3 Wise Monkey Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Cufflinks
Agate, Chalcedony, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Cufflinks
Agate, Chalcedony, Sterling Silver
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Jewelry Boxes
Wood, Leather
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stud Earrings
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Austrian More Bracelets
Gold Plate, Enamel
Late 20th Century French Scarves
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Jade, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Contemporary Stud Earrings
Garnet, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Topaz, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Dome Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1870s British Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s American Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 2000s French Scarves
2010s American Artist Cocktail Rings
Cat’s Eye, Moonstone, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Scarves
Vintage 1950s Choker Necklaces
Sapphire, White Gold
20th Century American Modern Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1980s French Sunglasses
3 Wise Monkey Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs
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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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