Susan Berman On Sale
1990s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Citrine, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1970s Retro Fashion Rings
Topaz, Peridot, Iolite, Garnet, White Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Rose ...
Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1950s American Modern Clip-on Earrings
Mid-20th Century Modernist Cluster Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings
Vintage 1960s American Modern Choker Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Topaz, Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings
Garnet, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Sterling Silver
Antique 1870s American Brooches
Topaz, 10k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Beryl, Aquamarine, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
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.