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 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
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 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
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
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 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
14K Tri-Color Gold Star Charms Necklace 16" #25216
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Tri-Color Gold Star Charms on a Yellow Gold Necklace Playful 14k tri-color star charms suspended on a yellow gold necklace, featuring a mix of yellow, white, and rose gold tones...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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 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
Elegant 14KT White Gold Round-Cut Diamond 26.78 Cts Tennis Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This breathtaking piece is a luxurious diamond tennis necklace beautifully crafted in 14K white gold. It features a seamless, cascading strand of brilliant, round-cut diamonds that p...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14KT White Gold Graduated Diamond 12.53Cts Tennis Riviera Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This luxurious 14K white gold Riviera necklace features a beautifully graduated line of brilliant round-cut diamonds. The stones seamlessly increase in size as they taper toward the ...
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
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
$337Sale Price|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
$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
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
Virgin Mary Medal Choker 14k Gold Plated Tanzanite J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Necklace Medal Hand Made Figaro Chain Choker 14k Gold Plated Tanzanite Designer J DAUPHIN Only the first Image show the actual material. The other photos show the same...
Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Gold Plate
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
2.70ct Aquamarine and Diamond Halo Pendant in Platinum
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Bathed in the cool clarity of morning light, this 2.70ct aquamarine reveals a tranquil blue that feels almost weightless. Its emerald cut captures and releases light in clean, mirror...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$23,246Sale 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
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
14K Yellow Gold Mariner Link Chain 30" #25311
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Mariner Link Chain Classic and versatile, this 14k yellow gold mariner link chain features sturdy interlocking links with a polished finish-perfect for everyday wear...
14k 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
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
Tiffany & Co. Forge Medium Link Sterling Silver Necklace 18"
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Forge necklace in sterling silver, featuring medium-sized curb links with a polished finish. 18 inches long, 10mm wide, weighing a substantial 114 grams. Minor surf...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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
$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...
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
$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
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
Black Diamond Star Choker Necklace 14k Gold Plated Silver Double Chain J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Star Choker Necklace Black Diamond Double Strand Layered Celestial Star Choker Designer: J Dauphin The Star Choker is a double strand of fine cable chain in 14k gold plated silver...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Silver
David Yurman Elements 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Pendant Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
David Yurman pendant necklace in 18K yellow gold, featuring a round turquoise center framed by a halo of round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.10 carats, suspended from t...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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
David Yurman Sterling 18k Yellow Gold 4 Strand Diamond Sphere Necklace #25227
By David Yurman
Located in Washington Depot, CT
David Yurman Sterling 18k Yellow Gold 4 Strand Diamond Sphere Necklace Elegant and timeless, this David Yurman multi-strand station necklace is crafted in sterling silver with 18k y...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
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
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
$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...
Tiffany & Co Signature 7.5mm Pearl Diamond Necklace Receipt Estate 18k Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed pre-owned Tiffany & Co signature pearl & diamond necklace crafted in 18k white gold (circa 2014). Cultured Akoya pearl measures 7.5mm to 8mm, a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. T Collection 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. T Collection pendant necklace in 18K yellow gold, featuring turquoise center framed by a halo of round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.10 carats. Pendant me...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
33 Carat Heart Cut Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace Antique
Located in New York, NY
We are so delighted to have this extraordinary 33 Carat antique heart cut natural Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum. The magnificent 33.17 Carat Heart Cu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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
$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...
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
Tiffany & Co. Coral and 18k Yellow Gold Bead Torsade Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
A rare and desirable estate piece from Tiffany and Co, this five strand coral bead torsade necklace in 18 karat yellow gold is a vibrant and sophisticated jewel that exemplifies the ...
Coral, Gold, 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
14KT Rose Gold Diamond 2.81 Cts Curved Bar V-Shape Fringe Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking 14K rose necklace features a brilliant, diamond-set curved bar that elegantly traces the collarbone. Suspending from the center is an asymmetrical, cascading V-shaped f...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose 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
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
Hand-Carved Lapis Lazuli Flower Pendant Necklace by Emma Chapman
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
This beautiful lapis lazuli flower pendant has been handmade using the ancient art of stone-carving. Each pendant has a carved flower, which is capped with strawberry onyx and em...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cento "O" Drop Pendant Necklace #25401
By Roberto Coin
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Cento "O" Drop Circle Pendant Necklace- This elegant Roberto Coin 18K yellow gold pendant features on open circle design accented by three r...
Diamond, 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 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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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