Fei Liu Rose Quartz
2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium, Gold
2010s Unknown Modern Drop Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Loose Gemstones
Aquamarine
Vintage 1950s French Brooches
Mixed Metal
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Emerald, Pearl, Peridot, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Austrian Romantic Brooches
Crystal, Base Metal
Vintage 1950s French Artist Brooches
Mixed Metal
20th Century European Edwardian Brooches
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1860s French Brooches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow G...
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Quartz, White Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Dangle Earrings
White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold,...
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold,...
2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose 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.