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.
Pear Sapphire and Diamond 14 Karat Gold Mini Drop Earrings - Fei LIu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Crafted in 14ct yellow gold, these drop earrings feature pear‑shaped sapphires accented by small round diamonds. The design offers a refined interplay of deep blue and golden warmth,...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, ...
Michael Kneebone South Seas Pearl Diamond White Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
South Seas pearls and diamonds inspired these chic dangle earrings. The pearls (origin: Australia) measure 12mm, are creamy white, are blemish free and possess rich luster. Eightee...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
14KT Rose Gold Diamond Star Dangle Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
The earrings feature a small "huggie" hoop that fits closely around the earlobe. A detailed starburst or star charm, encrusted with small diamonds in a pave setting, dangles from a l...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Blue Sapphire Oval Cabs Gold Diamonds Round Drop Turquoise Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant and completely handmade Earrings consisting of an upper part of 4 oval shape Blue Sapphires 6x8 mm set together in 14 Kt yellow gold with 2 small diamonds in the center, at ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Cabochon Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Platinum Drop Earrings - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Set in platinum, these earrings feature clusters of cabochon sapphires accented by diamonds, leading to large white pearl drops. The design blends classic sophistication with modern ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold 4.06Cts Round Natural Diamond Open Teardrop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : These 14K yellow gold open teardrop earrings combine elegant proportions with meticulous diamond setting for a polished luxury finish. The design creates flattering movement ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold 2.06 Cts Round Diamond Halo Drop Lever back Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Elegant drop earrings featuring brilliant round-cut center diamonds framed by a shimmering halo of accent stones, suspended gracefully from pave-set lever back closures. Crafted in g...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
Steven Battelle 4.1 Carats Arizona Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18K Gold Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two outstanding Arizona Sleeping Beauty mine 7 x 10 mm pear shaped cabochons are accented by classic braided 18K gold wire bezels beneath a matching circular accent above the jump r...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold 4.81 Cts Round Natural Diamond Floral Cluster Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : These 14K yellow gold floral cluster earrings combine elegant proportions with meticulous diamond setting for a polished luxury finish. The design creates flattering movement...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 5.3 Carats Cabochon Emerald 18K Gold Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Graduated sizes of 4 x 6 mm, 5 x 7 mm, and 6 x 8 mm Zambian oval cabochon emeralds are set in matte-finish 18K gold "cupped bezel" settings and dangle below round 18K similarly finis...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 3.7 Carats Cabochon Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Wire Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two fiery green flashing 8 x 10 mm Ethiopian Opal cabochons from the Welo mine region of Ethiopia are set in artisan hand-crafted 18K gold bezels surrounded by "twist-wire" accents. ...
Opal, 18k Gold
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
Stunning 12ct Round Briolette Cut Blue Topaz Drop Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num 12ct Round Briolette Cut Blue Topaz Drop Vermeil Earrings These stunning pair of earrings features top quality round briolette-cut genuine sky blue topaz (6ct each, 12ct ...
Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
14K White Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Infinity Drop Earring
Located in Antwerp, BE
These elegant drop earrings feature a captivating blend of classic symbolism and vibrant color. Each earring showcases a vivid oval-cut Swiss Blue Topaz, suspended within a shimmerin...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, White Gold, 14k Gold
$275Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Open Teardrop 925 Silver Drop Earrings with 5.37ct Mixed Cut Moissanite
Located in New York, NY
These dazzling 5.37 carat moissanite drop earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and showcase a sophisticated composition of mixed cut gemstones. The design features oval cut mo...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Emma Chapman Lapis Lazuli Flower Earrings in Sterling Silver, New
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These lapis lazuli flower earrings have been handmade in our workshops using the ancient art of stone-carving. Each pair of earrings has exquisite hand-carved lapis flower motif...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Elegant 14K Gold Ruby & Diamond Linear Drop Earrings
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Refine your collection with these striking linear drop earrings, meticulously crafted in lustrous 14-karat gold. Blending timeless sophistication with modern movement, each earring g...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco‑Style Convertible Platinum Earrings Set with Sapphires and Diamonds
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
These convertible platinum earrings with sapphires and diamonds reinterpret Art Deco geometry through a contemporary lens. Vivid square‑cut sapphires are adorned by pavé‑set diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Bulgari 18k Yellow Gold Citrine Cabochon Drop Earrings, 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Classically elegant yet simply chic, these bold earrings by Bvlgari encompass sleek, stepped bezels surrounding the rich, golden citrine cabochons. Vintage 1970s of a modern, minimal...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Golden South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
These striking Faye Kim 18K Gold drop earrings pair luminous golden South Sea pearls with bezel-set diamonds for an elegant balance of warmth and brilliance. Each richly colored pear...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$441Sale Price|30% Off
Chanel Oversized CC Hoop Earrings in Silver Metal
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Elegant and instantly recognizable, these Chanel-inspired double CC earrings feature the iconic interlocking logo design in a sleek silver-tone finish. The openwork silhouette create...
15.92 ct Natural Emerald-Cut Emerald and Diamond Spiral Earrings, 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
A bold emerald-cut Zambian emerald, close to eight carats each, is wrapped in a pinwheel double halo of eighty marquise diamonds. Each piece is hand-fabricated and matched as a true...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k 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
Trillion Cut Peridot Lapis Lazuli Plain Drops 14 kt Solid Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These simple but elegant and unique earrings have 2 faceted Trillion shape Peridots set in yellow gold at the top to which are suspended 2 Lapis Lazuli plain drops size 18 mm x 25 mm...
Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
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
Pear-shape Moonstone Vermeil Drop Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
BIjoux Num Pear-shape Cabochon Rainbow Moonstone Vermeil Drop Earrings Discover pear-shape rainbow moonstone vermeil drop earrings. The earrings feature 2 large genuine pear-shape c...
Moonstone, Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Long Drop Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Lapis Lazuli 28 carats approx. Bright diamonds 0.20 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers Drawing inspirat...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 2.5 Carats Pink Tourmaline 18K Gold Wire Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two bright 6 x 9 mm faceted pear shaped pink tourmalines are surrounded by line textured 18K gold bezels and suspended below small half round balls on safety-clasp wires, in this si...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
$265Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra 2.29 Cushion Cut Emerald & Diamond Vertical Drop Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 2.29 carats emerald and diamond vertical drop earrings are crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. Featuring four vibrant cushion cut emeralds measuring approximately 4.9 mm, t...
Diamond, Emerald, 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
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
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Rock Crystal Cushion Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 3 carats approx. Rock crystal 8 carats approx. Limited Edition Discover the elegance and unique beauty of these Candy Blue Topaz and Moon ...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Steven Battelle 2.5 Carats Mozambique Garnet 18K Gold Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Bright red 7 x 9 mm pear shaped faceted garnets that are set in matte-finish 18K bezels and bordered by delicate twist wire accents dangle below 5 mm faceted rounds in similar settin...
Garnet, 18k Gold
$330 / item
Peridot and Teal Topaz 2 Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
Our 2 Drop Peridot and Teal Topaz Earrings are stunning! Combining two beautiful gemstones together to create a sensational homage to the Aurora Borealis. ...
Peridot, Topaz, Vermeil
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Geometric Tassel Gold Huggie Drop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
Add a touch of modern movement to your jewelry collection with these striking 14k yellow gold huggie earrings. Featuring a shimmering pave-set diamond hoop, these earrings are unique...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cabochon Mother of Pearl Drop Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num Oval Cabochon-cut Mother of Pearl drop earrings. The earrings feature 2 large oval-shape cabochon-cut Mother of Pearl with unique and beautiful luster, handcrafted brush...
Rhodium, Sterling Silver, Platinum
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
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
14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Pearl Drop Earrings #25337
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Pearl Drop Earrings- These elegant 14K yellow gold earrings feature richly colored oval amethysts framed by a halo of delicate seed pearls. Three pearl ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cabochon Chalcedony Vermeil Drop Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bijoux Num Oval Cabochon Chalcedony Vermeil Drop Earrings. The earrings feature 2 large oval-shape cabochon-cut Chalcedony with unique periwinkle purple-ish blue hue, bezel set ha...
Chalcedony, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Vermeil
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
Emma Chapman 24ct Gold Vermeil Amethyst Ruby Drop Earrings, Handmade
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These striking amethyst ruby drop earrings have been handmade in our workshops. They feature hand-cut amethysts which are embedded with rubies set in hand-engraved motifs. The earrin...
Amethyst, Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
$2,080Sale Price|35% Off
Michael Kneebone Royal Amethyst Baroque South Seas Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Richly colored royal purple amethyst (origin: Uruguay) are paired with a huge pair of baroque Paspaley South Seas pearls in these "Due Perla" drop earrings. The pearls are pure whit...
Amethyst, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Star Dangle Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Antwerp, BE
The earrings feature a small "huggie" hoop that fits closely around the earlobe. A detailed starburst or star charm, encrusted with small diamonds in a pave setting, dangles from a l...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Turquoise Drop Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18K gold turquoise and diamond drop earrings bring a vibrant pop of color to a refined, sculptural silhouette. Smooth, beautifully matched turquoise spheres are suspended ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Michael Kneebone Coral Pink Sapphire Fossilized Coral Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Coral is the primary gem in these dramatic dangle earrings. The round cabochons (origin: Indonesia) are an intense salmon color and possess a glass-like polish. They compliment the...
Coral, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Chrysoprase and Turquoise Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Chrysoprase 2.50 carats approx. Turquoise 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.03 carat approx. 18kyg Butterfly backs Limited Edition Exquisitely crafted fro...
Diamond, Chrysophrase, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$412Sale Price|45% Off
Chanel 25 Oriental Fan Drop Earrings with Pearl and CC
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A striking fusion of artistry and luxury, these Chanel 25 Oriental Fan Earrings showcase an elegant fan-inspired silhouette adorned with vibrant floral enamel detailing. Crafted in g...
Petite Platinum Drop Earrings with Green Amethyst, Pearls & Diamonds - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
These platinum drop earrings with green amethyst, pearls and diamonds embody sophistication through a serene palette and sculptural simplicity. Faceted pear-cut pale green amethyst i...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Steven Battelle 4.3 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Kyanite 18K Gold Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 7 x 9 mm irregular shaped rainbow moonstone rose cuts are suspended below intense blue 4 mm faceted Kyanite posts, all surrounded by 18 K gold twist wire accents in this attracti...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Kyanite, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 14.6 Carats Pearl 18K Gold Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two elongated 9 x 12 mm black fresh water pearls are suspended below wide artisan crafted 18K gold "wire and jawan" decorated posts with an additional small gold spiral component bet...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Black Tahitian Pearl Drop Earrings
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
A sophisticated expression of Faye Kim’s signature pearl designs, these elegant drop earrings showcase luminous Black Tahitian pearls, prized for their rich natural color and subtle ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Roberto Coin 18K White Gold Cento C Setting Diamond Drop Earrings #25124
By Roberto Coin
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Roberto Coin 18K White Gold Cento C Setting Diamond Drop Earrings- Elegant and refined, these sparkling Roberto Coin earrings each feature one round brilliant cut diamond set in a C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Drop Earrings in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Diamond drop earrings beautifully handcrafted in platinum. The details are as follows : Diamond weight : 1.25 carat ( GH color and VS2 clarity ) Metal : platinum
Diamond, Platinum
Michael Kneebone Tahitian Keshi Pearl Diamond Gray Moonstone Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Gray moonstones are paired with Tahitian Keshi pearls in these one-of-a-kind button earrings. The moonstones (origin: India) are medium gray in color, perfectly matched and well pol...
Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Lapis Lazuli Dangle Earrings, Italy
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in these stunning signed Bulgari Bvlgari Earrings with Citrine globes and Lapis Lazuli surmounts in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The dangle drop earrings are signed Bvlgari 750. Th...
Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Purple Amethyst and Sky Blue Topaz 2 Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
Our Purple Amethyst and Sky Blue Topaz 2 Drop Earrings move like the delicate streams of light that form the Aurora Borealis. These two gemstones come ...
Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Vermeil