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.
Syna Yellow Gold Amethyst Pendant
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Amethyst 4 carats approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, D...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Tiered Star Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Shine bright with this brilliant star pendant necklace, beautifully crafted in polished 14K white gold. The eye-catching pendant features a tiered design, showcasing a central star b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Michael Kneebone Princess Cut Cognac Moissanite and South Seas Pearl Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
South Seas pearl is paired with moissanite in this elegant pendant. Moissanite is a brilliant, durable and highly sought-after diamond alternative. Composed of naturally occurring ...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 3.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Open Circle Loop Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Celebrate everlasting style with this exquisite open-circle loop pendant necklace. The pendant features a classic "Circle of Life" silhouette beautifully accented with a continuous r...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 5.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Lemon Quartz Sugarloaf Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Lemon Quartz 6 carats approx. Diamonds 0.11 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Tri-Color Gold Star Charms Necklace 16" #25216
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Tri-Color Gold Star Charms on a Yellow Gold Necklace Playful 14k tri-color star charms suspended on a yellow gold necklace, featuring a mix of yellow, white, and rose gold tones...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Obsidian cat head Pendant w 18k bail
Located in Cohasset, MA
18k Obsidian carved cat head with 18k adjustable bail. Any chain shown is not included
10K Yellow Gold Diamond Star Pendant #25597
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Star Pendant- Delicate and timeless, this 10K yellow gold pendant features 15 champagne diamonds set in an open star design, adding just the right amount of ...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.70ct Aquamarine and Diamond Halo Pendant in Platinum
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Bathed in the cool clarity of morning light, this 2.70ct aquamarine reveals a tranquil blue that feels almost weightless. Its emerald cut captures and releases light in clean, mirror...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Syna Yellow Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 6.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Draw...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Sugarloaf Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 3.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.11 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Draw...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 1.9 Carats Black Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
A rose cut 7 x 9 mm oval black diamond is held in an matte-finish 18K gold setting with large/small "jawan" granulation adorning the sides and bottom in this "ancient inspired" penda...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Silvorra 3.21 Carat Emerald Floral Pendant with Diamond Pavé Bail in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This delicate 3.21 carat emerald pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver and features a vibrant cluster of natural emeralds arranged in a floral inspired design. The composition in...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Certified 7.96 Carat Zambian Heart-Shaped Emerald Diamond Halo Necklace 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
A truly exceptional gemstone, this necklace showcases a certified 7.96 carat heart-shaped Zambian emerald of remarkable quality. Accompanied by a C. Dunaigre Switzerland Gemstone Rep...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Byzantine Empire 9th Century AD Bronze Bust Of Christ Coin 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic, sharply struck, large ( 31mm ) bronze coin was issued between 976 to 1025 AD in Constantinople during the realms of the Byzantine Emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII...
18k Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Snake Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The pendant features a stylized, coiling snake motif. The entire body of the snake is covered in small, round, pavé-set diamonds that maximize sparkle. The snake's eyes are set with ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jade Oval Cabochon Oval Faceted Ruby Yellow Sapphire 18 Kt Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
SHIPPING+CUSTOM DUTY ARE PAID BY SELLER Big Jade Oval Cabochon measuring 25x32 mm set as a Pendant in 18kt yellow gold bezel with in the center a oval faceted Ruby set in 18kt yell...
Jade, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Islamic Quran Book Pendant #25211
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Islamic Quran Book Pendant Intricate 18k yellow gold Quran book pendant featuring detailed religious craftsmanship and meaningful symbolism. A beautiful and collecti...
18k Gold, Yellow 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
Steven Battelle 3.7 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
A luminous and flashing 8 x 11 mm pear shaped rainbow moonstone cabochon is set in an artisan crafted 18K gold setting with "large/small jawan" granulation ornaments at sides and bo...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
David Yurman Elements 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
David Yurman pendant necklace in 18K yellow gold, featuring a round turquoise center framed by a halo of round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.10 carats, suspended from t...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Sugarloaf Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 6.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald & Diamond Drop Necklace in 850 Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Emerald & Diamond Drop Necklace in 850 Platinum This emerald and diamond necklace is crafted in 850 platinum and features a pear-cut emerald weighing approximately 0.70 carat. T...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Syna Yellow Gold Amethyst Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Amethyst 6.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration f...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold 18K Yellow Gold T Smile Pendant Necklace #25239
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold 18K Yellow Gold T Smile Pendant Necklace- This elegant 18K yellow gold smile necklace is from Tiffany's T collection, which is a homage to the House's ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Sugarloaf Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 7 carats approx. Diamonds 0.11 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration fr...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra Three Stone Aquamarine Paperclip Chain Pendant Necklace in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These elegant 1.5 carat total weight marquise cut aquamarine necklace is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a refined and minimal design. The piece features three marquise sh...
Aquamarine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Peridot Pendant Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Peridot 2 carats approx. 18 inch solid thin paper clip chain About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, Dha...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Star of David Pendant #24922
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Star of David Pendant Crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold, this Star of David pendant embodies both tradition and modern elegance. Its refined silhouette and luminous...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Green Tourmaline Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Green Tourmaline 16 carats approx. Diamonds 0.15 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiratio...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Celestial Radiance Charm Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
A dainty gold-tone cable chain adorned with a central pave-set crescent moon, flanked by alternating starbursts and petite twinkling stars. ach charm is encrusted with brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Amethyst Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Amethyst 12.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.15 carats approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration fr...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Pendant #24369
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Pendant This cross pendant is nothing short of heavenly sparkle! Meticulously detailed in yellow gold, this cross pendant features a beautiful diamond ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hand-Carved Lapis Lazuli Flower Pendant Necklace by Emma Chapman
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
This beautiful lapis lazuli flower pendant has been handmade using the ancient art of stone-carving. Each pendant has a carved flower, which is capped with strawberry onyx and em...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Ancient Greek Bactria 2nd Century BC Elephant Coin 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
A rare and unusual square silver "drachm" coin from one of Alexander the Great's far-flung conquered regions in Central Asia, in what is now Afganistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and i...
18k Gold
Men's 9k Yellow Gold Fire Horse Tiny Talisman Necklace
Located in London, GB
Navigate life’s journey protected and guided by your own collection of amulets and talismans. We’re welcoming the Year of the Horse - a year in Chinese astrology that symbolises free...
Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 15 carats approx. Diamonds 0.15 carats approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9k Yellow Gold St. Michael Tiny Talisman Necklace
Located in London, GB
Invoke strength, protection and timeless style with this solid gold St. Michael Talisman Pendant. Meticulously handcrafted from 9k yellow gold, this precious pendant features the pow...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Halo Ruby & Diamond Necklace in 10k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Halo Ruby & Diamond Necklace in 10k White Gold This necklace is crafted in 10k white gold and features an oval cabochon ruby framed by a halo of round diamonds. The ruby is pron...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold
18k cat enhancer, hand carved jasper, Capuchin cat.
Located in Cohasset, MA
Beautifully carved Capuchin cats head enhancer. 18k, with blue eyes. Any necklace represented is for photo embellishment only.
Celestial 13.66 carat Aquamarine & Sapphire Pendant Necklace in 14K White Gold
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
A luminous 13.66-carat polished aquamarine drop forms the centerpiece of this elegant celestial-inspired pendant. The gem gently dangles from behind two graceful swirls of 14K white ...
Aquamarine, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. T Collection 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. T Collection pendant necklace in 18K yellow gold, featuring turquoise center framed by a halo of round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.10 carats. Pendant me...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Signature 7.5mm Pearl Diamond Necklace Receipt Estate 18k Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed pre-owned Tiffany & Co signature pearl & diamond necklace crafted in 18k white gold (circa 2014). Cultured Akoya pearl measures 7.5mm to 8mm, a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roberto Coin 18K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace #25050
By Roberto Coin
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Roberto Coin 18K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace- This stunning 18K white gold Roberto Coin pendant features five vibrant blue sapphires and 26 round brilliant cut ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co., this elegant pendant necklace showcases a beautiful cushion-cut yellow diamond. The center stone, graded as Fancy Intense Yellow with VS1 clarity, weighs approxima...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Virgin Mary Medal Necklace Choker Tanzanite 14k Gold Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Medal Hand Made Figaro Chain Choker 14k Gold Plated Tanzanite Designer J DAUPHIN Only the first Image show the actual material. The other photos show the same...
Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Gold Plate
Syna Yellow Gold Chrysoprase Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Chrysoprase 2 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawin...
Diamond, Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Diamond Myst Pendant Necklace w/Box #25058
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Diamond Myst Pendant Necklace w/Box- Thes exquisite 18K yellow gold Cartier necklace features a stunning central pendant showcasing brilliant cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Japan 1800's Silver Samurai Coin Oxidized Sterling 18K Gold Pendant 20" Chain
Located in Soquel, CA
An interesting, authentic, rectangular silver coin from the last Japanese shogunate, minted in the waning days of their power 1837-1854, is set within an artisan fabricated rectangul...
18k Gold, Silver
14K White Gold Diamond Seahorse Pendant Necklace 18" #25316
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Diamond Seahorse Pendant Necklace This whimsical 14K white gold seahorse pendant features 12 round brilliant cut diamonds, adding just the right amount of sparkle. Su...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Compass Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Mother of pearl 4.20 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition Handcrafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this lu...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Evil Eye Pendant with Emerald and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Lapis Lazuli 13 carats approx. Emerald 0.07 carat approx. Diamonds 0.03 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited Edition Crafted from 18 karat yel...
Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Starburst Pin Pendant with Emerald and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Emerald 0.25 carat approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx. Limited Edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little thin...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Moon Quartz Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon Quartz 7 carats approx. Diamonds 0.15 carats approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration fr...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 1.7 Carats Kyanite 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
A bright blue 7 mm round faceted kyanite rests in an artisan handcrafted "spirals and jawan" 18K gold setting with a spiral wire accented bail at top. The outer motif draws in the e...
Kyanite, 18k Gold
Classic Diamond Solitaire Pendant in 10k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Classic Diamond Solitaire Pendant in 10k Yellow Gold This 10k yellow gold pendant features a round diamond in a classic four-prong solitaire setting. The simple design keeps the dia...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver Onyx Diamond Albion Pendant Necklace w/Pouch #25044
By David Yurman
Located in Washington Depot, CT
David Yurman Sterling Silver Onyx and Diamond Petite Albion Pendant Necklace w/Pouch- This lovely David Yurman pendant features a cushion cut black onyx stone with the designer's si...
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Michael Kneebone Ametrine Citrine Amethyst Diamond Baroque Pearl Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
A gem quality ametrine forms the nucleus of this extravagant, one-of-a-kind necklace. The ametrine (origin: Bolivia) weighs 72.76 carats and is richly colored in both purple and yellow. The gem is well cut and polished in a modified cushion cut...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold