Broken River Mining
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
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Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chain Necklaces
Gold, Silver
Antique 19th Century Austrian Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Amethyst, Garnet, Turquoise, Silver, Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Topaz, Tourmaline, Peridot, Garnet, Diamond, Citrine, Amethyst, Yellow G...
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Hoop Earrings
22k Gold, Silver, Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Tourmaline, Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Turquoise, Tanzanite, Opal, Moonsto...
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Romantic Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Bangles
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s French Retro Link Bracelets
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French More Necklaces
Gold
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s American Victorian Drop Necklaces
Gold-filled
Recent Sales
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Close Look at contemporary Jewelry
Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry on 1stDibs.