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.
$588Sale Price|40% 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...
$754Sale Price|35% Off
Chanel B13 Vintage-Inspired Pearl Rose Patterned CC Statement Brooch
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
An ornate statement brooch inspired by the opulence of vintage Chanel jewelry. Featuring luminous oversized pearls framed by intricate silver-tone floral detailing, the design create...
$1,408Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Tennis Racket Brooch Pin
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. Crafted during the l...
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Yellow Gold and Ruby Hedgehog Brooch/Pin #25899
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18K Yellow Gold and Ruby Hedgehog Brooch/Pin- A delightful creation by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., this exquisite 18K yellow gold hedgehog brooch...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$282Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
$275Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
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
$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
Amethyst and Diamond Openwork Brooch in Black Rhodium Plated 18ct Gold - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
A one‑of‑a‑kind 18ct gold brooch inspired by the house’s archived Whispering Collection. This sculptural jewel captures the quiet drama of movement and light — its intricate diamond‑...
White Diamond, Diamond, Amethyst, Rhodium, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, 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
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
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Knot Rope Brooch/Pin with Box #26046
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Knot Rope Brooch/Pin- This lovely 14K yellow gold brooch by Tiffany & Co. features an intricate multi-strand twisted rope design gathered into an elega...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jade Peridot Frog Pendant Necklace Brooch Pin Yellow Gold Vintage
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely wonderful antique Frog Pendant or Brooch Pin in 10 Karat Yellow Gold with a Jade belly and two Peridot eyes. The stunning fully modeled three dimensional frog i...
Jade, Peridot, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Chanel 1970s Silver-tone Interlocking CC Crystal Brooch, Baguette Cut
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
This authentic Chanel CC brooch, beautifully embellished with sparkling baguette and square-cut crystals. Showcasing the House's instantly recognisable interlocking CC logo, this ele...
Crystal
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Giant Bean Money Clip #25279
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Giant Bean Money Clip This iconic sculptural money clip features Peretti's signature fluid organic form with a polished mirror finish. The...
Sterling Silver
$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
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
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...
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
$680Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Vintage Red Hard Stone Ladybug Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Whimsical Nod to Nature’s Charm and Grace Elevate your accessory game with this ladybug-inspired brooch, crafted in 18K yellow gold and accented by lustrous hardstone, maybe red co...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
Cartier Diamond Double Heart Charm Safety Pin Convertible Brooch, 18 Karat Gold
By Cartier
Located in Austin, TX
A rare and charming vintage Cartier Diamond Double Heart Safety Pin Brooch, masterfully crafted in 18 karat white gold and designed as the Maison's iconic safety pin motif suspended ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k 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
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
18K Yellow Gold Cameo Pendant Pin #25700
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18k Yellow Gold Cameo Pendant Pin A timeless piece of elegance, this 18K yellow gold cameo pendant and pin features a classic carved design framed in warm gold. Versatile and sophi...
18k 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 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
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
14K Yellow Gold Carved Pink Coral Floral Brooch/Pin Certified #26140
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Carved Pink Coral Floral Brooch/Pin JAGi Certified- This stunning brooch features an intricately carved pink coral flower arrangement set in 14K yellow gold. The car...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Madeleine Albright's Snake In Branch Pin Brooch Earrings And Read My Pins Book
By Erwin Pearl
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a piece of American History with Madeleine Albright's extraordinary Snake Serpent in a Branch Pin Brooch with the matching Earrings, along with a copy of her book "Read My...
Cartier Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond Panthere Brooch 18K Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
One of the most iconic designs in the history of high jewelry, Cartier's legendary Panthère has long symbolized strength, elegance, and timeless sophistication. This exceptional broo...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k 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
$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
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Brooch with Natural Emerald
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary brooch will be custom made of 18 karat yellow gold with natural emerald. This design was a sculpture of german oil painter Polya Medvedeva, representing a Greek and...
Tourmaline, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Ye...
16K Yellow Gold Pearl Flower Stick Pin #24138
Located in Washington Depot, CT
16K Yellow Gold Pearl Flower Stick Pin A classic 16k yellow gold stick pin, featuring a rich golden glow and timeless vintage elegance- perfect for adding a refined touch to any loo...
Pearl, Gold, Yellow 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
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
Michael Kneebone Carved Coral South Seas Pearl Diamond Brooch and Earring Suite
Located in Austin, TX
Carved coral is featured in this brooch and earring suite. Satsuma coral, also known as Momo coral (Japanese for peach) refers to the coral's intense peach-pink to crimson coloring....
Coral, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Frog Brooch Pin With Certificate of Authenticity
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a magical frog brooch from the personal wardrobe of the legendary style icon Iris Apfel. We have her absolutely fabulous frog brooch pin. The combination of Iris Apfel a...
Gilt Metal
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip #25447
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip- This elegant sterling silver Tiffany & Co. money clip features a sleek rectangular silhouette accented by a refined border. A timeless Tiff...
Sterling Silver
Diamond Butterfly Brooch in 14K White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Diamond Butterfly Brooch in 14K White Gold This elegant butterfly brooch is crafted in 14K white gold and set with approximately 0.50 carat total weight of round diamonds. The diamo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso Hammered Bangle Cuff Bracelet 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Original Tiffany & Co. Picasso Designed Bangle Designed by Paloma Picasso Beautiful Hammered Texture 18k Yellow Gold approx 156 grams Width: approx 50mm wide / 2' inch. Circumfe...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Heart Cameo Diamond Pin/Pendant #25882
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Heart Cameo Diamond Pin/Pendant - A timeless piece, this 14K yellow gold heart-shaped cameo features delicate detailing accented by sparkling diamonds. Designed to b...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elizabeth Locke Mabe Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Brooch Pin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elizabeth Locke Mabe Pearl Brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring three luminous mabe pearls arranged in an elegant elongated design, with two additional pearls forming decorat...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, & Diamond Statement Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Luminous pearls and vivid golden gemstones give this vintage 18k yellow gold statement brooch a richly dimensional presence. The design is arranged in a bold cross-like silhouette, w...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cameo Pendant Brooch #25765
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Cameo Pendant Brooch Elegant 14K yellow gold cameo pin pendant featuring a beautifully carved classic cameo in a timeless setting. Designed to be worn as either a br...
14k 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
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
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 14K Gold Diamond Bow Love Knot Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Emblem of Elegance and Grace Indulge in the enduring beauty of this Tiffany & Co. Vintage Diamond Bow Love Knot Brooch, crafted in 14K yellow gold and set with three s...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jean Vitau 18KT Yellow Gold Bird Brooch with .19 Carat Diamonds and Gemstones
By Jean Vitau
Located in New York, NY
Designed by the famed French designer Jean Vitau for Gemveto. Jean Vitau was a pioneer jewelry designer . He was known for patenting the Gemlok setting ,a secure and snag proof way of setting diamonds and colored stones. This lovely brooch is the perfect example using the expert setting techniques. Diamonds, rubies, and tsavorites are the stones that make up the body, along with a black onyx tail. The brooch measures 1.5" x 1.1/8". Diamond weight 0.19 carats Ruby weight 0.98 carats Tsavorite weight 1.85 carats Signed Jean Vitau 18K
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Large Bow Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Gold Bow Brooch 18K Yellow Gold The pin is 3.5" length x 1.5" Wide The pin weighs 16.0 grams
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Elephant Animal Vintage Brooch, Circa 1990
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
CARTIER brooch featuring two elephants, a mother and her calf, in 18k yellow gold and emeralds. Dimensions: 3 × 1.6 cm. Weight: 11.36 grams. Manufacturer's hallmark and eagle's head ...
Emerald, 18k 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
18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Parrot Pin / Pendant
Located in Troy, MI
Polly wants a shoulder! This adorable 18 karat yellow gold parrot brooch would look beautiful perched on your shoulder or lapel. Can also be worn on a chain as a pendant! Tropical co...
Emerald, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k 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
Vintage Ballerina Gold Brooch Impressive 18k Gold Diamonds & Emerald
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ballerina Design Gold Brooch Pin Impressive statement piece of Jewelry Brilliant Diamonds and Green Emerald One large Diamond Rose cut 5.5mm Overall size of the brooch approx...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold