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.
Stunning Double Oval Blue Topaz & Sapphire Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings features a pair of oval sky blue topaz, lab-grown blue sapphire, adorned with round white topaz on the side, handset in platinum rhodium plated sterli...
Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Platinum, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Solid Opal Cabochons Turkmenistan Green Turquoise Blue Turquoise Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic stud earrings with a pair of Oval Solid Opal Cabs measuring 9 x 11 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold on the top and in the lower parts 2 Turkmenistan Green Turquoise rou...
Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 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
Oval Ruby Cabochons Yellow Gold Bezel Carved Amethyst Round Drops Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
In these simple chic and handmade stud earrings we have a pair of Oval Ruby cabochons size 10 x 12 mm set in 14 kt solid yellow gold bezel on the top and 2 Natural Amethyst carved r...
Amethyst, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Triple Oval Turquoise Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings feature sets of oval cabochon-cut turquoise adorned with round simulated diamonds, handset in platinum rhodium plated sterling silver. The turquoise s...
Turquoise, Platinum, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Silvorra Natural Tsavorite & Tanzanite Cascade Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 6.13 carats natural tsavorite and tanzanite earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver. Showcasing a harmonious arrangement of mixed cut tsavorite and tanzanite gemst...
Tsavorite, Tanzanite, Sterling Silver, Silver
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
Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons Baroque White Pearls 14 Karat Yellow Gold Earring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple Chic Earrings with top part made of 2 Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons (11 x 10 mm ) set in 14 Kt yellow from which are attached 2 White Baroque Pearls of 12 mm in diameter In 197...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k 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
Pear Shape Faceted Amethysts Gold Bezel Engraved Amethyst Drops Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These simple but elegant handmade earrings have 2 faceted Natural Pear Shape Amethysts measuring 7 x 12 mm and weighing 4,55 carats set in yellow gold bezel at the top to which are s...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k 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, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold Single "X" Earring #25281
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Single "X" Earring- This "X" earring by Paloma Picasso is crafted in classic 18K yellow gold in a sleek minimalist design, with Tiffany's timeless mode...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emma Chapman Sterling Silver Moonstone Rhodolite Garnet Earrings
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These limited edition statement moonstone and garnet earrings have been handmade in our workshops and were launched at London Fashion Week. Stella means star and represents luminos...
Garnet, Moonstone, Silver
$200Sale Price / set|50% Off
Sterling Silver Pink Cubic Zirconia Starlit Blossom Stud Earrings For Women
Located in New York, NY
These striking floral stud earrings feature a dazzling cluster of vibrant pink cubic zirconia accented with brilliant clear stones at the center. The mixed shapes are intricately set...
Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Morganite Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Morganite 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.30 carat approx. 18kyg post backs for pierced ears About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspirati...
Diamond, Morganite, 18k 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
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
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...
Vintage Long Oval Dangling Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1990's. Stylish long oval dangle earrings. They look great on the ear and are not heavy. In very good condition. Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Measurements: Each earring is approx. ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mini Hinged Hoop Earrings #25099
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Mini Hinged Hoop Earrings Simple and versatile, these 14k yellow gold mini hoop earrings feature a sleek polished finish and petite silhouette- perfect for everyday ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Onyx Round Drops Faceted Pear Shape Green Quartz 14 Karat Gold Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
This unique and simple but elegant earrings pair is completely handmade and combines the Black Onix round drops suspended to a couple of Pear Shape faceted Green Quartz set in solid ...
Onyx, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold
Oval Blue Sapphire Cabs 14k Yellow Gold Pear Shape Baroque Pearls Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These elegant and handmade earrings have 2 Oval Blue Sapphire cabs measuring 8 x 10 mm set in a 14 Kt yellow gold bezel with 3 small round pearls of 4mm on 3 sides at the top to whi...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,023Sale 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
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...
14K Yellow Gold Textured Drop Earrings #25101
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Textured Drop Earrings These 14k yellow gold textured drop earrings feature a beautifully detailed surface that catches light with every movement. Their elegant drop...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 1.6CT Heart Cut Aquamarine Floral Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 1.6 carat heart cut aquamarine stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and designed in a delicate floral motif. Each earring features a 3 x 4 mm heart shaped a...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Gavi Lane Vintage Clip-On Earrings with Gripoix Glass Baroque Style Purple
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Exquisitely crafted, these vintage Gavi Lane clip-on earrings showcase a dramatic Baroque-inspired design accented with authentic Gripoix glass elements. Rich gold-tone metalwork fra...
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
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
$323 / item
Sky Blue and Teal Topaz 2 Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A mesmerising duo of gemstones! Our Aurora Collection’s 2 Drop Earrings showcase two of our most beloved stones—Sky Blue Topaz and Teal Topaz. Inspired...
Topaz
Qing Dynasty–Style Enamel Dragon Hoop Earrings Gold toned
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Qing Dynasty–Style Enamel Dragon Hoop Earrings Inspired by the opulence and symbolism of Qing Dynasty imperial artistry, these exquisite earrings feature a coiled dragon motif rende...
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
$323 / 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
14K Tri-Color Gold Hoop Earrings #25094
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Tri-Color Gold Hoop Earrings Stylish and versatile, these 14k tri-color gold hoop earrings feature a beautiful blend of yellow, white, and rose gold for a dynamic, eye-catching ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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
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
$236Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta 22K Gold Petite Floral Earrings with Pink Swarovski Crystals
Located in Santa Monica, CA
These Oscar de la Renta floral earrings are a rare and unusually petite design from the house's celebrated line of luxury costume jewelry. Cast in richly textured 22K gold-plated met...
Mixed Metal, 22k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings #25106
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings These 14k yellow gold angled hoop earrings feature a modern, sculpted design with clean lines and polished finish. Their unique shape adds a contempora...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 0.6 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gołd Post Earrings
Located in Soquel, CA
Two fiery and flashing 5 mm rose cut "Welo mine" Ethiopian opals are surrounded by artisan crafted "large/small twist wire" 18K gold bezels to create these elegant everyday treasures...
Opal, 18k Gold
$192Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta 22k Gold-Plated Hammered Metal Circle Post Earrings
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta 22k gold-plated hammered metal circle post earrings, created in the early 21st century in the United States. These earrings are crafted from a base metal and richly...
22k Gold, Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Wide Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Wide Huggie Hoop Earrings- These wide huggie hoop 18K yellow gold earrings feature a high-polish finish with a substantial, rounded silhouette that hug...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Faceted Sky Blue Topaz 14k Gold Aquamarine Plain Round Beads Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
These simple but elegant and completely handmade earrings have 2 Oval Faceted Sky Blue Topaz measuring 8x 10 mm set in 14 Kt yellow gold bezel at the top to which are suspended 2 Aqu...
Aquamarine, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Double Link Clip-On Earrings #25060
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold & Emerald Double Link Clip-On Earrings- Bold and sculptural, these authentic Tiffany & Co. earrings feature a distinctive interlocking double link desi...
Emerald, 18k 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...
Fawaz Gruosi de Grisogono Diamond 18k White Gold Ceramic Drop Earrings
Located in Feasterville, PA
18k White Gold Drop Earrings with Diamond and Black Ceramic Design. Fawaz Gruosi. Hallmarked: Fawaz Gruosi, 750, Serial. Unworn. Includes gift box. Earrings measure 3" in length. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Drop Earrings with Topaz, Tanzanite, and Diamonds - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
These platinum earrings with tanzanite, topaz and diamonds present a striking study in chromatic contrast and architectural composition. Designed with a structured vertical arrangeme...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Platinum
Green Onyx Oval Cabs Gold Engraved Pear Shape Lapis Lazuli Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant and completely handmade Earrings consisting of upper parts of 2 oval shape Green Onyx Cabs measuring 9x11 mm set in a 14 Kt yellow gold bezel , in the lower part we have 2 E...
Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18-karat gold-plated Silver - Double Triangle Pearl Earrings
Located in Monrovia, CA
These earrings are crafted from silver, luxuriously plated in 18-karat gold, and adorned with luminous freshwater pearls. Designed with a rotating, repositionable feature, they allow...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, Gold Plate, 18k Gold, Silver
White Baroque Pearls Pear Shape Ruby Cabs 14 Kt Yellow Gold Bezel Stud Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
SHIPPING+CUSTOM DUTY ARE PAID BY SELLER These simple chic and handmade stud earrings have a pair of Pear Shape Ruby Cabs measuring 9 x 11 mm and weighing 8,7 carats set in solid 14 ...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Cummings Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Drop Earrings, 20th Century
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These vintage Angela Cummings 18k gold earrings from 1989 showcase the designer’s signature balance of sculptural form and understated luxury, radiating timeless sophistication.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$205Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Timeless Halo Diamonds Earrings in Ruby Silver Stud for Girlfriend Gift
Located in New York, NY
This Crafted in gleaming 925 sterling silver, these exquisite stud earrings showcase vibrant natural baguette-cut rubies each precisely measuring 5 × 2.5 mm for a total gemstone weig...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Bijoux Num Oval Sapphire and Cultured Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
By Bijoux Num
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These stunning pair of earrings feature a pair of oval lab-grown blue sapphire (3.5ctw each) and lustrous white cultured freshwater pearls, handset in platinum rhodium plated over st...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum, Rhodium, St...
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Knot Clip-On Earrings #25476
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Knot Clip-On Earrings- These lovely earrings by Tiffany & Co. are crafted in beautifully detailed 18K yellow gold in a sculptural fluted knot de...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ribbed Clip-On Earrings #25485
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ribbed Clip-On Earrings- Elegant and unmistakably Tiffany & Co., these vintage 18K yellow gold clip-on earrings feature a beautifully sculpted ribbed s...
18k Gold, Yellow 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
Halo Emerald Earring Jackets in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Halo Emerald Earring Jackets in 14k Yellow Gold These earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold and feature a bright halo of prong-set green emer...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 quiet sophistication through a serene palette and sculptural simplicity. Faceted teardrops of pale green ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
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
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