Bijoux Num Clover
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Quartz, Topaz, Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver, Platinum, Rhodium
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Bangles
Zircon, Platinum, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
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2010s Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Israeli Art Deco Chain Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Unknown Bangles
Zircon, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stud Earrings
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Bangles
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Chinese Art Deco Hoop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Italian Renaissance Bangles
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Italian Modern Stud Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Stud Earrings
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Bangles
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Thai Contemporary Stud Earrings
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s Thai Art Deco Drop Earrings
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, Enamel
2010s American Stud Earrings
Blue Topaz, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Turkish Retro Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Other, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Bangles
Quartz, Rhodium, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s American Clip-on Earrings
Gold Plate, Rhodium
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Malachite, Platinum, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Bangles
Other, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Bracelets
Rhodium, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Topaz, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Vermeil, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Other, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Bangles
Zircon, 18k Gold, Vermeil, 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.