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.
14K Yellow Gold Safety Pin, Contemporary Brooch, USA
Located in New York, NY
14K Yellow Gold Safety Pin, preowned and finely crafted, measuring 1.75 inches in length with a total weight of 2 grams. This versatile piece carry both functional and decorative va...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
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
$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
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso Scribble Sterling Silver Zig Zag Pin #25348
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso Scribble Sterling Silver Zig Zag Pin Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso Scribble Sterling Silver Zig Zag Pin designed by renowned artist Paloma Picasso. This un...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Chinese Take Out Pill Box #25510
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Chinese Take Out Pill Box- Add a touch of Tiffany whimsy to your collection with this sterling silver Chinese take out pill box. Expertly crafted to re...
Sterling Silver
$870Sale Price|25% Off
Chanel B13 Pearl & Rose CC Antique Silver Brooch
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
From Chanel’s playful C24 Collection, this brooch combines whimsy with iconic elegance. Designed as a musical note, it features pink enamel heart accents adorned with the signature C...
$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
Tiffany & Co. England Sterling Silver Tooth Fairy Box #25448
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. England Sterling Silver Tooth Fairy Box- Celebrate a cherished childhood tradition with this Tiffany & Co. tooth fairy box. Beautifully crafted in sterling silver, it ...
Sterling Silver
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
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
$784Sale Price|20% 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...
$30,000Sale Price|55% Off
Oscar Heyman 18k Gold & Fancy Yellow Diamond 'Prowling Lion' Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
Oscar Heyman 18k yellow gold 'prowling lion' brooch contains a 0.01ct round emerald eye, 22 round diamonds (0.18ct, F-G/VS+), and 154 round fancy yellow diamonds (4.73ct). It is sta...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
TIffany & Co Sterling Silver Interlocking Hearts Pin #25390
Located in Washington Depot, CT
TIffany & Co Sterling Silver Interlocking Hearts Pin A charming Tiffany & Co. Two Hearts Pin crafted in sterling silver, featuring an elegant intertwined heart design that symbolize...
Sterling Silver
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
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. Circumferenc...
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
$1,320Sale Price|25% 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
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
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
Michael Kneebone Amethyst Citrine Topaz Pink Sapphire Diamond Flower Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
A carved mother-of-pearl flower forms the foundation for this elegant one-of-a-kind combination pendant and brooch. Pear shaped cabochons of amethyst, citrine, blue topaz and green ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, 18k 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. Sterling Silver Money Clip #24821
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip Sleek and timeless, this Tiffany & Co sterling silver money clip offers refined style and everyday function- perfect for keeping cas...
Sterling Silver
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
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
$4,200Sale Price|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. vintage onyx mother of pearl 18k gold penguin brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This delightful vintage Tiffany & Co. penguin brooch is a whimsical and highly collectible jewel from the 1970’s, crafted in rich 18k yellow gold with elegant mother of pearl and ony...
Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k 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
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
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Double Ring Baby Rattle & Teething Ring #25450
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Double Ring Baby Rattle & Teething Ring- Celebrate life's sweetest milestones with this Tiffany & Co. sterling silver rattle and teething ring. Featuri...
Sterling Silver
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
Elegant 18K Gold Ladybug Brooch with Enamel and 0.18 ct Diamonds, Italy
Located in Perugia, IT
A charming and elegant ladybug-shaped brooch, a refined interpretation of one of the most beloved symbols of good luck. The piece is crafted from 18-karat white and yellow gold, skil...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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
Heidi Daus "Fabulous Tabby" Crystal-Embellished Cat Brooch in Antiqued Gold
By Heidi Daus
Located in Milford, DE
Dimensions: 3 x 2 inches Hallmarks/Marks: "Heidi Daus" "CHINA" Whimsical elegance meets vintage glamour in this dazzling Heidi Daus "Fabulous Tabby" brooch, a stunning feline-inspi...
Crystal, Gold Plate
$1,470Sale Price|25% 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
Repossi Dirce 18k Gold Brooch with Blue Agate, Diamonds & Emeralds
Located in Perugia, IT
Stunning 18k white and yellow gold pendant brooch , centered on a meticulously hand-carved natural blue agate cameo. The cameo features the graceful profile of a woman with delicate ...
Agate, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
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
Vintage 1.50 carat diamond 14k white gold brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage diamond brooch is a beautifully sculptural 1980’s design, set with 26 marquise cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50 carats in total. Graded G color and VS cl...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Fern Leaf Diamond Brooch 18k Yellow Gold/Platinum
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 5 leaf pin brooch in 18k yellow gold and platinum. Features 5 textured leaves and a floral center adorned with sparkling diamonds. This is an excepti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Michael Kneebone Golden Mother-of-Pearl Salamander Copper Oak Leaf Brooch
Located in Austin, TX
Offered for sale is this whimsical Salamander on an Oak Leaf brooch. The amphibian is exquisitely carved in Indonesia from golden South Seas oyster shell. The salamander has inlaye...
White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Copper
Gold Coronaria Brooch with Mandarin Garnet & Diamond in 18k Gold by Alex Soldier
By Alex Soldier
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold Coronaria Brooch with Mandarin Garnet & Diamond in 18k Gold by Alex Soldier. Dimensions: Flower diameter: 6.8 cm. Materials: 18k Rose Gold with Signature Hand-Textured Finish, 1...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Mandarin Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ygará Brooch in 950 Silver & Recycled Muirapiranga Wood by Lucía Rovira
Located in Geneve, CH
Ygará Brooch in 950 Silver & Recycled Muirapiranga Wood by Lucía Rovira Unique Piece Dimensions: W 10 x H 7,5 cm. Materials: Silver and recycled Muirapiranga wood. Lucía Rovira (Mon...
Silver
Iris Apfel Estate 2 Personal Snake Serpent Brooch Pin Pair Guaranteed
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a matched pair of snake serpent brooches, magnificent treasures from the personal wardrobe of the legendary style icon Iris Apfel. We have her absolutely fabulous pair of...
Gilt Metal
14K Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch/Pendant #25159
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch/ Pendant Classic and versatile, this 14k yellow gold cameo brooch pendant features an intricately carved cameo framed in a timeless setting. Designed to...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,560Sale Price / item|20% Off
Nature-Inspired 6.59ct Cushion Emerald & Diamond Bird Brooch in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bird brooch features a vibrant 6.59 carat green emerald set in 14K white gold. The emerald measuring approximately 12.1 x 11.5 mm, secured in a classic prong setting. A...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Oval Cameo Brooch #23232
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14k Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch Featuring a finely carved traditional silhouette set against a warm, contrasting background, this classic piece is framed in a beautifully crafted solid...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meister Zürich Lucky Ladybug Ruby Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
This charming Meister Zürich ladybird brooch is crafted from 750 yellow and white gold and beautifully set with 6 ruby cabochons totalling 0.55 ct. The design is further enhanced by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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‑...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
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
$4,900Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.17 TCW Certified Diamond Zambian Emerald Pin Brooch 18k White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted to celebrate everyday elegance, our jewelry blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully made using high-quality materials, ensuring lasting s...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Apple Key Ring #25379
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Apple Key Ring A charming Tiffany & Co. Apple Key Ring crafted in sterling silver, featuring a beautifully detailed apple design that reflects the brand...
Sterling Silver
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
Asch Grossbardt 18KT YG .85Ct Diamond & Mother of Pearl Flower Pendant /Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Asch Grossbardt, this 18 karat yellow gold flower pendant is a unique piece. The petals are set with beautifully shaped mother of pearl. The center of the flower is set w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mark Ryden Lovers Eye Brooch MR 2015 Limited Edition Dome Crystal Pin
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers are presented for consideration, and we work diligently to achieve a mutually agreeable o...
Crystal, Yellow Gold
Mid Century 1.04tcw Diamond 14k White Gold Spray Brooch 1950s
Located in Towson, MD
This Mid Century diamond spray brooch is fashioned in 14 karat white gold and dates to the 1950s, a period when jewelers favored sculptural, naturalistic silhouettes rendered in lumi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K 750 Solid Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Eyes & Green Gemstones Cat Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Eyes & Green Gemstones Cat Pin Brooch Metal Type: 18K Solid Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 4.8 Grams Primary Stone: Natural Ruby Ruby Color: R...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,966Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Diamond & Emerald Salamander Brooch – Platinum 900 – 2.26
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Charming vintage salamander (lizard) brooch crafted in solid platinum 900., beautiful set in pave-style natural round brilliant diamonds totalling approximatly 2.26carats. The diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1970s Dazzling Costume Jewelry Floral Italian Brooch by 6 Donna
By 6DONNA
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Make a sparkling statement with this exquisite vintage brooch from the 1970s by 6 Donna, a true example of Italian costume jewelry design. This piece is a floral-inspired work of art...
Mid Century Sapphire and Pearl 14k Yellow Gold Circle Brooch 1960s
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow gold circle brooch set with round cut blue sapphires and cultured pearls, Mid Century, circa 1960s. Dating to the 1960s, the brooch features 10 round cut blue sap...
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold