Asian Design London Blue Topaz Design
2010s Asian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Opal, Topaz, Sterling Silver
2010s Asian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Topaz, Sterling Silver
2010s Asian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Opal, Topaz, Sterling Silver
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20th Century Chinese Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Renaissance Revival Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s More Jewelry
1990s More Jewelry
Vintage 1920s Unknown Link Necklaces
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Late 20th Century More Jewelry
Vintage 1950s More Jewelry
Vintage 1950s American More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century More Jewelry
Antique 1820s Unknown More Jewelry
Silver
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Brooches
Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k 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.