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 Tiffany Sterling Silver 1837 Bangle Bracelet
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage Tiffany Sterling Silver 1837 Bangle Bracelet. 2.5" Diameter interior. The Tiffany & Co. 1837 Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet stamped with the 1997 copyright date is a highl...
Sterling Silver
Jade Bangle Sterling Silver Hinged Circa 1940s Old School Polish
Located in Northampton, MA
If you had been fortunate enough to visit Shanghai China in the 1940s, you would have encountered treasures like this natural, white untreated jadeite jade bangle. This opaque stone ...
Jade, Sterling Silver
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
Vintage gold plated bracelets, Pair, Faux pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
VINTAGE GOLD PLATED BRACELET DUO ✨ A gorgeous vintage pair of gold plated bracelets, offering two very different but beautifully complementary styles. The first is a statement mult...
Gold Plate
Gold Sculptural Cuff Chain Bracelet Studs Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Sculptural Cuff Chain Bracelet Mesh Studded Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in gold plated brass. A structured ...
Brass, Gold Plate
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold "T" Wire Bracelet Large #26856
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co 18K Yellow Gold "T" Wire Bracelet Large This Tiffany & Co 18k yellow gold T wire bracelet features the iconic T design with a sleek silhouette and polished finish. Its ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chain Cuff Bracelet Black Leather Silver Chainmail Sculptural Mens
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chainmail Cuff Bracelet Leather Silver Chain Sculptural Vintage Paris Designer: J DAUPHIN The Chainmail Cuff is a rare archive piece, handcrafted in Paris. A wide black leather cuf...
Brass, Silver
David Yurman Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet — 925, 24.2g, 6" Inner
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, collectible, and instantly recognizable, this authentic David Yurman sterling silver bangle is a versatile addition to a fine-jewelry collection. Crafted in 925 sterling sil...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 18k Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Bracelet
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet is a refined expression of elegance and timeless design. Crafted from 18k rose gold, this bracelet features five motifs, each adorned wi...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Gold Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Brutalist Studded Mesh Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Brutalist Studded Mesh Vintage Statement piece Designer: J DAUPHIN The Mesh Cuff is a 2008 sample from the Paris archive, handcrafted in brass with a ...
Brass, Gold Plate
David Yurman Cable 18K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver Smoky Quartz Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Add a distinctive piece of David Yurman designer jewelry to your collection with this sophisticated two-tone bracelet, featuring the brand's iconic twisted Cable motif accented by fa...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Bracelet 7 Flowers Diamond 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Feasterville, PA
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet is a radiant expression of elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from luminous 18k yellow gold, this bracelet features Van Cleef & ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver "Notes" Wide Bangle Cuff Bracelet with Original Bag
Located in valatie, NY
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Notes Wide Bangle Cuff Bracelet. A bold expression of sophistication, the Tiffany Co. Wide New York Notes Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet with Iconic Blue...
Sterling Silver
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Antique Silver Mesh Studs
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Antique Silver Plated Mesh Studs Vintage Paris 2000's Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is engineered with a 54 mm interior diameter....
Brass, Silver Plate
14KT White Gold Sophisticated 3-Row Diamond 4.99 Cts Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant piece showcases three uniform rows of brilliant, round-cut diamonds prong-set in a classic 14K white gold setting. The multi-row layout amplifies the bracelet's overall ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Luxurious 5-Row Diamond 10.03 Cts Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking piece features five rows of brilliant, round-cut diamonds meticulously set in a classic 14K yellow gold band. The high-polish finish creates a beautiful reflection, whi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT White Gold Elegant Pavé Diamond 6.98 Cts Bangle Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated bangle bracelet features a stunning, continuous array of brilliant round-cut diamonds set in a shimmering pavé arrangement. Crafted in warm 14K white gold, the sle...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Signed Sloan 14K Gold & Diamond Figural Heart Locket Pendant or Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique gold & diamond locket pendant or charm. By Sloan & Co. In 14 karat brushed yellow gold. In the form of a heart with a small round diamond to its center. The heart o...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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
Vintage David Yurman Sterling Silver & 14K Gold 5mm Wheat Chain Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 14 karat yellow gold accents to each terminal. In a wheat chain style in the 5mm size. With a lobster claw...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dog Chain Link Bracelet & 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
David Yurman Sterling Silver, 18K Gold, and Blue Topaz Cable Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver, gold, and blue topaz cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 18k yellow gold elements. In the 'Cable' pattern. Each terminal bezel-set with...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Diamond Ruby Onyx Bracelet 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and symbolic power. Crafted in polished 18K white gold, this bracelet exudes clarity and sophistication. The...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 10mm Beaded Bracelet -2
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With ca. 10mm beads and a lobster clasp closure. Marked to the tag. Simply a wonderful bracelet! ...
Sterling Silver
Vinatge Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti Five Open Hearts Sterling Silver Bracelet
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. 5 Open Hearts bracelet. In sterling silver. Designed by Elsa Peretti. With 5 openwork hearts connected by small chain links and with a spring action clas...
Sterling Silver
Skull Chain Cuff Brutalist Silver Burnt Bracelet J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Chain Cuff Brutalist Silver Burnt Bracelet J Dauphin Designer: J Dauphin — Paris Archive The “Skull and Bone” Chain Cuff is a one-of-a-kind architectural statement piece hand...
Palladium, Brass
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Ceylon Multi Sapphire & Diamond modern Tennis Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Multi Sapphire Bracelet set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 3.94 carats. The Multi Sapphires ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Heart Love Knot Bangle Bracelet Sterling Silver 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in an authentic Tiffany & Co. Heart Love Knot Bangle Bracelet in Sterling Silver and 14K Gold. The bangle features the iconic Heart Love Knot design with a polished hook-...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
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
Jadeite Jade Bangle Light Green Highly Translucent
Located in Northampton, MA
Color isn't the story with this Jade bangle, translucency is. This gorgeous jade bangle was hand-carved from natural and untreated Burmese jadeite Jade. It has a round profile and h...
Jade
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
Bvlgari Spiga Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Wrap Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Bvlgari Spiga Bracelet is a testament to opulence and timeless design. Crafted from 18k yellow gold, this bracelet embodies the grandeur of the Roman tradition with its substantial ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Hermes Kelly Large Mesh Cuff Bracelet 18K Rose Gold
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
Hermès Large Kelly Bracelet in 18k Rose Gold: A Bold Statement of Iconic Design This Hermès large Kelly bracelet is a striking piece, crafted in 18k rose gold with a dense woven gol...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
Sacred Heart Cuff Bracelet Jesus Silver Sculptural Vintage J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sacred Heart Cuff Bracelet Jesus Antique Silver Sculptural Vintage Paris Designer: J DAUPHIN The Sacred Heart Cuff is a rare archive piece, handcrafted in Paris and finished in ant...
Brass, Silver, Silver Plate
Tennis bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds up to 4.00ct 18k gold 19.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold tennis bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 4.00ct - F/G - VS/SI - 17 cm long detailed description: the bracelet is 17 cm long by 5.7 mm wide and 3.3 m...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Daisy Cuff by Paloma Picasso in silver and 18ct gold
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Tiffany & Co Silver and 18ct Gold Daisy cuff by Paloma Picasso. A vintage classic from the turn of the century. Distinctive and whimsical, this beautiful Tiffany cuff is instantl...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
Vintage John Hardy 'Dot' Pattern Sterling Silver Wide Flex Cuff Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. From the 'Dot' series. Fully marked to the interior. The cuff is flexibile and is opened to slide the h...
Sterling Silver
Hermès Clic H Narrow Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel & Yellow Gold
By Hermès
Located in Baltimore, MD
Hermès Clic H Narrow Bangle Bracelet Black Enamel & Yellow Gold Metal: Gold plated and black enamel Size: GM, M/L, 17cm Width: 12mm Retail: $810 USD TD F35002684
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Cartier Figaro Link Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A stylish vintage Cartier Figaro link bracelet set in 18k yellow gold.
The bracelet is composed of elongated and circular links in the classic Figaro pattern, creating a timel...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Cable Link Bracelet with Heart Tag / Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver chain link bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped tag or charm. Secured with a lobster clasp closure. Fully marked to the he...
Sterling Silver
Cartier C de Cartier Vintage Cuff Bracelet 18K Tri Color Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier C de Cartier Bracelet is a refined embodiment of elegance and iconic design. Crafted in polished 18K tri-gold, this bracelet exudes sophistication and versatility. The open ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Rainbow 18k Rose Gold Multi-Gem Classic Bracelet Size 17
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Cartier Love Bracelet is a timeless symbol of elegance and design. Crafted in 18K rose gold, this bracelet is adorned with ten round multicolor gemstones, replacing the traditional ...
Amethyst, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose 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
Hermes Kelly Bracelet 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond
By Hermès
Located in Feasterville, PA
Hermès Kelly Rose Gold Diamond Bangle is a refined expression of elegance and luxury. Crafted in 18K rose gold, this bangle embodies sophistica...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Vintage Alhambra 5-Motif Mother-of-Pearl Bracelet Box & Papers Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 11.6 grams Gemstone: Mother o...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Square Natural Ruby Gemstone Tennis Bracelet in 7 Inch Silver Strand
Located in New York, NY
This dainty 5.67 carat natural ruby gemstone tennis bracelet features a continuous row of 17 square cut natural rubies. Each measuring approximately 2.5 mm with a gross weight of 10....
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
Gorgeous 7.53 Ct Emerald Classic Tennis Bracelet in 925 Silver Gift for Women
Located in New York, NY
This stunning bracelet showcases 7.53 carats of oval cut emeralds, expertly handcrafted in 925 solid sterling silver. Designed in a timeless tennis bracelet style, the 46 vibrant ova...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Heart Bow Bracelet
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. Heart Bow bracelet set in 18k yellow gold.
The bracelet is composed of alternating polished heart and bow motifs, connected by articulate...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roberto Coin 18 Karat White Gold Natural Diamond Lattice Hinged Bangle Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in Baltimore, MD
Roberto Coin 18 Karat White Gold Natural Diamond Lattice Hinged Bangle Bracelet Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 33.17 grams Diameter: 59mm Width: 16mm Size: Fits up to a 6.5 inch wrist...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tanzanite and Sapphire Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
The perfect blue multi gemstone bracelet, methiciously handknotted. A composition of blue and purple precious gemstones around your wrist! This beauty is made of 7-8mm polished gems...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Sixteen Stone Bangle in Platinum with 4.32ct Diamonds
Located in Feasterville, PA
Jean Schlumberger Diamond Bangle is a testament to timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship. Crafted from platinum, this bangle features round brilliant diamonds alternating with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sanalitro Milano Acrylic Resin Cuff Bangle Bracelet with Pastel 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...
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif White Gold Mother of Pearl Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif White Gold Mother of Pearl Bracelet Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 12.01 grams Length: 7.5 inches Gemstone: Mother of pearl Retail: $5,650...
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
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