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.
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 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
Syna Yellow Gold Round Link Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 18 inch length 18 karat yellow gold lobster clasp About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharmesh &...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Flower Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 2.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.025 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiratio...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
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
Syna Yellow Gold Moon Quartz Flower Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Moon Quartz 2 carats approx. Diamonds 0.025 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration ...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI 14K 2.71 Ct White Gold Zambia Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Necklace
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI 14K 2.71 Ct White Gold Zambia Vivid Green Emerald&Diamonds Necklace* IGI-certified natural vivid green pear-cutting emerald weighing 2.71 ct set on the 14K white gold art deco ...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, 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
$460Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 2.06ct Octagon Cut Emerald & Diamond Pendant Necklace in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This refined 2.06 carats emerald and diamond pendant necklace is crafted in 925 sterling silver. Measuring approximately 7 x 9 mm, the vibrant green gemstone is elegantly framed by a...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$337Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
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
Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered Mid-Weight 18K Gold Chain 18 Inch
Located in Soquel, CA
A unique handmade hammered organically textured chain with matt-finish provides a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.3 mm width. Also available in 20, 22 and 24 in...
18k Gold
David Yurman Mesh Choker 18K Yellow Gold With Multi-Colored Stones
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Stunning David Yurman Mesh Choker The choker is 18K Yellow Gold There are 7 semi-precious stones Pink Tourmaline, Green Tourmaline, Amethyst, & Tanzanite The necklace weighs 112....
Amethyst, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k 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 6.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Draw...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leto Lama Certified 2 Ct Colombian Emerald Eye Wire Collar Torque Necklace
Located in London, GB
An everyday talisman with serious presence. The Emerald Eye Necklace features a softly sculpted “eye” pendant in textured yellow gold, finished with an organic, hand-worked surface t...
Emerald, 18k Gold
18k Tassle Enhancer with Opal beads. 18k and Opal removable bail
Located in Cohasset, MA
18k Opal bead tassel enhancer. 18k Opal removable bail. Any necklace shown in the photo's is sold separately.
Ruby Heart Sphere Necklace Black Enamel Figaro Chain Gold Plated J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k Gold Plated Ruby Heart Sphere Pendant Necklace Black Enamel Figaro Chain Designer J DAUPHIN Handcrafted with a 14k gold-plated sterling silver pendant, this structural necklace ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Silver
Michael Kneebone Lapis Lazuli Baroque Pearl Bead Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
Lapis Lazuli beads are paired with baroque pearls in this classic and versatile necklace. The 10 mm lapis beads are bright blue, well shaped and polished. The white pearls are rand...
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, 14k Gold, Vermeil
$192Sale Price / item|50% Off
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
$23,413Sale Price|20% Off
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Choker Mini Diamond Pavée" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Choker Mini Diamond Pavée" in 18-Karat Gold is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry designs in 1992. The ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Large Starfish Pendant Necklace 18k Gold Elsa Peretti Estate
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed pre-owned Tiffany & Co starfish pendant on a black silk cord necklace, crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa early 2010s). The high polish starfish is a cl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$640Sale Price|50% Off
Chanel CC B25 White Pearl Long Necklace Layered Choker
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Chanel CC B25 Pearl Long Necklace Timeless elegance meets iconic design with this Chanel CC B25 Pearl Long Necklace. Featuring a strand of luminous faux pearls accented by a signatu...
$129Sale Price|65% Off
Christian Dior Chris 1947 Silver Tone Plate Ribbon Choker Necklace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Vintage Christian Dior Y2K choker featuring a sleek black ribbon band and a silver-tone rectangular plaque embossed with “CHRIS 1947.” Finished with an adjustable silver-tone chain a...
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 Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Cross Pendant #24323
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Cross Pendant JAGi Certified- This stunning cross pendant features 10 natural blue sapphires, nine natural emeralds and one round brill...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Serpenti Diamond 18K Rose Gold Choker Necklace Full Set
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic Bulgari Bvlgari Serpenti necklace crafted in luxurious 18 karat rose gold, embodying the sensual elegance and unmistakable design language that has made the Serpenti collec...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold 3D Cross Pendant Necklace #25278
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold 3D Cross Pendant Necklace- This elegant 18K yellow gold cross pendant features a beautifully textured design that catches the light from every angle. S...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peridot Parrot, coral beak
Located in Cohasset, MA
18k hand carved peridot parrot with coral beak. Removable 18k granulated bail. Pendant only.
Coral, Peridot, 18k Gold
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
NECKLACE Certified Colombian Emerald 66.37 Carat Emeralds And VS Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
this 18K white gold necklace is a truly lovely masterpiece that balances grand scale with a quiet, poetic elegance. The design is thoughtfully anchored by seven AGL-certified Colombi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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 6.50 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 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
Tiny Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 3mm Bead Necklace with 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Delicate and refined, this exquisite necklace showcases rare Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads from Arizona’s famous Sleeping Beauty mine. These tiny 3mm round beads display a ...
18k Gold
Oscar de la Renta Textured Metal and Crystal Hammered Collar Necklace 16" Long
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Striking and sophisticated, this Oscar de la Renta choker necklace is a true statement piece featuring sculptural openwork links in rich 22k gold plating. The handmade design sparkle...
Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass, Mixed Metal
Italian 18K White Gold South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant Necklace 0.24 Cts 11.5mm
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luxurious 18 karat white gold, this elegant Italian-made pendant necklace features a luminous 11.5mm South Sea pearl accented by natural round brilliant diamonds totaling ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$681Sale Price|70% Off
Chanel B24 Collection Pearl and Enamel Black White CC Choker Necklace
By Chanel
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
This Chanel choker is an elegant and timeless piece that combines classic pearls with the brand’s signature luxury. Featuring a stunning string of cream-colored faux pearls, the neck...
Steven Battelle Handmade Hammered 18k Gold Oxidized Silver Organic Chain 20"
Located in Soquel, CA
A handmade chain with organic hammered links of alternating 18K yellow gold and dark oxidized silver is a beautiful piece all by itself, or used with a pendant. The links are approx...
18k Gold, Silver
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
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
Syna Yellow Gold Chrysoprase Sugarloaf Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Chrysoprase 8.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration fr...
Diamond, Chrysophrase, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tiffany & Co. 48 Carat Marquise Cluster Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Marquise Cluster Diamond Platinum Necklace An extraordinary masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance by Tiffany & Co., this statement necklace features a brea...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$312,000Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Tiffany & Co. 22 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Magnificent Tiffany & Co. 22 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace An extraordinary Tiffany & Co. creation featuring a magnificent natural cushion-cut blue sapphi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. HardWear Diamond Necklace in 18K Rose Gold – 28.38 Carats
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. HardWear Diamond Necklace in 18K Rose Gold – 28.38 Carats A bold and iconic statement piece from Tiffany & Co., this HardWear necklace is crafted in luxurious ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose 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
Harry Winston Vintage Ruby Diamond Necklace Suite, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A stunning testament to timeless elegance, this Harry Winston vintage platinum ruby and diamond suite from the 1980s showcases the pinnacle of c...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Bulgari Diamond Serpenti Necklace in 18kt White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
In a tribute to its spirit animal, Bulgari captures the power of seduction in this Serpenti Diamond High Jewelry necklace, camouflaging sensuality and temptation with a hypnotic desi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Malachite 18K Gold Suite Necklace Bracelet Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and complete Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra suite, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with rich green malachite, one of the maison’s most recognizable and sought...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Coin 'Monete' Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold, circa 1980
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Q: Just how alluring can a 2,000-year-old coin look? Bulgari asked and answered this question with their Monete collection, which debuted in the 1960s and continues to this day. A: W...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Dangle Ball Chain Necklace 0.36 Carats
Located in New York, NY
Delicate and effortlessly chic, this 14K yellow gold diamond necklace features 11 bezel-set round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.36 carats gracefully suspended from a polished gold ba...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
23ct Kunzite, Diamond and Ruby Platinum Pendant Necklace - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
This platinum pendant centres on a remarkable 23ct kunzite selected for its delicate lavender‑pink luminosity and exceptional presence. A precise diamond halo enhances the gemstone’s...
Diamond, Kunzite, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
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
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