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.
Ladybug Bracelet and Earrings 14 Karat Gold Enamel Beetle Insect
Located in New York, NY
These are absolutely delightful 14 Karat Gold and Enamel Ladybug Earrings and matching Bracelet. The ladybugs are adorable and done with red and black enamel on 14 Karat Gold. The ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sterling Silver Charm Collection Bracelet c. 1952
Located in Stamford, CT
An interesting collection of silver charms on a bracelet that will likely strike home with many viewers. It illustrates a partial story of a woman's life. There is an MD satchel, exa...
Sterling Silver
Minimal September Birthstone Blue Sapphire Chain Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Minimal September Birthstone Blue Sapphire Chain Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold showcases 11 endlessly sparkling natural Blue sapphire, weighing 2.9 carats. It measures 7 inches lo...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Massive Yellow Resin Bracelet Bangle with Carved Daisy Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite lucite or resin bracelet bangle features a heavily domed, massive shape in a bright yellow color. The bangle is ornate with a carved design of daisy flowers and orange...
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
A 1990s High Quality Costume jewelry Gilt metal Italian Bracelet
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exceptional 1990s vintage Italian statement bracelet perfectly captures the bold glamour and high-end craftsmanship of late 20th-century European costume jewelry. Meticulously c...
Gilt Metal
Delicate 2.05ct Bezel Pear Cut Blue Sapphire Station Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This delicate station chain bracelet showcases 2.05 carats of pear cut blue sapphires set in 14k yellow gold. Each sapphire, measuring approximately 4.2 x 3.1 mm, is secured in a sl...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold & Bezel Set Diamond Line Bangle Bracelet for the Petite Wrist
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This smart and tailored, vintage 18K white gold bangle bracelet has a scintillating presence, and is ideal for any fashionable lady with a smaller wrist. The inside circumference mea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier "Mon Amour" diamond bracelet 18 karat white gold.
By Cartier
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Cartier "Mon Amour" diamond bracelet in 18 karat white gold. Features 18 karat white gold with a structured band, single diamond heart charm, approximately .08 carats. Gua...
Diamond, White Gold
Mid-20th Century 14K Yellow Gold Large Curb Link Florentine Finish Bracelet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage, yellow gold, Florentine finish, curb link bracelet is the epitome of quality construction and style. Sixteen substantial links, fabricated in 14K gold connect to produc...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.89 Carats Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond Bracelet Made in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful bracelet featuring a total of 8.89 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
Judith Hendler Black and White Acrylic Bypass Bracelet Bangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
Judith Hendler designed this stunning Lucite or Acrylic bracelet bangle in the 1980s. It is a contrast of black and white with a coiled-wrapped design. Judith Hendler is a famous Ca...
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
Silvorra Multicolor Sapphire Tennis Bracelet in Solid Silver Four Prong Setting
Located in New York, NY
This radiant 7.23 carat multisapphire tennis bracelet is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a continuous line of square cut saphhires. The vibrant rainbow arrangement highlig...
Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Tire Track Brass Hinged Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
In the Wabi Sabi tradition of objects looking worn, aged and full of character, this is a hinged bracelet of oxidized brass ribbed castings. The name "Tire Track" is due to the image...
Brass
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
1.8 Carat Zambian Emerald Bracelet 2.37 Carat SI/H Diamond 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, Dubai
1.8 Carat Zambian Emerald Bracelet 2.37 Carat SI/H Diamond 18 Karat White Gold The majority of the bracelet is a continuous, flexible line of small, closely-set diamonds. Three large...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$800Sale Price|60% Off
Virgin Mary Cuff Catholic Bracelet Devotional Medals Cross Bronze Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Cuff Catholic Bracelet Devotional Medals Cross Bronze Silver Designer: J Dauphin — Los Angeles Archive The Vintage Devotional Medal Cuff is a rare, one-of-a-kind state...
Silver, Bronze
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
Silvorra Luxury Style 925 Silver Triple Row Wavy Zircon Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This sparkling 1.18 carats zircon bracelet is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcases a refined row of brilliant round cut zircons measuring approximately 2 mm each. The sparkling ...
Zircon, Sterling Silver, Silver
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
1.33 Carat Ruby Diamond Tennis Bangle Bracelet in 18K White Gold Classic Design
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Weight: 1.33 Carats Diamond Weight: 0.66 Carats Elegant and timeless, this 18K white gold ruby and diamond tennis bangle bracelet showcases a striking row of vibrant red rubies...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Robert Lee Morris Matte Gold Plated Occult Symbols Charm Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Occult symbols from ancient books of magic were the inspiration behind this fabulous Robert Lee Morris charm bracelet. Robert Lee Morris created this mysterious and fun piece during the early 1990's after a visit to Ireland and the Hebrides Islands...
Gold Plate, Brass
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...
Itaor Rose Gold Vermeil Sterling Silver Fancy Link Bracelet Italy 20th Century
Located in Chatham, CA
ITAOR - Vintage rose gold vermeil over sterling silver fancy link bracelet - fine details with faceted finish - box clasp with stainless steel closure and 'figure eight' safety clasp...
Rose Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
$439Sale Price|20% Off
Gold & Resin Cabochon Organic Link Bracelet With Logo Clasp By Givenchy, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 7.5" length - .75" width - Gold plated - Amber, red, brown and green resin cabochons - Crystal rhinestone accents - Fold over "GG" clasp closure - By Givench...
Bulgari Serpenti Diamond Red Pink Rubellite 18K Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet Size M
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Serpenti bangle bracelet by Bulgari, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This striking piece features the Maison's legendary serpent design adorned wit...
Rubelite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Blue Sapphire, Opal & Diamond Bracelet, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This unique and stylish bracelet features Natural Sri-lankan Blue Sapphires, Australian Boulder Opals and Diamonds, set on blue-color plated 18K White Gold. This bracelet is designed...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
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
3.20 Ct Natural Pear Marquise Emerald Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
The half-set bangle is a study in intentional contrast — and this handmade example uses that contrast with precise intelligence. The upper arc is pure high-polish 18-karat white gold...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$385Sale Price|30% Off
Black Fine Wool Black Leather Bracelet Calfskin Gold Plated Brass
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin Black Fine Wool and Black Calfskin Leather Bracelet with Gold Plated Brass Closure — Made in Italy Designer: J Dauphin Origin: Italy Size: Small / Medium (fits approx. 6 1...
Brass, Gold Plate
2.60 Cts F/VS1 Round Brilliant Diamonds Three-Row Bracelet 14K Multi-Tone Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This stunning bracelet features Round Brilliant Cut diamonds totaling 2.60 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for their lively sparkle and uniform brilliance. Designed ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
4mm Pill Shape Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This elegant bracelet features premium 4mm pill-shaped natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads. Each bead is carefully selected for its vibrant sky-blue color and smooth, elongated s...
Turquoise, Silver
$135Sale Price|20% Off
Gilded Hinged Cuff Bracelet with Texture Finish By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1990s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - 7.5" circumference, fits small to medium sized wrists - Interior measures 2" x 2.75" - .75" width - Gold plate...
Cleto Munari Limited Edition 18K Gold and Ebony Cuff Bracelet, 2018
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Ebony bracelet by Italian artist and editor Cleto Munari Made from a single piece of wood, nails and hinge in 18k gold. Width : 6 cm Length : 17 cm approx. Gross weight : 140 g 2018 ...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Gingerbread Man Charm Pendant in Silver with Blue Enamel
Located in University Place, WA
A whimsical Tiffany & Co. charm pendant designed in the form of a gingerbread man, crafted in sterling silver and accented with blue enamel. The playful silhouette is enhanced by...
Silver, Enamel
Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Copper Column Cuff 1981
Located in New York, NY
In 1981 Robert Lee Morris won the Coty award for his jewelry collection for Calvin Klein and woke the fashion industry up to his high energy presence. He i...
Copper
2.81 Carat SI/H Round Brilliant Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Some jewelry announces itself. This one simply never leaves the wrist. The slim-profile tennis bracelet is the most quietly powerful piece in fine jewelry — understated enough to wea...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Bracelet in Sterling Silver, Circa 201
Located in Cape Town, ZA
An iconic sterling silver bracelet from the celebrated Return to Tiffany® collection by Tiffany & Co. Crafted in solid 925 sterling silver, this classic link bracelet features t...
Sterling Silver
Signed John Hardy Sterling Silver & Gold 'Dot' Pattern Chain Link Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed cable chain bracelet. By John Hardy. In sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold. From the 'Dot' series. With alternating gold dot and silver dot links and ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$576Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Mounted Peridot Gemstone Link Chain Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Peridot Linking Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 12 endlessly sparkling natural peridot, weighing 5.85 carats. It measures 7 inches long in length. Peridot attracts love an...
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$476Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Elle "M598" Ruby and Sterling Silver 8 Wire Wide Cuff Bracelet
Located in Towson, MD
This funky, ginchy model 598 vintage Elle circa 1950s - 1960s bracelet features eight sterling silver strands with spacing between each row creating an approximate 1.75" wide cuff. T...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
c1994 Tiffany & Co Cupid Arrow Heart Charm Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Tiffany & Co 'Cupid Arrow' bracelet crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1994). The cupid arrow charm bracelet is a Tiffany classic, with thick oval links designed to...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 18K Gold Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Emerald Bangle Bracelet GIA
By Bulgari
Located in Monaco, MC
Bulgari bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold, set with a GIA-certified 27.63-carat Fancy Intense Yellow diamond of VS2 clarity as the central stone, surrounded by calibré buff-top emer...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$69,600Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Diamond X Link Bracelet in 18K Gold & Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Tiffany & Co. diamond bracelet is an iconic design by Jean Schlumberger, one of the most celebrated jewelry designers of the 20th century. Crafted in a luxurious...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,416Sale Price|20% Off
Classic 13.7ct Turquoise Cabochon Bezel Set Station Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bracelet features 7 natural turquoise cabochons totaling 13.7 carats, arranged in a solid 14K yellow gold. Each l turquoise is securely framed in a refined bezel setting...
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rossella Ugolini 24K Yellow Gold Plated Unique Links Chain Bracelet
Located in Rome, IT
Elevate your style with the exquisite Rossella Ugolini Italian Design Modern Bracelet, a manifestation of contemporary luxury in Silver Sterling 24K Yellow Gold plated . Meticulously...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Gold Plate
Charles Krypell Diamond and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ribbon Link Bracelet
Located in London, GB
Designed by internationally renowned designer Charles Krypell, this striking bracelet is crafted in warm 18 carat yellow gold and composed of a continuous series of sculptural ribbon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,166Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Aegean 18K Yellow Gold Toggle Link Bracelet
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
A bold and iconic Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Aegean Toggle Bracelet, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold. This highly collectible designer piece exemplifies Peretti’s signature s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 21 Carats F/VS1 Emerald Diamonds Tennis Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This exceptional unisex tennis bracelet features IGI Certified Emerald Shape diamonds totaling 21.00 carats, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for their crisp step-cut facets ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k 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
A Vintage 2016 Century Rubber Bangle Bracelet by Gaetano Pesce for Corsi Design
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage 21st-century rubber bangle bracelet is a distinctive piece designed by Gaetano Pesce for Corsi Design from the ribbon and spaghetti collection. It features an organic, f...
Blue Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Bracelet
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic bracelet in 18 karat white gold structure composed of 10 gold flower studded with blue sapphires surrounded by diamonds and mounted on gold lines studded with diamonds. Dia...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Double Lion Head & Ruby Eye Bangle Cuff Bracelet In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Double Lion's Head & Ruby Eye Bangle Cuff Bracelet Style: Lion Head Hinged Bangle Bracelet Material: 18k Yellow Gold Design Details: Features two opposing lion hea...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond and Blue Sapphire Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with this stunning tennis bracelet, crafted from premium platinum (PT900) and adorned with a captivating array of blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds. Featuri...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Sardinia Coral Bracelet in Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
This may be the one of a kind sky blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise bracelet, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on this beauty! Combined with very rare Sardinia corals it gives you...
Turquoise, Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow 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 has a...
Sterling Silver
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Turquoise, Coral and Seed Pearl Encrusted Hinged Bracelet By Sandor, 1950s
By Sandor
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 7.5" circumference (fits most wrists) - 1.25" width - Gold tone - Covered in layers of faux turquoise a...
$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