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.
18KT Yellow Gold Graduated Diamond 2.03 Cts Dangle Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
He earrings are characterized by an upper stud piece (featuring a small V-shape detail) from which four individual strands drop. Two outer strands are simple polished gold bars, whil...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer real diamonds raw sapphire plum ruby sterling silver dangler earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
## Handmade Raw Sapphire, Plum Ruby & Natural Pave Diamond Floral Drop Earrings Celebrate the beauty of artisanal craftsmanship with these exquisite **Handmade Raw Sapphire, Plum Ru...
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Moon Quartz and Diamonds Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon Quartz 22 carats approx. Diamonds 0.45 carat approx. 18kyg post backs for pierced ears Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspirati...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dramatic Gilt Metal Glass Enamel Dangling Pearl Statement Earrings 21st c
Located in University City, MO
Dramatic gilt metal glass enamel dangling pearl pierced statement earrings 21st c The large scale runway style earrings are designed with gilt metal scrolled cross style medallions ...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Regal style real diamonds raw sapphire sterling silver dangler earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
## Raw Sapphire & Pave Diamond Statement Earrings Make a bold yet sophisticated statement with these handcrafted **Raw Sapphire and Natural Pave Diamond Drop Earrings**. Designed to...
Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Citrine Cushion Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Citrine 8 carats approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharmesh & Namra...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 3.01 Cts Round Natural Diamond Floral Vine Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : These 14K yellow gold floral vine earrings combine elegant proportions with meticulous diamond setting for a polished luxury finish. The design creates flattering movement an...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 14k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Gorgeous dangle earrings with 4 vibrant opals surrounded by diamonds. The opals are even prettier in person. A wonderful piece for any opal lover. Comes with 18k butterfly backings. ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
Stunning 12ct Round Briolette Cut Citrine Hook Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num 12ct Round Briolette Cut Citrine Vermeil Hook Earrings These stunning pair of earrings features top quality round briolette-cut Brazilian citrine (6ct each, 12ct total we...
Citrine, Topaz, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Bulgari Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Rubellite Tourmaline and Diamond Lotus Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous, Unique Rubellite Earrings by Bulgari Part of their Lotus Collection from the 1990s Include Appx 1.9 cts of round and baguette diamonds Signed "BVLGARI" with Italian Hallmar...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold 3.31 Cts Round Natural Diamond Double-Line Chain Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : These 14K white gold double-line chain earrings combine elegant proportions with meticulous diamond setting for a polished luxury finish. The design creates flattering moveme...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 3.66 Cts Round Natural Diamond Triple-Row Tassel Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : These 14K white gold triple-row tassel earrings combine elegant proportions with meticulous diamond setting for a polished luxury finish. The design creates flattering moveme...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold 3.66 Cts Round Natural Diamond Triple-Row Tassel Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : These 14K yellow gold triple-row tassel earrings combine elegant proportions with meticulous diamond setting for a polished luxury finish. The design creates flattering movem...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Heart Hoop Earring Black Diamond Black Enamel Dangeling Earrings J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Hoop Earring Black Diamond Black Enamel Dangeling Earrings Designer: J DAUPHIN The Winged Heart Earrings are dangle drops handcrafted in 14k gold plated sterling silver. Eac...
Black Diamond, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel, 14k Gold
Emma Chapman Crystal Aquamarine Gold Plate Dangle Earrings
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These stylish limited edition crystal and aquamarine dangle earrings have been handmade in our workshops. They have hand-cut crystals, which are embedded with aquamarines set in han...
Aquamarine, Crystal, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
$1,045Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
Syna Yellow Gold Tanzanite, Green Tourmaline and Diamonds Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Tanzanite 15 carats approx. Green Tourmaline 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.90 carat approx. 18kyg post-backs for pierced ears Limited Edition About ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
My Protectors, Melanie Yazzie, three winged dragonfly, earrings, silver, Navajo
Located in Santa Fe, NM
My Protectors, three-winged dragonfly earrings silver Navajo Melanie Yazzie Melanie A. Yazzie (Navajo-Diné) is a highly regarded multimedia artist known for her printmaking, paintin...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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...
Snake Earring Dangle Silver Serpent Chakra Rainbow White Diamond Sapphire
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Dangle Earrings Multi Gemstone Chakra Drops Sterling Silver 14k Gold Hoops J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Alignment Earrings are a pair of long fluid silver snakes suspende...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamon...
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
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Rhodolite Garnet and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Rhodolite Garnet sugarloaf 11 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Limited edition Handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold, these exclusive earring...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold and Diamond Omega Back Earrings #25139
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold and Diamond Omega Back Earrings- These spectacular earrings each features 16 baguette diamonds and 39 round brilliant cut diamonds set in beautifully detailed 14K whi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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
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
$3,040Sale Price|55% Off
Michael Kneebone South Seas Pearl Diamond White Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
South Seas pearls and diamonds constitute these chic dangle earrings. The pearls (origin: Australia) measure 12mm, are creamy white and possess rich luster. Eighteen diamonds are bezel set in white gold, graduated in size, are VVS clarity and F color. The inspiration for these earrings comes from earrings worn by Barbra Streisand in the final scene in the film "Funny Girl...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Cushion Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 10 cts approx Limited Edition Exquisite and limited edition, these Candy Blue Topaz and Moon Quartz Earrings are lovingly handcrafted in 1...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer Natural Raw lavender Sapphire Real Pave Diamond Silver Dangle Earring
Located in Delhi, DL
Add effortless elegance to your jewelry collection with these **Designer Natural Raw Sapphire & Real Pave Diamond Dangle Earrings**, meticulously handcrafted in **925 Sterling Silver...
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$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
Dangle Earrings with Baroque Tahitian Pearl Earrings in Sterling Silver
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
The Medium Spiral Dangle Earrings are rafted from argentium sterling, and feature 20 gauge ear wires and captivating baroque Tahitian pearls. Unlike traditional round pearls, baroque...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue topaz 14 carats approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Limited edition Created using 18 karat yellow gold, these elega...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Milagrosa Large Flame ball Pearl Earrings
Located in Monrovia, CA
A large white freshwater baroque flame ball pearl hangs on a gold plated Milagrosa earring post. Size & shape of pearls may vary slightly as they are natural pearls. Statement earrin...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
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
14K Yellow Gold 3.31 Cts Round Natural Diamond Double-Line Chain Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : These 14K yellow gold double-line chain earrings combine elegant proportions with meticulous diamond setting for a polished luxury finish. The design creates flattering movem...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Lapis Lazuli Yellow Gold Drop Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Lapis Lazuli 20 cts approx Diamonds 0.20 ct approx These exquisite earrings are a mesmerizing confection of fine 18K yellow gold, 20 carat lapis lazuli and 0.20 car...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Emerald Mogul Drop Chain Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Black Onyx Drops 20 carats approx. Emerald cabochons 0.50 carat approx. Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Exquisitely crafted in 18 k...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Blue Sapphire Earrings With Diamonds 1.92 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Blue Sapphire: 1.88 Carats Diamond: 0.04 Carats Metal: 14K White Gold Dimensions: 19 x 7 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bijoux Num Double Halo Round Rainbow Moonstone Dangle Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These beautiful pair of earrings feature sets of round rainbow moonstone, adorned with round simulated diamond cz, handset in 18k yellow gold vermeil over sterling silver. Straight p...
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Natural Grey Color Baroque Pearls Amethyst Moonstone Diamond 14K Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Tops are 2 Amethyst round cabochons,then 2 oval Monstones and Diamonds set with White Gold are holding 2 Grey Baroque Pearls In 1978 our workshop started in Italy to make simple-ch...
Amethyst, Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Dangle Pearl Earrings #25747
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Dangle Pearl Earrings Add timeless elegance to any jewelry collection with these 14K Yellow Gold Dangle Pearl Earrings. Expertly crafted from genuine 14K yellow gold...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Martha Seely 14k Gold White Sapphire Dangle Earrings, Modern Style
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
Celebrate every day. Don't keep these earrings in your lock box - these are meant to be worn!!! These Constellation earrings are made in 14ky w...
Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold
Stunning 12ct Round Briolette Cut Amethyst Hook Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num 12ct Round Briolette Cut Amethyst Vermeil Hook Earrings These stunning pair of earrings features top quality round briolette-cut amethyst (6ct each, 12ct total weight), h...
Topaz, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Michael Kneebone Pink/Lavender Baroque Pearl and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Baroque pearls are presented in these versatile dangle earrings. The pink/lavender jumbo sized pearls possess a blemish-free surface and metalllic nacre. They dangle from free-form...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
$7,720Sale Price|20% Off
Syna Yellow Gold Double Drop Earrings with Blue Topaz and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 21 carats approx. Diamonds 0.80 carat approx. Post back for pierced ears Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration from l...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearls & Matte Green Vintage German Glass Beads edged with 24K gold Earrings
Located in Monrovia, CA
Matte green vintage German glass beads edged with 24K gold with freshwater pearls accented with gold plated rhinestone on a 14K gold filled metals ear findings. The vintage German b...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 24k Gold, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Star Charm Earring Black Diamond Huggies Black Enamel Earhoops J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Star Charm Earring Black Diamond Huggies Black Enamel Earhoops Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted in a 14k gold finish over brass, these dangle earrings feature star charms finished ...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Brass
14KT Rose Gold Diamond Dangle Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
The primary feature is a small "huggie" hoop that fits closely around the earlobe. Several small, round diamonds are set in individual bezel settings (encircled by gold) and dangle f...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Bijoux Num Double Halo Round Amazonite Dangle Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These beautiful pair of earrings feature sets of round blue-green amazonite, adorned with round simulated diamond cz, handset in 18k yellow gold vermeil over sterling silver. Straigh...
Amazonite, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Vermeil
$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
Natural Grey Color Baroque Pearls Amethyst Moonstone Diamond 14K Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Tops are 2 Amethyst round cabochons,then 2 oval Monstones and Diamonds set with White Gold are holding 2 Grey Baroque Pearls In 1978 our workshop started in Italy to make simple-ch...
Amethyst, Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$5,000Sale Price|20% Off
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Praseolite Quartz Cushion Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz cushions 8 carats approx. Praseolite Quartz cushions 22 carats approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dha...
Quartz, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Michael Kneebone Carved Larimar Blue Topaz Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Larimar is paired with Swiss blue topaz in these eminently wearable dangle earrings. Larimar is a rare blue variety of the silicate mineral pectolite found only in the Dominican Rep...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Larimar, 14k Gold
Syna Lapis Lazuli Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Lapis Lazuli beads 17 cts Diamonds 0.10 ct approx Limited edition This exquisite pair of earrings is a limited edition creation crafted in 18 karat y...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$504Sale Price|20% Off
Horseshoe Charm Earring Blue Sapphire Black Diamond Hoop White Diamond J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Horseshoe Charm Earring Black Diamond Hoop White Diamond Blue Sapphire Single Gold Plated J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Horseshoe Earring is a black diamond pavé hoop in gold p...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterl...
Martha Seely 14k Gold Spiral Dangle Earrings with White Akoya Pearls
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
These pearl earrings are the new power pearls - definitely NOT your grandmother's pearls. They are Medium Spiral Dangle Earrings in 14k spirals with a 20 gauge ear wire and a lustrou...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold