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.
$2,240Sale Price|37% Off
Michael Kneebone Double Strand White Kasumi Pearl Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
Two strands of luminous white Kasumi pearls (origin: Indonesia) form this dramatic necklace. The wrinkly surface is typical of this type of baroque pearl. They are graduated in siz...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Silver
Aquamarine Triple Strand Torsade Necklace, Sterling Silver Beads, 18"
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous triple strand Aquamarine Torsade Necklace with fabulous Sterling Silver beads. The dramatic 18 inch necklace has three strands of round faceted aquamarines with a...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
$4,320Sale Price|20% Off
18K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Station Necklace – 3.60 Carats, 34 Inches
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This elegant 29-station necklace is an enduring classic, crafted in two-tone 18 karat gold for a graceful blend of warmth and sparkle. The 34-inch chain is fashioned from rich yellow...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Sterling 18k Yellow Gold 4 Strand Diamond Sphere Necklace #25227
By David Yurman
Located in Washington Depot, CT
David Yurman Sterling 18k Yellow Gold 4 Strand Diamond Sphere Necklace Elegant and timeless, this David Yurman multi-strand station necklace is crafted in sterling silver with 18k y...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Coral and 18k Yellow Gold Bead Torsade Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
A rare and desirable estate piece from Tiffany and Co, this five strand coral bead torsade necklace in 18 karat yellow gold is a vibrant and sophisticated jewel that exemplifies the ...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beauvince Heart 2 Row Necklace (23.32 ct Diamonds) in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This romantic double-strand necklace pairs two tennis-style diamond rows set in white gold, each lined with heart shape diamonds set shoulder to shoulder for a continuous, scalloped ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18kt White Gold Pearl Necklace with Amethyst, Floral Design
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Pink 18kt white gold Pear-cut amethyst gemstone embellishments Floral design Pearl chain Secure clasp Condition: Excellent This pre-owned item is in near-perfect condition with no si...
Amethyst, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
A 1980s High Quality Costume Jewelry Gilt Metal Italian Multi Strand Necklace
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage 1970s gold tone metal multi-strand snake chain necklace features a bold luxury runway design crafted with sleek, fluid herringbone-style snake chains. This striking stat...
Gilt Metal
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Coral Necklace Triple Strand Silver Tribal 31 Inches
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a spectacular treasure from the personal wardrobe of the legendary style icon Iris Apfel. We have her extraordinary antique triple strand tribal necklace in red coral with...
Coral, Silver
Triple Strand Pearl Diamond 14K Gold Necklace 36 Inch Opera Length 7mm Pearls
Located in New York, NY
This is a magnificent Triple Strand Opera Length Pearl Necklace with a stunning Pearl and Diamond Clasp in 14 Karat White and Yellow Gold. The extraordinary necklace is 36 inches lo...
Pearl, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Carat Jewellery 4.12ct Diamond by The Yard Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The 4.12 Carat 29-Station Diamond by the Yard Necklace is a breathtaking piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this n...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Coral Turquoise Lapis Lazuli Silver Necklace Tribal
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a spectacular treasure from the personal wardrobe of the legendary style icon Iris Apfel. We have her extraordinary six strand torsade tribal necklace in red coral, turqu...
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Silver
$3,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Two Chanel Gripoix Necklaces 1981 Signed Estate of Barbara Taylor Bradford
Located in New York, NY
From the collection of writer Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE (Order of the British Empire) we have these two extraordinary and very rare matching Chanel Gripoix Glass and Faux Pearl Nec...
Gilt Metal
Aquamarine Baroque Pearl Triple Strand Necklace 11mm Beads Chinese Medallion
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning triple strand natural mined Aquamarine and Baroque Pearl necklace. The shortest strand in the necklace is a perfect 18 inches in length. The aquamarine beads...
Aquamarine, Pearl
$4,850Sale Price / set|25% Off
Chanel CC Multistrand Black Pearl Rhinestone Necklace and 2 Bracelets Box Pouch
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
This is a very rare and magnificent Chanel Parure with a 38 inch Chanel CC Multistrand Black Faux Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace and Two Bracelets with the original 2 Chanel pouches and box. The statement necklace and bracelets feature faux Black Pearls...
Gilt Metal
Bohemian Chic 5.15ct Emerald Station Multi-Strand Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant multi-strand necklace features 5.15 carats of emeralds set in 14K yellow gold. Each emerald measuring approximately 4.5 x 3 mm, beautifully secured in sleek bezel settin...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl Necklace with White Gold Clasp
Located in Trumbull, CT
Elevate your look with a timeless pearl necklace. This 17-18 inches in length strand necklace is fully knotted and hand strung with matching silk cord. ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Italian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace 13.4 Grams 20"
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold chain featuring oval links weighing 13.4 grams. Each link is 3/4 inches long and 1/4 inches wide. Available in white gold and rose gold. Available in smaller and...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
32 Inch Double Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Ruby Clasp
Located in Boca Raton, FL
32-Inch Double Strand Cultured Pearl Necklace featuring two elegant strands of cultured pearls measuring approximately 7.5–8.0mm, beautifully complemented by an exquisite 14K white g...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 617 Carat Multi Color Sapphire and Diamond Suite
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
*ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE PREPAID TARRIFS & CUSTOMS DUTIES FOR USA CLIENTS.* An extraordinary celebration of color, rarity, and craftsmanship, this spectacular haute joaillerie su...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$910Sale Price|35% Off
Lapis Lazuli Diamond Cut Strand Necklace with Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Trumbull, CT
Add elegance to your look with this beautiful lapis lazuli necklace. This 17 inches in length graduated strand necklace is fully knotted and hand strung with matching silk cord. The ...
Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marco Bicego 18k Yellow Gold Multi-Stone 3-Strand Necklace 29" 55.7g
By Marco Bicego
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful 18k Yellow Gold Multi Gemstone 3 Strand Necklace by Marco Bicego Features an Assortment of Beautiful Gemstones including Tourmaline, Iolite, Garnet, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, ...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beauvince Layers Necklace (14.46 ct Diamonds) in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
The Layers Necklace is a chic and trendy 2 string graduated diamond necklace offering more bang for the buck. With cupcake style setting accentuating the look of the overall piece an...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18Kt White Gold Pearl Ct 1.120, 50 Soutoir Necklace
Located in Cattolica, IT
Charming and elegant sautoir entirely made of pearls and finished in 18 Kt whitw gold. Each of the six strings is composed of pearls in several measures, from smaller ( diameter mm 3...
Pearl, White Gold
Aquamarine Torsade Necklace Silver 17.5 Inches Long Six Strands Aquamarines
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular Aquamarine Torsade Necklace. The dramatic necklace has six strands of aquamarines with an exuberant play of beautifully colored natural mined Aquamarine gems. ...
Topaz, Aquamarine, Silver
$1,440,000Sale Price|20% Off
104 Carat Diamond Riviera Platinum Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Indulge in unparalleled elegance with this exquisite platinum necklace, Featuring 52 round brilliant-cut diamonds, ranging from 7.14 to 1.07 carats, set in platinum. Certified by ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Beauvince Edith Emerald & Diamond Necklace & Earrings Suite 210.67 ct Gemstones
Located in New York, NY
A regal, elegant and timeless jewel, the Edith necklace features stunning Zambian Emeralds surrounded with brilliant diamonds in a two layer ensemble perfect for elevating any outfit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified Type A Jadeite Jade Ruby Diamond Moonstone Double-Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An elegant double-strand necklace composed of 106 graduated round jadeite jade beads, finished with a striking geometric clasp crafted in 14-karat yellow gold and platinum. The tra...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum
Conch Pearl and Diamond Double-Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 400 cts. Size: 18" Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 213.50 grams Period: Contemporary This exquisite necklace features over 400 carats of conch pearls paired with dazzl...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Suzy Levian Sterling Silver Bezel Set Sapphire Station Necklace
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Embrace your neck with sparkling shimmers with this beautiful sapphire station necklace. This necklace can be worn as a stackable with other ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$108,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Draperie de Décolleté 18K Gold Diamond Necklace with Box
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent Cartier Draperie de Décolleté necklace is an exceptional example of the maison’s timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. Rendered in luxurious 18K yellow gold, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold "Paradise" Gemstone Necklace by Marco Bicego 35"
By MARCO BIEGO
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful 18k Yellow Gold "Paradise" Graduated Style Gemstone Necklace by Marco Bicego. Features an Assortment of Natural Heart-Cut Semi-Precious Gemstones. Length: 35 inches. Total ...
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beauvince Diamond and South Sea Pearls Necklace and Earrings Suite in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A timeless classic, the Diamond & Pearl Vines Necklace & Earrings Suite is a fine balance of elegance and flamboyance. Gemstones Type: Pearl Gemstone Origin: South Sea Ge...
Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marco Bicego Five Strand Gold Bead Necklace
By Marco Bicego
Located in Darnestown, MD
This five strand gold bead necklace is by Marco Bicego, the most popular of contemporary designers. He is known for the delicately textured hand etched surfaces he creates to the gold. His pieces are all crafted by hand. This necklace has five strands with pear shaped gold...
18k Gold
4 Strand Abalone Necklace with Sterling Silver Clasp
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous estate necklace features 4 strands of abalone and a stunning abalone and sterling silver clasp. The necklace is 17 wearable inches. The clasp measures 7/8 by 1 1/2 inch...
Sterling Silver
18K Yellow Gold Triple-Strand Chain Necklace 18" #26150
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Triple-Strand Chain Necklace 18k yellow gold triple-strand necklace featuring three elegant layers of gold for a sophisticated, statement-making look. Hallmark: MWI...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3-Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Diamond and Emerald Clasp in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in timeless elegance with this exquisite three-strand Akoya cultured pearl necklace. Meticulously crafted with 14 karat white gold, this statement piece features 189 luminous...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$240,000Sale Price|20% Off
Exceptional Vivid Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptional Vivid Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace This breathtaking necklace showcases a graduating series of 31 cushion-cut vivid blue sapphires, each of exceptional saturation a...
Emerald, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$632,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 55 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 55 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Necklace A breathtaking high jewelry creation showcasing the finest Colombian emeralds. This elegant necklace features a total o...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Classic Double Strand Cultured Japanese 7.5-8mm Pearl Vintage Necklace 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
"Why wear one string when you can wear two?" Coco Chanel. You can never go wrong with a classic strands of pearls! Large White ( some light pink and peach overtone) Round, high-lust...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$232,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 73 Carat Oval Burma Pigeon Blood Ruby & Diamond Riviera Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Oval Burma Pigeon Blood Ruby & Diamond Riviera Necklace – 38.8 Carats Rubies, 35 Carats Diamonds A magnificent Riviera necklace crafted in solid 18K yellow gold (92 grams), measurin...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$29,280Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Three Row Riviere Cluster Necklace 17.50 Carats 18 Karat White Gold H-VS
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold necklace featuring a three row of diamond rivieres and 6 clusters weighing 17.50 carats. Color G-H Clarity VS2-SI1
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Three Strand Culture Pearl Necklace with 14K White Gold Antique Inspired Clasp
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Three strand cultured pearl necklace adorned with 14K white gold antique inspired clasp. The clasp has round faceted natural diamonds. Pearls measure from approximately 7.5 millimet...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marco Bicego 14 Strand Gold Necklace with Tourmaline
By Marco Bicego
Located in Darnestown, MD
Marco Bicego necklace with 14 strands of 18 karat gold and oval tourmaline beads. There are 13 beads in two different sizes. The shortest of the coils is 16 1/2 inches in length. Bi...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Gold
$1,400,000Sale Price|20% Off
100 Carat Diamond Riviera Platinum Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Indulge in unparalleled elegance with this exquisite platinum necklace, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and luxury. Carefully designed to captivate, this stunning piece features ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cushion Cut Tanzanite and Diamond Halo Multi Strand Necklace 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This incredible necklace centers around a vivid 3.28 carat violet-blue tanzanite that glows with remarkable depth and saturation. Its cushion-shaped profile is framed by a sleek arra...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 10.09 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold 10.09 Carat Multi-Sapphire and Diamond Multi-Strand Necklace This exquisite contemporary rainbow multi-sapphire and diamond hanging multi-layer necklace is exem...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marco Bicego Paradise 5 Strand Multi-Gemstone Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Marco Bicego
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This vibrant five-strand necklace showcases a joyful array of pear-shaped briolette gemstones scattered along delicate cascading chains, each stone glowing with its own distinct colo...
Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Iolite, Peridot, Quartz, Tourmaline, Blue T...
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold 0.82 Carat Diamond Lapis, Coral & MOP Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18kt yellow gold pendant/brooch is set with 0.82 carat of round diamonds, as well as coral, mother of pearl and lapis lazuli. It can be worn...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k ...
Victorian Era Inspired Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Necklace Made In 14k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary festoon-style necklace evokes the classic elegance of old-world court jewelry. Designed for the modern collector who appreciates historical grandeur, the piece fea...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Silver,...
Vintage 1980's Citrine and Smoky Quartz Statement Necklace 18k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Incredible statement necklace with citrine and smoky quartz gemstones. The color combination is beautiful and the flower clasp in the back is a nice touch. The necklace is very fluid...
Citrine, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Magnificent 12 Strand Italian Red Sardinia Coral Torsade 18 KT Clasp
Located in Napoli, IT
This magnificent estate multi-strand torsade necklace is Italian origin 1980 circa Composed by striking Red Sardinia natural untreated/undyed Coral perfectly round beads of 4 mm. ave...
Coral, 18k Gold
Vintage Chanel Double Strand Pearl and Bow Station Necklace, 2006
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel double strand faux pearl sautoir necklace with bow and CC logo stations, from Spring/Summer 2006. This classic Chanel necklace features ...
Pearl, Gold Plate
$384,000Sale Price|20% Off
97 Carat Multi-Shape Diamond Graduated Cluster Collar Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Multi-Shape Diamond Graduated Cluster Collar Necklace This museum-worthy collar necklace is a breathtaking creation in 100% natural 18k white gold, presented in brand new condition....
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Tahitian Pearl Strand Plat. Diamond 4.58 Carat Ball Clasp
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Black Tahitian South Sea pearl necklace features 27 pearls evenly matched for their radiant luster and overtones. With ve...
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Labradorite Diamond Ruby "Carmen" Necklace & Ruby Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Carmen Necklace consists of: - 9 MM FACETED ROUNDEL GRADE AAA+ LABRADORITE BEADS, - HEMATITE 8 MM SMOOTH ROUND BEADS, - 8 MM ROUNDEL PEARL BEADS, - 21-24 MM FIREBALL PEARL BEADS, - 12 MM FACETED RAW RUBY GRADE AAA+ BEADS, - SILVER GOLD PLATED VERMEIL POLKI DIAMOND BEADS 16MM, - SILVER PAVE DIAMOND PEARL...
Diamond, Hematite, Labradorite, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Rainbow Moonston...
Croissant Black and White Pave Diamonds Round Pendant Necklace 18kt White Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Round Croissant Black and White Pave Diamonds Pendant Necklace in 18kt White Gold. This diamond masterpiece comes with Multi Chain ( x4 diamond cut rolo chain) in 18kt White Gold. This necklace belongs to "Metalloplasies" Collection, fragments of creativity, representing all different paths Nicofilimon has walked on during his career. Croissant necklace...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Peridot & Diamond Railway Choker in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Peridot & Diamond Railway Line Choker features emerald cut green peridot stones linked by 2 parallel rows of white diamond bars. Includes a lobster clasp closure with extender chain ...
White Diamond, Peridot, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Paperclip Link Chain Necklace 24 Inches 11 Grams
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold chain featuring 46 paperclip links weighing 11.08 grams. Each link is 9/16 inches long and 3/16 inches wide. Available in white gold and rose gold. Available in ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari B.Zero Diamond Black Onyx 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous vintage Bvlgari, Bulgari B.zero necklace in the lariat style with faceted Black Onyx Beads and Diamonds in 18 Karat White Gold. This Bvlgari necklace is an absolu...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold