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.
Stunning Double Oval Blue Topaz & Sapphire Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings features a pair of oval sky blue topaz, lab-grown blue sapphire, adorned with round white topaz on the side, handset in platinum rhodium plated sterli...
Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Platinum, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Stunning 12ct Round Briolette Cut Amethyst Hook Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num 12ct Round Briolette Cut Amethyst Vermeil Hook Earrings These stunning pair of earrings features top quality round briolette-cut amethyst (6ct each, 12ct total weight), h...
Topaz, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Solid Opal Cabochons Turkmenistan Green Turquoise Blue Turquoise Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic stud earrings with a pair of Oval Solid Opal Cabs measuring 9 x 11 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold on the top and in the lower parts 2 Turkmenistan Green Turquoise rou...
Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Stunning Triple Oval Turquoise Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings feature sets of oval cabochon-cut turquoise adorned with round simulated diamonds, handset in platinum rhodium plated sterling silver. The turquoise s...
Turquoise, Platinum, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons Baroque White Pearls 14 Karat Yellow Gold Earring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple Chic Earrings with top part made of 2 Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons (11 x 10 mm ) set in 14 Kt yellow from which are attached 2 White Baroque Pearls of 12 mm in diameter In 197...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Ruby Cabochons Yellow Gold Bezel Carved Amethyst Round Drops Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
In these simple chic and handmade stud earrings we have a pair of Oval Ruby cabochons size 10 x 12 mm set in 14 kt solid yellow gold bezel on the top and 2 Natural Amethyst carved r...
Amethyst, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold Single "X" Earring #25281
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Single "X" Earring- This "X" earring by Paloma Picasso is crafted in classic 18K yellow gold in a sleek minimalist design, with Tiffany's timeless mode...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Shape Faceted Amethysts Gold Bezel Engraved Amethyst Drops Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These simple but elegant handmade earrings have 2 faceted Natural Pear Shape Amethysts measuring 7 x 12 mm and weighing 4,55 carats set in yellow gold bezel at the top to which are s...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Long Oval Dangling Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1990's. Stylish long oval dangle earrings. They look great on the ear and are not heavy. In very good condition. Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Measurements: Each earring is approx. ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Small Blue Topaz and Diamond Studs
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.07 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing insp...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby And Blue Sapphire Oval Cabochons Baroque Pearls 14K Gold Diamonds Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
The upper part of these earrings, composed of 2 large ruby cabochons and 2 blue sapphire cabochons, with in the middle 2 small full cut diamonds, supports a pair of white baroque pea...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Sterling Silver Pink Cubic Zirconia Starlit Blossom Stud Earrings For Women
Located in New York, NY
These striking floral stud earrings feature a dazzling cluster of vibrant pink cubic zirconia accented with brilliant clear stones at the center. The mixed shapes are intricately set...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Emma Chapman Sterling Silver Moonstone Rhodolite Garnet Earrings
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These limited edition statement moonstone and garnet earrings have been handmade in our workshops and were launched at London Fashion Week. Stella means star and represents luminos...
Garnet, Moonstone, Silver
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 1.6CT Heart Cut Aquamarine Floral Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 1.6 carat heart cut aquamarine stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and designed in a delicate floral motif. Each earring features a 3 x 4 mm heart shaped a...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Emma Chapman Gold Plated Silver Moonstone Labradorite Dangle Earrings
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These stylish moonstone and labradorite dangle earrings have been handmade in our workshops. They feature hand-cut teardrop shaped moonstone with labradorite drops and are set in st...
Labradorite, Moonstone, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Folie des Prés Diamond Sapphire Tsavorite Suite 18K Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
A magnificent expression of Van Cleef & Arpels’ celebrated floral artistry, this exceptional Folie des Prés jewelry suite captures the beauty of a blossoming spring garden in pre...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Big Size Pear Shape Cream Color Pearls Oval Ruby Cabochon 14 Karat Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic earrings with a pair of Oval Ruby Cabs measuring 8 x 10 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold on the top and in the lower parts 2 big size and excellent luster Cream Color...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mini Hinged Hoop Earrings #25099
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Mini Hinged Hoop Earrings Simple and versatile, these 14k yellow gold mini hoop earrings feature a sleek polished finish and petite silhouette- perfect for everyday ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Textured Drop Earrings #25101
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Textured Drop Earrings These 14k yellow gold textured drop earrings feature a beautifully detailed surface that catches light with every movement. Their elegant drop...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Oversized CC Hoop Earrings in Silver Metal
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Elegant and instantly recognizable, these Chanel-inspired double CC earrings feature the iconic interlocking logo design in a sleek silver-tone finish. The openwork silhouette create...
Stunning 12ct Round Briolette Cut Citrine Hook Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num 12ct Round Briolette Cut Citrine Vermeil Hook Earrings These stunning pair of earrings features top quality round briolette-cut Brazilian citrine (6ct each, 12ct total we...
Citrine, Topaz, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Vine Earrings with Moon Quartz and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon Quartz 7 carats approx. Diamonds 0.30 carat approx. Omega clip-backs & posts Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration from litt...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Faceted Cognac Color Citrine Cream Baroque Pearl Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These simple but elegant and completely handmade earrings have 2 Oval Faceted Natural Cognac Color Citrines measuring 7 x 9 mm set in yellow gold bezel at the top to which are suspe...
Citrine, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Qing Dynasty–Style Enamel Dragon Hoop Earrings Gold toned
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Qing Dynasty–Style Enamel Dragon Hoop Earrings Inspired by the opulence and symbolism of Qing Dynasty imperial artistry, these exquisite earrings feature a coiled dragon motif rende...
Oval Blue Sapphire Cabs 14k Yellow Gold Pear Shape Baroque Pearls Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These elegant and handmade earrings have 2 Oval Blue Sapphire cabs measuring 8 x 10 mm set in a 14 Kt yellow gold bezel with 3 small round pearls of 4mm on 3 sides at the top to whi...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cushion Cut Emerald Bold Icon Studs in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
Making a bold yet refined statement, the Cushion Cut Bold Icon Studs are crafted in 18ct yellow gold, their sculptural talon setting framing the cushion-cut stones with striking clar...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald-cut 12ct Lab Blue Sapphire and Freshwater Pearl Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Bijoux Num 12ct Emerald-cut Lab Blue Sapphire & Freshwater Pearl Earrings. The earrings feature 2 beautiful emerald-cut 12ct lab-grown blue sapphire (6ct each stone) a...
Freshwater Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Platinum, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Wide Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Wide Huggie Hoop Earrings- These wide huggie hoop 18K yellow gold earrings feature a high-polish finish with a substantial, rounded silhouette that hug...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,024Sale Price / item|20% Off
Octagon White Gold Drop Earrings in White Topaz & Blue Topaz
Located in London, GB
The Andalusian-inspired luxury jewellery London designed collection takes inspiration from Hispano-Moorish architectural styles of the enchanting southernmost region of Spain. The ge...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, White Gold
Emma Chapman Lapis Lazuli Flower Earrings in Sterling Silver, New
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These lapis lazuli flower earrings have been handmade in our workshops using the ancient art of stone-carving. Each pair of earrings has exquisite hand-carved lapis flower motif...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Double Link Clip-On Earrings #25060
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold & Emerald Double Link Clip-On Earrings- Bold and sculptural, these authentic Tiffany & Co. earrings feature a distinctive interlocking double link desi...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
My Protectors, Melanie Yazzie, three winged dragonfly, earrings, silver, Navajo
Located in Santa Fe, NM
My Protectors, three-winged dragonfly earrings silver Navajo Melanie Yazzie Melanie A. Yazzie (Navajo-Diné) is a highly regarded multimedia artist known for her printmaking, paintin...
Silver, Sterling Silver
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Geometric Tassel Gold Huggie Drop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a touch of modern movement to your jewelry collection with these striking 14k yellow gold huggie earrings. Featuring a shimmering pave-set diamond hoop, these earrings are unique...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Pearl Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Classic Pearl Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold These 14k yellow gold stud earrings feature softly lustrous pinkish pearls framed by textured rope-style borders. The warm gold settin...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 0.6 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gołd Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two fiery and flashing 5 mm rose cut "Welo mine" Ethiopian opals are surrounded by artisan crafted "large/small twist wire" 18K gold bezels to create these elegant everyday treasures...
Opal, 18k Gold
$530Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver 1.8ct Marquise Cut Emerald & Diamond Navette Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These bold 1.8 Carat marquise cut emerald and diamond stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver. The earrings feature vibrant marquise cut emeralds measuring approximately 10 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$236Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta 22K Gold Petite Floral Earrings with Pink Swarovski Crystals
Located in Santa Monica, CA
These Oscar de la Renta floral earrings are a rare and unusually petite design from the house's celebrated line of luxury costume jewelry. Cast in richly textured 22K gold-plated met...
Mixed Metal, 22k Gold
$323 / item
Sky Blue and Teal Topaz 2 Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A mesmerising duo of gemstones! Our Aurora Collection’s 2 Drop Earrings showcase two of our most beloved stones—Sky Blue Topaz and Teal Topaz. Inspired...
Topaz
Dangle Earring Snake Serpent Silver Chakra Rainbow White Diamond Sapphire
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k Gold Hoop Snake Dangle Earrings Silver Chakra Multi Gemstone Drops Designer J DAUPHIN The "Alignment" dangle earrings feature a pair of long, fluid silver snakes suspended from ...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, Diamon...
$192Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta 22k Gold-Plated Hammered Metal Circle Post Earrings
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta 22k gold-plated hammered metal circle post earrings, created in the early 21st century in the United States. These earrings are crafted from a base metal and richly...
22k Gold, Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass
$323 / item
Peridot and Teal Topaz 2 Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
Our 2 Drop Peridot and Teal Topaz Earrings are stunning! Combining two beautiful gemstones together to create a sensational homage to the Aurora Borealis. ...
Peridot, Topaz, Vermeil
Green Onyx Oval Cabs Gold Engraved Pear Shape Lapis Lazuli Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant and completely handmade Earrings consisting of upper parts of 2 oval shape Green Onyx Cabs measuring 9x11 mm set in a 14 Kt yellow gold bezel , in the lower part we have 2 E...
Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby And Blue Sapphire Oval Cabochons Baroque Pearls 14K Gold Diamonds Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
The upper part of these earrings, composed of 2 large ruby cabochons and 2 blue sapphire cabochons, with in the middle 2 small full cut diamonds, supports a pair of white baroque pea...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Kite-Cut Mother of Pearl and Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Small Drop Earrings
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Inspired by the clean geometry of a kite silhouette, these Nova Small Kite Drop Earrings balance architectural precision with delicate luminosity. Crafted in 18ct white gold, the des...
Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Hoop Earrings Black Enamel Black Diamond
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k Gold Heart Earrings Angel Wing Dangle Black Diamond Silver Drops Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in a 14k gold finish over sterling silver, these dangle earrings feature a design ...
Black Diamond, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel, 14k Gold
White Baroque Pearls Pear Shape Ruby Cabs 14 Kt Yellow Gold Bezel Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
SHIPPING+CUSTOM DUTY ARE PAID BY SELLER These simple chic and handmade stud earrings have a pair of Pear Shape Ruby Cabs measuring 9 x 11 mm and weighing 8,7 carats set in solid 14 ...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18-karat gold-plated Silver - Double Triangle Pearl Earrings
Located in Monrovia, CA
These earrings are crafted from silver, luxuriously plated in 18-karat gold, and adorned with luminous freshwater pearls. Designed with a rotating, repositionable feature, they allow...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, Gold Plate, 18k Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Sapphire Omega Earrings 18K Gold 1.36 Carats VS1
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant pair of Tiffany & Co. Omega earrings crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, showcasing a sophisticated alternating arrangement of brilliant-cut diamonds and vibran...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emma Chapman Silver Gold Plated Pink Opal Ruby Dangle Earrings
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These pink opal and ruby dangle earrings have been handmade in our workshops. The gemstones have been hand-cut into teardrop shapes and are set in sterling silver with gold micron pl...
Opal, Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Platinum Earrings with Rubies, Diamonds & Baroque Pearls - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Platinum earrings featuring rubies, diamonds and baroque pearls. The design juxtaposes the fluidity of natural pearls with the crisp symmetry of diamond‑set platinum and ruby accents...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum
$412Sale Price / item|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Jadeite Stud Earrings, Late 20th Century, Hong Kong
Located in New York, NY
A timeless expression of elegance, this pair of natural jadeite earrings is crafted in warm 14K yellow gold, offering a refined balance of classic luxury and everyday wearability. Th...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Michael Kneebone Turquoise Diamond Mixed Metal Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Turquoise is highlighted in these dramatic dangle earrings. The cabochons are copper bearing turquoise found in Arizona. The are well matched, cut and polished to a lustrous finish...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold Olive Leaf Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A delicate and wearable pair of stud earrings from Paloma Picasso's Olive Leaf collection for Tiffany & Co. Each earring is sculpted in 18k yellow gold as a cluster of three leav...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Martha Seely 14k Multi-Color Gemstone & Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
These Multi-Color Gemstone Earrings, are made with elongated clusters of gemstones and diamonds. The colored gemstones are bezel set and the diamonds are prong set. These earrings ar...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Sapphire, Tanz...
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Blue Moonstone Stud Earrings with Granulation Border
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
These Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Blue Moonstone Stud Earrings with Granulation Border convey understated elegance for everyday wear. With their blue flash and adularescence, moonstones h...
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Hex Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. 18kyg post backs for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namr...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 4.3 Carats Aquamarine 18K Gold Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two nicely matched 7 X 9 mm oval aquamarine cabochons are set in delicate handmade "spirals with jawan" 18K gold settings and suspended below safety clasp ear wires in this classic a...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Syna Turquoise Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads 23 carats Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Limited edition These luxurious Candy Blue Topaz and Moon Quartz Earrings feature 18 karat yellow gold and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Onyx Round Drops Faceted Pear Shape Green Quartz 14 Karat Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
This unique and simple but elegant earrings pair is completely handmade and combines the Black Onix round drops suspended to a couple of Pear Shape faceted Green Quartz set in solid ...
Onyx, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings #25106
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings These 14k yellow gold angled hoop earrings feature a modern, sculpted design with clean lines and polished finish. Their unique shape adds a contempora...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold