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.
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
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Earrings Maxi Mini" 18kt Gold - In Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Earrings Maxi Mini" were designed by Betony Vernon in 2004. They are a timeless classic of BV Jewelry. They are appreciated for their symbolic as well as their empowering...
18k 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
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Earrings mini" Sterling Silver 925
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Earrings Mini" were designed by Betony Vernon in 1992. They are a timeless classic of BV Jewelry. They are appreciated for their symbolic as well as their empowering aest...
Sterling Silver
Stunning Double Oval Citrine & Blue Topaz Vermeil Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings features a pair of genuine oval citrine, sky blue topaz, adorned with round white topaz on the side, handset in 18k yellow gold vermeil over sterling ...
Citrine, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
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
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
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
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
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
Fei Liu Sapphire, Diamond and Grey Pearl Platinum Petite Drop Earrings
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
These petite sapphire, diamond, and pearl earrings balance refined elegance with intricate craftsmanship, featuring vivid oval sapphires framed by a halo of brilliant diamonds set in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Amber, Natural Pearl, P...
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Earrings mini" 18K Gold
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Earrings Mini" were designed by Betony Vernon in 1992. They are a timeless classic of BV Jewelry. They are appreciated for their symbolic as well as their empowering aest...
18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Tanzanite Hinged Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's handmade 18k Gold Tanzanite Hinged Earrings sparkle in a classic bezel setting with a decorative hinge featuring French ear wires. Matte finished. Aquamarines 2.30 tcw Aq...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k 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...
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
Fei Liu Indian Jasper, Ruby and Yellow Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Flower Earrings
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Carved from 17ct of Indian jasper, each petal carries a soft, natural warmth, gathered around a vivid 0.6ct ruby heart. Fine yellow sapphires totalling 1ct trace the golden stamen‑li...
Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Jasper, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
14k White Gold "Huggies" Earrings with Baguettes & Round Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Earrings Stone Information - 30x Baguettes - Mixed Sizes - ~0.30ctw - VS2/E 36x Round Brilliants - 1.5mm - ~0.36ctw - SI1/F Total Weight - 4.21g
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Moon Quartz Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon Quartz 4 carats approx. Blue Topaz 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.03 carat approx. 18kyg Butterfly backs Limited Edition Exquisitely crafted from ...
Diamond, Quartz, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
Fei Liu Topaz, Tanzanite and Diamond Platinum Drop Earrings
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Crafted in platinum, these drop earrings feature a striking trio of gemstones in a clean, vertical composition. At the top, emerald-cut topazes offer crisp brilliance, followed by ov...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Platinum
Emma Chapman Turquoise Tourmaline Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These divine turquoise and tourmaline dangle earrings have been handmade in our workshops and are one-of-a-kind. They feature turquoise drops which are capped with cabochon green ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Yello...
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your jewelry collection with these sophisticated earrings, brilliantly crafted in gleaming 18 karat gold. At the heart of the design, shimmering round diamonds, weighing a to...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,500Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 16.83ct Sapphire Briolettes Diamond Dangle Drop Earring in 18k Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our exquisite Vintage 16.83ct Fancy Yellow Sapphire Briolettes and Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold. These earrings are a true testament to the beauty and r...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
14K Yellow Gold Wide Hoop Earrings #24777
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Wide Hoop Resin Filled Earrings - Make a statement with these chunky resin filled 14K yellow gold hoop earrings — bold, modern, and effortlessly eye-catching. Weigh...
14k Gold, Yellow 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
Purple Amethyst and Sky Blue Topaz 2 Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
Our Purple Amethyst and Sky Blue Topaz 2 Drop Earrings move like the delicate streams of light that form the Aurora Borealis. These two gemstones come ...
Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Vermeil
Michael Kneebone Mediterranean Red Coral Granulated Bead Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Mediterranean red coral is featured in these classic and elegant dangle earrings. The coral is tomato red in color and is polished to a glass-like finish. Bold contrast is created ...
Coral, 14k Gold, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
Stunning 12ct Round Briolette Cut Prasiolite Drop Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num 12ct Round Briolette Cut Prasiolite Drop Vermeil Earrings These stunning pair of earrings features top quality round briolette-cut pastel green prasiolite (6ct each, 12ct...
Amethyst, Quartz, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Vera Wang Love 14K White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Vera Wang
Located in New York, NY
These elegant diamond hoop earrings from Vera Wang's Love collection, expertly crafted in 14 karat white gold, set with 142 round diamonds, approximate 1.42 carats in G color VS-SI c...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Black Enamel Earring Black Diamond Star Sphere Orb Ball
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond Star Orb Stud Earrings Black Enamel 14k Gold Plated Silver Designer: J Dauphin The Black Diamond Star Orb Studs are a pair of sculptural sphere earrings handcrafted in...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Silver
$332 / 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
Silvorra Timeless Halo Diamonds Earrings in Ruby Silver Stud for Girlfriend Gift
Located in New York, NY
This Crafted in gleaming 925 sterling silver, these exquisite stud earrings showcase vibrant natural baguette-cut rubies each precisely measuring 5 × 2.5 mm for a total gemstone weig...
Diamond, Ruby, 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
$196Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Designer Gold Swarovski Crystal Starburst Drop Post Earrings
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Kenneth Jay Lane 18K gold plated mixed metals clear Swarovski crystal double starburst drop earrings from 2012. Luxury designer jewelry statement pieces Made in USA. These striking ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
Silvorra Natural Emerald Three-Stone Linear Silver Earrings for Grilfriend Gift
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated 925 Sterling Silver Natural Emerald Stud Earrings feature a sleek three-stone vertical design with 6 oval-cut genuine emeralds (6x4 mm each) totaling 2.43 carats, displ...
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
3 Blue Sapphire Oval Cabs Gold Diamonds Pear Shape Baroque Pearls Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
SHIPPING+CUSTOM DUTY ARE PAID BY SELLER Elegant and completely handmade Earrings consisting of an upper part of 3 oval shape Blue Sapphires 4 mm x 5 mm set together in 14 Kt yellow ...
Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$331 / 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
$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
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold "X" Earrings #24732
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold "X" Earrings- Elegant and iconic, these 18K yellow gold "X" earrings are designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. The bold, ...
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...
Emma Chapman 24ct Gold Vermeil Amethyst Ruby Drop Earrings, Handmade
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These striking amethyst ruby drop earrings have been handmade in our workshops. They feature hand-cut amethysts which are embedded with rubies set in hand-engraved motifs. The earrin...
Amethyst, Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
$2,997Sale Price / item|22% Off
14K Yellow and Rose Gold Diamond "Flower" Earrings with brown diamonds
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow and rose gold "Flower" earrings Specifications: Metal: 14kGold Weight: 5.3 Gr Main Stone: 52 diamonds Weight: 1.00cts. Color: Light Brown Clarity...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Red/white gold and natural white diamond dangle earrings
Located in Valenza, IT
Pair of 18k red gold earrings with natural diamonds. Pin and butterfly closure. Approximate weight: 4.80 grams Total diamond carat: 0.05 ct
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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
Steven Battelle 5.8 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
A set of semi-pear shaped "Welo Mine" Ethiopian opal cabochons of approximately 6 x 9 mm are suspended below posts of approximately 5 x 6 mm stones, all set in handmade "wavy-bezel" ...
Opal, 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
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Anticlastic Triple Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Modern and sculptural, these Faye Kim 18 karat gold anticlastic hoops have a fluid, hand-formed curve that creates beautiful dimension. A cluster of three bezel-set diamonds accents ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons Black Onyx Carved Drops 14 Karat Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple Chic Earrings with top part made of 2 Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons set in 14 Kt yellow from which are attached 2 Black Onix engraved round drops In 1978 our workshop started ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Plated Light Amethyst Crystal Rectangle Drop Post Earring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta gold plated light amethyst Swarovski crystal drop post earrings with emerald-cut rectangular crystals. Luxury designer jewelry. Elegant statement pieces. Made in US...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Mixed Metal
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar De La Renta Gold Tanzanite Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Clip Earrings
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta 22k gold tanzanite Swarovski crystal chandelier clip earrings. Luxury designer jewelry. 3.75" statement pieces. Made in USA. Oscar de la Renta 22k gold plated tan...
Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
Lily Clover Shape Clear Quartz Halo Studs Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lily Clover Shape Clear Quartz Halo Studs Earrings These stunning pair of stud earrings feature a pair of clover shape checkerboard-cut clear quartz, surrounded with round white top...
Quartz, Topaz, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
$162Sale Price / item|35% Off
Miao Ethnic Group Tassel Silver Oriental Minority Earrings
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
An evocative blend of tradition and performance, these silver tassel earrings are designed under the creative direction of legendary Chinese dancer Yang Liping, celebrated for her de...
Fei Liu Ruby, Diamond and Pearl 14 Karat Gold Drop Earrings
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
These exquisite 14k gold earrings pair the romance of ruby, the brilliance of diamond, and the timeless glow of pearl in a refined, architectural silhouette. Each earring features a ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Coral Long Drop Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Coral 15 carats approx. Bright diamonds 0.20 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration fro...
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,904Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold High Jeweled Earrings 1.35 Inch Long Emerald and Diamond Accents
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with these exquisite 14K yellow gold earrings, masterfully designed to dazzle. Perfect for special occasions or to add a touch of sophistication to your everyda...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$2,880Sale Price|44% Off
Michael Kneebone Botswana Agate Green Topaz Diamond Green Onyx Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
A composition of green tones comprise these dramatic dangle earrings. Pear shaped and cabochon cut Botswana agate begins the decent with white diamonds, and oval cut green topaz. F...
Agate, Diamond, Onyx, Topaz, 18k Gold