Susan Berman On Sale
1990s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Citrine, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Retro Fashion Rings
Topaz, Peridot, Iolite, Garnet, White Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Rose ...
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Clip-on Earrings
Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1820s English Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s American Modern Clip-on Earrings
Antique 1870s American Brooches
Topaz, 10k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Beryl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings
Vintage 1960s American Modern Choker Necklaces
Vintage 1960s American Native American Cuff Bracelets
Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Solitaire Rings
Topaz, 10k Gold
Vintage 1940s American Baroque Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
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.