Alexander Mcqueen Catwalk
1990s Evening Dresses
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Black and White, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment
2010s Contemporary Color Photography
Color, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Black and White, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment
People Also Browsed
1990s British Corsages
1970s French Blouses
1910s Camisoles and Shell Tops
1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1990s Belgian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
1890s French Coats
1950s Italian Heels
1980s British Jackets
Early 2000s Italian Choker Necklaces
1980s French Skirt Suits
1990s Italian Jackets
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Contemporary Art
Hardwood, Paint
Early 2000s Italian Shirts
Early 2000s Italian Blouses and Tops
1990s Italian Coats
Recent Sales
2010s Italian Fur Puffer Coats
2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Hoop Earrings
White Diamond, Silver
2010s British Contemporary Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Enamel, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Sterlin...
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, Silver
2010s British Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Silver
2010s British Drop Earrings
2010s British Contemporary Chain Bracelets
White Diamond, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Bangles
Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Bangles
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Bangles
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Bangles
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s British Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Chain Bracelets
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, White Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Sterlin...
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Chain Bracelets
White Diamond, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Earrings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Chain Bracelets
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, White Diamond, Enamel, Rose Gold, Silver, Ste...
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Enamel, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, White Diamond, Sterling Silver
2010s British Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Chain Bracelets
White Diamond, Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver, Vermeil, 18k Gold, Rose...
2010s British Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
2010s Indian Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Labradorite, Quartz
21st Century and Contemporary Color Photography
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Jackets
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
1990s Coats and Outerwear
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Vests
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Clothing
21st Century and Contemporary Clothing
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Earrings
18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Spinel, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Earrings
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Earrings
Onyx, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Stud Earrings
Freshwater Pearl, Spinel, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Modern Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Hoop Earrings
Freshwater Pearl, White Diamond, Sterling 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.