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.
Vintage UnoAErre 18k Yellow Gold Snake Chain 22", Italy ca. 1980
By UnoAErre
Located in Orlando, FL
A vintage 18K gold snake chain by UnoAErre, the Italian house that brought industrial precision to Italian goldsmithing. Tightly coiled round segments form a seamless, supple length ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,104Sale Price|20% Off
14KT White Gold Classic Round Diamond 22.74 Cts Tennis Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in 14K white gold, this elegant Riviera tennis necklace features a continuous row of brilliant-cut round diamonds set in individual four-prong mountings. Designed to drape sm...
Diamond, 14k 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 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawi...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$428Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A refined 14K yellow gold pendant necklace centered on a contemporary circular motif, accented with round single-cut natural diamonds. The clean geometry gives the design a p...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Choker Necklace Black Enamel Pendant Diamond Star Sphere J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Choker Necklace Black Enamel Pendant Diamond Star Sphere J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Choker Chain Necklace is handcrafted in 14k gold plated brass, a Black enamel sphere pend...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Ename...
Emerald Blue Sapphire Ruby Joan of Arc Necklace Medal Chain J DAUPHIN
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Joan of Arc Medal Necklace with Emerald, Ruby and Blue Sapphires in Gold-Plated Brass Designer: J DAUPHIN The “Purpose of Destruction” necklace by J DAUPHIN features a large round ...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Brass, 14k Gold, Gold Plate
$519Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Garnet and Diamond Flower Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this charm pendant features a floral design composed of five pear-cut garnet gemstones. Accentuated by delicate diamond-encrusted arcs flanking th...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,448Sale Price|20% Off
925 Silver White Classic Round Diamond 23 Cts Tennis Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in 925 Silver white, this elegant Riviera tennis necklace features a continuous row of brilliant-cut round diamonds set in individual four-prong mountings. Designed to drape ...
Diamond, Silver
$629Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Emerald-Cut Diamond Pendant 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
$565Sale 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
$510Sale 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
$437Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Religious Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About This 14K yellow gold necklace features a diamond-set Jewish religious pendant. The diamonds are arranged within the pendant design, complemented by the warm yellow gold setting...
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 2 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lapis Lazuli Pendant Necklace White Diamond Black Diamond Cosmic Sphere
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cosmic Sphere Necklace Lapis Lazuli White Diamond Black Enamel Gold Designer: J DAUPHIN The Cosmic Sphere Necklace is a lapis lazuli sphere set in gold plated silver, ringed at the...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Gold Plat...
Syna Yellow Gold Peridot Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Peridot 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing ...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$456Sale 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
$456Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Floral 0.06Cts Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A delicate floral-inspired silhouette gives this 14K yellow gold pendant necklace a graceful, feminine character. Eleven natural round brilliant-cut diamonds are arranged acr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Peridot and Diamond Pendant
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Peridot 2 carats approx. Diamond 0.05 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing ins...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$410Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Initial "S" Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Personalize your look with the fluid elegance and brilliant texture of this expertly crafted initial "S" pendant necklace. Rendered in polished 14K yellow gold, the classic block-let...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Star Pendant Necklace Blue Enamel Gold Celestial Orb
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Star Sphere Pendant Necklace Blue Enamel Celestial Orb 25 Inch Designer: J DAUPHIN The Diamond Star Sphere Necklace features a dimensional orb pendant handcrafted in 14k go...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
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
$1,050Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 3.80 Carats Dark Blue Sapphire & 0.04ct Diamond Pendant
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A bold statement of refined minimalism, this vintage 18K gold pendant features a substantial 3.80ct oval deep dark blue sapphire, nearly opaque yet rich with velvety depth. The sapph...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$638Sale 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
Ruby Heart Necklace Gold Choker Chain Diamond J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby Heart Necklace Gold Choker Chain Diamond Designer: J DAUPHIN Sculptural heart pendant necklace featuring a ruby pavé heart pierced by an arrow, with small diamonds illuminating the surrounding arrow and leaf-like details. The pendant is suspended from a distinctive gold chain combining elongated bar links with oval links for a graphic, articulated finish. J DAUPHIN was founded in 2006 by Swedish-French designer Johanna Dauphin, who began her career with TOD’S and FENDI in Italy. Her work spans Paris, New York and Los Angeles, combining French and Italian savoir-faire with a modern rock-and-roll sensibility. J DAUPHIN jewelry is handmade using artisanal methods and draws on Victorian, celestial, esoteric and symbolic references. Featured in Vogue, W Magazine, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire. Materials: Gold Gemstones: Rubies and diamonds Color: Gold, red, white Design: Ruby pavé heart pendant...
White Diamond, Diamond, Ruby, Gold Plate, Brass
$547Sale 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
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
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
$410Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Initial "E" Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Personalize your jewelry collection with this contemporary and brilliantly textured initial "E" pendant necklace. Expertly fashioned in 14K yellow gold, the block-letter pendant is d...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,892Sale 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
Pink Sapphire and Diamond Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The pink sapphire necklace features 71.83 carats of faceted sapphires of oval cut, fiery color and crystalline texture, slightly graduated to lay perfectly on the neck. The sapphires...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire,...
$12,893Sale 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
$456Sale 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
$538Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold 0.35 Cts Round 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
$410Sale 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
$638Sale 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
Cartier LOVE 18K Yellow Gold Interlocking Rings Necklace, 43 cm
By Cartier
Located in Vannes, FR
An elegant Cartier LOVE necklace crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, featuring two delicate interlocking circular motifs suspended from a fine gold chain. A refined and minimalist desi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$474Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Heart-Shaped Emerald Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
About : A refined 14K yellow gold pendant necklace centered on a single heart-shaped emerald, bringing a vivid touch of color to a clean and graceful silhouette. The polished gold s...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$3,654Sale 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
Tiffany & Co Platinum and Diamond Horsehoe Pendant Necklace with Box #26864
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Platinum and Diamond Horsehoe Pendant Necklace with Tiffany box Elegant and timeless, this Tiffany & Co. Horseshoe Pendant Necklace showcases the beauty of fine craftsm...
Diamond, Platinum
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...
Jade, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold Pl...
Layering Necklace Black Enamel Pendant Ruby Star Studded Sphere Orb
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Layering Necklace Black Enamel Pendant Ruby set in Stars Paperclip Chain Designer: J DAUPHIN An adjustable long paperclip link chain handcrafted in gold-plated silver, suspending a...
Ruby, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Brass
Syna Yellow Gold Charm Holder
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Charm holder About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharmesh & Namrata Kothari have created an ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Rubellite Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Rubellite 3 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawin...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,940Sale 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
Medieval England 1400's Henry VI Silver Gros Coin 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
A stylized portrait of King Henry VI depicts the monarch crowned, with flowing hair on a silver "gros" coin minted 1422 - 1461. The latin inscription surrounding translates to "Henr...
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 2 carats approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. Chain sold separately Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh &...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$392Sale 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
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
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
$456Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Initial "R" Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Personalize your look with a dynamic blend of textures with this expertly crafted initial "R" pendant necklace. Styled in gleaming 14K yellow gold, the bold block letter features a s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$684Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow 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 it...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace 16" Certified #26867
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace 16" Certified by JAGI lab Elegant and timeless, this 14K White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace is a stunning expression of classic luxury. Crafte...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
DAVID YURMAN 18k Yellow Gold Rolled Box Link Necklace 1.7mm - 18" - 6.0 Grams
By David Yurman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The DAVID YURMAN 18k Yellow Gold Rolled Box Link Necklace is an elegant and stylish piece of fine jewelry. Featuring a lobster closure and adjustable chain length, this necklace is p...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$532Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Yellow Gold Graduated Round Diamond Heart Design Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
A delicate necklace featuring a row of heart-shaped accents, each set with a sparkling clear stone at the center. The minimalist chain and symmetrical heart design give it a gracefu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$364Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Round Diamond Pave Heart Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Capture a timeless symbol of affection with this radiant heart-shaped pendant. The piece features a dense pave setting of brilliant-cut diamonds that maximize sparkle across the enti...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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