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.
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
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
10K Yellow Gold Scissors Charm/Pendant - Signed - Canada - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, CA
10K solid yellow gold 'scissors' charm - signed (AKB - ARMANDOR) - Canada - late 20th century. Excellent pre-owned condition - un-soldered bail - no loss - no damage - no repairs - ...
Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Charm Chain Link Brace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Heart Tag Charm Chain Link Bracelet Metal: Stelring silver 925 Weight: 33.79 grams Length: 7 inches Charm: 20mm Retail: $800 USD OD ...
Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Limited Edition Letterwood 18K Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
An elegant and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet crafted in 18K Rose Gold (Au750), featuring the warm natural beauty of Letterwood. The rich bro...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Guilloche 5 Motif 18K White Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An elegant Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This timeless design features five iconic Alhambra motif...
18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Black Onyx 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This timeless design features five signature Alhambra mo...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Diamond Pave White Gold Bracelet
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An exquisite Vintage Alhambra 5 Motif Bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, expertly crafted in solid 18K white gold. This elegant design features five iconic Alhambra motifs ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 18K Gold & Ruby Set Figural Purse Charm or Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage figural purse charm or pendant. In 18k gold. Bezel-set with 8 round cut rubies. In the form of a purse or lady's handbag that opens with a hinge to the base, a sna...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet With 7 Charms In Stock
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet With 7 Charms Designer: Cartier Style: Charm Bracelet Material: 18k Yellow Gold Charm Details: Features seven charms including an Elephant,...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Salvatore Ferragamo Gilt Metal Shoe Themed Charm Bracelet c 1990s
Located in University City, MO
Salvatore Ferragamo Gilt metal shoe themed charm bracelet c 1990s The stylish bracelet is adorned with a collection of large scale dangling charms Two of...
Cartier Panthere Tsavorite Black Lacquer 18K Yellow Gold Panther Chain Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Panthere chain bracelet by Cartier, expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This elegant design features the Maison's legendary panther motif accented with ...
Tsavorite, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k 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...
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
Vintage 14K Gold & Diamond Figural Airplane Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold charm. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a plane with pave-set diamond accents. With an integral bail and jump ring. Marked to the jump ring. Simply ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet w/ 26 Dimensional Charms, Circa 1950-1965
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful vintage 14K yellow gold charm bracelet was assembled at the midpoint of the twentieth century, and is truly is a testament to a life well lived. A total of twenty six ...
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Cable Link Bracelet with Heart Tag / Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver chain link bracelet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a heart shaped tag or charm. Secured with a lobster clasp closure. Fully marked to the heart....
Sterling Silver
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
Vintage Horse Charm Pendant 14k Yellow Gold Animal Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage horse charm crafted in 14k yellow gold. The sweet charm features a trotting horse set within a circular mount. The piece...
Gold, 14k 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...
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
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
Vintage 14k Gold Pitcher or Wine Ewer with a Pearl Lid Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage 14 karat gold charm for a charm bracelet. In the form of an intricate filigree pitcher or wine ewer with a pearl stopper. A ra...
Pearl, 14k 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
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
David Yurman Sterling Silver & 18K Gold Charm Bracelet with Assorted Charms
By David Yurman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver charm bracelet. By David Yurman. In sterling silver with 18 karat gold elements. Comprised of a Figaro style chain with a ribbon bow charm, a smiling sun cha...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$628Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold Minimalist Unique Biamond Layering Bracelet Diamond Cluster Bracelet
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Cluster Bracelet / Bezel set diamond bracelet / Gold Minimalist bracelet / Unique diamond layering bracelet / Real natural diamond bracelet C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Aaron Basha 18k Gold Ladybug Charm with Diamonds, Italian Design
By Aaron Basha
Located in Sewickley, PA
This delightful Aaron Basha baby shoe charm is timeless. Crafted in rich 18k yellow gold, the design features blue enamel detailing accented with a sparkling diamond bow. Playfully d...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Asch Grossbardt 1980's Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Abstract Bottle Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a yellow gold bottle shaped form inlaid with various gemstones throughout Comprised of lapis lazuli, onyx, mother-of-pearl, amethyst, malachite, carnelian, and coral Blue...
Amethyst, Carnelian, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, ...
$754Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Gold Open Heart Diamond Bracelet Gold Diamond Valentines Bracelet
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Open heart diamond bracelet / 14k Gold / Gold diamond bracelet / Real natural diamond bracelet / Everyday wear diamond jewelry / Valentines jewelry Mini diamond heart, Tiny heart diamond, best friend jewelry, 14k heart link, Diamond heart charm, fancy bracelet, Gift for her, bridal bracelet...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold 1/10 Cttw Diamond Paperclip Charm Adjustable Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Infuse your ensemble with a sprinkle of shimmering elegance with this exquisite 10K yellow gold bracelet, masterfully crafted to embrace the whimsical allure of a chic paperclip char...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver & Enamel Star Padlock Necklace Pendant or Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed silver charm or pendant for a necklace. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a padlock with a blue enamel star to its center. Marked to the base. S...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Seal Charm Bracelet Circa 1890s-1990s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A charming bracelet from the late 20th century featuring gold seals from the Victorian era. This curb link padlock bracelet holds fifteen unique seals of various gold carat, gemstone...
Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Citrine, Onyx, Quartz, Turquoise
$1,886Sale Price|20% Off
Customized Gold Diamond Bracelet 18 Karat, Letters, Symbols, of Your Choice
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Gold Bracelet 18 K Single or Double chain Also possible to make as a Ring, Necklace,Earrings or Pendant Please send us a message and we will make 3D visualisations of your ideas. (co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gol...
Robert Lee Morris Runway Collection Large Gold Charm Bracelet for Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
Robert Lee Morris Runway Collection Large Gold Charm Bracelet for Donna Karan, for a resort show in 1987. The oversized Gold plated beads are...
Other, Gold Plate, Brass
$615Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold 0.12 Ct Diamond Initial Bracelet
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Beautiful and elegant, this Initial bracelet is made with pure gold and consists of genuine and natural diamonds. This bracelet can be personalized in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$479Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist Pear Cut Multi Sapphire Chain Bracelet in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Minimalist Pear Cut Sapphire Chain Bracelet in 18K Gold showcases 5 endlessly sparkling natural multi sapphire, weighing 2.98 carats. It measures 7.25 inches long in length. Sa...
Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 1...
Pandora 14k Solid Yellow Gold 6 Charm Diamond Heart Bracelet
By Pandora
Located in Honolulu, HI
Solid 14k gold Pandora charm bracelet with 6 bead charms. Weighs 30.4 grams. Bracelet circumference is about 7.07". Inside diameter is about 2.25" Diamond Count: 2 diamonds on the ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$592Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Gold Evil Eye Diamond Bracelet with Sapphire
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gold Evil eye Diamond bracelet with Sapphire / 14K Solid Gold / Dainty minimalist bracelet / Everyday wear gold bracelet. 14K Solid gold, adjustable chain, Pave set, Birthday Hanukk...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ladies Heavy 14K Gold Charm Bracelet
Located in Bradenton, FL
This heavy vintage 1960's ladies 14K gold charm bracelet is embellished with four (4) various unique charms. The double link 7" long gold bracelet has a snap in lock with a safety ho...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$661Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold Evil Eye Diamond Bracelet with Sapphire
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gold Evil eye Diamond bracelet with Sapphire / 18K Solid gold / Dainty minimalist bracelet / Everyday wear gold bracelet. 18K Solid gold, adjustable chain, Pave set, Birthday Hanuk...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Coral Flower Carving Bracelet, Modern Design, Netherlands
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold bracelet with coral flower carvings - 19.5 cm long Detailed description The bracelet is 19.5 cm long and max. wide is 2.8 cm wide. Total weight: 42.9 grams Set with: - ...
Coral, 14k Gold
Mid-Century 10k Gold Kangaroo Charm for a Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage charm for a charm bracelet. In 10 karat yellow gold. In the form of a kangaroo. With an integral bail and jump ring to the back. Simply a wonderful charm! (Chain...
10k Gold
Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Stone Charm Bracelet 1984 One of a Kind
Located in New York, NY
Robert Lee Morris Wabi Sabi Stone Charm Bracelet made in 1984 is a One of a Kind. It is a blend of vintage African trading beads, made of a...
Agate, Multi-gemstone, Quartz, Turquoise, Gold Plate, Brass
$696Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold 0.27 Ct Diamond Libra Zodiac bracelet with Ruby Emerald Sapphire stone
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Libra Diamond Bracelet is meant to represent you. This Zodiac sign bracelet comes with a birthstone of your choice- Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald. Our collection of zodiac jewelry includes this stunning Diamond Libra...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
$5,500Sale Price / item|20% Off
Baguette Diamond Charm Bracelet in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Baguette Diamond Charm Bracelet in 18K gold showcases sparkling natural diamonds, weighing 0.94 carats. April birthstone diamond brings love, fame, success and prosperity. Desi...
Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Roberto Coin 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Snaffle Horse-Bit Charm Pendant
By Roberto Coin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic Roberto Coin diamond horse-bit charm pendant is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a classic snaffle horse-bit design accented with a sparkling diamond. Ele...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Five Charm Santos Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An authentic Cartier charm bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, composed of a classic Santos-style link bracelet adorned with five detachable charms. The bracelet measures 6.5 i...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Asch Grossbardt 1980's Diamond Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Moon Inlay Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a yellow gold bottle shaped form inlaid with various gemstones throughout Comprised of lapis lazuli, onyx, mother-of-pearl, amethyst, malachite, carnelian, and coral Blue...
Amethyst, Carnelian, Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Pear...
Dolce & Gabbana Gold-Tone Vintage Chunky Multi-Charm Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Striking vintage Dolce & Gabbana chunky bracelet crafted in a rich gold-tone finish, featuring an eclectic mix of signature charms including a heart, red roses, perfume bottle, lipst...
Mixed Metal, Steel
Retro 14k Gold & Multi-Gemstone Piano Charm or Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage figural piano gold charm for a charm bracelet. In 14k gold. Set with pearls as piano keys, and decorated throughout with applied gold...
Coral, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold
$668Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold 0.27 Ct Diamond Leo Zodiac bracelet with Ruby Emerald Sapphire stone
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Leo Diamond Bracelet is meant to represent you. This Zodiac sign bracelet comes with a birthstone of your choice- Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald. Our collection of zodiac jewelry in...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
Louis Vuitton 18K Yellow Gold 8 Charm Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A rare and captivating Louis Vuitton charm bracelet crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, designed with eight detailed signature charms inspired by the house’s legendary world of travel ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$512Sale Price|20% Off
Christian Dior Silver Charm Bracelet, Modern Figaro Chain, Unisex
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your accessory game with our exquisite Silver Charm Bracelet, a stunning piece crafted from high-quality silver-tone metal. This elegant figaro chain features three unique ch...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Football Charm
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage football charm made of 14 karat yellow gold. The charm features a textured surface that resembles the surface of a football. The item ...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 10k Chain Bracelet with 14k Charms Solid Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry Golf
Located in Greer, SC
Stunning vintage charm bracelet featuring a 10k solid yellow gold chain bracelet accompanied by many 14k solid yellow gold charms. Quite an eye catcher with a variety of charms rangi...
10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Asch Grossbardt 1980's Diamond Multi-Gem 14K Gold Vintage Striped Bottle Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a bottle shaped gold form inlaid with various gemstones throughout Comprised of lapis lazuli, onyx, mother-of-pearl, amethyst, malachite, and coral Blue, iridescent white...
Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 14...
Tiffany & Co Hourglass Charm Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Timer Rock Crystal Pendant
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Tiffany & Co infinity hourglass charm crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The charm is a hard-to-find retired piece and no long...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Heart Chain Link Bracelet 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Diamond Count: 72 brilliant cut diamonds Diamond Carat Weight: 0.35 Diamond Color: G-J Diamond Clarity: SI1-I1 Bracelet Length: ~...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Mings Hawaii Multi Colored Jade Bracelet 14K Yellow Gold
By Ming's Hawaii
Located in Honolulu, HI
Mings Hawaii Multi Colored Jade Bracelet 14K Yellow Gold Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstones: 6 Oval Cabochon Jade Jade Colors: Mustard, ...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold