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.
Lagos Caviar Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet with 18K Gold Accents
By Lagos Caviar
Located in Boca Raton, FL
LAGOS Caviar Bracelet crafted in sterling silver with 18K yellow gold accents, showcasing the iconic Caviar beaded design that has become one of the brand's most recognizable and end...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet With Opal, Garnet, Amethyst 1980's
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning cuff bracelet all hand wrought is a beautiful combinations of gorgeous set semi precious stones in different shapes and colors. They are set against sterling silver fil...
Amethyst, Carnelian, Garnet, Opal, Sterling Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.00 Carat Natural Round Diamond Tennis Line Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.00 Carat Natural Round Diamond Tennis Line Bracelet Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 10.6 grams Diamond: Approx. 3.00 CTW G-H VS natural round diamonds Length: 7...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
28, 61 Carats Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Modern Bracelet.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant carpet bracelet in 18 kt white gold structure studded with diamonds. Diamonds 28.61 ct Total Weight 79.80 gr RF G EEEIA RK.GOIHI120 For any information, feel free to ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Heavy Curb Link Bracelet 67 Grams Men's
Located in Chicago, IL
A bold and sophisticated Tiffany & Co. curb link bracelet crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, exemplifying the timeless appeal of one of the maison’s most iconic jewelry s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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 ...
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Knife Edge Square Cushion Bangle
Located in New York, NY
A striking Tiffany & Co. sterling silver bangle featuring a softly rounded square silhouette with fluid, sculptural lines. Crafted in solid sterling silver (.925), the bracelet h...
Sterling Silver
Mercedes Robirosa Paris Massive Silver-plate Chain Cuff Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare and incredible Mercedes Robirosa Paris cuff bracelet features a silver-plated metal cuff shape with a heavy looped chain design. The chains that form this spectacular brac...
Silver Plate
Robert Lee Morris Silver Plated Wings Cuff
Located in New York, NY
The soft abstract design of this dramatic cuff, is of two wings, gently meeting, with a thick edge of silver as the long curved vertical line in the cent...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Juste un Clou Diamond 18k Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet w/Paper Size 18
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Juste un Clou Style: Diamond Pavé Nail Bracelet Material: 18k rose gold Hallmarks: Cartier 18 CCP162 Au750 Gemstones/Diamonds: Natural diamonds approx...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Lucite Bracelet Bangle Set Green Grass Swirl with Floral Carving
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning Lucite spacer bracelet bangle, a set of 2 pieces. The Lucite bangles are designed with a domed shape and feature a green grass-swirl color with floral carving all ...
26790 Tiffany & Co Victoria Platinum Marquise Round Diamond Tennis Bracelet 7"
Located in Chicago, IL
Bracelet is from Tiffany & Co. Victoria Collection Platinum diamond bracelet weighs 12.5g 50 round white diamonds, total weight 2.90ct 4 marquise white diamonds, total weight 0.1...
Diamond, Platinum
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Mughal Glass Cabochon Link Bracelet By Joan Rivers, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - 7.5" length - 1" width - Gold plate - Ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue gripoix-style glass cabochons ...
Cartier Love Bracelet Classic Model 18K Yellow Gold Size 18
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Love bracelet, classic model, crafted in 18k yellow gold. Authentic and beautiful, this bracelet is a statement of luxury and class. New style screw system. Width: 6.1mm. Siz...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$435Sale Price / item|50% Off
Sparkling Cushion Smoky Quartz Sterling Silver Bracelet for Elegant Evening Wear
Located in New York, NY
This Prong Set Smoky Topaz November Birthstone Tennis Silver Bracelet features a continuous row of cushion-cut smoky quartz gemstones set in luminous 925 sterling silver. Each stone ...
Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
1990's Celine Faux Jumbo Pearl Bracelet
By Celine
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990's era Celine faux jumbo pearl charm style bracelet featuring large and small pearls suspended from a chic gilt metal chain and closing with a bar and circle latch stamped with C...
Marina J Woven Pearl Bracelet with 18k Yellow Gold-plated Silver beads and clasp
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
14K White Gold Modern Bezel-Set 2.15ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated 14K White Gold Tennis Bracelet features a continuous row of brilliant-cut diamonds, each meticulously secured in a bezel setting. Unlike traditional Bezel settings...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sterling Silver XO Garnet Bangle Bracelet 7.5 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful estate bangle bracelet is sterling silver with 4 oval cut 4x6mm garnets set in an XO pattern. The face of this bracelet measures 1/4 of an inch wide. It has an inner ...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Cartier Love Bracelet 4 Diamonds Classic Model 18K White Gold Size 18
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier LOVE bracelet classic model, crafted in 18k white gold, set with 4 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.42 carats. A close oval fitting bracelet with new style screw syste...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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
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...
Apatite, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$58,500Sale Price|35% Off
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Hands Bracelet in Platinum and Yellow Gold
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Hands Bracelet in Platinum and Yellow Gold Signed: Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Std Creator/Maker: Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$350Sale Price / item|50% Off
Natural Blue Topaz and CZ 15.3 Carat Silver Tennis Bracelet Jewelry Gift for Her
Located in New York, NY
Natural Blue Topaz and Zircon 15.3 Carat Tennis Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver. You shall need statement tennis bracelet to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazz...
Topaz, Zircon, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$420Sale Price|30% Off
Multi Chain Cuff Sculptural Bracelet Burnt Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi Chain Cuff Bracelet Burnt Silver Palladium Sculptural Vintage Paris Designer: J DAUPHIN The Multi Chain Cuff is a rare archive piece, handcrafted in Paris and finished in pal...
Silver, Brass
$295Sale Price|21% Off
Vionnet Sleek Wide Gilt Metal Hinged Cuff Bracelet c 1990s
Located in University City, MO
Vionnet Sleek wide gilt metal hinged cuff bracelet c 1990s The bold severe wide cuff is designed with a triangular pyramid point that converges in the center Makes a very chic eyeca...
Vintage 1990s Cartier Geometric Two Tone Link Bracelet in Yellow and White Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A rare vintage Cartier geometric two-tone bracelet set in 18k yellow and white gold, circa 1990s.
The piece features the geometric motif connected by polished bars. It cre...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$43,520Sale Price|20% Off
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...
10k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$83,200Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. French 12 Carat Diamond Bracelet in Platinum and 18K Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Tiffany & Co. bracelet showcases the maison’s unmistakable elegance, crafted in France from a refined combination of platinum and 18K yellow gold. The piece feat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$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...
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mozambique Red Ruby & Diamond Curb Chain Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant chain bracelet features a 0.45 carat ruby set in 14K yellow gold. The ruby measuring 5.8 x 4.1 mm in a classic prong setting. The center stone is accented by 0.13 carats...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 5 motif bracelet in guilloche gold and diamonds
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet 5 motifs in 18K yellow gold and Diamonds. This VCA bracelet in guilloché 18K yellow gold and diamonds. Comes with makers box and a recen...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$112,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Cultured Pearl Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Cultured Pearl Bracelet Brand & Hallmarks: Stamped Van Cleef & Arpels; NY; 750 with serial numbers. Materials: Sol...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$437Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald & Diamond Stackable Channel Set Bangle Bracelet in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This sleek hinged bangle bracelet is crafted in 925 sterling silver and features 1.15 carats of emerald and 0.072 carats of diamond. Designed with a minimal and structured profile, t...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Serpent Wrap Bangle with Green Jade Beads and Cubic Zirconia
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elegantly crafted in base metal this captivating serpent wrap bangle exudes timeless allure. The open-ended bypass design features a continuous row of lustrous green Jade beads that ...
Jade, Base Metal
11.40 Carats F/VS1 Round Princess Diamonds Cuban Link Bracelet 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This stunning men’s Cuban link bracelet features Round Brilliant and Princess Shape diamonds totaling 11.40 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for their exceptional bri...
Diamond, 14k 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...
18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970s
Located in South Pasadena, CA
18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bangle Bracelet Circa 1970s. The 18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bangle Bracelet was made in the 1970s. Made with wide fluted sections, this bangle bracelet has a gre...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
26578 David Yurman 18k Rose Gold 3.75ct Cognac Pave Set Diamond 8.5'' Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
David Yurman bracelet weighs 55.9g 226 round pave set diamonds, total weight 3.75ct Diamond Cognac brown color VS2 clarity Bracelet measures 9mm wide Bracelet is 8.25'' long end to ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Marquise Champagne Crystal Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet
Located in Hoffman Estates, IL
Stunning Slip On bangle embellished with neutral color crystal and rhinestone. Further enhanced with 3 over sized marquise champagne crystals. Only 1 available. Inner diameter 65.00...
Crystal, Base Metal
Custom Turquoise Beaded Stretch Bracelets Set With Silver Balls Trio of 3, New
Located in North Miami, FL
This set of 3 custom turquoise beaded stretch bracelets with silver ball filaments were made by a jeweler. They have never been worn or used. ...
Turquoise, Silver
$422Sale Price|50% Off
925 Silver Exquisite Aquamarine Gemstone Tennis Bracelet for Graduation Gift
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Aquamarine Gemstone Tennis Bracelet in sterling silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural aquamarine, weighing 23.1 carat. It measures 7.5 inches long in length. Aquama...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
Pearl bead bracelet and 14k gold claps with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.25ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.25ct - F/G - VS/SI - on a pearl bracelet - 18.5 cm detailed description: the bracelet is 18.5 cm long and 8.5 mm wid...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
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
$151Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt & White Enamel Seashell Link Bracelet By Frederick Mosell, 1960s
By Mosell
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 7" length - .5" width - Gold plated - White enamel - Box clasp - By Frederick Mosell (unsigned) - Ci...
14K Gold Italian Charm Bracelet Vintage
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 14K Gold Italian Three-Charm Bracelet with Emerald and Amethyst Gemstones. Crafted with three draped curb-link chains, the bracelet is adorned with three substantial charms: ...
Amethyst, Emerald, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Modern Link Bracelet, 18.5cm, France, Unisex
Located in Vannes, FR
This sophisticated 18K yellow gold bracelet by Mesure et Art du Temps embodies the timeless balance between strength and elegance. Composed of bold, interlocking links, it combines t...
18k 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
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Circle Link Bracelet in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A vintage Tiffany & Co. circle link bracelet set in 18k yellow gold.
The bracelet is composed of interlinking circles which vary in shapes and sizes. Due to its design...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$395Sale Price|41% Off
Ciner Opulent Black Enamel Glass Jeweled Hinged Elephant Bracelet c 1970s
By Ciner
Located in University City, MO
CINER gilt metal black enamel glass jeweled hinged elephant bracelet c 1970s The opulent bracelet is designed with an exotic elephant adorned with a ruby color glass cabochon mounted...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel And Diamond Bracelet
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Designed by the legendary Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., this iconic hinged bangle bracelet exemplifies the designer's unmistakable aesthetic. Crafted in France from platinum a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 14K Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
Rare Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beaded Bracelet in with a handcarved bead -and shiny 14K gold clasp. Discover timeless beauty in this exquisite bracelet, crafted with rare turquoise ...
Turquoise, 14k Gold
Cartier LOVE 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Authentic 18 karat yellow gold Cartier LOVE Bangle, size 16, is a timeless and iconic piece of luxury jewelry. Known for its signature design, the bangle features the distinctive...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Skull Bracelet Charm Curb Chain Gunmetal Bronze Memento Mori Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Bracelet Charm Curb Chain Gunmetal Bronze Memento Mori Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Gunmetal skull charm bracelet on a curb chain, a one of a kind vintage 2010 piece by J Daup...
Brass, Bronze
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
14K Yellow Gold Flat Curb Link 7.75 Inch Bracelet Made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
Stamped Italy 14K, this elegant bracelet embodies the timeless allure of Italian craftsmanship. Designed in a classic flat curb link pattern, it delivers a refined shimmer that compl...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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
Hans Hansen Danish Modern Sterling Silver Beveled Bangle Bracelet
By Hans Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Danish Modern bracelet. In sterling silver. By Hans Hansen. Pattern no. 241. With a beveled edge. Marked to the interior. Simply wonderful Hans Hansen design! Da...
Sterling Silver