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.
Cartier Panther Panthère Yellow Gold & Silverium Emerald Pearl Bracelet Vintage
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A striking and highly collectible design from Cartier, this vintage Panthère bracelet is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and silverium, featuring five elegant strands of luminous pea...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Diamond 18K White Gold Bangle Bracelet Size 15
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Serpenti bangle bracelet by Bulgari, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This elegant piece features the Maison's legendary serpent design adorned wit...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,440Sale Price|20% 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
$207Sale Price / item|50% Off
Classic 32.60 Carat Lemon Quartz Tennis Bracelet for Her in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Classic 32.60 Carat Lemon Quartz Tennis Bracelet for Her in sterling silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural lemon quartz, weighing 32.60 carat. It measures 7 inches long in len...
Quartz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$407Sale Price / item|50% Off
Aquamarine Gemstone Tennis Bracelet 925 Silver Bracelet Mother's Day Present
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine Gemstone Tennis Bracelet in sterling silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural aquamarine, weighing 21.12 carat. It measures 7.5 inches long in length. Aquamarine stim...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Chrome Diopside Bolo Bracelet Siberian Emerald Sterling Silver
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bolo bracelet is sterling silver. It features 7 oval cut 4x5mm, prong set chrome diopside gemstones. Chrome diopside is also known as Siberian Emerald. This bracelet fe...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Hermès 18K Yellow Gold Heavy Link Bracelet, Circa 1980, France
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Hermès 18 Karat Year: c. 1980 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 110 Grams Size: Fits up to a 7.25" Wrist Made in France A rare beauty from the early 80s, complete in its...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$355Sale Price / item|50% Off
Natural Aquamarine Tennis Bracelet 12.40 Carat Sterling Silver Gift for Wife
Located in New York, NY
Natural Aquamarine Tennis Bracelet 12.40 Carat in sterling silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural aquamarine, weighing 12.40 carat. It measures 6 inches long in length. Aquama...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Modern Emerald & Pear Cut Diamond Adjustable Bolo Clasp Bracelet 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Clean geometric lines meet timeless brilliance in this handcrafted natural diamond bracelet, featuring a striking arrangement of emerald-cut and pear-shaped diamonds. Suspended along...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Panthere Green Tsavorite 18K Yellow Gold Panther Bangle Bracelet Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Panthere bangle bracelet by Cartier, expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This elegant design features the Maison's legendary panther motif accented with...
Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Sterling Silver, 24K Yellow Gold & Diamond "Carol" Open Cuff by Lika Behar
By Lika Behar
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This handcrafted “Carol” open cuff bracelet by Lika Behar Jewelry combines 24K yellow gold and sterling silver in a bold, artisanal design. The bracelet features brilliant diamonds t...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels 40ct Diamond Ribbon Bracelet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
From the renown French maison Van Cleef & Arpels, this rare & extraordinary bracelet hails from the house’s prestigious High Jewelry Collection and is poetically named the "Ribbon Br...
Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold 8.09ct Oval Diamond Tennis Bracelet, Modern Design
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite 18-karat white gold tennis bracelet seamlessly blends brilliant artistry with timeless elegance, weighing approximately 14.69 grams and measuring 6.50 inches in length...
Diamond, 18k 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. ...
Oxidized Silver and 24K Yellow Gold Snake Cuff with Emerald Eyes by Lika Behar
By Lika Behar
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This striking Snake Cuff combines the dramatic contrast of oxidized sterling silver with the warmth of 24K yellow gold, forming a sinuous, sculptural design that wraps elegantly arou...
Emerald, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Two 1990s Iconic Gold Plated Metal and Black Enamel Bangle Bracelets by Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This rare duo of Chanel bangle bracelets captures the bold, high-contrast glamour of the 1990s. Crafted in heavy gold-plated metal, each bracelet features a deep black enamel inlay t...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Dog Chain Link Bracelet with Round Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany & Co. sterling silver bracelet. With slightly oval links and a round pendant disk-shaped charm. The charm is not engraved. Great Tiffany design! Date: 20th Century...
Sterling Silver
Modern Blackened White Gold & Diamond Wide Cuff Bracelet by SIERA, 9.30ct
By Siera
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This is a truly innovative wide cuff bracelet by contemporary designer, SIERA. The unique "envelope fold over" design creates a very big look. The surfaces of the filigree work are b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$135Sale Price|20% Off
Ornate Filigree Panel Statement Cuff Bracelet, 1940s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '40s - 7.5" length - 1.9" width - Brass - Faux pearls - Faux turquoise, onyx and red jasper cabochons - Fold over clasp closure - Ethnic Asian jewelry...
OLE LYNGGAARD Love Bracelet 18 karat yellow and rose gold
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen 18 karat gold Love Bracelet Medium, brushed yellow and rose gold. This 11-link bracelet feels like satin on the skin thanks to the hand-brushed decoration. T...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
1970's Vintage Handmade Bangle Bracelet 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Handmade bracelet circa 1970's crafted out of 14k yellow gold. Sleek and classic look that's perfect as an everyday piece. In good condition. Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Measurements: F...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$192Sale Price|50% Off
Lemon Topaz and Diamond Wedding Bracelet Gife for Her Crafted in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Lemon Topaz and Diamond Wedding Bracelet for Women Crafted in Sterling Silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural lemon topaz, weighing 15.3 carat. It measures 7.25 inches long in ...
Diamond, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier Juste un Clou Diamond Bangle in 18K White Gold – Signed Fine Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 2.26 cts. Certifications: Cartier Certificate Size: 16 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 29.96 grams Period: 21st Century The Cartier 'Juste Un Clou' 18k ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Cabachon Semi Precious Stones Bracelet
By Vaid
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet is designed with 15 yellow gold links each with a quilted diamond pattern. Every other link features diamond shaped cabachon stones of Amethyst, Citrine, Green & Pi...
Amethyst, Citrine, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$388Sale Price|20% Off
Chunky Gold Toggle Charm Bracelet With Pearl & Heart Motif By Escada, 1980s
By Escada
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - 7.5" length - Gold plated - Chunky curb chain - Faux pearl - Toggle closure - By Escada (signed on hang tag...
Asch Grossbardt 1980's Diamond Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Moon Inlay Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a yellow gold bottle shaped form inlaid with various gemstones throughout Comprised of lapis lazuli, onyx, mother-of-pearl, amethyst, malachite, carnelian, and coral Blue...
Amethyst, Carnelian, Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Pear...
Chanel Silvered Metal and Acrylic Bracelet Bangle with Heavy Chain Design
By Chanel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking and highly collectible example of Chanel's avant‑garde jewelry design, this rare Paris‑made bracelet marries bold sculptural presence wi...
Metal
Giant Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Lapis 14K Gold Drop Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary bracelet is crafted from rare Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli of exceptional quality. Each stone has been m...
Turquoise, Apatite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sterling Silver Buckle Bracelet, Mexico, 1970's Unisex 72.31g
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautifully made and substantial signed hallmarked sterling silver buckle bracelet fits many sizes. On the third hole it fits a sm...
Sterling Silver
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
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
Baraka Two Color Gold Bracelet
By Barakà
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Two-Tone BARAKA Bracelet made in ITALY. The bracelet is Yellow & White 14K Gold. It measures 7.25" in length. Bracelet weighs 17.6 grams
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Asch Grossbardt 1980's Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Abstract Bottle Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a yellow gold bottle shaped form inlaid with various gemstones throughout Comprised of lapis lazuli, onyx, mother-of-pearl, amethyst, malachite, carnelian, and coral Blue...
Amethyst, Carnelian, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, ...
$220,000Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari 38 Carat Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptional vintage bracelet by Bvlgari, designed and retailed in the mid-1960s, masterfully crafted in platinum and set with approximately 38 carats of diamonds arranged in an elega...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Natural rose cut diamonds blue sapphire and ruby 18K gold plated silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
SKU-PUJ-145/VE Add a touch of luxury to your jewelry collection with this magnificent broad 18K gold-plated hinged bangle bracelet. Crafted from sterling silver, this stunning piece ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Gold ...
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Panthere 18K Yellow Gold Onyx Garnet Lacquer Panther Cuff Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic expression of Cartier’s legendary design language, this Panthère de Cartier bracelet embodies the elegance, strength, and sophistication that have made the panther one of t...
Garnet, Onyx, Yellow Gold
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
Designer AV 7.45cttw Diamond 14Kt White Gold Bracelet
Located in Derby, NY
This exquisite bracelet showcases a sophisticated scroll design enhanced by bezel-set round brilliant diamonds totaling 7.45 carats. Crafted in 14-karat white gold, the piece combine...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 106 grams 18K Yellow Gold Large Braided Link Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A bold vintage Cartier bracelet crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold, showcasing an elegant large braided link design. The sculptural construction creates a striking yet refined pres...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Galliano Multicolor Aluminum Link Bracelet Bangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare John Galliano bangle bracelet features an aluminum chunky link shape with a multicolor pattern. The bracelet is fully articulated and fits very nicely on the wrist. It is c...
Louis Vuitton 18k yellow gold Idylle Blossom Monogram bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Louis Vuitton 18k yellow gold Idylle Blossom Monogram bracelet is a refined modern design that beautifully reflects the house’s iconic blend of luxury, elegance, and contemporary Fre...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian 14K Gold Diamond Flexible Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant and timeless, this Italian flexible bangle bracelet is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and showcases the refined craftsmanship synonymous with fine Italian jewelry of the 197...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.02 Carats Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond Bracelet Made in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful bracelet featuring a total of 8.02 carats Natural Fancy Yellow Diamonds made in 18 Karat Gold. Diamonds have been adorned and cherished throughout human history and date ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Italian Sterling Silver Sculptural Cut Out Cuff Bracelet By L. Ponte, 1980's
Located in North Miami, FL
This artisan, most likely Italian signed sterling silver bracelet has 3-cut outs and the sterling silver looks to be of a molten form. It is signed 925 LPonte. it is sculptural and a...
Sterling Silver
Salvatore Ferragamo Red Acrylic Lucite Bracelet Bangle with Faux-Wood Texture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Salvatore Ferragamo, Italy bracelet features a chunky Lucite or acrylic bangle in luminous red color, ornate with faux-wood textured print and the iconic two-shoe horse...
Vintage 18K Rose Gold German Cable Link Bracelet with One Diamond Covered Link
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This stylish, vintage 18K rose gold cable link bracelet is a fine example of legendary German engineering and craftsmanship. One distinctive diamond link, set at the center of the br...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
.925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Ribbon and Circle Bolo Adjustable Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
With its gracefully intertwined ribbon and circle motif, this exquisite bracelet is a masterpiece crafted from rhodium-plated .925 sterling silver, ensuring an illustrious shine and ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Giant Baroque Flame Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
The Flame baroque pearl bracelet is a striking expression of natural elegance and refined craftsmanship. Each pearl is uniquely shaped, celebrating the organic beauty that only genui...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier LOVE 18k Yellow Gold Size 20 Thin Bangle Bracelet In Stock
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier LOVE Small Model Bracelet Designer: Cartier Collection: LOVE Style: Small Model Bracelet Material: 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Size: 20 Closure: Hinged Locking System Add...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold 4MM Cable Classic Citrine Bangle Cuff Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Baltimore, MD
David Yurman 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cable Classic Citrine Bangle Bracelet Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Weight: 13.17 grams Width: 4mm Size: Fits up to a 7 inch wrist Signed: ©D.Y. 750 ...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,012Sale Price / item|50% Off
25.01 Carats Cushion cut Aquamarine Tennis Bracelet Sterling Silver Grandma Gift
Located in New York, NY
25.01 Carats Cushion cut Aquamarine Tennis Bracelet in sterling silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural aquamarine, weighing 25.01 carat. It measures 7.25 inches long in length....
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
$240,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 18k White Gold Feathered Cloak Diamond, Garnet & Sapphire Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. 18k White Gold Feathered Cloak Diamond, Garnet & Sapphire Cuff Bracelet Notice: Due to the high value, payment is accepted by bank wire only. Please contact us...
Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
15 Carat Total Diamond Weight Diamond 14 KY Gold Tennis Bracelet GIA Certified
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This elegant bracelet showcases a refined design, featuring a series of 35 GIA certified round, brilliant-cut stones set in a warm yellow gold setting. Each stone is meticulously sec...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Pearls By The Yard 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
• Brand: Tiffany & Co. • Designer: Elsa Peretti • Collection: Pearls by the Yard • Material: 18k yellow gold • Measurements: approximately 7.25" long • Weight: 3.2 grams • Hallmarks:...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Golden Eternity Bracelet – 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
The Golden Eternity bracelet is an ode to light, continuity, and timeless elegance. Crafted from 18K yellow gold, its graceful infinity design symbolizes unbreakable bonds, everlasti...
18k 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
Givenchy Paris High-Gloss Gunmetal Chains and Studs Cuff Bracelet
By Givenchy
Located in Atlanta, GA
Make a bold statement with this exceptional Givenchy Paris bangle bracelet, a rare and striking example of brutalist design. Crafted in high-gloss gunmetal, the important cuff showca...
Brass
Vintage 90s Bulgari Tubogas Bracelet Diamond 18k Gold Stainless Steel Bangle
By Bulgari
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Bulgari 'Tubogas' bracelet crafted in 18k rose gold and stainless steel (circa 1990s). The bracelet is designed to resemble a flexible gas pipe, finished with a pa...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
$210Sale Price / item|50% Off
32.5 Carats Garnet Gemstone Silver Tennis Bracelet Luxury Jewelry Gift
Located in New York, NY
32.5 Carats Garnet Gemstone Tennis Bracelet in sterling silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural garnet, weighing 32.5 carat. It measures 7.25 inches long in length. Garnet stim...
Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver