Cabouchon Tanzanite
2010s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary More Bracelets
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Tanzanite, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Dome Rings
Tanzanite, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Tanzanite, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
People Also Browsed
20th Century More Rings
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Jade, Diamond, Platinum
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary More Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Asian Bangles
Jade
Vintage 1980s Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s French Drop Earrings
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 1980s American Band Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Unknown Gothic Revival Dome Rings
Star Sapphire, 10k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century French Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1870s French Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
20th Century Fashion Rings
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Choker Necklaces
Sapphire, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Recent Sales
2010s Italian Arts and Crafts Solitaire Rings
Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Chain Bracelets
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.