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.
$392Sale Price|60% Off
Chanel B23 Acrylic Watch Face Pin Brooch
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Chanel B23 Acrylic Watch Pin Brooch A playful and highly collectible piece from Chanel's B23 collection, this acrylic watch pin brooch reimagines the house's iconic timepiece design...
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Ballpoint pen #24439
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen - This authentic Tiffany & Co. ballpoint pen designed by Elsa Peretti is crafted in sterling silver and made in Germany feat...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Corkscrew & Bottle Opener Set #26736
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Corkscrew & Bottle Opener Set - This vintage Tiffany & Co. sterling silver corkscrew and bottle opener set features streamlined fluted handles and a cl...
Sterling Silver
$4,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Whimsical Bunny Brooch Pin with 3.08ct Emerald & Diamond Pave in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This bunny brooch features a vibrant 3.08 carat emerald Crafted in 14K white gold, measuring approximately 9 x 12.11 mm, secured in a classic prong setting. The playful design is acc...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. 14KY Gold Tennis Racket Brooch from OGI Ltd Estate Collection
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the enduring elegance of sport-inspired luxury with this distinctive vintage Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Tennis Racket Brooch Pin, from the OGI Ltd Estate ...
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Leopard Frog Brooch Emerald Eyes Circa 1980
Located in Towson, MD
A charming 14K yellow gold leopard frog brooch, dating to 1980, cast with a richly textured, naturalistic gold surface that mimics the mottled skin of a leopard frog. The frog is cap...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra 6.4ct Ruby & Diamond Convertible Crab Brooch and Pendant in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This whimsical 6.4 Carat ruby and diamond crab brooch is crafted in 925 sterling silver. At its centre rests a vivid oval cut glass filled ruby measuring approximately 12 x 10 mm, ac...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silvorra 23.32ct Multi Gem Peacock Silver Brooch Pendant with Diamond Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This captivating 23.32 carat opal, blue sapphire, ruby and diamond peacock brooch pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, designed with an elegant sculptural silhouette inspired b...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Opal, Multi-gemstone, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver
Victorian Style 14.6ct Ruby Emerald Diamond 925 Silver Designer Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This designer 12 carat glass filled ruby, emerald, and diamond brooch pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver. It features a large oval cut glass filled ruby measuring 15 × 18.5 mm...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver
Tiffany & CO. Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen # 26257
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & CO. Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen - This authentic Tiffany & CO. sterling silver ballpoint pen features a sleek classic design with a T clip. Presently writing with blue i...
Sterling Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Palais de la Chance 'Virgo' Brooch with Mystery-set Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Dia. 9.90 cts.; Sapphire 12.30 cts. Certifications: VCA Certificate Size: 2.5" x 2" Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 54.05 grams Period: Contem...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Silvorra Floral Bouquet Emerald Sapphire Tourmaline Brooch Pendant with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This floral bouquet 9.67 carats brooch pendant features a striking mix of natural emeralds, glass filled blue sapphires, and natural tourmalines, crafted in 925 sterling silver.The g...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,688Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Nature-Inspired Brooch with Coral and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the beauty of nature with this exquisite vintage brooch crafted in 14K yellow gold. Designed as a delicate network of tree limbs, it features three charming birds perched g...
Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
$5,600Sale Price|60% Off
18K White Gold 17.2mm Wide Freeform South Sea Pearl & 1.66ctw Diamond Brooch
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A sculptural floral brooch that celebrates organic elegance and rare materials. Crafted in solid 18k white gold, the piece features two impressive free‑form Golden South Sea pearls, ...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Enamel Copper Fish Brooch Pin Fabulous! 6 Inches
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a fabulous treasure from the personal wardrobe of the legendary style icon Iris Apfel. We have her absolutely fabulous multicolor enamel on copper fish brooch pin that is ...
Copper, Enamel
Syna Yellow Gold Starburst Pin Pendant with Emerald and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Emerald 0.25 carat approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx. Limited Edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little thin...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,408Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Mouse Brooch with Ruby Eyes, Late 20th Century, USA
Located in New York, NY
Charming, whimsical, and utterly collectible — this handmade 14K Yellow Gold Mouse Brooch captures the playful spirit of fine jewelry design. Expertl...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bee Brooch/Pin #26232
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bee Brooch/Pin- This charming brooch by Tiffany & Co. features a wonderfully dimensional bee crafted in meticulously detailed sterling silver. A whimsi...
Sterling Silver
Robert Altman 14k Yellow Gold 1.1 ct Gem Articulating Flower Brooch Gorgeous!
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Articulating Flower Brooch by Robert Altman Features Petals that Open and Close over Prong-Set Gemstone "Stamens" Total Diamond Weight = Appx 0.15 ct Total Sapphire Weight =...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Floral Diamond Brooch 18k Two Tone Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Beautifully made vintage brooch with a flower and leaf design. Each flower is textured and holds a diamond and the leaves are studded with diamonds. In very good condition. Metal: 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch Pendant #25764
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch Pendant - Elegant 14K yellow gold cameo pin pendant featuring a beautifully carved classic cameo in a timeless setting. Designed to be worn as either a ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,568Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Swan Brooch with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold (Stamped 585, maker’s mark) Gemstones: Brilliant-cut Diamonds, approx. 0.65 carat total weight; Vibrant Ruby accents Weight: 3.52 grams Measurements: Approx. 0...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Danecraft Sterling Silver Maple Leaf Brooch Pin #24593
By Danecraft
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Danecraft Sterling Silver Maple Leaf Brooch Pin - This vintage Danecraft sterling silver brooch features a beautifully detailed maple leaf design with dimensional texture and natura...
Sterling Silver
$1,184Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sapphire with Brown Sapphire Orchid Brooch/Pendant set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Blue Sapphire with Brown Sapphire Brooch/Pendant set in Silver Settings (chain not included) Width: 5.3 cm Length: 6.1 cm Total Weight: 27.82 grams *Please note that the silver s...
Blue Sapphire, Silver
Madeleine Albright's Lizard Pin Brooch 7.5" Articulated And "Read My Pins" Book
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a piece of American History with Madeleine Albright's Lizard Pin Brooch, along with a copy of her book "Read My Pins: Stories From A Diplomat's Jewel Box." The lizard bro...
Yellow Sapphire White Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bow Tie Brooch Pin Over 7 Carat
Located in Tustin, CA
Dazzling, stylized bow tie or bow is depicted in an 18 karat yellow gold, yellow sapphire and white diamond brooch pin. Brooch pin has great texture and contrast, featuring 40 round...
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Dog Brooch 1970’s
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Gold & Enamel Dog Brooch 18ct Gold tagged & tested Circa 1970’s Cute, vintage dog with a rub over set, diamond encrusted tail & gorgeous, natural ruby eye. He ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch Cultured Pearl from the OGI Ltd Estate Collection
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite Blend of Nature's Beauty and Timeless Elegance Elevate your style with this enchanting 14K Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch, artfully designed with intricate etched accents and a...
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cat Brooch #24208
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cat Brooch- This beautifully sculpted brooch by Tiffany & Co. features a sleek feline crafted in meti...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Azalea Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. vintage Azalea brooch in 18K yellow gold, featuring five textured petals with finely engraved surface detail and six round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow White Gold Ruby Diamond Articulated Wasp Brooch Certified #24360
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow and White Gold Ruby and Diamond Articulated Wasp Brooch/Pin JAGi Certified- This spectacular wasp brooch features 61 round brilliant cut diamonds in white gold and 38 nat...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,688Sale Price|20% Off
Yellow & White Gold Diamond Sapphire Emerald & Pearl Vintage Brooch/Pendant
Located in Aspen, CO
This is a contemporary brooch featuring a central pearl, 14 mm., with fine luster and a clean surface, or skin, surrounded by a striking arrangement of gemstones. The piece showcases...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Transformable Diamond Swan Brooch and Pendant in 18 Karat White Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
With a fairytale-like charm, this graceful circular swan design is artfully composed of a unique mix of diamond cuts, from round, tapper, old-cut to baguette, totaling 4.87 carats. T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip # 24486
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip - This genuine Tiffany & Co. solid sterling silver money clip with classic rectangular bend design. Size: 2 1/4" x 1 3/4" Weight: ...
Sterling Silver
Boucheron Paris Circa 1970 18k Rose Gold Ruby Brooch, 1.20 Carat
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signed Boucheron Paris and hallmarked with the house's purity marks, this brooch dates to circa 1970, when the maison was exploring bold, architectural gold work that moved away from...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Hydrangea Blossom 11.35ctw Pink Tourmaline Morganite Diamond Brooch/Pendant
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Inspired by hydrangeas in full bloom, this sculptural brooch-pendant brings together richly colored natural pink tourmalines and softly luminous morganites in an abundant floral comp...
Diamond, Morganite, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
William Ruser 14K Yellow Gold Hummingbird Brooch/Pin #24624
Located in Washington Depot, CT
William Ruser 14K Yellow Gold Hummingbird Brooch/Pin- This stunning hummingbird brooch by William Ruser is crafted in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold, showcasing the designer's...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,157Sale Price|29% Off
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in Lexington, KY
This stunning flower brooch is made in 18k yellow gold and is full of sparkly diamonds. The negative space gives the brooch great dimension and depth with an ethereal floral layout. ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,046Sale Price|20% Off
Italian 18K Yellow Gold Ladybug Brooch with Rubies, Diamonds, and Enamel
Located in Perugia, IT
A charming and elegant Italian brooch in the shape of a ladybug, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and set with small rubies and diamonds. The brooch has a hidden clasp that allows it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,288Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold 3D Frog Brooch with Green Enamel, Vintage Charm
Located in New York, NY
A Playful Nod to Nature’s Charm Bring a dash of whimsy and bright color to your wardrobe with this 3D Frog Brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold, adorned with green spotted enamel detail...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14K Rose Gold Diamond and Multi Gemstone Beetle Brooch #25486
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Rose Gold Diamond and Gemstone Beetle Brooch JAGi Certified- Celebrate nature with this captivating 14K rose gold beetle brooch, exquisitely crafted with vibrant gemstones and d...
Diamond, Garnet, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Alligator Brooch 1970s
Located in Towson, MD
One 1970s 18 karat yellow gold diamond and ruby three-dimensional alligator brooch, a sculptural animal jewelry piece of exceptional weight and surface detail, measuring 2.5 x 1 inch...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond-Cut Circular Pin #25146
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond-Cut Circular Pin Elegant 14k two-tone circular pin featuring shimmering diamond-cut detailing for added brilliance. Milgrain edging. A timeless and...
14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
77.38 Carat Blue Topaz Diamond 18K White Gold Bird-on-Rock Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking statement brooch: a diamond-pavé parrot in 18K white gold, poised on a large emerald-cut Swiss blue topaz. The bird is fully pavé-set with approximately 3.38 carats of rou...
Diamond, Onyx, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Gold Platinum Natural Diamond Butterfly Pin Brooch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Gold Platinum Natural Diamond Butterfly Pin Brooch Metal: 18k yellow gold & platinum Weight: 4.34 grams Diamonds: Approx. 0.12 CTW F-G VS natural round...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Naples Floral Shell Cameo Pendant/Brooch - 18K Gold Frame - Italy - Circa 1950's
Located in Chatham, CA
Vintage Naples floral shell cameo pendant or brooch - 18K/750 yellow gold frame, pin and bale - retractable bale to wear as a brooch - fine quality work...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Herbert Rosenthal Ruby Eyes Large Bee Pin/Brooch
Located in Lexington, KY
This 18k yellow gold Herbert Rosenthal bee is stunning. The piece is in excellent estate condition and ready to wear. It is signed on the wing 18K and the HR inside a diamond makers ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman Gold 30 Carat One of a Kind Black Opal Snacking Fish Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman 18kt yellow gold and platinum brooch contains an extraordinarily fine fancy shape Australian black opal weighing 30.63cts. This unique piece also contains 97 round diamonds (1.08cts, F/ VS) and 1 pear shape black opal...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Platinum
Vintage Herbert Rosenthal Diamond 3D Bee Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This charming vintage brooch takes the delightful form of a three-dimensional bee, its textured body sparkling with a dense cluster of diamonds that catch the light with lively brill...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co 14K Yellow Gold Money Clip #25285
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co 14K Yellow Gold Money Clip Organize your pockets in style with this 14k yellow gold Tiffany & Co Money Clip. Great quality and understated sophistication. Hallmark: Ti...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Spouting Whale Brooch with Ruby and Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This delightful figural brooch takes the playful shape of a whale mid-spout, its textured golden body finished with a whimsical open mouth accented by a warm-toned ruby. Sparkling ro...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,772Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany Co 14K Gold Diamond Bow Love Knot Brooch OGI Ltd Estate Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Emblem of Elegance and Grace, From the OGI Ltd Estate Collection. Indulge in the enduring beauty of this Tiffany & Co. Vintage Diamond Bow Love Knot Brooch, crafted i...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Craig Drake Royal Blue Sapphire & Pearl Circle Pin Ca. 1960s
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful Craig Drake royal blue natural pin is made in 14k yellow gold and features both sapphire and pearls. The pins circle design is indicative of the contemporary movement and allows the pin to better boast the white creamy pearls and rich blue sapphire. The circle design also allows this pin to be more wearable, compared to other pins, due to its potentially utilitarian shape. This pin can be worn as a body pin and lapel pin, but also as a scarf tie. The combination of bright colors and quality materials, from the deep blue sapphires, lustrous pearls, and 14k yellow gold, make this pin sophisticated and playful. 14K Yellow Gold Craig Drake Natural Sapphire & Pearl Circle Pin...
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nina Zhou Butterfly 3.75ctw Natural Turquoise & Diamond Brooch
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Embrace the beauty of transformation with the Nina Zhou Butterfly 3.75 ctw Natural Turquoise & Diamond Brooch in Yellow Gold. This exquisite brooch showcases a stunning butterfly...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Hydrangea Blossom 9.75ctw Turquoise Aquamarine Diamond Brooch/Pendant
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A poetic ode to the lush fullness of hydrangeas, this convertible brooch and pendant captures the charm of a summer garden in full bloom. Petals of smooth turquoise radiate outward i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond 3D Bee Brooch with Ruby Eyes in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning vintage bee brooch is a charming and glamorous piece. Its plump body is encrusted with large, sparkling round brilliant diamonds that catch the light with every movemen...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Carved Pink Coral Rose Brooch Pendant #19040
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Carved Pink Coral Rose Brooch Pendant This beautiful brooch features a rose carved from gorgeous pink coral all set in 14K yellow...
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 1950s Emerald Ruby Diamond 'Giardinetto' Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Creator: Bulgari Metal: Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 45.19 grams Period: 1950s A rare and exquisite vintage signed Bulgari 'Giardinetto' brooch from the 1950s, crafted in pl...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vhenier Diamond Rock Crystal Quartz Coral 18K Gold Palloncino Balloon Brooch
By Vhernier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized balloon terminating with articulating white gold ribbon tail Featuring a pear-shaped crystal quartz cabochon measuring 20.0 x 17.0 mm Transparent colorless - b...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Silvorra 8.1ct Opal, GF Ruby and Diamond Gold Plated Turtle Brooch in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This refined 925 sterling silver gold plated turtle brooch pendant features an 8 carat opal at the center, complemented by glass filled rubies and 0.3 carats of diamonds. Designed in...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver