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.
$518Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Oval Rhodolite & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A luminous 14K yellow gold pendant necklace featuring an oval-cut rhodolite framed by round brilliant natural diamonds. The gemstone’s deep berry tone contrasts beautifully w...
Rhodolite, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$639Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Emerald-Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About This 14K yellow gold necklace features a diamond-set pendant design. The diamonds provide the focal point of the piece, complemented by the warm yellow gold setting. Features ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Givenchy Paris Chunky Gold-Tone Pave Diamanté Statement Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Vintage Givenchy chunky link necklace in gold-tone plating, featuring a bold chain silhouette centered with pave diamante detail. Fashion-forward yet unmistakably vintage, this striking piece captures the polished glamour and strong statement style that define classic Givenchy costume jewelry...
Gold Curb Chain Necklace 24 Inch Chunky Link Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Curb Chain Necklace 24 Inch Chunky Link Gold Plated Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN A chunky curb chain handcrafted in solid silver with 14k gold plating, featuring clean, substant...
14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Michael Kneebone Jadeite Archers Ring Rice Pearl Torsade Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
A jadeite archers ring is suspended from a multi-strand torsade in this elegant necklace. The white jadeite has random spots of green, what the Chinese describe as " pine tree in sn...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Vermeil
Syna Yellow Gold Paper Clip Rolo Link Necklace with Charm Holder
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Adjustable length 18 karat yellow gold lobster clasp About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharmes...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nephrite Jade, Dia and Pearl Drop Flower Pendant Necklace in 14K Rose Gold
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
The Spring Blossom Pendant Necklace is a warm and romantic ode to springtime, showcasing a hand‑carved Russian nephrite flower suspended from a fine 14ct rose gold chain. Each blosso...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silv...
Leather Whip Necklace by Betony Vernon, Sterling Silver 925 Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
The "Leather Whip Necklace" was designed in 1997 by Betony Vernon. The "body" of the whip is made of handwoven leather. The empowering unisex necklace is part of Vernon's personal ar...
Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Citrine Pendant
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Citrine 6.50 carats approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharmesh &...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Venezia Goldoni Pendant Necklace
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Hope, PA
This Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. pendant necklace is named the Venezia Goldoni design. The pendant is composed of seven stylized hearts forming the openwork circular design...
Sterling Silver
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
Sacred Heart Necklace Tourmaline Medal Coin Pendant Gold Silver Devotional
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sacred Heart Necklace Tourmaline Medal Coin Pendant Gold Silver Devotional Designer: J DAUPHIN Sacred Heart medal necklace in gold plated silver, a round Sacred Heart medal set wit...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$3,712Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Natural Diamond Double Halo Medallion Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this double halo medallion pendant necklace presents a graceful diamond composition with refined movement and balanced brilliance. Its el...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$555Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Dual Butterfly Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Features a graceful Y-shaped drop style showcasing two beautifully detailed butterflies—one larger, asymmetrical accent piece leading to a delicate dangling charm below. Features a g...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle Lightweight Handmade Hammered Organic 18K Gold Chain 20"
Located in Soquel, CA
Our unique handmade hammered organically textured matt-finish chain in our lightest weight is a beautiful way to display your treasured pendants. 1.1 mm width. Also available in an...
18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Sun Charm and Emerald Evil Eye Charm
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Mother of Pearl 2.50 carats approx. Emerald evil eye Diamonds 2.60 carats approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namra...
Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Rhodolite Garnet 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata ...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$574Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Oval Chrome Diopside & Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A vivid oval chrome diopside takes center stage within a bright diamond-framed pendant in this 14K yellow gold necklace. Seventy-four natural round brilliant-cut diamonds for...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.28ct Aquamarine and Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Experience the tranquil beauty of this Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant — 4.28ct aquamarine and 0.13ct diamonds set in platinum. The piece glows with oceanic clarity and timeless elega...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Steven Battelle 1.1 Carats Columbian Emerald 18K Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
Four classic 3 x 4 mm octagonal faceted Columbian emeralds surround a similar square central stone in this artisan handcrafted granulated 18K gold pendant design that might have sail...
Emerald, 18k Gold
5.11 Carat Black Diamond White Diamond White Gold Chain Necklace
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5.11 Carat Black Diamond White Diamond White Gold Chain Necklace Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Primary Stones: Natural Black Diamond Accent Stones: Natural White Diamond Total Carat...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$555Sale Price|20% Off
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
Heart Sapphire and Diamond Mini Pendant Necklace - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Crafted in platinum, this necklace features a heart‑shaped sapphire above a pear‑shaped sapphire, each encircled by diamond halos and joined by a baguette diamond link. The design ba...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
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 thing...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Pendant Cushion Shaped COA 50cm Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed pre-owned Cartier Cushion shaped pendant & necklace crafted in 18k yellow gold (current collection). A unique interpretation of the Trinity motif, the cu...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Michael Kneebone Gray Baroque Pearl Pink Jadeite Beaded Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
Gray baroque pearls are paired with pink jadeite in this elegant and versatile beaded necklace. The pearls are light gray in color and possess beautiful ...
Jade, Pearl, 14k Gold, Vermeil
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Onyx Necklace Pendant 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, set in 18 karat yellow gold and centering the house's iconic four-leaf clover motif in polished black onyx, bordered by...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19" Unakite & Garnet Necklace with Three Removable Fobs, all in 14K or 18K Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This one-of-kind new necklace from Eytan Brandes features a warm palette and plenty of versatility. The big news here is unakite, which is a rock, not a mineral. It's what happens ...
Hessonite, Spinel, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$6,956Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Graduated Diamond 4.98 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This luxurious 14K white gold Riviera necklace features a beautifully graduated line of brilliant round diamonds that seamlessly increase in size as they taper toward the center. Eac...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$463Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Crescent Moon and Starburst Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Embrace celestial charm with this enchanting crescent moon and star necklace. Crafted in polished 14KT yellow gold, the delicate crescent pendant is adorned with a row of shimmering ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Limited Edition Yellow Gold Aquamarine Bead Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 18 inch length Aquamarine 170 carats approx. 18kyg roundels and ring 18kyg lobster clasp Limited edition About the Designers Drawing inspiratio...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lapis Lazuli Pearl & Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Bee Brooch/Pendant 1960s
Located in Towson, MD
A charming 14 karat yellow gold bee brooch, dating to the 1960s, brings together cabochon ruby, lapis lazuli, and mother of pearl in a design that captures the insect's form with rea...
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna 18 Karat Large Yellow Gold Link Chain
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Necklace length 24 inches 18 karat yellow gold lobster clasp Chain can be clasped at any length About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$648Sale Price|20% Off
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
Light Blue Enamel Charm Star Necklace Gold Chain Choker
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Light Blue Enamel Charm Star Necklace Gold Chain Choker Designer: J DAUPHIN The Star Necklace is handcrafted with five dimensional star charms in hand painted light blue glitter en...
14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Syna Limited Edition Yellow Gold Jade and Pink Tourmaline Bead Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 18 inch length Jade 140 carats approx. Pink Tourmaline 15 carats approx. 18kyg roundels and ring 18kyg lobster clasp Limited edition About the D...
Jade, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Michael Kneebone Kunzite Paspaley South Seas Pearl Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
Kunzite (origin: Brazil) is the centerpiece of this impressive drop pendant. Kunzite is a member of the spodumene family of gems. This stone weighs 76.55 carats. The gem is known ...
Kunzite, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$1,175Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 9.2mm Tahiti Pearl & 0.36ct Diamond Halo Floral Motif Pendant
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
An elegant, sculptural pendant showcasing a 9.2mm natural Tahitian pearl with a rich, metallic luster in silvery‑gray tones. The pearl sits at the heart of an abstract floral halo, c...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$555Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Pear Blue Topaz & Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A pear-shaped blue topaz creates a vivid centerpiece in this 14K yellow gold pendant necklace, surrounded by 69 natural diamonds arranged to emphasize the graceful outline. T...
Topaz, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,098Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Classic Four-Prong Diamond 14.03 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This stunning 14K yellow gold Riviera necklace features a continuous, flexible line of closely set brilliant round-cut diamonds. Each diamond is precisely mounted in a classic four-...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Orloff of Denmark, Aura Ringlet - 18 Karat Black Enamel Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in Hua Hin, TH
Orloff of Denmark's Aura Ringlet. 8 Left in Stock! Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning Sterling Silver Necklace, intricately designed with black enamel for a touch o...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate, 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
$3,712Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Round Natural Diamond Double Halo Medallion Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : Crafted in polished 14K white gold, this double halo medallion pendant necklace presents a graceful diamond composition with refined movement and balanced brilliance. Its ele...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Articulating Open Nantucket Basket Pendant #23892
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Articulating Open Nantucket Basket Pendant Expertly crafted in 14k yellow gold, this detailed Nantucket basket pendant makes a timeless statement with its intricate ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Star of David Pendant Necklace 18" #26146
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Star of David Pendant Necklace Classic 14k yellow gold Star of david pendant necklace featuring a timeless six-pointed star design. A meaningful piece perfect for ev...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$397Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Open Heart Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in warm 14K white gold, this necklace features a beautifully dainty open heart pendant that serves as a timeless symbol of love and affection. The delicate heart outline is m...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$7,500Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 3.05ct Vivid Red Ruby & 1.10ct Brilliant Diamond Chain Necklace
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A ribbon of fire and ice rests along the collarbone—six oval‑cut vivid red rubies totaling 3.05 carats, each stone alive with saturated crimson intensity. Every ruby is haloed in a c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$648Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Oval Emerald & Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : An oval emerald is beautifully framed by a generous arrangement of natural round brilliant-cut diamonds in this 14K White gold pendant necklace. The vivid green center contra...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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
$463Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Heart Shape Emerald Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About This 14K yellow gold pendant necklace features a central emerald in a distinctive heart-shaped, brilliant-cut design. The gemstone forms the focal point of the pendant, complem...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Round Cut Tsavorite Solid Silver Pendant with Openwork Floral Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This shimmering 1.25 carat natural round cut tsavorite floral pendant, crafted in 925 sterling silver. Designed with an openwork flower motif, the vibrant green gemstones create a f...
Tsavorite, Silver, Sterling Silver
$694Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Pink Gold Butterfly Necklace with 0.36ct Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
A fine, gold-toned chain with a small, intricately detailed butterfly pendant adorned with sparkling crystal , often set in a pavé style.The delicate and minimalist aesthetic makes i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose 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
Bulgari Parentesi 18K Yellow Gold Choker Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Parentesi Necklace Choker The necklace is 18k Yellow Gold The necklace is 3/8 inches wide. The necklace weighs 137 grams The necklace is 15 inches length Comes with original ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Large Oval Link Choker Necklace 16" #25990
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Large Oval Link Choker Necklace 16" This gorgeous Tiffany & Co. 18K yellow gold large oval link choker is set with large hollow oval links conn...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faye Kim Platinum Micro Pave Diamond Chiclet Necklace
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
A refined take on everyday diamonds, Faye Kim's Platinum Micro Pave Diamond Chiclet Necklace features a softly squared pendant set with a shimmering a...
Diamond, Platinum
$416Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Initial "D" Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Personalize your everyday look with this stylish and brilliantly textured initial "D" pendant necklace. Expertly crafted in 14K white gold, the block-letter pendant features precisio...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$564Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold 0.42 Cts Round Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About This 14K white gold necklace features a diamond-set pendant design. The diamonds provide the focal point of the piece, complemented by the warm white gold setting. Features • ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
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