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.
Genuine Turquoise and Lapis Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
The perfect blue multi gemstone bracelet, methiciously handknotted. An ocean breeze of precious gemstones around your wrist! This beauty is made of 7-8mm polished gemstones such as;...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Diamond Pave Thin Small 18K White Gold Size 17 Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Cartier Love bracelet crafted in elegant 18K white gold and accented with brilliant pavé-set natural diamonds. This thinner version of the iconic Love bracelet showcases Cartier’s ce...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Giant Sky Blue Larimar and Brazil Aquamarine drop Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary bracelet is crafted from the fines blue Brazil Aquamarine and Larimar from the Dominican Republic. The stones are exce...
Aquamarine, Larimar, Sterling Silver
Giant Twisted Rose Quartz Opal 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A celebration of light, luxury, and rarity — this extraordinary bracelet is crafted from a rare size and shape of blush pink Rose Quartz of exceptional quality. Each stone has been m...
Quartz, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14 Karat White Gold 5.65 Carat Round Natural Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat White Gold 5.65 Carat Round Natural Diamond Tennis Bracelet Metal: 14 Karat white gold Weight: 10.23 grams Diamonds: 5.65 CTW I-J SI natural diamonds Length: 7 inches Width...
Diamond, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in Platinum and 18K Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Trellis Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in Platinum and 18K Gold A magnificent creation from Tiffany & Co., this Trellis bracelet is a true celebration of color and ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.54 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Flower Bangle Bracelet 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
2.54 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Flower Bangle Bracelet 18K White Gold Sapphire Weight: 2.54 carats Diamond Weight: 1.84 carats A refined expression of elegance and color, this 18K ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Vintage Ledo Gold Tone Diamante Bracelet Circa 1960s
By Ledo Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ledo Diamante and Gold Bracelet Circa 1960s. This is remarkably similar to the look of Buccellati. It is stunning on its own, and it can be paired with fine jewelry. Substant...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Gold Charm Bracelet with Faux Turquoise and Pearls, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold and Faux Turquoise Charm Bracelet, Circa 1980s. This charm bracelet features charms with various coat of arms motifs. The pop comes from three arms that feature faux tur...
Mixed Metal
Multi Gem Crystal Opal Multi-Color Tourmaline Sterling Statement Cuff Bracelet
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Multi-Shape Multi-Gemstone 22.80tcw Crystal Opal and 2.90tcw Multi-Color Tourmaline Artisan Cuff Bracelet. Hand set in Skillfully Hand crafted 925 Sterling Silver a...
Crystal, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold-filled, Sterling Silver
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
Bulgari French 1970's Diamond 18K Gold Yellow Vintage Triple Spiga Wrap Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a flexible tubogas style wrap bracelet comprised of 'Spiga' motif zigzag segments Featuring rounded terminals with round brilliant cut diamonds in pavéd segments Weighing...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Platinum Diamond Hexagonal Gradient Tennis Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Weight 16.2g Modern Diamond Tennis Bracelet This bracelet is a modern piece crafted in platinum. It features round cut diamonds with a total carat weight of 8.26, showcasin...
Diamond, Platinum
Christian Dior Bracelet Bangle Turquoise Acrylic and Silver Dior Logos
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior bangle bracelet features a stunning turquoise hue and three striking silver "Dior" logos. It is crafted using top-quality materials such as resin, acryl...
$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...
Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline Cabochon Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Hamburg, DE
An exquisite bracelet crafted from 18K white gold, featuring seven mesmerizing Paraiba tourmaline cabochons totaling 38.83 carats. These exceptional Paraiba tourmalines are from old ...
Tourmaline, Paraiba, White Gold
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
Genuine Arizona Kingman Persian Blue Turquoise 18K Gold Diamond Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
Feel like a queen with this Kingman Turquoise bracelet. This bracelet features genuine Persian Blue turquoises from the Kingman mine in Arizona, delicately strung together with 18K g...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chrome Hearts Scroll Cable Oval Link 22 Karat Gold Chain Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: Authentic Chrome Hearts Paper Chain bracelet crafted in gold and featuring the brand’s iconic scroll and cable link design elements. Renowned for its bold gothic-inspire...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist Sterling Silver, 14K Gold, Onyx, Garnet Cable Bracelet by David Yurman
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
This modernist cable bracelet by David Yurman is a striking example of his signature style, seamlessly blending sterling silver, 14K gold, and an elegant arrangement of gemstones. De...
Citrine, Garnet, Onyx, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
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
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
$3,988 / item
0.27ct Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Diamond Link Chain Bracelet is crafted in polished 14K yellow gold and features a bold, modern link design with a refined diamond-accent centerpiece. The elongated gold links cr...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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
Signed Mexican Sterling Silver & Green Glass Aztec Link Bracelet by de la Parra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Mexican silver bracelet. In sterling silver. By Horacio de la Parra. With figural links depicting Aztec or Pre-Colombian head...
Sterling Silver
Marina J. Coral & Faceted 18k Gold Plated Woven Bracelet
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vibrant and bold bracelet by Marina J. This piece is made with multi sized Coral and Faceted 18k Yellow Gold plated beads all woven together into a lace like design. The 18k plated Y...
Coral, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver
Cellini 18kt White Gold and Diamond 4.90Ct. Lace Cuff Bracelet
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Cellini Jewelers lovely 18 karat white gold and diamond cuff bracelet. The very understated and elegant cuff is designed with a ma...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Nettie Rosenstein Gold Tone Link Bracelet, Circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Nettie Rosenstein Gold Tone Bracelet Circa 1960s.Vintage Nettie Rosenstein Gold Bracelet with Gold Domed Discs. The Back features a beautiful design that only the 1960s co...
Mixed Metal
$5,088Sale Price|20% Off
12.81 Carat Deep Blue Sapphire Tennis Bracelet in 18K White Gold with Bezel Set
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
12.81 Carat Deep Blue Sapphire Tennis Bracelet in 18K White Gold with Bezel Set, each sapphire is hand-selected for its vibrant royal blue hue and expertly cut in sleek emerald shape...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
$7,900Sale Price|50% Off
29.35ct Pink Sapphire Bracelet with Diamonds in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Kuala Lumpur, MY
Material: Rose gold; Rose cut natural vivid pink sapphires and round brilliant cut diamonds Length: 18cm, approx. 7 inches Weight: Approx 25.55g A luminous celebration of feminin...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold
Onyx & Pave Diamond Ball Beaded Bracelet
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"Silver:17.52g Diamond:17.04cts Onyx 95 cts" Ball size-10mm-11mm Cross Length-38mm Cross width:26.95mm
Diamond, Onyx, Silver, Gold
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Minimalist 14K Solid Yellow Gold Heart-Shaped Natural Ruby Dainty Chain Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bracelet showcases a single heart-shaped natural ruby weighing 0.41 carats, measuring approximately 4.1 x 4.4 mm, set in 14k gold with a classic three-prong solitaire se...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rainbow Sapphire and Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
The perfect pastel rainbow gemstone bracelet, methiciously handknotted and finished with a gold clasp. A stunning bright colored mix of precious gemstones around your wrist! This bea...
Citrine, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Turquoise, Larimar, 14k Gold...
David Yurman 7mm Sterling Silver, Citrine, & Diamond Classic Cable Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver, citrine, and diamond cuff bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver. In the 'Classic Cable' pattern. Each terminal with a band of pave-set diamonds and ...
Citrine, Diamond, Sterling Silver
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Classic 14k Yellow Gold Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this classic 14k yellow gold tennis bracelet, masterfully crafted with a stunning combination of natural blue sapphires 5.85 carats and brilliant...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k 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
$372Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire Pear Cut Station Chain Bracelet Handmade Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Handmade 14K yellow gold station bracelet featuring pear cut natural pink sapphires, with a total weight of 1 carat. Each sapphire is bezel set along a gold chain. The bracelet measu...
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Galliano Paris Gunmetal Chain Bracelet with Dangling Charms
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare John Galliano Paris chain bracelet features a dangling design with logo charms. The high-gloss gunmetal-finish link chain is adorned with five dangling elements, each beari...
Metal
Chic Cognac Diamonds Rose Gold 18k Band Bracelet for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
BRACELET 18K (Same Model with Pink Sapphire Available) Diamond 49-1,47 ct Weight 7,41 grams
Diamond, Rose Gold
Picchiotti 18 Karat White Gold, 2.47 Carat Diamond and Black Onyx Tiger Bracelet
By Picchiotti
Located in New York, NY
Designed by master craftsman Giuseppe Picchiotti, this glamorous bracelet is the perfect example of classic, cool and edgy all at once. Swirls of black onyx and pave set diamonds c...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hermes 18K Rose Gold Medium Link Toggle Link Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
A striking and elegant bracelet from Hermès, crafted in luminous 18K rose gold and designed with the sought-after medium links in a sleek, high-polish finish. The silhouette is bold ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bulgari three-row woven chain bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century three-row, textured gold, flat-link bracelet in 18k. Bulgari, Italy * Free shipping * Includes letter of authenticity for insurance purposes * Please do not hesitate t...
18k Gold
10K Yellow Gold Diamond Accent "K" Initial Charm and Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the understated elegance of this 10K yellow gold bracelet, for an enrapturing shimmer that captures the eye. Central to its delicate cable chain design is a bewit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Christian Lacroix Gold Tone Faux Coral Logo Heart Charm Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a charm bracelet designed by Christian Lacroix in 1980’s. It is crafted in base metal and is gold plated. The piece features hearts with logo and faux coral branches made i...
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
$23,988Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER Clash De Cartier Bracelet In 18Kt Gold Size-19 With Box & Certificate
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A Clash de Cartier bracelet designed by Cartier. This fabulous Clash de Cartier bracelet is an unconventionally elegant icon created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier,...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Carolina Bucci 18kt WG Diamond 2.71ct. & Silk Teal/Purple Lucky Bracelet
By Carolina Bucci
Located in New York, NY
Carolina Bucci makes inspiring, distinctive jewellery designed with a reverence for craftsmanship and executed with elegance. Two white diamond pavé links are shown here combined wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Robert Lee Morris Matte Gold Plated Brass Dart Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Robert Lee Morris designed the Dart family during the early 1980's after his Coty Award winning collection for Calvin Klein. Inspired first by feather forms, the Dart is literally th...
Gold Plate, Brass
Cartier Menotte Vintage 18K White Gold Screw Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Cartier bracelet embodies a fusion of industrial precision and minimalist elegance. Crafted in exquisite 18k white gold, it exudes a cool and refined presence, k...
18k Gold, White Gold
Chrome Hearts Cross Symbol Diamond 22 Karat Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: Authentic Chrome Hearts bracelet crafted in luxurious 22K yellow gold and accented with brilliant natural diamonds throughout. Featuring the brand’s iconic cross symbol ...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aaron Basha 18k Gold Pink Pig Charm with Diamonds, Modern Design
By Aaron Basha
Located in Sewickley, PA
This Aaron Basha 18k pig charm iis a delightful expression of playful luxury and fine craftsmanship. Rendered in glossy pink enamel, the plump pig is adorned ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bvlgari 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Vintage Alveare Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bracelet is comprised of segmented yellow gold and stainless steel links Designed as the signature Alveare motif - fitted gold arrow motifs Alternating in pattern with fluted stainle...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
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
Cartier Palladium Finish R de Cartier Rollerball Pen
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Cartier rollerball pen in a palladium finish with signature rivet pattern and blue resin cabochon on the cap. This piece is part of the Cartier Collection : R de Cartier. Com...
Gold Plate, Palladium
7.00 ct Natural Emerald & Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite tennis bracelet embodies refined elegance, designed to captivate with its intricate craftsmanship. Featuring 18 natural oval-cut emeralds and 34 natural round-cut diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Natural 2.50 Carat Round & Baguette Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat White Gold Natural 2.50 Carat Round & Baguette Diamond Bangle Bracelet Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 10.69 grams Diamonds: Approx. 2.50 CTW round & baguette diamonds H-I SI...
Diamond, White Gold