Contemporary Brooches
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.
1950s French Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Contemporary Brooches
Emerald, Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1980s French Vintage Contemporary Brooches
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Contemporary Brooches
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s French Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Contemporary Brooches
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s American Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Emerald
1890s Unknown Antique Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Brooches
White Diamond, Moonstone, Yellow Gold
1980s Unknown Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s French Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
1960s French Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
1880s Dutch Antique Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1970s German Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Contemporary Brooches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Enamel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
20th Century French Contemporary Brooches
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s French Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Quartz, Tiger's Eye, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1970s Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
1990s French Contemporary Brooches
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1960s Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s French Vintage Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Unknown Contemporary Brooches
Gold, 18k Gold
1990s Unknown Contemporary Brooches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
Amethyst, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold
20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
14k Gold