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 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
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
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
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...
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Oscar de la Renta 22K Gold Plated Orange Amber Resin Leaf Statement Necklace
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta 22k gold plated orange amber resin leaf statement necklace with adjustable extender chain. Luxury designer jewelry. Large statement necklace. Made in USA. This dra...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Mixed Metal
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
Swirl Choker in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamonds, Rubies And Pearls
Located in Filothei, GR
Graceful feminine curves flow into spirals, giving classic pearls a distinctly contemporary expression. Set in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds and rubies, this choker balances tim...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$440Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
Elsa Peretti Sterling Silver Eternal Circle Pendant Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Hope, PA
This Elsa Peretti sterling silver Eternal Circle necklace is in pristine condition with the original Tiffany Blue box and felt bag. The p...
Sterling Silver
$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
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
14K Yellow Gold Cuban Chain Necklace Choker 16" #26129
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Cuban Chain Choker Necklace - Bold and timeless, this 14K yellow gold Cuban chain necklace features classic interlocking links with a polished finish and rich golden...
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 6.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Draw...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT White Gold Graduated Miracle-Set Diamond 3.01 Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This luxurious 14K white gold Riviera necklace showcases an elegant, graduated row of round brilliant diamonds that increase in size toward a striking center focus. Each stone is cra...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Star Pendant Necklace Blue Enamel Celestial Charm Gold Sphere Orb
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Star Pendant Necklace Blue Enamel Celestial Charm Gold Sphere Orb Length: 25 Inches, can be worn shorter, adjustable Designer: J DAUPHIN The White Diamond Star Sphere Nec...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, 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
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...
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
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
Steven Battelle 3.2 Carat Cabochon Emerald 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
A large, 9 x 12 mm oval Zambian emerald cabochon rests within a radiating double row of handset "jawan" granulation in this artisan crafted "ancient-inspired" pendant design by Steve...
Emerald, 18k 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
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 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
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 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 Dra...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Blue Chalcedony Sugarloaf Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Chalcedony 5.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.11 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspir...
Diamond, Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Red Coral 14 Karat Gold Ball Chain Necklace
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Red Coral 14 Karat Gold Ball Chain Necklace Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Primary Stones: Natural Turquoise and Coral Total Carat Weight: 9.97 cara...
Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
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...
H. Stern Star Collection Large Star 18K Yellow Gold Pendant With Chain Necklace
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
H. Stern Noble Gold Star Collection. The necklace is 18K Yellow Gold. The chain is 19.75 inches long The star is 1.25" x 14/16" The necklace weighs 10.05 grams The necklace is encrus...
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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
$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...