New in Contemporary More Jewelry
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.
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Aquamarine, Beryl
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Tourmaline
21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Aquamarine, Beryl
20th Century Italian New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Garnet, Gold, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Aquamarine, Beryl
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Tourmaline
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Aquamarine, Beryl
21st Century and Contemporary New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Purple Sapphire, Sapphire
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Aquamarine
20th Century American New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s American Vintage New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Early 17th Century Afghan Antique New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Tourmaline, Chrome Tourmaline
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Aquamarine, Beryl
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Aquamarine
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Tourmaline
1960s American Vintage New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Aquamarine
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Amethyst
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique New in Contemporary More Jewelry
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold