Multigem Slide Bracelet
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chain Necklaces
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
20th Century Brazilian Artisan Tennis Bracelets
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Onyx, Mixed Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Retro Bracelets
Ruby, Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Coral, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bracelets
Amethyst, Citrine, Multi-gemstone, Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 14k Go...
Late 20th Century Italian Retro Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Late 20th Century Italian Retro Bangles
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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 beaded-bracelets for You
From the dazzling glass and shellwork jewelry favored by the Roman gentry to traditional Buddhist ceremonial mala, antique and vintage beaded bracelets have a storied history that spans centuries. These simple yet elegant accessories have held many different meanings in many different cultures.
The ancient Egyptians wore beaded bracelets whose symbolism was connected to specific colors of stones. The rosaries of Catholicism likewise infused sacred meaning in each bead. Native Americans used beads made from whelk and clamshells, known as wampum, as a form of money.
Craftsmanship, materials and design have all contributed to making the beaded bracelet an object of importance and value. Today, wearing a beaded bracelet is a subtle way to make a bold statement. These all-occasion items pair perfectly with both casual and formal attire and never look out of place, no matter whose wrists they’re adorning.
Browse the 1stDibs collection of beaded bracelets — and other types of bracelets — to explore the variety and beauty of these unique pieces that reflect an ever-evolving form of jewelry.