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.
$1,750 / item
2.42 Carat Opal Sapphire Baguette Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with 2.42 carats opal and 1.74 carats of baguette sapphire with blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS st...
Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold 1.00ctw Diamond Stud Cufflink Set with 5-Link Design
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold 1.30ctw Round Diamond Hematite Gents Cufflinks These stunning Gold Diamond Hematite Cufflinks is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Type: Cufflinks Materia...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,950 / item
Square Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with .61 carats of diamonds with brushed gold finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclu...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$1,850 / item
Diamond Turtle Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with .68 carats of diamonds with gold finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pie...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$1,840 / item
1.35 Carat Diamond Triangle Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver, these triangle cuff links are hand set with 1.35 carats of pave diamonds in blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefron...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$2,500 / item
2.02 Carat Diamond Square Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with 2.02 carats of pave diamonds in blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & excl...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$1,750 / item
8.56 Carat Geode Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with 8.56 carats geode and .89 carats of pave diamonds in blackened finish. FOLLO...
Diamond, Agate, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
TV Square Shape Debossed Cufflinks Handcrafted in 14Kt White Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
TV Square cufflinks handcrafted in 14Kt white gold, featuring debossed squares. For vintage TV lovers this geometric design is a modern vision of elegance . These Cufflinks belong t...
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
E. Wolfe & Co. 18 Karat Gold Bulldog Cufflinks with Sapphire and Black Onyx
Located in New York, NY
18 karat white gold bulldog cufflinks. The beautifully sculpted bulldogs face is in a brushed white gold. The eyes are set with blue sapphire cabochons an...
Onyx, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
George Gero 18 Karat White Gold Cufflinks with Lapis Lazuli Center
By George Gero
Located in New York, NY
Created by George Gero, renowned worldwide for luxurious men's cuff-links, comes this classic round pair which are set with lapis lazuli centers...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
George Gero 18 Karat Gold .44 Carat Ruby and Black Mother of Pearl Cuff Links
By George Gero
Located in New York, NY
Created by George Gero, Renowned worldwide for luxurious men's cuff-links, comes these classic round cuff links which are set in 18 karat rose gold . Nine round brilliant cut Rubies ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Brixton & Gill Green or Black Enameled Oval Cufflinks
Located in Greenwich, CT
Today's well-dressed man cares about how he looks and enjoys setting himself apart with distinctive accessories like this handsome wavy green/black enameled oval cufflinks designed b...
Sterling Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold & Emerald 'Barrel' Shape Cufflinks
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This pair of hefty cufflinks have been crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and are set with small emeralds. One side of each cufflink takes the form of a barrel type shape with a ribbe...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Square Circle Black Onyx Cufflinks Handcrafted in 14Kt Yellow Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Square Cufflinks handcrafted in 14Kt yellow gold, featuring a round -Circle- black onyx centre. The gold and the round black onyx together create a contemporary statement of classine...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of 18k Solid Gold Cufflinks with Diamonds Solitaire, Noble Coat of Arms
Located in Berlin, DE
Stately and extremely high quality cufflinks. 18k solid gold. Each set with a high-quality brilliant solitaire of about 0.24 carat. With noble coat of arms. Total weight of the pair...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Men's Custom Made 18k Gold & Diamond African Water Buffalo Cufflinks
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Men's Custom Made 18k Gold & Diamond African Water Buffalo Cufflinks Description / Condition: New. All jewelry has been professionally scr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Michael Kanners Bi-Color Tourmaline Bullet Cufflinks
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
Striking in form and rich in symbolism, these absolutely one-of-a-kind cufflinks are a masterful blend of nature’s artistry and human design. A matched pair of naturally bi-color Bra...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Baraka Square Shape Lapis Lazuli Cufflinks 18K White Gold and Rose Gold
By Barakà
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Baraka cufflinks feature square shape Lapis Lazuli stone encased in 18K white gold with rose gold accents. Size: 7.5mm x 7.5mm. Total weight: 13.75 grams. Condition: D...
Lapis Lazuli, Rose Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Cufflinks with Diamonds and Malachite or Black Wood or White Shell
Located in Hong Kong, HK
It's one of a kind Cufflinks. All parts are moving like a real gun. Enjoy the unique and special piece. In 18K Rose Gold engraved with F color Diamonds and Malachite natural healing ...
Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond Pave White Pearl Luxury Rocket Bullet 18 Karat Gold Unique Men Cufflinks
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Pave White Pearl Luxury Rocket Bullet 18 Karat Gold Unique Men Cufflinks Natural White Mother of Pearl & Diamonds 0.40 CTW. Available in 18 karat yellow, rose and white gold ...
Diamond, Onyx, Tiger's Eye, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold...
Baraka Lapis Lazuli Square Shape Cufflinks 18K White Gold
By Barakà
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Baraka cufflinks feature a square shape with two ball-shaped Lapis Lazuli stones, studded in each cufflink, crafted in 18K white gold. Size: 15mm. Total weight: 15.89 ...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980S Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Black Dot Tuxedo Cufflinks
Located in Miami, FL
Bright and dazzling highly polished men's cufflinks, with a modern three-black dotted style. Crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold, composed of 6 round-cut, flush set, Black Onyx stone...
Onyx, Yellow Gold
Bullet Tiger's Eye and Diamonds Cufflinks in 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Bullet Tiger's Eye and Diamonds Cufflinks in 18K Gold 53 Round Diamonds - 0.23 2 Tiger's Eye - 10.30 ct 18K Rose Gold - 13.40 gm
Diamond, Tiger's Eye
David Webb Yellow Gold Black Panther Mens Suit Set Cuff Links
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Panthers represent stealth, strength, and awareness. Their eyes are piercing as if they can look right through your soul. These cufflinks are crafted of black enamel over pure 18k ye...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Diamond Bespoke 18 Kt White Gold Rectangular Engraved Modern Hasbani Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
We believe in creating your own unique look by creating your own style. These cufflinks are completely bespoke and exquisite for the discerning gentleman. Expertly hand crafted in s...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald...
18K Rose White Gold Made in Italy Protective Talisman Infinite Life Cufflinks
Located in Milan, IT
18K Rose White Gold Made in Italy Protective Talisman Infinite Life Cufflinks. The Infinite Life cufflinks are made of 18 karat rose and white gold. The powerful symbols of Infinite ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18k Made in Italy Grounding and Cosmic Design Talisman Rose White Gold Cufflinks
Located in Milan, IT
The Gemini Essence cufflinks are made of 18 karat rose and white gold. They measure 23.3*11.7 millimeters. The total weight of the cufflinks is 11.1 grams. The two equal elements re...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Square Gear Cufflinks Black Gunmetal Plated
By Tateossian
Located in Fulham business exchange, London
Decorate your sleeve with our most iconic cufflinks collection. Inspired by mechanical watch movements, this timeless square shape frames in 5 individu...
Brass
Rectangle Cable Meteorite Cufflinks in Silver with 18 Karat Gold Limited Edition
By Tateossian
Located in Fulham business exchange, London
Showcase your unique sense of style in these limited edition rectangular cufflinks. Rare natural meteorite forms an unusual centrepiece – each Gibeon meteorite...
18k Gold, Silver
Black Enamel and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Frog Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
These distinctive cufflinks are masterfully crafted in 18 carat white gold and designed as charming, stylised frogs, finely detailed and full of character. Each figure is shaped wit...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$1,950 / set
2.63 Carat Opal Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with 2.63 carats opal doublets and .5 carats of pave diamonds in blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS st...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,700 / item
Geode Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with natural geodes and .50 carats of pave diamonds in black rhodium. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to ...
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,650 / item
Diamond Square Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with .30 carats of diamonds with two tone finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$1,850
Diamond Turtle Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with .66 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Meghna Jewe...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$2,500 / item
1.13 Carat Black and White Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with 1.13 carats black & white diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive ...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Sterling Silver
$1,250 / item
1.3 Carat Pearl Diamond Cufflinks
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these cuff links are hand set with 1.3 carats pearl and .6 carats of pave diamonds in blackened finish. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,790 / item
Diamond Lion Enamel Cuff links
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from sterling silver, these enamel cuff links are hand set with .58 carats of pave diamonds with hand painted miniature art. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEW...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Black Diamond Square SG 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Monogram Stud Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your formal attire with these Bespoke Initial Men's Cufflinks, designed for those who value sophistication and personal style. Crafted from luxurious 14k white gold and featu...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Round Spiral Greek Circle of Life Debossed Cufflinks Handcrafted 14Kt White Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Circe of Life or the Spiral Greek key round cufflinks handcrafted in 14Kt white gold. This Spiral pattern of the cufflinks adds a modern edge to this w...
White Gold
Square Cufflinks with Rhombus Black Onyx Centre in 14Kt Yellow Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Square cufflinks handcrafted in 14Kt yellow gold featuring a rhombus black onyx centre. The black and gold colour combination captures the eternal spirit of fashion with timeless sop...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Square Cufflinks with Rhombus Black Onyx & Brilliant Diamonds 14Kt Yellow Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Square cufflinks handcrafted in 14Kt yellow gold featuring a rhombus black onyx centre and brilliant cut diamonds. The brilliant diamonds and the black onyx create a mesmerising play...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Lucien Piccard Coin Black Spinel Cufflinks
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k Yellow Gold Lucien Piccard Coin Black Spinel Cufflinks These stunning Lucien Piccard Spinel Cufflinks is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Brand: Lucien Piccard Type...
Spinel, Black Spinel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baraka Lapis Lazuli Square Shape Cufflinks 18K White Gold and Rose Gold
By Barakà
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Baraka cufflinks feature square shape Lapis Lazuli stone encased in 18K white gold with rose gold accents. Size: 7.5mm x 7.5mm. Total weight: 12.39 grams. Condition: D...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Baraka White Mother Of Pearl Cufflinks 18K White Gold & Rose Gold
By Barakà
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Baraka cufflinks feature white Mother of Pearl encased in 18K white gold with rose gold accents. Size: 18mm x 9mm. Total weight: 10.62 grams. Display Model. Unworn con...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Baraka Round Shape Cufflinks 18K White Gold and Rose Gold
By Barakà
Located in New York, NY
These stunning Baraka cufflinks feature round shape crafted in 18K white gold with rose gold screw accents. Diameter: 15mm. Total weight: 11.23 grams. Unworn condition. Made in Italy...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18K Gold & Diamonds & Onyx Button Cufflinks
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Cufflink with Onyx and Diamonds. Only 1 Pair. 8 DIAMONDS - 0.16 CT 2 ONYX - 6.12 CT 18K Yellow Gold - 13.88 GM Onyx is a stone that offers up powerful vibrations of protection,...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Pave Green Malachite Luxury Rocket Bullet 18 Karat Gold Men Cufflinks
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Pave Green Malachite Luxury Rocket Bullet 18 Karat Gold Men Cufflinks Natural Black Onyx & Diamonds 0.40 CTW. Available in 18 karat yellow, rose and white gold alloys. Made to Order - Around 4-6 Weeks to Completion. Luxury Cufflinks...
Diamond, Onyx, Tiger's Eye, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White ...
Diamond Pave Black Onyx Luxury Rocket Bullet 18 Karat Gold Unique Mens Cufflinks
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Pave Black Onyx Luxury Rocket Bullet 18 Karat Gold Unique Mens Cufflinks Natural Black Onyx & Diamonds 0.40 CTW. Available in 18 karat yellow, rose and white gold alloys. M...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold