Christophe Graber
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Artist Solitaire Rings
Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
2010s Swiss Contemporary Signet Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Fashion Rings
Garnet, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Modern Signet Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s American Post-War Cocktail Rings
Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k...
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Pearl, South Sea Pearl
20th Century American Modern Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches
Multi-gemstone, Purple Sapphire, Tsavorite, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphi...
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Choker Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Band Rings
Lapis Lazuli, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s North American Artisan Choker Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Early 2000s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s French Retro Signet Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Jade, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s European Signet Rings
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k 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.
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