Tiffany And Co Dragonfly Ring
Early 2000s Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Jade, Tsavorite, Amber, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Brown Diamond, Jade, Tsavorite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century French Band Rings
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Band Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Band Rings
18k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Pendant Necklaces
Silver, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Band Rings
White Gold
Late 20th Century French Modern Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French More Rings
Emerald, Gold
Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s French Brooches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Contemporary Band Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gol...
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century Mexican Contemporary Bangles
Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
Early 2000s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
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.
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