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.
Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger 18K Gold Red Enamel Bangle Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
An uncommon masterpiece by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Red Vitreous Paillonné Enamel bangle bracelet in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1990. Signed: Tiffany & Co, Schlumberge...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamond Hoop 18k Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet 6.75"
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Designer: Elsa Peretti Style: Diamond Hoop Bangle Bracelet Material: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstones: 1 diamond Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.23 carat Design: Sc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Heart Toggle Mesh 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet 8"
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Designer: Elsa Peretti Style: Heart Toggle Mesh Bracelet Material: 18k Yellow Gold Design: Woven mesh bracelet with sculptural heart toggle clasp Bracelet Length...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Leather Chain Bracelet Silver Wrap Multi Strand Layered Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather Chain Bracelet Silver Wrap Multi Strand Layered Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Leather chain bracelet in black Italian leather with antiqued silver plated brass chains, a one ...
Silver, Brass, Silver Plate
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
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
Kieselstein Cord 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wavey Vintage Bangle Bracelet
By Kieselstein
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord Wavy Bangle Bracelet, circa 1982. Expertly crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, this striking bracelet features the designer's signatu...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold 3.00 Carat Natural Diamond Graduated Tennis Line Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat White Gold 3.00 Carat Natural Diamond Graduated Tennis Line Bracelet Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 13.64 grams Diamonds: Approx. 3.00 CTW H-I SI natural round diamonds Leng...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. High Polish Gold, Oval, Hinged, Cuff Bracelet 1 inch Wide
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage one inch wide strap of glistening, high polish finish gold, by Tiffany & Co. is a classic cuff that would be a great addition to any lady's jewelry collection. It's ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Skull Cuff Bracelet Gold Spike Stud Green Pink Enamel Snake Chain Vintage
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Cuff Bracelet Gold Spike Stud Green Pink Enamel Snake Chain Vintage Designer: J DAUPHIN Gold skull cuff bracelet in 10k gold plated brass, a one of a kind vintage 2008 piece ...
Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
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
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
Oxidized Silver and 24K Yellow Gold Diamond Snake Hinged Bracelet by Lika Behar
By Lika Behar
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Striking and symbolic, this oxidized silver and 24K yellow gold snake hinged bangle by Lika Behar coils elegantly around the wrist with sculptural grace. The serpent’s form is richly...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Wide Vintage Sterling Wave Cuff Bracelet Charles Garnier
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful sterling cuff bracelet is the creation of French designer Charles Garnier. It features a wave design and the famous sparkling texture which has become iconic for Garni...
Sterling Silver
White Leather Bracelet Silver Studded Cuff Bracelet Pyramid Calfskin Mens
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Leather Bracelet Silver Studded Cuff Bracelet Pyramid Calfskin Mens Designer: J DAUPHIN The Studded Cuff is handcrafted in Italy in white calfskin leather. A wide band is set...
Silver, Brass
$75,576Sale Price|20% Off
2.51 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Tanzanite Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on tanzanite accents totaling 10.88 carats for rich, saturated color. It is framed by a 2.51-carat diamond in a round br...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Gold
Modern Sterling Silver Ruby Bangle Bracelet with 62 Round Cut Rubies
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous bangle bracelet is sterling silver. It features 62 genuine round cut, 1mm rubies. The face of this bracelet measures 1/4 of an inch wide. It has an inner diameter of 2...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
$50,970Sale Price|20% Off
33.36 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 33.36-carat diamond in a graceful pear cut. It is framed by diamond accents for added contrast. Crafted i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$28,121Sale Price|20% Off
2.12 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.12-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by yellow diamond accents for...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$23,728Sale Price|20% Off
11.95 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on an 11.95-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by diamond accents f...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$8,612Sale Price|20% Off
2.51 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.51-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by emerald accents for...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$21,091Sale Price|20% Off
3.99 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on vivid yellow diamond accents totaling 6.8 carats in a rich cushion cut, prized for their warm, saturated co...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$25,485Sale Price|20% Off
14.37 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 14.37-carat diamond in an old mine cut, a cushion-shaped antique cut full of vintage warmth. It is framed by ruby a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$42,182Sale Price|20% Off
1.32 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This line bracelet from our contemporary estate collection is set with a series of round brilliant cut white diamonds totaling 1.32 carats, framed by bold princess cut yellow diamond...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$13,006Sale Price|20% Off
3.65 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.65-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. Crafted in 18k gold, it offers a wearable ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$12,654Sale Price|20% Off
2.63 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.63-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by diamond accents for added ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$12,654Sale Price|20% Off
5.15 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 5.15-carat diamond in a rose cut, prized for its domed crown and soft, candlelit glow. It is framed by diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$17,048Sale Price|20% Off
1.47 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 1.47-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by yellow diamond accents for...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$23,455Sale Price|20% Off
19.88 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 19.88-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$25,485Sale Price|20% Off
11.95 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This line bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on an 11.95-carat diamond in a step-cut emerald shape. It is framed by diamond accents for added contrast. Crafted ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$18,455Sale Price|20% Off
6.85 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 6.85-carat diamond in a crisp princess cut. Crafted in 18k gold, it makes a versatile addition to a fine jew...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$12,654Sale Price|20% Off
3.8 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.8-carat diamond in a rose cut, prized for its domed crown and soft, candlelit glow. It is framed by diamond accen...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$8,436Sale Price|20% Off
2.67 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.67-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by emerald accents ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$10,194Sale Price|20% Off
2.42 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.42-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. Crafted in 18k gold, it was chosen ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$13,709Sale Price|20% Off
2.2 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This line bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.2-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by diamond accents for ad...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$24,606Sale Price|20% Off
1.67 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 1.67-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by yellow diamond a...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$9,491Sale Price|20% Off
6.35 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 6.35-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. Crafted in 18k gold, it was chosen for las...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$21,970Sale Price|20% Off
1.38 Carat Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Yellow Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 1.38-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by yellow diamond accents for...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Bvlgari, 18K Gold Mother-of-Pearl Serpenti Quartz Wristwatch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This BVLGARI Serpenti watch bangle coils in sculptural rose gold, articulated with scale-like links for fluid movement. Pavé diamonds accent geometric motifs, framing a sleek dial wi...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$9,667Sale Price|20% Off
2.89 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.89-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by emerald accents for added ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$10,194Sale Price|20% Off
3.14 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.14-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by emerald accents ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$10,194Sale Price|20% Off
4.05 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 4.05-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by emerald accents for...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$12,654Sale Price|20% Off
0.69 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 0.69-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by diamond accents for...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$9,667Sale Price|20% Off
3.28 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This statement bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.28-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by emerald accents ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$11,424Sale Price|20% Off
4.73 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 4.73-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle. It is framed by emerald accents for added ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$30,758Sale Price|20% Off
16.12 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 16.12-carat diamond in a step-cut emerald shape. Pairs old-world craftsmanship with modern wearability. Gem...
Diamond
$14,940Sale Price|20% Off
7.1 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 7.1-carat diamond in a crisp princess cut. It is framed by ruby accents for added contrast. Crafted in 18k g...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
26715 David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold Silver Square Cable Link Rope Bracelet Men's
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
Sterling Silver & 18k yellow gold bracelet weighs 49.6g Square link measures 8.5mm wide Link measures 9.5mm wide Bracelet measures 8.75'' long end to end Bracelet fits up to 7...
Yellow Gold, Silver
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
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
$45,697Sale Price|20% Off
19.15 Carat Diamond Gold Bracelet
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This line bracelet from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 19.15-carat diamond in a mixed cut. Crafted in 18k gold, it was chosen for lasting warmth, durability and time...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Cartier Tank Princess Cut Diamond 18k White Gold Bangle Bracelet Size 16
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Tank Style: Bangle Bracelet Material: 18k white gold Hallmarks: 1997 Cartier 750 E53038 16 Gemstones/Diamonds: One princess-cut natural diamond approx...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Vintage 1970s Elizabeth Gage Sapphire Gold Supple Link Bracelet
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Inspired by the Roman antiquities at the British Museum, Elizabeth Gage's reverence for history, craft, and gold is evident in this retired 18k Gold Sapphire Station Bracelet. Quinte...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
The Peacock Crown 15–16mm Tahitian Pearl Ring PSL Certified Peacock Green
Located in 上海市, CN
About SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER At SEVENERA GEM-LUSTER, every piece begins with the pearl. We exclusively work with carefully selected sea pearls that meet our strict “gem-luster” standar...
Black Pearl, Pearl
Bvlgari Engraved Circle Station 18k Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet 6.25"
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Bvlgari Style: Engraved Circle Station Chain Bracelet Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Bvlgari 750 Design: Six engraved circular station link bracelet Bracelet Length...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Verdigris 2x1 Block Bracelet 1983
Located in New York, NY
Architecture and organic forms are wed in this chunky block bracelet that is oxidized brass. Using hard edge and graphic shapes that connect with rivets...
Brass
11.47 Ct Blue Sapphire 3.16 Ct Natural Diamond Tennis Bracelet 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Emerald-cut blue sapphires alternate with baguette diamond clusters along this tennis bracelet, each cluster framed by a small halo of round melee for added sparkle around the straig...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$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
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...
John Hardy Sterling Silver Box Chain Double Wrap Blue Stone Chain Link Bracelet
By John Hardy
Located in Baltimore, MD
John Hardy Sterling Silver Box Chain Double Wrap Blue Stone Chain Link Bracelet Metal: Sterling silver 925 Gemstones: Lapis lazuli, sodalite & hematite beads Width: 6mm Length: (7.5...
Sterling Silver