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.
Bulgari Lucea 18k White Gold Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
A Bulgari Lucea White Gold Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace. Crafted from 18k white gold, this necklace embodies the essence of Italian craftsmanship and innovative design synonymous w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
33 Carat Heart Cut Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace Antique
Located in New York, NY
We are so delighted to have this extraordinary 33 Carat antique heart cut natural Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum. The magnificent 33.17 Carat Heart Cu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Suspendue Goutte 14K Gold-Filled Necklace with Pear-Cut Crystal Drop
Located in New York, NY
A refined evolution of the Suspendue silhouette, the Suspendue Goutte Necklace introduces a pear-cut crystal drop that catches the light with subtle brilliance. Sculptural gold-plate...
Crystal, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
Contemporary 18K White Gold Diamond Aquamarine Bezel Setting Drop Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
Elegant and sophisticated, this stunning necklace crafted in 18-karat white gold embodies the perfect combination of contemporary design, fine gemstones, and exceptional craftsmanshi...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
$390Sale Price|70% 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...
$216Sale Price|70% 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...
Tiffany & Co Multi Gemstone Drop Necklace Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Signed Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed pre-owned Tiffany & Co multi gemstone drop necklace crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa early 2000s). Briolette faceted aquamarine, citrine, iolite, ...
Aquamarine, Citrine, Iolite, Multi-gemstone, Peridot, Rhodolite, Gold, 1...
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
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
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
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
0.81 Carats Fancy Intense Yellow Heart Gold Pendant Necklace
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Hand Made Necklace. The pendant is 18K yellow and white gold. The center stone is a FANCY INTENSE YELLOW 0.40 Carat Heart Cut Diamond VS. The stone is surrounded by Fancy Y...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gol...
Multi Color Semi-Precious Gemstones 132 Carats Paradizia Necklace N3891
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description An exquisite statement necklace featuring 132 carats of multicolor faceted semi-precious stones each delicately accented with faceted gold beads and dancing along a handc...
Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Rubelite, Tourmaline, Other, Blue Topaz, 14k...
$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
Jade Vine Lariat in 925 Silver, Jade & Rhodolite Garnet by Shana Cave
Located in Geneve, CH
Jade Vine Lariat in 925 Silver, Jade & Rhodolite Garnet by Shana Cave One Of a Kind Dimensions: D 1,5 x W 5 x H 60 cm. Materials: 925 silver, jade, and rhodolite garnet. Each piece ...
Garnet, Jade, Rhodolite, Silver
$2,450Sale Price / item|30% Off
18k Yellow Gold "4 Leaf Clover" Diamond pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k Yellow Gold "4 Leaf Clover" Diamond pendant with diamonds on the front and a spiral design on the back. On a split chain with options of 15 or 16 in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Natural Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow Pear Diamond 3.27 Carat TW Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful GIA certified diamond necklace. Mounted in a beautiful 18K yellow and white gold setting with a natural pear yellow diamond surrounded by natural round white...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, W...
$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
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Journey Diamond Pendant Channel SI-G 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Diamond Journey with eight stones set in a Journey Pendant made of White Gold The pendant is sturdy solid white gold, 1 inch in length, and consists of round graduated diamonds. The...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
Luxurious 5.54 Carat Diamond Drop Y-Necklace in 14K White Gold 17 Inches
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant drop Y-necklace features 5.54 carats set in 14K white gold. The sparkling multi-shape diamonds in mixed sizes, beautifully secured in classic prong settings. The graduat...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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
$3,325Sale Price|26% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Large Diamond Heart Pendant
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold large diamond heart pendant containing 50 round full cut diamonds weighing 2.56cts. color G, clarity SI on a 18 inch chain.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
42 Carats Malachite with Black Diamonds on Black Chain Necklace N3696
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Casual and striking Malachite with black pave diamonds and black chain necklace highlighted with 14k yellow gold accents. Item # N36...
Black Diamond, Malachite, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
$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
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...
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
$2,660Sale 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
Syna Moon Quartz Yellow Gold Mogul Drop Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon quartz 50 cts minimum Diamonds 0.14 ct approx Chain sold separately Ask for K0730/18KYF 30 inch 18kyg link chain $1650 Crafted with 18 karat y...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k 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
14k Yellow Gold Journey Diamond Pendant VS Quality .56 Carat
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Journey, Diamond 7-stone VS Quality Pendant, 14kt. The gold yellow pendant are beautifully designed with textured bezels. The pendant is 1 inch long with tube-set diamonds measurin...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$4,225Sale Price|35% Off
14K yellow gold blue sapphire and diamond "Bolero" adjustable on 3mm rope
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K yellow gold blue sapphire and diamond "Bolero" adjustable on 3mm rope Specifications: main stone: Sapphire 1.01cts. diamonds: 8 single cuts .15pts. diamond color:...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow 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...
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
GIA Certified Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond Tennis Necklace 16.84 Carats 18K White
Located in Great Neck, NY
GIA Certified Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond Tennis Necklace 16.84 Carats 18K White Gold An extraordinary high jewelry Paraiba tourmaline and diamond tennis necklace centered by a magni...
Diamond, White Diamond, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
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
$715Sale Price / item|20% Off
18 Karat Oval Pink Sapphire and Diamond Pendant
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k white gold oval pink sapphire weighing .47pts. and 12 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighing .15pts. on a 14k white gold 16 inch chain. *pick a gemstone for the ce...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
925 Sterling Silver Swan Cameo Carving Agate Pendant Necklace
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
925 Sterling Silver Swan Cameo Carving Agate Pendant Necklace This sterling silver pendant necklace features a swan couple cameo on an intricately carved n...
Agate, Sterling Silver
Michael Kneebone Zultanite White Sapphire Deux Gemstone Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
Zultanite and white sapphire are paired in this double gemstone pendant. Zultanite (origin: the Ilbir Mountains of southwest Turkey) is a color change member of the diaspore family ...
Sapphire, Zultanite, 14k Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
Certified Genuine Burmese Green Jadeite Jade Cabochon & 4.21ct Diamond Necklace
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This one-of-a-kind extraordinarily unique vintage Green Jadite Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace is set with three beautiful translucent apple green cabochon jadeites at the center. Each ...
Diamond, Jade, Yellow Gold
$5,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White 0.64cttw. White Diamond & Blue Sapphire Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: Categories: Necklaces Primary Stone: White Diamond Primary Stone Color: White Sizable: No Description: This necklace features a teardrop pendant encrusted with whit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary 999 Silver Lithic Line Necklace by Anne Chedeau, France
Located in Geneve, CH
Lithic Line Silver Necklace by Anne Chedeau Dimensions: Chain: W 0,02 to 0,04 x D 0,02 to 0,04 x H 43,5 cm Closed clasp: W 1 x D 3 x H 2 cm Materials: Silver 999. Designed for ver...
Silver
$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
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
$3,963Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace with Champagne South Sea Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
This exquisite necklace is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and showcases a magnificent champagne-colored South Sea pearl, measuring approximately 12 to 14 mm in diameter. The pearl d...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
Sterling Silver and Black Silk Cord, Caules Necklace by Nathalie Edenburg
Located in Geneve, CH
Sterling Silver and Black Silk Cord, Caules Necklace by Nathalie Edenburg Dimensions: Length: 60cm. Materials: 60cm sterling silver chain or black silk cord with sterling silver drop...
Sterling Silver
$3,120Sale Price|29% Off
1.54 Carat Unheated Pink Sapphire and Diamond Halo Necklace, GIA-certified
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
1.54ct Unheated Pink Sapphire Diamond Halo Pendant, GIA Certified Expertly-crafted, this GIA certified 1.54ct Unheated Pink Sapphire Diamond Halo Pendant showcases a natural, ethica...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
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
Mary Tyler Moore Earrings With Photos 2.25" Imitation Pearl Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
We are thrilled to offer Mary Tyler Moore's iconic earrings which she wore at important events throughout her illustrious life. The imitation pearl and Cubic Zirconia earrings were ...
Mixed Metal
14 Karat Yellow Gold 1.68 Carat Diamond Beaded Drop Station Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Modern 14K yellow gold station necklace featuring 140 round brilliant diamonds totaling 1.68 carats with sparkling pavé diamond drops on a polished gold bead chain. Elegant, contempo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,320Sale Price|40% Off
Michael Kneebone Opal Topaz Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Confetti Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
A boulder opal (origin: Queensland, Australia) is the centerpiece of this elegant "Confetti" pendant. "Boulder opal" refers to opal that has formed within the ironstone matrix. It ...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Diamond, Sapphire...
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
14K Yellow Gold Multi-Shape Peridot and Diamond Cluster Curved Bar Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This eye-catching necklace features a playful, asymmetrical cluster of mixed-shape elements arranged in a gentle, neckline-framing curve. It showcases a brilliant round-cut and a sha...
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Multi-Shape Peridot and Diamond Cluster Curved Bar Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This eye-catching necklace features a playful, asymmetrical cluster of mixed-shape elements arranged in a gentle, neckline-framing curve. It showcases a brilliant round-cut and a sha...
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Diamond "Y" Necklace #24135
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold and Diamond "Y" Necklace- This elegant 14K yellow gold necklace features a pave diamond circle that anchors two delicate drop chains finished with sleek diamond vert...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,560Sale Price|20% Off
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