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.
14KT Pink Gold Pave Diamond Dog Tag Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The pendant is shaped like a classic military dog tag, but it's given a luxurious twist. The entire front surface is covered in numerous small, round diamonds set closely together in...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Citrine Drop Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Citrine 35 carats minimum Diamonds 0.14 carat approx. Chain sold separately Crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this pendant features a stunning citr...
Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,014Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond 3.08 Cts Riviera Lariat Y-Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This luxurious 14K yellow gold necklace showcases an elegant Y-shaped lariat silhouette. The main strand features a classic Riviera-style tennis line of brilliant, closely set round ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unique Simone Necklace in Gold Vermeil by Aur Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Simone Necklace in Gold Vermeil by Aur Studio Unique Piece Dimensions: L 46 cm. Materials: Gold vermeil. Two material finishes are available: gold vermeil or silver. Prices m...
Gold, Vermeil
Effy Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise 14k Yellow Gold Contemporary Drop Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
Contemporary necklace by Effy, crafted in 14-karat yellow gold and showcasing a striking combination of lapis lazuli and turquoise. Rich cobalt-blue lapis is paired with vibrant turq...
Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,014Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Diamond 2.81 Cts Curved Bar V-Shape Fringe Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking 14K white necklace features a brilliant, diamond-set curved bar that elegantly traces the collarbone. Suspending from the center is an asymmetrical, cascading V-shaped ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Dog Tag Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The pendant is shaped like a classic military dog tag, but it's given a luxurious twist. The entire front surface is covered in numerous small, round diamonds set closely together in...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Bulgari B.zero1 18K RG Diamond Ceramic Tassel Drop Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Bulgari B.zero1 necklace, crafted in luminous 18K rose gold, three of the signature BVLGARI round motifs are accented with pavé-set diamonds, adding subtle brilliance and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
Syna Yellow Gold Moon Quartz Drop Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon quartz 20 carats minimum Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration f...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra 100.3 CT Aquamarine Silver Necklace & Earring Set, 18 Inch Tennis Style
Located in New York, NY
This stunning jewelry set features 100.32 carats of natural oval cut aquamarines prong set in 925 sterling silver. This matching set includes an 18 inch tennis necklace and a pair of...
Aquamarine, Silver, 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
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
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Evil Eye Pendant Necklace
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents an exquisite 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Blue Enamel Evil Eye Pendant. This stunning piece features vibrant blue enamel and shimmering Brilliant Cut Diamonds...
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Red Coral 14 Karat Gold Ball Chain Necklace
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Red Coral 14 Karat Gold Ball Chain Necklace Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Primary Stones: Natural Turquoise and Coral Total Carat Weight: 9.97 cara...
Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
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
$1,095Sale Price / item|24% Off
14k White Gold Blue Topaz Heart Shape with a Diamond Halo pendant
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: Metal: 14K white gold Main Stone: 1.75 ct Blue Topaz Heart Shape Side Stones: 16 Diamonds .22pts. Color: G Clarity: VS-SI1 Length: 16 inch Hallmark: '14K' *Pick Any S...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White 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
$777Sale Price / item|79% 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
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
$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
$3,014Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Rose Gold Diamond 2.81 Cts Curved Bar V-Shape Fringe Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking 14K rose necklace features a brilliant, diamond-set curved bar that elegantly traces the collarbone. Suspending from the center is an asymmetrical, cascading V-shaped f...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline Australian Opal White Diamond Necklace, Joke Quick 2026
By Joke Quick
Located in Dallas, TX
Handcrafted in Belgium, this yellow gold pendant shines with a unique mix of Paraiba Tourmalines, Australian Opals, and sparkling diamonds. Each stone is hand-selected by Joke Quick ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold,...
Syna Yellow Gold Swivel Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kygDiamonds 3 cts approx Ball and axis swivel mechanism Each diamond set in a bezel Intricate workmanship Chain sold separately Limited edition Handcrafted in 18kt yell...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k 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
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...
Vivien Leigh Gift to Lawrence Olivier Gold Loving Cup Pendant "Darling Larry"
Located in New York, NY
Vivien Leigh's gift to Sir Lawrence Olivier, this extraordinary piece of Hollywood and Theater History is a 14 Karat Gold Loving Cup Pendant Charm engraved in Vivien Leigh's handwrit...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Palette Necklace in Silk, Zircons, Glass & Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni
Located in Geneve, CH
Palette Necklace in Silk, Zircons, Glass & Vermeil Gold by Katerina Makriyianni. Dimensions: Length 49 cm. Materials: Bronze, 24kt Vermeil Gold, Silk, Glass and Zircons. Availab...
Zircon, Vermeil, Bronze
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...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$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
Syna Yellow Gold Mini Black Onyx Drop Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Black onyx 10 carats minimum Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Chain sold separately Handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold, this pendant features black onyx...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Michael Kneebone Baroque Tahitian Pearl Diamond Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
Tahitian pearl is featured in this elegant drop pendant. The pearl is a beautiful medium gray color with undertones of green and blue. The gem has a couple minor dimples but posses...
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Titanium
Syna Yellow Gold Mini Amethyst Drop Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Amethyst 10 carats minimum Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Chain sold separately Crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, this majestic Mogul Gemstone Sword P...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,360Sale Price|31% Off
Michael Kneebone Tourmaline Aquamarine Tahitian Pearl Confetti Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
Indicolite tourmaline (origin: Brazil) is integrated with aquamarine and Tahitian pearl in this unique Confetti necklace. The cabochons are delicate...
Aquamarine, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Vermeil
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
$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
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
14KT White Gold Square Amethyst and Diamond Drop Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
The pendant features a modern, elegant drop design. A square or princess-cut amethyst is set prominently at the bottom, held by gold prongs. Above the amethyst is a V-shaped or cross...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Square Amethyst and Diamond Drop Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
The pendant features a modern, elegant drop design. A square or princess-cut amethyst is set prominently at the bottom, held by gold prongs. Above the amethyst is a V-shaped or cross...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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...
$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
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
$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
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
GIA Certified Natural Blue Pear Sapphire and Diamond 2.60 Carat TW Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful GIA certified sapphire pendant. Mounted in a beautiful 18K white gold setting with a natural pear blue sapphire surrounded by natural round white diamonds. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yianni Creations Oval Peridot Fine Silver Handmade Long Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations fine silver 950 purity plated with palladium pendant necklace from Ammos Collection crafted in Greece and features 2.0 Carat oval cut Peridot. The gorgeous unique l...
Peridot, Palladium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ram drop pendant, by Melanie Yazzie, cast, sterling silver, Navajo, necklace
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Rams, cast sterling silver pendant Melanie Yazzie new Navajo necklace aries Melanie A. Yazzie (Navajo-Diné) is a highly regarded multimedia artist known for her printmaking, paintin...
Sterling Silver, Silver
$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
$6,540Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Italian by Repossi 9.0 Ct Emerald 18.10 Ct Diamond Certified Necklace
By Repossi
Located in Napoli, IT
This timeless necklace is the epitome of eternal elegance. Italian origin, signed by Repossi maison. Hand crafted as unique to the highest standards of Italian jewellery, accurate an...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$25,961Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby & Diamond Plunging V-Necklace in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Ruby & Diamond Plunging V-Necklace in Platinum This necklace is crafted in platinum and features prong-set oval Burmese rubies arranged in a plunging V-shaped design. The gradua...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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
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...
.50 Carat Baguette Diamond Heart with Blue Topaz 14 Karat Gold Pendant
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Swiss Blue Colored Topaz Pendant is Beautifully Featured in this Baguette Diamond Heart This dynamic pendant is set in 14 karat yellow gold T...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Emerald cut Emerald Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing pendant with a bezel-set faceted emerald shape Emerald weight 3,61 carat from Zambia. drop pendant dimension : width 10,4 mm height...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Two-Tone 18K Gold Diamond Necklace, 7.51ct Round Brilliant
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The electronically tested necklace features a chevron-style diamond motif, bordered by yellow gold stationed ridges, supported by a designer style white gold flexible chain, terminat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
AQUAMARINE Certified 47.00 Carat AGL Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
This investment-grade masterpiece features a monumental 47.00 carat AGL Certified aquamarine of exceptional crystalline clarity. Measuring a substantial 24.8 x 22.65mm, the stone pos...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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