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 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 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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 Tube Necklace with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 1 carat approx. Adjustable length 18 karat yellow gold lobster clasp About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration fr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
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
Silvorra Vertical Graduated Ruby and Diamond Curve Charm Pendant in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This graceful pendant showcases 0.86 carats of round cut rubies, accented by 0.86 carats of sparkling diamonds, all handcrafted in 925 sterling silver. Featuring five graduated rubie...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Effy Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise 14k Yellow Gold Contemporary Drop Necklace
Located in Towson, MD
Contemporary necklace by Effy, crafted in 14-karat yellow gold and showcasing a striking combination of lapis lazuli and turquoise. Rich cobalt-blue lapis is paired with vibrant turq...
Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 7.96 Carat Zambian Heart-Shaped Emerald Diamond Halo Necklace 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
A truly exceptional gemstone, this necklace showcases a certified 7.96 carat heart-shaped Zambian emerald of remarkable quality. Accompanied by a C. Dunaigre Switzerland Gemstone Rep...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Emerald & Diamond Drop Necklace in 850 Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Emerald & Diamond Drop Necklace in 850 Platinum This emerald and diamond necklace is crafted in 850 platinum and features a pear-cut emerald weighing approximately 0.70 carat. T...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
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
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
14K Yellow Gold Emerald-Cut Amethyst and Diamond Starburst Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
The center attraction is a rich, vibrant emerald-cut amethyst displaying its signature deep royal purple hue. The gem is dramatically secured by sharp, golden prongs that extend outw...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Halo Ruby & Diamond Necklace in 10k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Halo Ruby & Diamond Necklace in 10k White Gold This necklace is crafted in 10k white gold and features an oval cabochon ruby framed by a halo of round diamonds. The ruby is pron...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold
Barbara Bixby Sterling 18k Yellow Gold Carved Green Chalcedony Pendant #24631
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Barbara Bixby Sterling Silver & 18K Carved Green Chalcedony Pendant - This stunning Barbara Bixby enhancer pendant features an oval carved green chalcedony (13.7 mm x 21.4 mm) set i...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
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
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...
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
17th Century Venice Lion of St Marks Coin Diamond 18K Gold Pendant
Located in Soquel, CA
An authentic silver "1/2 Ducato" coin from Venice depicting the Venetian Lion of St Mark is set within a "wire and jawan" handmade 18K gold (with silver backing behind) setting in th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
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
14K Rose 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, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Islamic Quran Book Pendant #25211
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Islamic Quran Book Pendant Intricate 18k yellow gold Quran book pendant featuring detailed religious craftsmanship and meaningful symbolism. A beautiful and collecti...
18k Gold, Yellow 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
18k Obsidian cat head Pendant w 18k bail
Located in Cohasset, MA
18k Obsidian carved cat head with 18k adjustable bail. Any chain shown is not included
David Yurman Sterling and 14K Yellow Gold 3.5mm Box Chain Necklace 18" #25347
By David Yurman
Located in Washington Depot, CT
David Yurman Sterling and 14K Yellow Gold Box Chain Necklace 18" Sterling Silver & 14K Yellow Gold David Yurman Necklace featuring the designer's signature craftsmanship and timeles...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
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
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
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...
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 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
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
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 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 12.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.15 carats approx. Chain sold separately About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration fr...
Diamond, Amethyst, 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