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.
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
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...
Clear Lucite Bracelet Bangle with Denim Blue Crystal Rhinestones
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Lucite bracelet bangle features a domed shape in a transparent pale yellow color. The bangle is ornate with massive denim blue crystal rhinestones and tiny silver ones. T...
Pair Green Glass Jadeite Style Bangle Bracelets
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of lovely green glass bracelets with the look and feel of jadeite. The glass practically glows with a vibrant spring green color. Flat on the interior and rounded at the ext...
Claire Deve Geometric Gilded and Iridescent Blue Jeweled Bangle Bracelet
By Claire Deve
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Claire Deve Paris link bracelet features a geometric shape with triangle-shaped gilt-metal elements set with faceted crystal beads in assorted purple and green iridesce...
Gilt Metal
Gold Cuff Sculptural Statement Bracelet Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 2008 Paris Mesh and Studded Gold Plated Sculptural Cuff Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The Vintage Mesh and Studded Statement Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind architectura...
Brass, Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate
Silvorra 17.5CT Rainbow Multi Sapphire Tennis Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This elegant multicolor tennis bracelet features 17.5 carats of multi sapphire gemstones crafted in 925 sterling silver. It showcases a vibrant array of multi colored sapphires prong...
Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Brutalist Sculptural Cuff Bracelet Vintage 2008 Paris Gold Plated
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist Sculptural Gold Plated Cuff Bracelet World on Fire Archival Statement Jewelry Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in Paris in 2008, this rare archival cuff bracelet is a collec...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gold
11mm Natural Amazonite Bead Stretch Bracelet – 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This vibrant stretch bracelet features hand-selected 11mm natural Amazonite beads with rich turquoise-green tones and delicate white veining. Each bead is smoothly polished to highli...
Amazonite
Cartier Panthère de Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet embodies timeless elegance with its refined design. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features the iconic Panthère de Cartier motif, a symbol of gr...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver Amethyst Cross Bolo Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful bracelet is sterling silver with a bolo style, adjustable closure. It features a stunning cross created from 11 emerald cut 4x6mm amethyst gemstones estimated to be 6....
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pink Porcelain Rare 18K Rose Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet crafted in 18K rose gold and accented with five delicate pink porcelain motifs. Featuring the maison’s iconic clover-inspired Alh...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Christian Dior Black Acrylic Resin Bracelet Bangle with Gilded Hearts
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Dior bracelet features a chunky black acrylic or Lucite bangle with assorted gilded heart designs embedded in the material. The bracelet is engraved on the ed...
Miu Miu Turquoise and Yellow Acrylic Jeweled Bracelet Bangle with Apple Charm
By Miu Miu
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Miu Miu Italy acrylic jeweled bracelet is a cute bangle with a charm. Carved from a transparent acrylic or Lucite material, the piece is paved with crystal rhinestones all aroun...
Marina J. Pearl and 18k Yellow Gold Plated Woven Bracelet
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Pearl Woven Bracelet by Marina J. This bracelet is made with multi sized Pearls and Faceted 18k Yellow Gold Plated beads all intricately woven together into a tight column li...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Pomellato Vintage 18k White & Yellow Gold Bangle Suite
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Pomellato bangle suite exemplifies refined Italian goldsmithing and modern design. Crafted in solid 18k white and yellow gold, it showcases a harmonious contrast...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Christian Fish Ichthys Buckle Bangle Bracelet Mexican Silver 6.5"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous, vintage Ichthys bangle bracelet is sterling silver with brass buckle and loop. Measurements: 5mm wide, 2 by 2 1/2 inches in diameter, adjustable from 6 1/2 to 7 inches...
Silver, Brass
Boucheron 64.47ct Weave Diamond 18k White Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Boucheron
Located in Feasterville, PA
Boucheron Weave Diamond White Gold Cuff is a breathtaking fusion of elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from sumptuous 18k white gold, this cuff features an intricate weave design t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver – 3.5mm, 16cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This dainty bracelet features vibrant 3.5mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads in a rich, consistent sky-blue color. Each bead is smoothly polished to highlight the exceptional ...
Turquoise, Silver
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver – 4.5mm, 18cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Pill Shape Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver – 4.5mm, 18cm Product Description: This elegant bracelet features smooth pill-shaped natural Sleeping Bea...
Turquoise, Silver
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain
Located in valatie, NY
A Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 8"L Miami Cuban Solid Link Chain. This high-quality bracelet in 8" is a standard men’s or ladies wrist size. It is characterized by round, interlocking link...
14k 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
Skull Bone Cuff Chain Bracelet Palladium
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Skull Bone Chain Cuff Bracelet by J Dauphin is a rare vintage piece from 2008, handcrafted in Paris and originally featured in Vogue, reflecting the br...
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
2001 Tiffany & Co .925 Sterling Silver Wide Cuff Bracelet
Located in Sewickley, PA
This iconic Tiffany & Co. Cuff bracelet is crafted in sterling silver and is dated/stamped 2001, showcasing the bold minimalist aesthetic that defined early 200s Tiffany jewelry. The...
Sterling Silver
Bvlgari Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Bvlgari Vintage Yellow Gold Cuff Bangle Bracelet is a testament to timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this bracelet radiates a warm, rich glow...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Gemstone Bolo Bracelet Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful bolo bracelet is sterling silver. It features 7 oval cut, 4x6mm amethyst, citrine, peridot, garnet and blue topaz gemstones. Measurements: 1/4 of an inch at its wides...
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
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
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet – 3mm Beads, 17.5cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate and refined bracelet showcases uniform 3mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads in a vibrant, consistent sky-blue color. Sourced from Arizona, Sleeping Beauty turquo...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Georg Jensen Bittersweet or Pinje Sterling Silver Bracelet no. 94B
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Danish Modern bracelet. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Designed by Gundorph Albertus ca. 1940. In the "Pinje" or Bittersweet pattern. Model no. 94B. Secured...
Sterling Silver
Genuine Ruby Bolo Bracelet Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bolo bracelet is sterling silver. It was made for Kay by Chuck Clemency. It features 7 oval cut, 4x5mm ruby gemstones. The bracelet is adjustable from 5 to 9 inches. ...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Cartier Juste un Clou Classic Model 18k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Sz 16
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet in Yellow Gold. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this bracelet embodies the transformation of an ordinary nail into a piece of fine jewelry. The design feat...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chantal Thomass Jeweled Bracelet Pearl and Red Cabochons
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely French Designer Chantal Thomass Paris jeweled link bracelet features gilded-metal carved and domed elements, all paved and ornate with half-pearl-like and ruby-red caboch...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Sterling Gemstone Cabochon Bracelet 7.75 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous estate bracelet is sterling silver. It features cabochon cut garnets, citrines, peridot, amethysts and pink tourmalines. Measurements: 3/8 of an inch wide, 7 3/4 weara...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
Cartier Love Diamond Pave 18K White Gold Classic Model Size 18 Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Love bracelet crafted in luxurious 18K white gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. This classic model of Cartier’s iconic Love bracelet features the mai...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rainbow Sapphire and Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
The perfect pastel rainbow gemstone bracelet, methiciously handknotted and finished with a gold clasp. A stunning bright colored mix of precious gemstones around your wrist! This bea...
Citrine, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Turquoise, Larimar, 14k Gold...
Cartier Love Diamond Pave Thin Small 18K White Gold Size 17 Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Love bracelet crafted in elegant 18K white gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. This thinner version of the iconic Love bracelet showcases Cartier’s ce...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Stars Motif Links Vintage Rare Star 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Crafted in 18K yellow gold Approximate weight: 15 grams Approximate length: 7 inches Signed Tiffany & Co. Star motif design Hallmarks and maker’s marks present Elegant and collectib...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Leaf Motif Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite vintage Tiffany & Co. bracelet crafted in richly textured 18 karat yellow gold, showcasing an elegant leaf motif design accented by a continuous line of vivid natura...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Bakelite Bracelet Bangle Red Tea Amber Marble
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning red tea amber marble Bakelite bracelet bangle features an oversized wide domed shape. The intense red tea marble tone has honey amber cloudy swirling and transparency. ...
Cartier Menotte Vintage 18K White Gold Screw Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet embodies a fusion of industrial precision and minimalist elegance. Crafted in exquisite 18k white gold, it exudes a cool and refined presence, k...
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Italian Three Row Bamboo Link Bracelet, 3/4 Inch Wide
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This classical Italian 14K yellow gold Bamboo Motif casual link bracelet is in near pristine vintage condition. It exudes fine Italian workmanship and fashion sense. Produced during ...
14k 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
Hermes Kelly 18K Rose Gold Full Pave Diamond Bangle Bracelet Size SH
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
Hermès Kelly Diamond Bracelet is a striking embodiment of luxury and iconic design. Crafted from 18k rose gold, this bracelet reimagines the classic Kelly silhouette with its trapez...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
John Galliano Paris Gunmetal Chain Bracelet with Dangling Charms
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare John Galliano Paris chain bracelet features a dangling design with logo charms. The high-gloss gunmetal-finish link chain is adorned with five dangling elements, each beari...
Metal
Oxidized Silver and 24K Yellow Gold Diamond Snake Hinged Bracelet by Lika Behar
By Lika Behar
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Striking and symbolic, this oxidized silver and 24K yellow gold snake hinged bangle by Lika Behar coils elegantly around the wrist with sculptural grace. The serpent’s form is richly...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Pomellato M'ama Non M'ama 18k Rose Gold Onyx Diamond Bracelet
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This elegant bracelet embodies symbolic emotion and Italian craftsmanship. Crafted in polished 18k rose gold, it features a slender open bangle design, effortlessly l...
Black Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,288Sale Price|30% Off
Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Union of Color and Timeless Craftsmanship Infuse your ensemble with a regal pop of color through this Amethyst and 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Line Bracelet. Featuring 15 oval-...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Missoni Set of Silvered Zig-Zag Bangle Bracelet with Multicolor Enamel
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Missoni, Italy bracelet bangles feature a zig-zag shape with enamel decor. The silvered metal framing is ornate with multicolor enamel, similar to the brand's iconic s...
Enamel
Modern Square Cut 10.2 Ct Blue Sapphire 925 Silver Tennis Bracelet Gift for Wife
Located in New York, NY
This luxurious 4 carat Deep Blue Sapphire crafted in solid 925 sterling silver gorgeous tennis bracelet features a captivating arrangement of natural blue sapphire gemstones. Each sa...
Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
10K Yellow Gold 1.0 Cttw Round Diamond Pave Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Draped in the luxurious luster of 10K yellow gold, this bracelet is a masterpiece tailored for the connoisseur. One carat of pristine, natural round diamonds glitter within a pave se...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 1.15ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 14K White Gold Everyday Luxe Style
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This tennis bracelet features 1.15 carats of sparkling diamonds, set in 14K white gold. each diamond measuring approximately 1.2 mm and secured in classic prong settings. Designed in...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Missoni Italy Gilded Metal Chain Link Bracelet with Enamel Dangling Charms
By Missoni
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bold and whimsical statement piece from Missoni, Italy, this exceptional link bracelet showcases the brand's signature flair for vibrant design and artistic detail. The wide, weigh...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiac Star Signs Astrology Vintage 18K Gold Anchor Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Rare and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiac Star Astrological Signs bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold, dating to the 1970s–1980s period. This exceptional vintage piec...
18k Gold
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
$27,200Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Sapphire 18K Gold Textured Link Bracelet 7 Inch
Located in Chicago, IL
A sophisticated vintage Tiffany & Co. bracelet crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, featuring an elegant double-row textured link design accented by vibrant blue sapphires....
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fendi Geometric Bubble Acrylic Resin and Gunmetal Link Bracelet in Box
By Fendi
Located in Atlanta, GA
The House of Fendi, Italy, designed this stunning bangle bracelet. The rare piece is made of metal-setting links with a gunmetal finish, adorned with large "bubble" acrylic resin bea...
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
Cartier Love Series Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet 7"
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Love Series 1970s Yellow Gold Bracelet: A Rare Collector’s Treasure from the Origins of an Iconic Design This extremely rare Cartier Love Series bracelet from the 1970s is a...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold