Goshwara Pink Tourmaline And Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
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2010s French Band Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold
Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings
Emerald, Onyx, Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Hoop Earrings
Emerald, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Amazonite, Amber, Gold Plate
2010s French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, White Gold
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Diamond, Emerald
Late 20th Century French Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Lebanese Brooches
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1950s French Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 19th Century Beaded Necklaces
Amber
1990s French Link Necklaces
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Band Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artist Hoop Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 1930s American Bangles
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
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21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Tourmaline, 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.