Margherita Burgener Pierced Earrings
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Chalcedony, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
18k Gold, Titanium, Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Stud Earrings
Tourmaline, Diamond, Rubelite, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Titanium
2010s Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Amethyst, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Bridal Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century Modern Link Bracelets
Sterling Silver
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1990s French Wrist Watches
Silver, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century British Contemporary Charm Bracelets
Agate, Carnelian, 9k Gold, Silver, Pinchbeck
2010s French Contemporary More Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Indian Modern Drop Earrings
Brown Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clamper Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Wrist Watches
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Bangles
Yellow Gold
2010s Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Emerald, Silver
Vintage 1960s French Drop Earrings
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Late 20th Century French Artist Link Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Platinum
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Zircon, Gold, 18k Gold, Titanium
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k G...
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Titanium
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Titanium, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Citrine, Diamond, Quartz, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Titanium, Rose Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Titanium, Gold, 18k 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.
Finding the Right clip-on-earrings for You
Crafted to match every color palette, mood or whim, a luxurious pair of vintage clip-on earrings, like any pair of earrings, goes a long way toward completing a look and contributing to the rich form of self-expression that is accessorizing with your favorite jewelry.
Everyone loves a glamorous pair of earrings, but not everyone wants their ears pierced. That’s where a dazzling pair of clip-ons comes in.
Wearing earrings goes back thousands of years, but ear piercing didn’t really become popular in the United States until the 1950s and ’60s. Over the years, jewelry designers have endeavored to create all kinds of clip-on earrings to provide jewelry lovers with a way to express themselves by wearing their favorite adornments without having to undergo the piercing process.
Whether it’s the extravagant diamond clip-on drop earrings or chandelier earrings that flappers donned during Art Deco’s heyday — short hair was in style during the era, so women favored big, bold earrings — or if subdued pearl earrings, platinum earrings (a particularly versatile choice) or a contemporary variety is your thing, clip-on earrings have been made in all kinds of styles over the years.
Clip-on earrings continue to be a comfortable alternative to the traditional iteration, and these accessories are as stylish and adaptable to both casual and formal wear as they’ve ever been.
Explore a vast range of vintage clip-on earrings on 1stDibs now, and find the perfect pair for any ensemble. Our collection includes striking clip-on earrings by David Webb, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and others.