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.
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Paris Gilt Metal Foliage Cuff c 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche gilt metal foliage cuff bracelet c 1980 The wide heavy cuff is designed with a trio of gilt metal leaves The leaves are sheathed in luminous gilt plat...
Gilt Metal
Sterling Silver Black Tourmaline Bangle Bracelet 6.75"
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bangle bracelet is sterling silver with faceted lack tourmaline gemstones. It measures 5/16 of an inch wide. It has an inner diameter of 2 by 2 1/2 inches and an inner ...
Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
$310Sale Price / item|55% Off
Silvorra Art Deco Style Bezel Set Cubic Zircon Faceted Tennis Bracelet in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This understated cubic zirconia tennis bracelet showcases a continuous line of mixed cut gemstone in sleek bezel settings, creating a refined geometric silhouette with exceptional br...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$900Sale Price|40% Off
Brutalist Cuff Mesh Bracelet Statement Antique Silver Plated Vintage 2000's
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brutalist Cuff Mesh Bracelet Statement Silver Plated Vintage Paris 2000's Designer J DAUPHIN This vintage cuff bracelet is engineered with a 54 mm interior diameter. Handcrafted in...
Brass, 18k Gold, Silver Plate
Vintage Signed David Yurman Sterling Silver Wide Cable Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed wide cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. In a 'braided' variant of the Cable pattern. With a hinged side. Marked to the cuff. Together wit...
Sterling Silver
GERARD YOSCA Gold Plate & Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet With Lion Motif
By Gerard Yosca
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 20th Century Gerard Yosca gold plated cuff bracelet with a hammered finish and a regal lion medallion framed in sparkling crystal rhinestones. The two inch wide bracelet makes ...
Gold Plate
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
Hand Hammered Gold Plated Hinged Cuff Bracelet
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage 1970's hand hammered cuff bracelet is hinged on the back. The scalloped front adds interest. It is a simple bracelet with a great look for the money. Great for traveling...
Gold Plate
Set in 18K white Gold, 8.02 carats, Tanzanites & Diamonds Tennis Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Tennis Bracelet set in 18K White Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the Tanzanite is 8.02 carats. The Tanzanites are responsibly so...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k white gold tennis bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 5.30ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold tennis bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 5.30ct – F/G – VS/SI – 18.5 cm long Detailed description Length of the bracelet is 18.5 cm long by 3.5 mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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...
Modern 14 Karat Gold 32.00 Carat Cabochon Sapphire 1.35 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning modern design bracelet crafted in 14K gold. Circa 2000. The piece features: - 71 sapphires, round cabochon cut, TW 32.00ct, B 6/4, VS-SI - 24 diamonds, round bri...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bracelet 16 Small Model Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A modern icon from Cartier, the Juste un Clou bracelet is crafted in 18 karat rose gold and reimagines an ordinary nail into a bold statement of design. This small model size 16 is a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ippolita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Classico Oval Hammered Bangled Bracelet 4MM
By Ippolita
Located in Baltimore, MD
Ippolita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Classico Oval Hammered Bangled Bracelet Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 6.43 grams Width: 4mm Inside circumference: 7.5 inches Inside diameter: 65mm STD ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$1,850Sale Price|50% Off
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
Modern Cartier Love 18 Karat Gold Pavé Diamond Size 17 Hinged Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a modern hinged bangle bracelet. It designed by Cartier for “Love” collection. It is crafted in 18K white gold and features 204 pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds (TW ~2.0...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Courreges Paris Cobalt Blue Acrylic Lucite Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Courrèges
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Courreges Paris Lucite or acrylic resin bangle bracelet features an important cuff design in a transparent cobalt blue color with a cone shape. The piece is signed on t...
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Marina J. Woven pearl Bridal Bracelet with Rhodium plated Silver beads
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The perfect Bridal bracelet. This piece is made with all Pearls and Rhodium Plated Silver Faceted beads intricately woven together into a tight lace like design. Rhodium Plating ensu...
Pearl, Rhodium, Silver
18k yellow gold jade hinged bracelet – 53.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold jade hinged bracelet – 53.4 grams Detailed description the width of the bracelet is 9.7 mm Inner size of the bracelet is 5.5 cm wide Total weight : 53.4 grams se...
Jade, 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
Set in 18K white Gold, 9.03 carats, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Tennis Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Pink Sapphires Tennis Bracelet set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 9.03 carats. The Pink Sapphi...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Resin Acrylic Bracelet Bangle Pink and Glitter Abstract Pattern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior bracelet bangle features an acrylic resin or Lucite statement piece with a neon hot-pink background and an abstract pattern in black, gray, and hot pink...
Vintage Signed John Hardy Sterling Silver Woven Mesh Cuff Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver. With a hook and loop closure to the exterior. Marked to the interior. Simply wonderful Hardy design! D...
Sterling Silver
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Bezel-Set Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated 14K Yellow Gold Tennis Bracelet features a continuous row of brilliant-cut diamonds, each meticulously secured in a bezel setting. Unlike traditional Bezel setting...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Love Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Size 18 with Original Box & Screw
By Cartier
Located in Austin, TX
An iconic Cartier Love Bracelet crafted in luxurious 18 K yellow gold, featuring the timeless screw motif that has become one of the world's most recognizable jewelry designs. This a...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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
18KT White Gold Round-Cut Diamond 1.48 Cts Tennis Bracelet in
Located in Antwerp, BE
This piece features a continuous, seamless row of round brilliant-cut diamonds. The bracelet is equipped with a double-latch safety clasp, ensuring it stays firmly on the wrist while...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Luxury 3.49Ct Round Brilliant Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This diamond tennis bracelet showcases 3.49 carats of natural round brilliant diamonds set in 14K Yellow gold. Each measuring approximately 2.4 mm and securely set in classic prong s...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
130.45 Carat Chalcedony 7.54 Carat Diamonds Sapphires Pearls White Gold Bracelet
Located in Berlin, DE
Breathtaking handcrafted bracelet featuring a chalcedony cabochon of 130.45 carats as centerpiece and 292 freshwater pearls weighing 62.29 carats, 497 round cut diamonds weighing 5....
Chalcedony, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold
Colleen Lopez Rose de France Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bracelet
Located in Webster, SD
This colorful piece is the Colleen Lopez "Rose de France" Colors of Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Bangle. The handcrafted design features: Centerpieces: Two bypass-style squa...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Cartier LOVE 18 Karat Rose Bangle Bracelet Size 19 Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Rose Gold Cartier LOVE Bracelet, Size 19. An enduring symbol of love and commitment, this authentic Cartier LOVE Bracelet is expertly crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold and featu...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Gold Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet – 3mm Beads, 17cm
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate 18K yellow gold bracelet features lustrous 3mm natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each tiny bead displays the signature vivid sky-blue color and exceptional clari...
Turquoise, 18k 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
Cartier Classic LOVE Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cartier Classic LOVE Bracelet, Size 16. An enduring icon of luxury jewelry, this authentic Cartier LOVE Bracelet features the coveted early screw system, a ha...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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...
Jean Louis Scherrer Paris Gilded Jeweled Bangle Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Jean Louis Scherrer Paris link bangle bracelet features a geometric shape in shiny metal, adorned with resin cabochons in transparent turquoise blue color. The security...
Vintage Taxco Mexican Sterling Silver Modernist Hinged Bangle Bracelet
By Taxco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Mexican silver bangle bracelet. In sterling silver. With a central dome device flanked on either side by openwork and smaller do...
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
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...
$99,000Sale Price|44% Off
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Seven Butterflies Diamond Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Seven Butterflies Diamond Bracelet in Platinum and Yellow Gold Signed: Tiffany Schlumberger Creato...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
14k Bicolor Gold Link Bracelet with 1.00ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold link bracelet set with old mine cut diamond up to 1.00ct - G/H - SI - 19.5 cm long detailed description: the length of the bracelet is 19.5 cm long by 8.2 mm wide ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,170Sale Price|35% Off
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
Genuine Garnet Bolo Bracelet Stainless Steel
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bolo bracelet is stainless steel. The bracelet features 11 round cut 4mm garnets and is adjustable from 5 to 9 inches. Marks: 316L, S Steel Condition: New/ Never worn
Garnet, Stainless Steel
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
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
Gucci Black Plexiglass and Crystal Jeweled Cuff Bracelet, 2013 Runway Collection
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gucci Spectacular Bracelet by Frida Giannini, Fall/Winter 2013 Runway A rare and electrifying creation from Gucci's Fall/Winter 2013 runway collection, this sculptural cuff bracelet—...
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
Bulgari 1980's Multi-Gem Citrine Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Link Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of hinged links with grooved geometric motif alternating with bezel set gemstone sides and pearls Gemstones are 3.5 to 8.0 mm oval shaped cabochon amethyst, citrine, garnet...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Pearl, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Cartier Love Bracelet Classic Model 18 karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size 17 Original box and papers The Cartier Love Bracelet Classic Model in 18 karat yellow gold is one of the most recognizable jewelry designs ever created. Introduced in t...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bracelet with Sapphire and brilliant cut diamond up to 1.40ct 18k gold 18.4 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold bracelet set with sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds. 1.40ct - F/G - VS/SI - 18 cm long detailed description the top of the bracelet is 0.7 cm wide weight 18.4 gra...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
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
$1,695Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
Cartier Bamboo Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold, Circa 1996, 58g
By Cartier
Located in Vannes, FR
Exceptional vintage Cartier Bamboo bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold. This iconic piece showcases the Maison’s celebrated bamboo-inspired des...
18k 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
Vintage, Daniel S. Rine Bangle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage, Daniel S. Rine Bangle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold. Daniel S. Rine was an American jeweler known for high-quality vintage 14K yellow gold jewelry. He was particularly active in...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Classic Bracelet — 18K Rose Gold, 4 Diamonds, Size 17
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier Love bracelet exemplifies refined elegance with its distinctive design. Crafted in 18k rose gold, it features four brilliant-cut diamonds, bezel-set and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
$625Sale Price / item|50% Off
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