Large Centerstone Diamond Necklace
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Blue Topaz, Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary European Artisan Dangle Earrings
Amethyst, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Amethyst, Topaz, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Aquamarine
20th Century Charm Bracelets
Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s American More Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
Antique 1860s American High Victorian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s Thai Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose ...
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Bangles
Aquamarine, 22k Gold, 24k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Thai Art Deco Drop Earrings
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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 drop-necklaces for You
Also called Y necklaces as they are designed to hang a certain way, vintage drop necklaces are striking and adaptable. They can enhance everything from a casual sweater-and-jeans combo to an elegant heels-and-evening-dress pairing.
Adornment is an ancient human practice, with archeologists identifying early jewelry made from bones, claws and shells. As technology has advanced, so too have jewelry designs and the design of necklaces, from the simple to the intricate.
Drop necklaces come from lariat-style necklaces, which are chain necklaces that end in a tassel or pendant. A drop necklace’s design, meanwhile, is long with open ends, and it usually does not have a clasp. It consists of a single chain that wraps around the neck and a centerpiece — sometimes featuring a diamond or pearls — that hangs down to the middle of the chest. Drop necklaces frequently come in lengths from 16 to 20 inches, with the vertical lines making them appear longer than other necklaces of the same length.
Drop necklaces are extremely versatile, able to be worn knotted, draped or looped. They can be chunky statement pieces or thin, minimal designs. The range of drop necklaces that can be found on 1stDibs can accentuate the plunging necklines of modern looks or add flair to a basic ensemble.