Octopus And Woman
2010s Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Black Diamond, Silver
2010s Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Black Diamond, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
People Also Browsed
2010s Thai Contemporary Stud Earrings
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Mexican Modern Modern Bracelets
Silver, Sterling Silver, Copper, Mixed Metal
1990s American Egyptian Revival Dangle Earrings
Citrine, Coral, Gold Plate
Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Brooches
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Mexican Artisan Cuff Bracelets
Silver, Brass
Vintage 1970s Beaded Necklaces
Coral
Antique 19th Century Unknown Beaded Bracelets
Sterling Silver
20th Century Unknown Link Bracelets
Sterling Silver
2010s Victorian Choker Necklaces
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Scarves
Vintage 1950s Mexican Modern Cuff Bracelets
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Mexican Link Bracelets
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century American Cuff Bracelets
2010s Indian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sterling Silver
20th Century Bangles
Sterling Silver, Brass
Vintage 1960s Italian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Coral, Gold Plate
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21st Century and Contemporary Danish Artist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Spinel, 18k Gold
2010s Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Black Diamond, Silver
2010s Contemporary Bangles
Ruby, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Bangles
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Ruby, Silver
2010s Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Black Diamond, Silver
2010s Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Black Diamond, Silver
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 cuff-bracelets for You
There is no shortage of iconic bracelet designs out there: Cartier’s Love bracelet, the widely admired Panthère, the Croisillon bracelet crafted by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., to name a few. And while you don’t necessarily need one of history’s most coveted versions of this accessory, you’re likely going to want at least a reliable collection of vintage cuff bracelets in your jewelry box.
Cuff bracelets are fashion staples. This stylish go-to — a rigid bracelet, open or outfitted with a clasp that snaps shut, understated and unadorned or enameled and flecked with gemstones — goes back thousands of years.
Cuffs were worn by Greek and Roman soldiers as they headed into battle as well as by the men and women of Ancient Egypt as statement-making jewelry. In ancient China, jade was considered the most precious of stones, and a jade cuff bracelet or bangle was associated with purity and goodness. Jewelers also employed jade, as well as coral and lapis lazuli, during the Art Deco period, finding inspiration in all kinds of influences and frequently working geometric motifs into their Art Deco cuff bracelets.
Today, people love how a bejeweled cuff bracelet elevates a simple jeans-and-T-shirt ensemble or that a minimalist one pairs with formal wear so well. Indeed, it’s a fine finishing touch whether you’re dining with friends in your neighborhood or pairing your silver or gold cuff with an elegant evening dress on the red carpet.
On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of vintage cuff bracelets today.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The fit of a woman's blazer is really a matter of preference. While some prefer an oversized look, others may opt for a more fitted style. Fitted blazers will sit squarely on one's natural shoulder and will button without bunching or wrinkling.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Opera singer Natalina ‘Lina’ Cavalieri is the face that inspired Piero Fornasetti throughout his artistic career, from his plates to wallpaper and more. Lina Cavalieri was known as the most beautiful woman in the world during her lifetime from 1874-1944. It was eight years after Cavalieri’s death that Fornasetti came across her image in a magazine and was thereby inspired to replicate it repetitively. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Fornasetti plates from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024What pearls symbolize on a woman is a matter of personal belief. To some, pearls symbolize purity and innocence. Other people associate them with sincerity and honesty or the concept of new beginnings. Keep in mind that many women sport pearls simply because they like how they look rather than because they wish to send a specific message. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of pearl jewelry.
- What is a woman's hat called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Women's hats are just called hats. There is a wide variety of types of hats that women wear. One of which is a fascinator — tiny, elaborate hats that are clipped to the wearer's head. A fascinator is worn on occasions where hats are customary, sometimes serving as an evening accessory (these are also referred to as cocktail hats). Shop a range of women's hats on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Patrick Nagel illustrated the “Nagel woman,” a woman drawn from the inspiration of the women in his life. While the “Nagel woman” is no one person specifically, she tends to have black hair and white skin, reflecting Japanese art influence. Shop a collection of Patrick Nagel artwork on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, a woman can just wear a wedding band, whether for personal preference, comfort or style. In some cases, a woman may choose not to receive or wear an engagement ring. Others may stop wearing an engagement ring after their wedding day. There are no rules regarding wedding jewelry, so do what feels best for you. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of wedding bands.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Yes, you can wear a coat over a blazer as a woman. In fact, many women choose to layer coats over blazers when the weather gets cold. For a balanced look, choose a coat that is at least a few inches longer than your blazer. Shop a diverse assortment of coats and blazers for women on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023The average necklace length for a woman is around 18 inches. Pieces of this length are known as princess-length necklaces. Women's necklaces are also available in shorter lengths, like the 12- to 14-inch collar and the 14- to 16-inch choker. Longer lengths include the 20- to 25-inch matinee, the 26- to 36-inch opera and the rope, which is 37 inches or longer. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023The average necklace size for a woman is 18 inches. Necklaces of this length are princess-length or princess necklaces, and they typically fall right at the collarbone, so they can work well with many types of necklines. Princess-length necklaces are also a popular choice for pendant necklaces due to this length. Shop a wide range of necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024There are no rules about whether or not a woman's wedding band should have diamonds. Many wedding bands feature solitaire diamonds, rows of diamonds or diamonds that run all the way along their surfaces. However, women can also choose wedding bands that feature a different type of gemstone or none at all. Any ring that appeals to you can serve as your wedding band. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023How long a necklace should be for a plus-size woman depends on what she intends to wear. Generally, 20- to 25-inch matinee-length necklaces are flattering options. However, a necklace should hit just above or below the neckline of tops and dresses. Depending on the style of garment with which you're accessorizing, you may want a longer necklace, like a 26- to 36-inch opera length, or a shorter 18-inch princess length. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Short necklaces are typically best for petite women who are 5'3'' tall or shorter. Chokers that are around 16 inches long are often flattering. Princess necklaces that are 17 or 18 inches long are another popular option for petite women. However, the length of a necklace is always a matter of personal preference and style. Explore a large collection of necklaces from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024No, a 20-inch necklace isn't too long for a woman. Called matinee length, the 20-inch necklace will usually fall below the collarbone and can be an attractive option for work or casual occasions. People with short necks may actually prefer this length because it helps to visually elongate the neckline. A 20-inch necklace can also be a good choice for creating layered necklace effects. Find a wide variety of necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Roy Lichtenstein did not paint Wonder Woman. However, other artists depicted the character in his style. Lichtenstein did use comic books for inspiration. For example, the 1962 issue of “All-American Men of War” from DC Comics was the source for his painting Whaam! Find a collection of Roy Lichtenstein art on 1stDibs.