Chiampesan On Sale
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold
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20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
1990s Contemporary Link Bracelets
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Chain Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s American Beaded Bracelets
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Early 2000s Beaded Bracelets
Emerald, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Retro Retro Bracelets
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Italian Modernist Bangles
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Artisan Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s Italian Modern Link Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Link Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century American Modern Beaded Bracelets
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Unknown Bangles
Tiger's Eye, 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.
Finding the Right beaded-bracelets for You
From the dazzling glass and shellwork jewelry favored by the Roman gentry to traditional Buddhist ceremonial mala, antique and vintage beaded bracelets have a storied history that spans centuries. These simple yet elegant accessories have held many different meanings in many different cultures.
The ancient Egyptians wore beaded bracelets whose symbolism was connected to specific colors of stones. The rosaries of Catholicism likewise infused sacred meaning in each bead. Native Americans used beads made from whelk and clamshells, known as wampum, as a form of money.
Craftsmanship, materials and design have all contributed to making the beaded bracelet an object of importance and value. Today, wearing a beaded bracelet is a subtle way to make a bold statement. These all-occasion items pair perfectly with both casual and formal attire and never look out of place, no matter whose wrists they’re adorning.
Browse the 1stDibs collection of beaded bracelets — and other types of bracelets — to explore the variety and beauty of these unique pieces that reflect an ever-evolving form of jewelry.