Gold Eagle 1926 Coin

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.

Vintage multistrand necklaces add glamour to any outfit and are easy to accessorize with.

One of the oldest known forms of jewelry is the necklace; evidence includes shell beads dating back at least 142,000 years. Multistrand necklaces appeared early in this history, with archaeologists identifying examples from ancient Mesopotamia.

One popular style of multistrand necklace is the torsade necklace, with “torsade” coming from the French word for twist or cable. These necklaces are made by twisting several strands of beads, pearls or other material together and securing them with a clasp. The hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, while Ciner helped popularize the torsade necklace in the 1980s with strands of glass beads often held by animal-head clasps.

The bayadère necklace, also known as the rope necklace, is similar but has only a few strands of pearls or beads that are twisted or braided together. It was particularly popular at the turn of the 20th century, including as a gift for bridesmaids. Sometimes the beads or pearls match; other times, they are multicolored, with accents such as a single tassel or pendant. Another version is the choker-style dog-collar necklace, a multistrand necklace usually between 16 to 18 inches long.

In all of these variations, a multistrand necklace offers a touch of sophistication for your look, from everyday wear to the red carpet. Explore 1stDibs for multistrand necklaces in a range of lengths, styles and materials.