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.
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Chrysoprase and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Chrysoprase sugarloaf 10 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh &am...
Diamond, Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Morganite and Black Onyx Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Morganite 2.50 carats approx. Black Onyx 6.50 carats approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata D...
Morganite, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Rhodolite Garnet 12 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jades, Agates and Emeralds Black Gold 18 Karats Chandelier Earrings French
Located in Vannes, FR
These sumptuous chandelier earrings are truly an exceptional piece of jewellery. Crafted from the highest quality 18-carat rhodium-plated black gold, these earrings offer an elegant ...
Agate, Emerald, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Amethyst and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Amethyst sugarloaf 13 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & ...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Coral Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Coral 4 carats approx. Diamonds 0.09 carat approx. Post backs for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing...
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Small Blue Topaz and Diamond Studs
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.07 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing insp...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 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
Syna Yellow Gold Chrysoprase Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Chrysoprase 7 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration from ...
Diamond, Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fred Leighton Lapis and Diamond Hexagonal Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Each designed as an hexagonal lapis lazuli stud set with a central round brilliant diamond, weighing a total of 0.36 carats, signed Fred Leighton. The earrings measure approximately ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Peridot Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Peridot 4 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Limited edition Cast in 18 karat yellow gold, this limited edition design ...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Moon Quartz and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon Quartz sugarloaf 9.80 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh &...
Diamond, Quartz, 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
Syna Yellow Gold Turquoise Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Turquoise 4 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. Limited edition Exquisite and rare, our limited edition Candy Blue Topaz and Moon Quartz earri...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Limited Edition Yellow Gold Blue Chalcedony Sugarloaf Earring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Chalcedony 11 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspiratio...
Diamond, Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Michael Kneebone Yellow Sapphire Topaz Citrine Diamond Pearl Confetti Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
A collection of autumnal colored gems are gathered together in these "Confetti" dangle earrings. Yellow sapphire, golden topaz and citrine are all well cut and polished. White diam...
Topaz, Yellow Sapphire, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, ...
Syna Yellow Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping beauty turquoise 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.09 carat approx. Post backs for pierced ears Limited e...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,880Sale Price|31% Off
Michael Kneebone Multi-Gemstone Paspaley South Seas Pearl Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Offered are these one-of-a-kind dangle earrings consisting of pear shaped peridot, oval shaped amethyst, trillion cut blue topaz and emerald cut citrine. The earrings begin and end ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, Multi-gemstone, South Sea Pear...
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
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Earrings Maxi Mini" 18kt Gold - In Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Earrings Maxi Mini" were designed by Betony Vernon in 2004. They are a timeless classic of BV Jewelry. They are appreciated for their symbolic as well as their empowering...
18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Opal Leaf Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Opal 5 carats approx. Diamonds 0.55 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Can be worn at different angles Limited edition ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold and Diamond Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 0.70 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Crafted from 18-karat yellow gold and boasting approximately 0.70 carats of diamonds, these earring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Hex Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. 18kyg post backs for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namr...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k 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
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
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Orange Chalcedony and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Orange Chalcedony sugarloaf 10 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharme...
Diamond, Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta Gold Large Leaf Hoop Earrings, Contemporary
Located in Milford, DE
Large, bold, statement flower open hoop earrings by Oscar de la Renta. Add a golden glow to your outfit! Gold plated. Post backs. Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
1.65 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald Elongate Stud Earrings 18K Gold
Located in Brunswick, ME
Natural Colombian Emerald Elongate Stud Earrings 18K Gold. Great for everyday wear natural Colombian emerald stud earrings 18 Karat yellow gold, stunning vibrant green color!!! Prim...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Studs with Champagne Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Lapis lazuli 2.50 carats approx. Champagne diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Post backs for pierced ears Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & ...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$195Sale Price / item|48% Off
Gucci Rope "GG" Logo Rhodium Plated Earrings
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specification Category Earrings Brand GUCCI Recipient For Her, For Him Earring Style Stud Earrings Brand Collections GG Marmont Metal Type Rhodium Plated
Rhodium, Gilt Metal
3.3 Carats Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 18k Gold Wire Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 7 x 9 mm flawless Arizona Sleeping Beauty mine turquoise pear shaped cabochons are set in simple matte-finish bezels and surrounded by spaced "jawan" granulation accents in this ...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
$8,168Sale Price|44% Off
14k White Gold Diamond Hoop Earring 2.71cts
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone:DIAMONDS diamonds:16 PCS carat total weight:2.71 ctw color:J clarity:VS2-SI1 metal:14K GOLD TYPE: earrings weight:8.3 gr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$298Sale Price / item|49% Off
Versace Medusa Crystal Earrings
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
General information Categories :Women Category:Jewellery Sub-category:Earrings Designer:Versace Model:Medusa Condition:Excellent Material:Gold plated ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Bow Earrings Diamond Stud Pavé Bow Studs Antique Gold Sterling Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bow Earrings Diamond Stud Pavé Bow Studs Antique Gold Sterling Silver J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Bow Earrings are stud bows in antique 14k gold plated sterling silver with a ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Silver, Gold Plate, Brass, Gold, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Rhodolite Garnet 4 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. Limited edition Cast in 18 karat yellow gold, this limited edition design showcases 4 c...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 4.3 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Kyanite 18K Gold Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Matching shimmering 5 x 7 and 6 x 9 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstones face away from each other with brilliant blue 3 x 5 mm faceted Kyanites suspended ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Kyanite, 18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue topaz 4 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Limited edition Cast in 18 karat yellow gold, this limited edition desi...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Citrine Cluster Flower Earrings, 15.00 Carats, Estate, White Gold 14K
Located in Brunswick, ME
A magnificent pair citrine estate earrings, masterfully crafted in 14K white gold and featuring an exquisite cluster flower design. At the heart of these exceptional earrings are App...
Citrine, 14k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Citrine Mogul Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Citrine 4 carats approx. Diamonds 0.09 carat approx. Post backs for pierced ears Limited edition These Candy Blue Topaz and Lemon Quartz Sugarloaf Ea...
Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Earrings mini" 18K Gold
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Earrings Mini" were designed by Betony Vernon in 1992. They are a timeless classic of BV Jewelry. They are appreciated for their symbolic as well as their empowering aest...
18k Gold
Steven Battelle 12.4 Carats Pink Tourmaline Cabochon 22K Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two matching 10 x 12 mm cushion cabochons of Mozambique pink tourmaline are accented by delicate hand applied granulation and suspended below tiny granulated squares in this Steven B...
Tourmaline, 22k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 10 carats approx. Diamonds 0.80 carat approx. Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharmesh &...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Bean Omega Clip and Post Earrings
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., these iconic Bean earrings are crafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold with a high-polish finish. Made for pierced ears, each earring fe...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Geometrix Earrings with Citrine and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Citrine 2 carats approx. Diamonds 0.45 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition Gracefully crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, thes...
Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Star Stud Earrings Black Diamond Black Enamel Sphere Celestial Studs J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Star Stud Earrings Black Diamond Black Enamel Sphere Celestial Studs J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Star Stud Earrings are a pair of spheres handcrafted in 14k gold plated brass...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Brass
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Turquoise and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 5.50 carats approx. Diamonds 1 carat approx. Omega clip-backs & posts Limited Edition Crafted from 18 karat yellow gold...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Teardrop and Pearl Earrings
Located in New York City, NY
These pearl earrings are fashioned to complement your daily ensemble, effortlessly elevating it with a touch of glamour. They feature a lustrous 14K Yellow Gold teardrop design, hig...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Prasiolite Quartz and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Prasiolite Quartz 8 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition Composed in 18 karat golden hue, these li...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Earrings" Sterling Silver 925 - In Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Earrings" were designed by Betony Vernon in 1992. The "O'Ring Earrings" are a timeless classic of BV Jewelry. They are appreciated for their symbolic as well as their emp...
Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Champagne Diamonds Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue sapphires 0.25 carat approx. Champagne diamonds 0.70 carats approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing i...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,125Sale Price / item|50% Off
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Baguette and Round Earrings
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat white gold diamond baguette and round earrings, containing 12 baguette cut diamonds weighing .60pts. and 10 round full cut diamonds weighing .11pts. the earrings are the si...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Syna Green Chalcedony Yellow Gold Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Green chalcedony cabochons 4 carats approx. Diamonds 0.10 carats approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Also available in other gemstones Limited edition Glim...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Flower Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Bright diamonds 0.80 carat approx. Limited edition Make a statement of luxury and elegance with our limited edition Candy Blue Topaz and Moon Quartz...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,240Sale Price|46% Off
Michael Kneebone Black Pearl White Topaz Black Spinel Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
Black pearls mark the tops and the bottoms of these dramatic dangle earrings. The round button and drop shaped pearls are blemish free and have beautiful luster. Mounted between are...
Black Pearl, Spinel, Topaz, Black Spinel, 14k Gold, 18k 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
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Light Green Chalcedony and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Light green chalcedony sugarloaf 11 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears Limited edition Meticulously crafted from...
Diamond, Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 1.0 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two lively blue shimmering 5 mm rainbow moonstone cabochons are surround by complementary fine "pasir" granulation in these handmade 22K beauties. One of our most popular designs. ...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
15mm Mini Twisted Hoop Earrings, 14K Gold Two-Tone Hoops
Located in Austin, TX
Gold hoop earrings are a staple in fine jewelry! These classic earrings are timeless and upgrade any outfit! The 14 karat yellow gold and white gold hoops are lightweight and comfort...
14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,219Sale Price|34% Off
14k Yellow Gold Cabochon Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K YELLOW GOLD LAPIS LAZULI EARRINGS WITH DIAMONDS Specifications: MAIN stone: LAPIS LAZULI 15.5mmX 11.8mm DIAMONDS: 24 pc...
Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle Pearl Tsavorite 22K Gold Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two large and lustrous 13 x 15 mm freshwater white drop pearls with handmade granulated 22K gold caps are suspended below similarly ornamented 3mm faceted tsavorite garnet posts with...
Pearl, Tsavorite, 22k Gold