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.
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Jewelry
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Lapis Lazuli, Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Aquamarine, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Jewelry
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Iolite, Amethyst, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Aquamarine, Pearl, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Amethyst, Diamond, Labradorite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Si...
21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Jewelry
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Blue Topaz, Fluorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Amethyst, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Amethyst, Cat’s Eye, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Amethyst, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Jewelry
Diamond, 14k Gold
1960s American Vintage Contemporary Jewelry
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Jewelry
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s American Vintage Contemporary Jewelry
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century English Contemporary Jewelry
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Jewelry
Sterling Silver
1980s German Vintage Contemporary Jewelry
Gold Plate
Late 20th Century Austrian Contemporary Jewelry
Crystal, Gold Plate
1830s English Antique Contemporary Jewelry
Turquoise, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Jewelry
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Jewelry
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
