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 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
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
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
$474Sale 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 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
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
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 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
$651Sale Price|20% Off
14K Rose 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, Rose 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
$566Sale 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
$759Sale Price|20% Off
14KT Pink Gold Pave Diamond Dog Tag Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The pendant is shaped like a classic military dog tag, but it's given a luxurious twist. The entire front surface is covered in numerous small, round diamonds set closely together in...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
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
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
14KT White Gold Graduated Miracle-Set Diamond 7.52 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking 14K white gold Riviera necklace features a beautifully graduated layout of round brilliant diamonds that gracefully maximize in size toward the center. Each diamond is ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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
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
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
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
$664Sale 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
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
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
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
$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
CLARISSABRONFMAN Tanzanite PolkiDiamond Sapphire Turquoise CarmenFlower Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire Flower pendant consists of: - approximately 2" length x width - pave diamonds - 925 sterling silver - sapphire - polki diamonds - bottom backside loop allowing to hand Symbo...
Agate, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Turquoise, St...
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
Syna Yellow Gold Paper Clip Necklace with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 16 inch length 18 karat yellow gold lobster clasp About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharmesh &...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Skull Necklace Emerald Memento Mori Medal Pendant Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k Gold Plated Necklace Memento Mori Medal Emerald Skull Pendant Designer J DAUPHIN The Memento Mori Medal Necklace is a structural statement piece handcrafted in 14k gold-plated ...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Brass, 14k 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
$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
$2,060Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Octagon Cut Blue Topaz Tennis Necklace & Earrings Set in Solid Silver
Located in New York, NY
This dazzling 52.42 carats of december birthstone octagon cut blue topaz jewelry set is crafted in 925 sterling silver. Featuring a matching tennis necklace and linear drop earrings,...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
14KT Yellow Gold Graduated Diamond Curved Bar Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The necklace has a minimalist and elegant design where small, round diamonds are set closely together in a gentle upward curve. The diamonds are graduated, meaning they are smallest ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emma Chapman Aquamarine Cabochon Teardrop Gold Plated Pendant
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
A beautiful limited edition cabochon aquamarine teardrop pendant. Handmade in our workshops, the pendant has matching earrings and a ring and is made in sterling silver coated with ...
Aquamarine, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
$407Sale 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
Star Chain Necklace Midnight Blue Enamel Celestial Charm Gold Sphere Orb
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond Star Sphere Pendant Necklace Midnight Blue Glitter Enamel Celestial Orb J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The White Diamond Star Sphere Necklace centers on a dimensional ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond 2.81 Cts Curved Bar V-Shape Fringe Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking 14K yellow necklace features a brilliant, diamond-set curved bar that elegantly traces the collarbone. Suspending from the center is an asymmetrical, cascading V-shaped...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Limited Edition Yellow Gold Graduating Aventurine Bead Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 19 inch graduating length Aventurine 115 carats approx. 18kyg roundels and ring 18kyg lobster clasp Limited edition About the Designers Drawing...
Aventurine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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
$651Sale Price|20% Off
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
Padparadscha Sapphire Turquoise Alexandrite Spinel Diamond Pave 8 mm Pendant
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
This extraordinary fine jewellery pendant by jewellery artist Joke Quick features an 8 mm round pendant set with a mesmerizing mosaic of gemstones: a glowing Padparadscha sapphire, 2...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, Padparadscha Sapphire , Alexan...
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
Syna Yellow Gold Citrine Cord Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Citrine 5.50 carats approx. 16 inch black silicon cord About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharm...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,798Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold 2.74 Ct Pear and Marquise Diamond Open Teardrop Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
An elegant open teardrop motif composed of sparkling marquise-cut diamonds, gracefully suspended from a stacked double pear-cut diamond top piece. Crafted in brilliant 14K White Gold...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White 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, White 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
Syna Yellow Gold Tube Necklace with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 1.10 carats approx. Adjustable length 18 karat yellow gold lobster clasp About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiratio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Mediterranean Coral and Peridot 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Inspired by the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean, this Alex Jona necklace is handcrafted in 18-karat yellow gold and features a harmonious combination of natural Mediterranean cor...
Coral, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$566Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Black Spinel and Silver Blue Tahitian Pearl w/ Diamonds Paradizia Necklace N3978
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description A rare silver-blue Tahitian pearl is the focal point of this elegant necklace, centered among faceted black spinel and framed by pave diamond rondelles. The dramatic cont...
14k 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
$3,300Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 0.60ct Round Pink Sapphire & 1.10ct Diamond Cluster Halo Pendant
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A radiant 18k White Gold Halo Pendant featuring a vivid 0.60ct cluster of round pink sapphires at its center, encircled by a brilliant 1.10ct round diamond halo. The contrasting gem ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$576Sale Price|55% 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...
Virgin Mary Medal Necklace Black Diamond Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Black Diamond Miraculous Medal Necklace Oxidized Solid Silver Designer: J Dauphin The Miraculous Medal Devotional Necklace is a one-of-a-kind architectural statement piece. ...
Black Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
14K White Gold Graduated Diamond Pendant Necklace #24481
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Graduated Diamond Pendant Necklace- Thie refined 14K white gold pendant features a graceful vertical drop of clustered round diamonds. The graduated design creates be...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold London Blue Topaz and Diamond Eclipse Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
luxurious statement with this captivating geometric pendant necklace. The design features a brilliant, round-cut London Blue Topaz showcasing its signature deep, velvety teal-blue hu...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Green Chalcedony Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Green Chalcedony 6 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspirat...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold