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.
CLARISSA BRONFMAN 'Widow's Peak' Amethyst 14kGold Diamond Sapphire Symbol Tree
Located in New York, NY
Our signature Symbol Tree Necklaces are each unique and made to be versatile. Attaches 41" adjustable "Alonso" grey/gold micro beaded necklace so charms cascade down - top and bottom...
Amber, Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Ste...
10.83 Carat Natural Diamond Lariat Necklace in White Gold
Located in Roma, IT
Diamond Lariat Necklace An elegant and contemporary diamond lariat necklace, designed with a refined silhouette that beautifully elongates the neckline. The piece features a continuo...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K White Gold Pearl Y-Drop Necklace — 16"
Located in New York, NY
A clean and elegant pearl drop necklace from Tiffany & Co. A delicate 1mm white gold cable chain passes freely through a small polished gold bead at center, from which a single cultu...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Goldtone Serpent Snake Necklace with Faux Emerald & Diamond Paste
Located in New York, NY
This is a fabulous and dramatic statement fashion Serpent Snake Necklace of very high quality in gold tone metal with faux emerald and diamond paste stones. The necklace comes from ...
Mixed Metal
$520Sale Price|60% Off
Chanel B24 Collection Heart Pendant Necklace Gold-Tone with Pearls & Crystals
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
rom Chanel’s coveted B24 Collection, this necklace exudes romantic sophistication with signature house details. The design features a quilted heart-shaped pendant, framed with sparkl...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Ruby Heart and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Astoria, NY
Designer S.Georgios presents a striking 18 Karat White Gold heart-shaped pendant necklace that beautifully symbolizes love and elegance. At the center of the design lies a vivid hear...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Luna Medium Freshwater Pearl, Chain and Keshi Drop Necklace In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
A playful modern take on a classic D&H design, this eclectic Luna Pearl necklace combines 6mm round white freshwater pearls and sterling silver rectangular link chain to dramatic eff...
Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
Mary Tyler Moore Necklace and Earrings 14 Karat White Gold 89 Grams CZ Photos
Located in New York, NY
We are thrilled to offer the legendary television icon Mary Tyler Moore's personal 14 Karat White Gold Necklace and matching Earrings which she wore at many important events througho...
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Madeleine Albright's Scarab Pendant Necklace 18 Karat Gold Lapis With Book
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a piece of American History with Madeleine Albright's extraordinary monumental Egyptian Revival Scarab Insect Pendant Necklace with Egyptian Hieroglyphics in solid 18 Kara...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rhinestone and silver metal drop neckless ATELIER SWAROVSKI
By Swarovski
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Rhinestone and silver metal drop neckless with chain and hook&eye closure on the middle back ( adjustable)
Other, Base Metal
Raquel Welch Estate Personal Ashley Pittman Tribal Necklace Fringe Guaranteed
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in an absolutely fantastic Ashley Pittman tribal horn Necklace from the estate of the legendary Raquel Welch! The magnificent jewel by Ashley Pittman features an incredible ...
Modern 18K Gold Necklace with Rubies and Diamond Pavé Bow Motif
Located in Roma, RM
This contemporary 18K gold necklace offers a refined balance of sculptural design and fine gemstone work, conceived for collectors who appreciate modern statement jewels with strong ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 18 & 21 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Finish Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A striking and versatile design by Ilias Lalaounis, this pendant necklace is crafted in rich 18 and 21 karat yellow gold and showcases the designer’s signature textured finish inspir...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,660Sale Price / item|30% Off
18k yellow Gold "3 Leaf Clover" Pave' diamond earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k Yellow Gold "3 Leaf Clover" Diamond Clover Earrings with diamonds of a 3 leaf clover. containing 50 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,820Sale Price / item|35% Off
18k yellow Gold "4 Clover" Diamond pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k Yellow Gold "4 Clover" Diamond pendant with diamonds of a 4 clover. On a chain with options of 15 or 16 inches. containing 4 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K White Gold Multi Feather Lariat Necklace Ca. 2000's
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K White Gold Multi-Gem Feather Lariat Necklace An elegant and highly collectible vintage Tiffany & Co. lariat necklace from the early 2000s, crafted in solid ...
Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,520Sale Price|30% Off
18k White Gold Diamond Cross 1.00 Ct.s in Starburst Setting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: CHAIN & PENDANT weight: 4.0 gram STONES: 25 DIAMONDS 1.00 CARATS COLOR & CLARITY: G VS2 metal:18k WHITE GOLD CHAIN length: 16 inch 14k ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Citrine Necklace 4 Stone Faceted Oval Citrine 17” 4.69g
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers are presented for consideration, and we work diligently to achieve a mutually agreeable o...
Citrine, Yellow Gold
1.84 Carats Black and White Diamond Gold Heart Pendant Necklace
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Puffy White Diamond Heart accented with Black Diamonds to make Flower Design. The pendant is 18K White Gold. There are 1.84Ct of black and white Diamonds G/H SI. The Heart ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Contemporary Carved Jadeite Diamond 14k White Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
This 1970s 14 karat white gold necklace features a floral and leaf-inspired pendant design, set with 45 sparkling single-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.60 carats (I/J color, ...
Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Drop Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Rock Crystal 35 carats minimum Diamonds 0.14 carat approx. Chain sold separately Fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold, this necklace features a minimum...
Diamond, Crystal, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier diamond 18k yellow gold 'Draperie de Decollete' lariat necklace
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Cartier Draperie de Decollete lariat necklace showcases a graceful and fluid design, set with 113 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.40 carats, displa...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K White Gold Long Feather Lariat Necklace #20997
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K White Gold Long Feather Lariat Necklace- This sophisticated lariat style necklace features a flexible snake chain design culminating in tow stylized arrow-shaped d...
18k Gold, White Gold
$2,886 / item
Recycled Yellow Gold Eboris Buds Necklace by MAZARIN
Located in Geneve, CH
Recycled Yellow Gold Eboris Buds Necklace by MAZARIN Dimensions: W 1.1 x L 1 cm. Adjustable length : 38 / 40 / 42 cm. Materials: 3 g of recycled yellow gold 750/1000. 1 brillant-shap...
Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari Allegra 18K WG Multi-colored Gem and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Bulgari Allegra multi-gem diamond drop pendant necklace, expertly crafted in 18 karat white gold, the necklace features a graceful vertical composition of multi-colored g...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Amethyst Gold Diamond "Lavender Estrella" Symbol Tree Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Our signature Symbol Tree Necklaces are each unique and made to be versatile. Attaches 41" adjustable "Alonso" grey/gold micro beaded necklace so charms cascade down - top and bottom...
Amber, Amethyst, Crystal, Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, Gold,...
$673Sale Price|24% Off
2.60ct Oval Moonstone Charm Pendant Necklace with Diamonds, 24kt Gold and Silver
Located in Bozeman, MT
Oval Moonstone Charm Pendant Necklace with Diamonds, 24kt Gold and Silver by Prehistoric Works of Istanbul, Turkey. Opal - 2.60cts, Diamonds - 0.06cts. This stunning opal is framed i...
Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
$108,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 26.35 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond 18K Gold Statement Necklace
Located in רמת גן, IL
This exceptional high-jewelry necklace is crafted in 18K gold, with a substantial total gold weight of 94.77 grams, offering a luxurious and commanding presence. The necklace is cent...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Easter Pendant with Purple Sapphires
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary pendant necklace is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold and features round-cut purple sapphires. We source our gemstones from a renowned German company that has been ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold...
$2,800Sale Price|46% Off
Michael Kneebone South Seas Pearl Tahitian Pearl Diamond Sapphire Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
Baroque pearls are featured in this unique drop pendant. The South Seas pearl is sourced from Paspaley, the largest cultivator of pearls in Australia. The black pearl is from Tahiti. Both pearls have rich luster and though baroque, have blemish free surfaces. They dangle from a diamond and white...
Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Italian Snake Motif Adjustable Lariat Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold 15 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Made in Italy, this necklace features a snake motif making the lariat adjustable, in 14 karat yellow gold. Can be worn as a choker or longer. Available in three different sizes. ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,360Sale Price|44% Off
Michael Kneebone Kunzite Paspaley South Seas Pearl Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
Kunzite (origin: Brazil) is the centerpiece of this impressive drop pendant. Kunzite is a member of the spodumene family of gems. This stone weighs 76.55 carats. The gem is known ...
Kunzite, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Beauvince Yana Necklace & Earrings Suite (57.99 ct Diamonds) in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
The Yana Diamond Necklace and Earrings Suite is a sleek and versatile jewel of timeless elegance. With changeable drops at the center of the necklace and the earrings, one can easily...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Butterfly Agate Carving Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
The One of a Kind 14 Karat Yellow Gold Butterfly Hand-Carved Agate with Diamonds Pendant Necklace is a truly exceptional piece of jewelry. The pendant features a stunning butterfly d...
Agate, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
GIA Natural Blue Heart Sapphire and Diamond 11.82 Carat TW Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful GIA certified sapphire necklace. Mounted in a beautiful 18K white gold setting with a natural heart blue sapphire surrounded by natural round white diamonds....
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,600Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Lariat Drop Necklace 3.27 Carats F-G VS1-SI1 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White gold lariat drop necklace featuring 44 graduated round brilliants weighing 3.27 carats in a 4 prong north south setting, extended on a diamond facet beaded chain. Neck...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,440Sale Price|38% Off
Jadeite Ruby Akoya Pearl Diamond Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
An antique carved jadeite (material origin: Myanmar, formerly known as Burma) is featured in this vintage style pendant. The jadeite is a beauti...
White Diamond, Jade, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
18 Karat White Gold, 37.93 Carat Blue Sapphire and 13.89 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
37.93 carats of oval and pear shape sapphires are framed with 12.89 carats of round brilliants in this show-stopping important necklace. Set in 18-k...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Opal Diamond Necklace, Yellow Gold, Genuine Opal Diamond Halo Pendant 2.97 ct
Located in Austin, TX
The genuine black opal has an intense blue color and is stunning on anyone's neck. The diamonds encircling the opal makes it even more intriguing. Encircled with the 14 karat yellow ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,280Sale Price / item|40% Off
18k yellow Gold "3 Leaf Clover" Diamond pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k Yellow Gold "3 Leaf Clover" Diamond pendant with diamonds of a 3 leaf clover. On a split chain with options of 15 or 16 inches. containing 25 round ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18K Gold Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in Roma, RM
This modern 18K gold necklace presents an elegant balance of refined brilliance and sculptural design, conceived for collectors seeking a statement jewel with strong visual presence ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$1,200Sale Price / item|40% Off
18k yellow Gold "3 Leaf Clover" Diamond earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k Yellow Gold "3 Leaf Clover" Diamond Clover Earrings with diamonds of a 3 leaf clover. containing 2 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,500Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary 18K Yellow Gold Necklace with 209 Diamonds
Located in New Orleans, LA
This contemporary necklace is a true statement piece, meticulously crafted in 18K yellow gold and adorned with a dazzling array of 209 diamonds. Each of the diamonds is carefully set...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Pink Sapphire Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Pink Sapphire 9.09 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.4 cm Length: 40.5 cm Total Weight: 31.60 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 20 motif Alhambra gold and mother of pearl necklace
Located in London, England
Vintage Alhambra long necklace, 20 motifs, 18K yellow gold, white mother-of-pearl. Mother-of-pearl: 20 stones Year 2024 Vca Hallmark clasp in 18K yellow gold Chain length: 33.86 ...
18k Gold
$17,720Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond Halo and Emerald Drop Necklace 18 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
This Natural Diamond Halo and Emerald 18 Karat White Gold Drop Necklace features oval cut emerald with halo of diamonds set in a chain alternatively with diamonds and a pear emerald ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jose Hess Sweeping Diamond Drop 18 Karat Yellow Gold Collar Statement Necklace
By Jose Hess
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This striking Jose Hess necklace is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and features a sculptural curved collar design accented with channel-set diamonds along the sides. The front showc...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Reversible Pisces Carving Cameo Zodiac Diamond 14 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
The reversible pendant necklace featuring a Pisces sun sign carving cameo zodiac diamond in 14 karat gold is a magnificent piece of jewelry that combine...
Agate, Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.07 carats with Diamond 1.81 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 36.0 cm Total Weight: 44.20 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$40,762Sale Price|25% Off
18K White Gold South Sea Pearl & Diamond Statement Necklace 14.00ct High Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
crafted in solid 18K white gold and designed to drape luxuriously around the neckline. Featuring 20 large South Sea pearls, each measuring approximately 12.0 mm, the necklace present...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea ...
South Sea Pearl Tahitian Diamond Lariat Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White gold chain featuring two Pearls, one South Sea & one Tahitian measuring 12-13 MM with 31 round brilliants weighing 0.31 carats. 18 inch chain Tassel 5/8 X 13/16
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$384Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Carved Aries Zodiac Natural Agate Cameo Pendant Necklace
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
A bold fusion of zodiac power and luxury, this hand-carved Aries Cameo Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver exudes strength and sophistication, blending artistry with timeless elegance. A ...
Agate, Chalcedony, Sterling Silver
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Lapis Lazuli Topaz Diamond Amber EpicureV Symbol Tree Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Our signature Symbol Tree Necklaces are each unique and made to be versatile. Attached to a grey/gold Alonso Necklace so charms cascade down - top and bottom pendants can be removed ...
Amber, Aquamarine, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Topaz, Turquoise, Blue Topaz, ...
Natural Amethyst Double Drop Necklace 32 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural 98 Amethysts = 32.00 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Carved Amber Sun Pendant 18K Gold Antique Celestial Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning antique carved Amber Sun Celestial Pendant in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The beautiful Baltic Amber is hand carved as a radiant sun pendant set in an 18K Gold surround...
Amber, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lavender and Green Jade 20 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace Bird Lily Pad Lotus
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular Antique Jade 20 Karat Gold Necklace with a magnificent 3 inch pendant with a carved Lavender and Green Jade in a bird and lily pad lotus flower motif of great b...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Michael Kneebone Baroque Golden South Seas Pearl Diamond Drop On Cable Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
A splendid baroque golden South Seas pearl is featured in this truly elegant drop. The pearl (origin: Indonesia) measures 15.6mm x 13.8mm x12.9mm. The pearl possesses a blemish-fre...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Candy Gemstones & Pebbles Long Necklace In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
Handcrafted in our London studio, this sterling silver chain necklace is adorned with sculpted pebble pods with amethyst, green chalcedony, lemon quartz and rock crystal gemstones. ...
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver
$288Sale Price|60% Off
Dior Rhinestone Antique CD Pearl Choker Necklace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Exude timeless elegance with this exquisite Dior Rhinestone Antique CD Pearl Choker Necklace. A true statement piece, this vintage-inspired choker features a stunning CD logo centerp...
Michael Christoff 3.60 Carats Pear Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous necklace consists of a drop containing one pear shaped sapphire weighing 3.60 carats, surrounded by round brilliant, straight and tapered baguettes, princess cut, marqu...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold