Syna Swallow
2010s Unknown Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Sterling Silver
2010s Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary Drop Earrings
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary Necklace Enhancers
Brown Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Mixed Metal, Yellow Gold, Silver
2010s Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Early 2000s French More Rings
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Brooches
Vintage 1980s Drop Earrings
2010s French Choker Necklaces
18k Gold
20th Century French Cocktail Rings
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century French Cocktail Rings
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s Unknown Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Amethyst, Quartz, 18k Gold, Silver
Recent Sales
2010s Unknown Contemporary Drop Earrings
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
2010s Unknown Contemporary Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
2010s Unknown Contemporary Drop Earrings
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
2010s Unknown Contemporary Modern Bracelets
Brown Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.