Caribbean Conch Beads
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Hoop Earrings
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro More Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1980s American Brooches
20th Century Central American Belle Époque More Necklaces
Gold Plate
2010s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s American Egyptian Revival Beaded Bracelets
Gold Plate
Late 20th Century Cluster Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Charm Bracelets
Sterling Silver
20th Century Brooches
Gold Plate
20th Century Spanish Retro Brooches
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Rings
Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings
Crystal
2010s American Modern Brooches
Crystal
20th Century Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Gold, Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Bahamian Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Onyx
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Other, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary More Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Bahamian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Pearl, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 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.