst, White Diamond, Emerald, Morganite, Peridot, Ruby, Blue Sapphir...
4.00 Carat Diamond Gold Tennis Bracelet
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Diamond Tennis Bracelet set in 14K White Gold. The bracelet has 4.00 Ct in Diamonds. The Diamonds are F/G VS/SI There are 66 stones in all. The bracelet is a 4 prong setti...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 1950's Henry Bogaff Amber Brown Swarovski Rhinestone Bracelet
By Henry Bogoff
Located in North Miami, FL
This timeless vintage 1950's Swarovski rhinestone bracelet is so well made by Henry Bogoff that it looks real. It is signed Bogoff. These amber/...
Rhodium
Estate 18K Gold Princess -Cut Yellow and White Diamond Line Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
Classic line bracelet composed of platinum and 18K yellow gold featuring alternating white and yellow princess-cut diamonds. There are 28 diamonds that total 5.10 carats, fancy yel...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Tanisa Nahata Diamond Hexagon Mirror Bangle in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Featuring dainty multi-shaped diamonds, this collection showcases elegant pieces that are extremely versatile and a timeless addition to your jewelry collection. At Tanisa Jewelry on...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mesh Bracelet with Enamel Flowers
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1960s 14K Yellow Gold Mesh Bracelet with Enamel Flowers and Rubies - The bracelet measures 7.5 inches long and .80 inches wide in the center. There are 6 flowers with blue en...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1980s 14 Karat Yellow Gold 3-Row Wide Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 14K Yellow Gold 3 Row Wide Link Bracelet - The bracelet measures 7 inches long and 3/4 inches wide. The bracelet features a hidden plunger clasp with a figure 8 safety...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.00 CTW Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Oval Open Link Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Timeless diamond link bracelet crafted in platinum. The bracelet features round brilliant cut diamond oval links weighing approximately 7.00 carat total weight. The diamonds are grad...
Diamond, Platinum
$143Sale Price|20% Off
Tiger's Eye Cabochon Gold Link Bracelet, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 7.5" length - Gold tone - Fold over clasp closure - Tiger's Eye gemstone cabochons - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good vintage condition
Tiger's Eye
Vintage 1960's 14k Yellow Gold Wide Bamboo Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1960's 14K Yellow Gold Wide Bamboo Link Bracelet - The bracelet measures 6.65 inches long and .5 inches wide and features a hidden plunger clasp with a safety latch. The brac...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Two Toned Diamond Bracelet in 14k Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k White and Yellow Gold Diamond Count: 13 Diamond Carat Weight: 1.3 Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity: VS Bracelet Length: ~7.10 inches Brac...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$398Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Two Tone Gilt & Rhinestone Textured Nugget Bracelet by Panetta, 1970s
By Panetta
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 7" length - Gold & silver plated - Rhinestone detail - Invisible push clasp closure - Safety chain - By Panetta (signed on verso) - Circa 1970s - Estate acqu...
Tanisa Nahata Multi Shape Diamond Bangle in 18Karat White Gold.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This diamond collection showcases elegant pieces that are extremely versatile and a timeless addition to your jewelry collection and are perfect for everyday wear. These pieces are p...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,430Sale Price|20% Off
Modern 18K Rose Gold and Ebony Wood Bracelet, Articulated Design
Located in Vannes, FR
The articulated rose gold and ebony bracelet we present is a jewel of rare beauty and exceptional quality. Made from 18-carat rose gold, this bracelet offers a perfect combination of...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Rose Gold Natural 2.6 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Open Cuff Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Rose Gold Natural 2.6 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Open Cuff Bracelet Style: Diamond Bangle Bracelet Material: 18k Rose Gold Diamond Details: There are approximately 2.60 car...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vivid Diamonds GIA Certified 26.78 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular bracelet hand crafted in platinum, featuring 26 sensational GIA certified round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 26.78 carats total, H color, VS2 clarity. Each GIA certifi...
Diamond, Platinum
4.43 Carat Round Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Count: 50 Round Diamonds Diamond Carat Weight: 4.34 carats Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS2-SI1 Bracelet Length: 6....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,940Sale Price / item|20% Off
18kt Solid Yellow Gold Coral Gemstone Tennis Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Coral Tennis Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 26 endlessly sparkling natural coral, weighing 20.15 carats. It measures 7.5 inches long in length. Coral is a symbol of good luck a...
Coral, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
3 Prong Round Diamond Tennis Bracelet 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Diamond Count: 71 Round Cut Diamonds Diamond Carat Weight: ~2 carats Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS2-SI2 Bracelet Length: 7...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Baccarat Merveille Gilt Sterling Silver and Crystal Moi et Toi Cuff Bracelet
By Baccarat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Baccarat Merveille 'Moi et Toi' bracelet. In vermeil or gilt sterling silver with amber-colored, spherical glass stones. Simply great wearable design from one of France's le...
Crystal, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Emerald Flower and Diamond Link Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specification: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.0 Grams Bracelet Width: 6.2 mm Bracelet Length: 7 in Diamonds: 144 round brilliant diamonds Diamond Color: G Di...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$505Sale Price / item|30% Off
14k Gold Diamond Circle Bracelet Pave Diamond Halo Round Bracelet
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Circle Bracelet is made of 14k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Natural genuine round cut diamond each diamond is hand se...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Textured Gold and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Darnestown, MD
Van Cleef and Arpels textured 18 karat gold bracelet with two different shaped links highlighted by 16 diamonds. The bracelet is the ulti...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Pair of Gold and Diamond Bangle Bracelets by Doris Panos
By Doris Panos
Located in Darnestown, MD
Pair of gold and diamond bangle bracelets by Doris Panos. The bracelets are hinged. They have an inner diameter of 2 1/4 inches. They are 1/4 inch in height. Total diamond weght of e...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Judith Hendler Vintage !980's Clear and White Lucite Cuff Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
The bands of clear, white and then clear again make this very chic chunky vintage lucite cuff bracelet from the 80's so wearable and fun! It is designed by a famous Californian artis...
Ming's Four Seasons Gold Hinged Bangle 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 18.7 Grams Bracelet Circumference: ~7.00" Inner Diameter: ~2.25" Bracelet Height: 11.2 mm Stamped:...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Tennis Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Carat Weight: ~ 2.00 carats Diamond Count: 34 brilliant Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity: SI2-I1 Bracelet Length: ~6....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Sapphire Diamond Halo Link Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire Count: 3 Oval Sapphires Sapphire Carat Weight: ~ 2.0 carats Diamond Count: 54 Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS-SI1 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Designer Turquoise Enamel Cuff With Emerald, Pearl and Pave Diamond
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18Kt Gold:4.60g, Diamond:7.1ct, SiIver:134.7g, Emerald:0.4ct, Pearl:11.40ct, Enamel:8.96g" Size:82X58X52 MM
Turquoise, Pearl, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Amethyst Multi Strand Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Multi-Strand Bead Bracelet. Designed as three strands of smooth purple oval amethyst and peridot beads, separated by gold rondelle spacers, mounted in pla...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$856Sale Price / item|20% Off
Three Stone Blue Topaz Chain Bracelet in 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Bracelets are worn to enhance the look. Women love to look good. It is common to see a woman rocking a lovely gold bracelet on her wrist. A gold gemstone bracelet is the ultimate sta...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 1990s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Omega Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990's 14K Yellow Gold Omega Bracelet - The Italian made bracelet is 3/4" wide and 7.25" long and features a plunger clasp with 2 fi...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Yellow Gold Deep Green Enamel Diamond Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Yellow Gold Deep Bright Green Enamel And Diamond Bracelet. An exquisite creation, a dark green paillonne enamel hinged bangle by Jean Schlumberger t...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sectional Half Round Barrel Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Satin Finish Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Count: 64 brilliant Diamond Carat Weight: ~2.50 carats Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS2-SI1 Bracelet Length: ~7" ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Two Tone Gold Natural Oval Shape Fancy Yellow Diamond Bar Bracelet In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Two Tone Gold Natural Oval Shape Fancy Yellow Diamond Bar Bracelet Style: Channel Set White Diamond and Bezel Set Oval Fancy Yellow Diamond Bracelet Material: 18k White and Yel...
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gol...
Ming's Bird on a Plum Gold Hinged Bangle 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 20.4 Grams Bracelet Circumference: ~7.5" Inner Diameter: ~2.37" Bracelet Height: 11 mm Stamped: "M...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.37 Carat Total Round Brilliant Diamond Cuff Bangle Bracelet in Two-Tone Gold
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable cuff bracelet, featuring a chic spiral design made of 18K white and yellow gold. Accented by 42 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.37 carat total, set on a micropa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Helix Frame Black Sapphire and Black Ruthenium Bracelet by John Brevard
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This unique black sapphire and black ruthenium bracelet is meant to evoke personal power. This limited edition piece is inspired by sacred geometries a...
Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver