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 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 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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Corletto 14K Yellow Gold Articulating Fish Pendant #25666
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Corletto 14K Yellow Gold Articulating Fish Pendant - Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this articulating fish pendant features movable, lifelike segments that add unique characte...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
"Baguette Bar" Diamond Pendant in 14K Gold on 5-Strand Gemstone Necklace
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This sparkling, one-of-a-kind choker necklace features a 0.75 carat diamond bar mounted on a square tube, all in 14 karat gold. Eytan Brandes made this pendant from "spare parts." ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Labradorite, Spinel, Zircon, Imperial Topaz, Apatit...
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
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
GIA Certified TSL Natural Type A Jade Lavender Bead Necklace 10mm Jade 14K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a magnificent GIA Certified Natural Type A Untreated Lavender Jade Bead Necklace by TSL. This is the finest quality Lavender Jade available. The lavender jade beads are ...
Jade, Gold, 14k 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
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 5.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.20 carat approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
Curb Link 18 Karat Yellow Gold Israeli Coin Vintage Necklace 15 Inches
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Israeli coin necklace crafted in substantial 18 karat yellow gold, featuring a bold curb link chain centered with an authentic Israeli coin in a rich textured bezel setting. ...
Gold, 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
White Pearl Strand Necklace with 14k Yellow Gold Toggle Clasp
Located in Bloomington, MN
White Pearl Strand Necklace with 14k Yellow Gold Toggle Clasp This necklace features a strand of cultured white pearls displaying soft cream and subtle pink overtones with natural s...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Floral Locket Pendant Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Floral Locket Pendant Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold This necklace is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a round locket pendant with an engraved floral motif. The front displays l...
14k Gold, Yellow 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
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 White Gold Cubic Zirconia Necklace 18" #25756
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Cubic Zirconia Necklace Add a touch of timeless sparkle to your jewelry collection with this 14K White Gold CZ Necklace. Expertly crafted from genuine 14K white gold,...
14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold 2.93 Cts Diamond Floral Cluster Curved Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Features five interconnected floral cluster motifs gently curved along the neckline for a delicate, nature-inspired silhouette. Crafted in sleek 14K Yellow Gold, attached to a delica...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baroque Tahitian Pearl Endless Strand Necklace
Located in Bloomington, MN
Baroque Tahitian Pearl Endless Strand Necklace This necklace features a continuous strand of graduated baroque Tahitian pearls displaying natural gray, silver, green, blue, and purp...
Pearl
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Rose Necklace Flower Pendant Choker Chain J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rose Necklace Flower Pendant Choker Chain J Dauphin Designer J DAUPHIN Collection: Alchemia The Rose Pendant Necklace is a structural statement piece handcrafted in bronze. Part of...
14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze
Star Choker Black Diamond Necklace Celestial Double Chain 14k Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Star Choker Black Diamond Necklace Celestial Double Chain 14k Gold Plated Silver Designer: J Dauphin The Star Choker is a double strand of fine cable chain in 14k gold plated silve...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel, Silver
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
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
$400Sale 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
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
Golden South Sea Pearl Strand Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Golden South Sea Pearl Strand Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold This necklace features a graduated strand of golden South Sea pearls finished with a ribbed clasp crafted in 14k yellow gol...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
$456Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Marquee Shape Pave Teardrop Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this pendant features a sophisticated, openwork marquise-inspired silhouette. The elongated gold frame curves gracefully to a point, creating a m...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 18K Gold Atlas Necklace/Choker 15.5" #25469
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver 18K Gold Atlas Necklace/Choker 15.5" These authentic vintage Tiffany necklace features curved silver links with ribbed gold stations. Slide tongue clasp...
18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Michael Kneebone Multicolored Baroque Pearl Granulated Bead Necklace
Located in Austin, TX
Baroque pearls are presented in this dramatic pearl and granulated bead necklace. The pearls (origin: China) come in delicate shades of pink, gray and ivory. They are rich in luste...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Vermeil, Silver
Michael Kneebone Kyanite Diamond Baroque Pearl Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
Kyanite is paired with a dramatic baroque pearl in this one of a kind pendant. The kyanite (origin: Brazil) is a beautiful medium blue with a very slight smoky undertone. The gem i...
Diamond, Pearl, Kyanite, 14k Gold
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
$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
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 2.93 Cts Diamond Floral Cluster Curved Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Features five interconnected floral cluster motifs gently curved along the neckline for a delicate, nature-inspired silhouette. Crafted in sleek 14K White Gold, attached to a delicat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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
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
Diamond Double Bar Pendant Necklace in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Diamond Double Bar Pendant Necklace in 14k White Gold This pendant is crafted in 14k white gold and features a geometric double-bar design set with round and princess-cut diamonds. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.55ct Aquamarine, Diamond and Pearl 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Crafted in 14ct gold, this pendant features a 2.55ct cushion‑cut aquamarine surrounded by a diamond halo and a ring of natural grey pearls. The design evokes a floral motif with a co...
Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, 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