Shell Silverstein
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Multi-gemstone, Coral, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Onyx, Opal, Fire Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Lapis Lazuli, Freshwater Pearl, 22k Gold, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Jasper, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise, Opal, Sterling Silver
1980s Modern Color Photography
Archival Pigment
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s French Beaded Necklaces
Vintage 1960s American Native American Solitaire Rings
Coral, Sterling Silver
2010s American Native American Solitaire Rings
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Moonstone, Zircon, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Modern Brooches
14k Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold
Vintage 1930s European Beaded Necklaces
Amber, 9k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modern Cuff Bracelets
Amethyst, Carnelian, Garnet, Opal, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
2010s Modern Pendant Necklaces
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Quartz
Early 20th Century American Native American Dangle Earrings
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Cultured Pearl, Quartz, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century American Native American Cuff Bracelets
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Freshwater Pearl, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Pearl, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Spinel, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
Shell Silverstein For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Shell Silverstein?
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.