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1990s British Contemporary Desk Accessories
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
White Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Retro Brooches
Ruby, Citrine, 14k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold
2010s British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Purple Sapphire, Paraiba, Tourmaline, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Amethyst, ...
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Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18th Century Swiss Flatware and Serving Pieces
Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Early 1900s Russian Pocket Watches
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
2010s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Italian Scarves
Late 20th Century French Band Rings
18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
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14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Vanity Items
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Artisan More Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
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18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century American Modern Clip-on Earrings
21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Jade, Gold
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21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Boxes and Cases
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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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.
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