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Contemporary Necklaces

CONTEMPORARY STYLE

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.

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Period: 1990s
Style: Contemporary
18 Karat Gold Open Heart Pendant
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat Yellow Gold Open Heart Pendant. A simple yet elegant design that celebrates the spirit of love. Stamped on the back of the pendant is 18KT...
Category

1990s Unknown Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Betony Vernon "O'Ring Choker Medium" Necklace Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Choker Medium" is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry designs in 1992. T...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Damiani 18KT Yellow and White Gold Bib Necklace with 4.92Ct. Diamond
Located in New York, NY
“The history of Damiani jewellery is that of an Italian family strongly tied to tradition and passion for goldsmith art". This 18 karat yellow and wh...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar De La Renta Faux Pearls and Pink Crystals Runway Necklace and Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Stunning signed Oscar de la Renta Faux Pearl and Pink Crystal Necklace and matching Earrings with the Designer Signature; necklace measures approx. Approx. 20" long; Markings: signat...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Pearl, Gold Plate

Betony Vernon "Love Lock Necklace" Woman Necklace Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "Love Lock Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1995 and has been manufactured in limited editions ever since in Sterling Silver 925 lost ...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Choker" Necklace Sterling Silver in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Choker" was designed and handcrafted in 2000 using Sterling Silver 925 sheet, lost wax elements and premium quality natural salt water pearls...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sterling Silver

Betony Vernon "Wings Collier" Sterling 925 One-of-a-Kind Necklace in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon designed the "Wings Collier" Necklace in 1999. The prototype for the wing was made with the technique of chiseling. The chiseled wings were...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

18 K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Torsade Enamel Diamond Ball Clasp
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A classic tornado necklace consisting of 20 rows of cultured pearls with a removable 18 K yellow Gold ball clasp (can be used as a clasp for other necklaces) set with 135 brilliant c...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Betony Vernon "O'Ring Choker" Medium Necklace 18 Karat Gold and Sterling Silver
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Choker" is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry designs in 1992. The time...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold, Silver

G. Verdi 18KT Yellow Gold Necklace with 32.19Ct. Amethyst & Tsavorites, Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This necklace was designed by G. Verdi of Italy. The round brilliant cut Amethyst stones are set in 18 karat yellow gold links with prongs that give a beautiful beaded effect. Roun...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Charles Krypell 18KT Gold 6.17 Carat Ruby, 2.67 Carat Diamond Pendant /Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Charles Krypell Jewelry is a New York Based fine jewelry brand that became internationally known for its exquisite use of color, novel designs, and outstanding craftsmanship. This 18 karat yellow gold heart pendant / brooch is the perfect example of the companies craftsmanship and the use of mixing stone cuts that show visual beauty. This yellow gold heart is set baguette cut rubies and baguette and round brilliant diamonds. The heart has a hinged bale set with baguettes that attaches onto the ruby and diamond bar brooch...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Henry Dunay Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Henry Dunay diamond and platinum pendant necklace. Clear and concise information you want to know is listed below. Contact us right away if you have add...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Carrera y Carrera 18kt Yellow Gold 0.64ct. Diamond Double Horse Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow g...
Category

1990s Spanish Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Betony Vernon "Body Chain" Necklace and Belt Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "Body Chain" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1996. The chain mail parure is composed of a sterling silver necklace and detachable belt handcrafted in Italy. This is the masterpi...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Crivelli 18kt Yellow/ White Gold Diamond 15.20ct & Emerald 17.36ct Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This lovely designed collar necklace by Crivelli is entirely set with 5 rows of round brilliant Diamonds and Emeralds. The alternating stones and the flexib...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Betony Vernon "Leather Whip Necklace" Sterling Silver 925
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 ...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tony Duquette Chrysoprase Rose Quartz Tahitian Pearl Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tony Duquette chrysoprase rose quartz Tahitian pearls and yellow gold necklace. * Contact us right away if you have additional ...
Category

1990s Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Chrysophrase, Pearl, Quartz, 18k Gold, Gold

Betony Vernon "Spikes Choker" Sterling Silver 925 and Rubies in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "Spikes Choker" was designed in 1996 by Betony Vernon and manufactured in Sterling Silver 925 sheet metal with lost wax elements. This is the prototyp...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Sterling Silver

Vintage Purple Carved Tourmaline, Jade, Diamond Pendant, 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Here is a nice vintage piece! The natural purple carved tourmaline is a nice saturated color. We estimate the natural purple tourmaline to be 10-15 cts. The tourmaline is also very transparent. This "see through" purple is unforgettable. The purple color combined with the vivid green carved jade...
Category

1990s Hong Kong Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Jade, White Diamond, Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cellini Alternating Cultured Pearl and 10.00 Carat Diamond Ball Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Classic pearl and diamond strand necklace by Cellini jewelers NYC. This necklace is composed of 25 cultured 9 mm pearl...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Betony Vernon "O'Ring Slave Choker" Necklace Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The timeless "O-Ring" signature pieces from Betony Vernon's collection have been appreciated by collectors since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This bold version of th...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Graduated Reconstituted Amber and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rondel Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent reconstituted polished Amber Beads ranging from 18 to 25 mm - and separated by 18t Yellow Gold Rondels measuring from 11 to 16 mm x 3 mm The Beads are terminated by cy...
Category

1990s Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Amber, 18k Gold

Betony Vernon "O-Ring Choker Mini" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O-Ring Choker Mini" in 18-Karat Gold is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry des...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Betony Vernon "O Ring Piercing Kit" Necklace 18K Gold Pavée Diamond
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Piercing Kit" groups three Betony Vernon's original 18-Karat Diamond Pavée jewels to combine all together. The "O'Ring Choker Mini Diamond Pavée" as a Necklace, the "O'Ring Navel Piercing...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Barzizza 18kt WG/YG Diamond 5.13ct & Gem Stones 13.73 Ct Lariat Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Barzizza of Valenza, Italy. Founded in 1958 the firm produces very limited series of unique jewelry pieces.This 18 karat white and yellow gold lariat style necklace is the perfect example of their quality workmanship. White gold bezel set round...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Paco Rabanne black leather and chainmail necklace, circa 1996
Located in London, GB
This chainmail with leather necklace was designed to coincide with the launch of Paco Rabanne' s first unisex perfume "Paco" in 1996. Constructed from metal rings and leather. Closu...
Category

1990s French Contemporary Necklaces

Chaavae Platinum and 18 Karat Yellow Gold and 2.92 Carat Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful 18 karat yellow gold and platinum Diamond necklace designed by Tilson Gem Designs for their Chaavae collection. The necklace is des...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Cellini 18KT White Gold 59.78. Baguette & Round Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Cellini NYC presents this magnificent 18 karat white gold and diamond classic collar necklace. The necklace is designed with a center row of 189 baguette cut diamonds with a total diamond weight of 31.58 carats. Two rows of 271 round brilliant diamonds with a total weight of 28.20 carats complete this classic collar style...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Choker" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Choker" was designed and handcrafted in 2000 using 18 Karat gold sheet, lost wax elements and premium quality natural salt wa...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Two-Row Flower Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
18K white gold two row necklace, with flower motif, bezel set with full cut round diamonds weighing 6.57cts and faceted blue sapphires weighing 9.41cts, length 16 inches and width .7...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Gold Necklace with Basket Weave Diamonds and Blue Sapphires Center
Located in New York, NY
The highlight of this 18 karat yellow gold necklace is the beautiful center section. Round Brilliant Diamonds and Square Cut Blue Sapphires are set in a basket weaved pattern amid a ...
Category

1990s Unknown Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chanel Gold Tone CC Logo Swirl Cross Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chanel Gold Tone CC Logo Swirl Cross Necklace. Stamped Chanel and Made In France. Good vintage condition. One chain link has a slight discoloration. It is not noticeable when worn. ...
Category

1990s French Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate

Betony Vernon "O'Ring Chain Medium Necklace" Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Chain Medium Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and handcrafted in lost wax element in Sterling Silver 925 in 2018. The timeless "O'Ring Chain Medium Necklace" has been long appreciated for its symbolic and aesthetic appeal, as well as for its functional purpose. The "O'Ring Chain Medium Necklace" has a double hook on each side of the chain, that serves to put all sorts of BV Attachments and Pendants close to your heart, at hand’s reach...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

18 Karat Gold 3.68 Carat Emerald and 4.31 Carat Diamond Necklace and Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This cleverly designed 18 karat yellow gold necklace by Cellini Jewelers NYC, is set with round Diamonds and Emeralds. The Diamonds and Emeralds encompass the front section of the ne...
Category

1990s Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

G. Verdi 18 Karat Gold, 1.14 Carat Diamond, Sapphire, and Semi Precious Pendant
Located in New York, NY
g. verdi Italy, is known for their exquisite craftsmanship and interesting use of color. This Pendant ( coordinating Earrings available) exemplifies just that. Set in 18 karat yellow gold, This pendant is composed of 9.10Ct. of Green tourmaline & Amethyst, 3.08Ct. of Yellow Sapphires bezel set...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Gold Petite Purse Pendant w/1.54ct Diamonds & 1.50ct Yellow Sapphire
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold 33" pendant necklace is designed with the most elegant petite purse. Round brilliant diamonds and yellow sapphires are set in the front of the purse. The c...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
Length: .35 inches Metal Type: 18 karat Yellow Gold Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details Type: Natural Cultured Pearl 7mm Side Stone Details: Shape: Round Brilliant Total ...
Category

1990s Unknown Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

G. Verdi 12.32 Carat Semi Precious and .90 Carat Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
G. Verdi of Italy is known for their outstanding craftsmanship and use of color. Both qualities can be seen in this beautiful pendant - which is set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with a co...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

18KT Yellow Gold 61.19CT. Amethyst & 5.51Ct. Diamond Art Deco Inspired Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully one of a kind necklace designed by Cellini Jewelers NYC is set with thirty one square Emerald cut Amethyst stones . Each stone...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Charles Turi 18 Karat Yellow Gold and 6.32 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Designed by the legendary Charles Turi Jewelry Company, this magnificent classic necklace is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. Created with 13 fluted oval sections divid...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

24 Karat Pure Gold and Green Crystal Gorilla Pendant Necklace, 9999 Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Here is something you won't see everyday. This 24k pure yellow gold and green crystal pendant is so unique. A conversation starter for sure. The ...
Category

1990s Hong Kong Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Henry Dunay 18 Karat Yellow Gold Faceted Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Henry Dunay 18K yellow gold faceted necklace. Last known retail $35,500 Brand new, never worn
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

18KT Gold, 4.97ct. Diamond & Oval Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald Lariat Style Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Round white brilliant diamonds alternating with oval rubies, emeralds and sapphires makeup the composition of this beautiful necklace. The 18 karat yellow gold necklace is bezel set...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Picchiotti 18 Karat White Gold, 10.87 Carat Diamond and Black Onyx Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Designed by the renowned luxury jeweler Giuseppe Picchiotti ,this diamond and onyx necklace are clear examples of his iconic style. Free formed flat links of 18 karat white gold are ...
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cellini Jewelers 18KT Gold & Diamond 3.28cts. Barrel Necklace with Double Chain
Located in New York, NY
Cellini Jewelers NYC beautifully designed 18 karat yellow gold and diamond necklace. The front portion of this necklace is designed with 6" of alternating ribbed and diamond links . The diamond links are set with round brilliant diamonds. The front section of the necklace is set into two strands of 18 karat yellow gold barrel chains...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Garavelli 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Open Weave Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Garavelli 18K yellow and white gold open weave diamond necklace, bead set with 52 full cut round diamonds weighing 2.70cts, G-H color, VS clarity
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Picchiotti 18 Karat Yellow Gold "Bib Style" Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Picchiotti 18K yellow gold "Bib Style" necklace set with 112 full cut round diamonds weighing 1.88cts, F-G color, VS clarity.
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum 8.28 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 18 karat Yellow Gold, Platinum & Diamond necklace. The necklace is designed with five Platinum motifs set with round brilliant Diamonds . Twelve sections of beaded gold fo...
Category

1990s Unknown Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Tannler of Switzerland 18KT Gold, 8.50 Carat Diamond Hearts and Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Feel like a princess in this beautiful 18 karat white gold, diamond and pearl necklace created by Tannler of Switzerland. The necklace features 9 diamond hearts bead set with round b...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning Montreaux 18K yellow gold necklace with 195 full cut round diamonds (set in platinum) weighing 5.10cts, D-E color, IF and VVS1 color.
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Five Strand Ancient Roman Coin And Cabochon Ruby Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
18K yellow gold, five strand necklace with three Ancient Roman coins and 6 cabochon rubies weighing approximately 1.20cts total
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Two-Tone Diamond Necklace, 7.51 Carats
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The electronically tested necklace features a chevron-style diamond motif, bordered by yellow gold stationed ridges, supported by a designer style white gold flexible chain, terminat...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Lagos Citrine Diamond Gold Pendant attached to Cultured Pearls
Located in Chicago, IL
Spectacular Steven Lagos 18K yellow gold diamond ( 18 round diamonds weighing approximately .72cts, FG color, VS clarity) faceted citrine ( 14mm by 10mm) an...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Iolite, 18k Gold

Doris Panos Pearl Diamond Matte Finish Gold Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
18K White Gold, Matte Finish, Doris Panos Necklace, "Doile" design set with 69 full cut round diamonds, weighing 2.0 carats total, G color, VS clarity and six pearls approximately 4m...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

I Love Shoes Faux Diamond Silver Statement Necklace Askew London
Located in Montreal, QC
Antiqued Silver Plate Shoes set with Faux Diamonds. Shoes are inter-spaced with Faux Diamond Heart drops on lengths of oval link chain. Drops are suspended from 1 row of round double...
Category

1990s British Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Silver Plate

Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
14K white gold diamond heart pendant, prong set with 14 full cut round diamonds weighing about 1.43cts total, suspended from 15.5 inch white gold...
Category

1990s American Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamond Choker
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning 18K yellow and white gold choker set with 308 full cut round diamonds weighing 13.29cts, G-H color, VS clarity.
Category

1990s Italian Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Fabulous Faux Multi Gem Square Cut Statement Drop Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Sensational Runway Necklace set with huge square panels of colorful Faux Gem glass and Resin, rhinestones; the largest section having a lighter tint and being resin, the rest are all...
Category

1990s Contemporary Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate

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