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.
Must De Cartier Pen Vendome Trinity Ball Point 18k Gold Plated Accessory
By Cartier
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1980's. 18k gold plated Must de Cartier Vendome Trinity ball point pen that writes in blue ink. Twisted trinity design on top with a nice textured surface to the pen. Features ...
18k Gold, Gold Plate
1945-46 Saudi Arabia ARAMCO Gold Coin, Philadelphia Mint
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A remarkable artifact from the dawn of the modern oil era, this 1945–46 Saudi Arabia ARAMCO 4 Pounds gold coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as part of a historic concession pa...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Oval Tag Key Ring #23676
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Oval Tag Key Ring - This classic Tiffany & Co. "please return to Tiffany" sterling silver key ring features an oval tag and ball end loop. Size: 42.5 ...
Sterling Silver
$294Sale Price|30% Off
Mikimoto Vintage Purple Color Pearl Writing Ballpoint 4.75 Inch Pen
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
The Mikimoto ballpoint pen you mentioned is a stylish and elegant writing instrument that comes in a beautiful purple color. It is designed with the attention to detail and craftsman...
Pearl, Enamel
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Fountain Pen Sandalwood Box Set with Personalization
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Experience the luxury and elegance of fine writing with this Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Fountain Pen Sandalwood Box Set. The pen boasts a sleek and classic...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Return To Tiffany Oval Tag Keychain #24442
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Return To Tiffany Oval Tag Keychain - This authentic Tiffany & Co. sterling silver oval tag keychain engraved "Plea...
Sterling Silver
Certified Nephrite White Jade Carving, Hetian Jade, Scenic Stature
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video! For your consideration is a certified natural nephrite jade carving. This jade is substantial. The jade carving is a scenic stature of good quality. The Hetian nephrite jade carving is close to being pure white. Hetian jade...
Jade
Vintage Deep Green .4 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ball Pen Sandalwood Box Set
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Indulge in luxury and add a touch of vintage elegance to your desk with this stunning Vintage Deep Green .4 Carat Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ball Pen Sandalwood Box...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Natural White Nephrite Jade Carving, Hetian Jade Decoration, Unisex
Located in Hong Kong, HK
For your consideration is a certified natural nephrite jade carving. This jade is very well carved. The jade carving is a scenic motif of superb quality. The Hetian nephrite jade carving is close to being white. Hetian jade...
Jade
Certified Nephrite White Jade Mythical Creature, Heatian River Pebble Material
Located in Hong Kong, HK
For your consideration is a certified natural nephrite jade. This jade carving is of a Chinese mythical beast or creature of very high quality. Traditionally Chinese mythical creatures are regarded as auspicious creatures that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing wealth from all directions. The famous Hetian nephrite jade carving...
Jade
$200Sale Price|42% Off
K. Brunini 20th Anniversary Book
By Katey Brunini
Located in Solana Beach, CA
In a manner only K. Brunini can, she has produced a stimulating retrospective of her work in a limited edition, hard bound book. A photographic feast for the senses, this compilatio...
Marquise Shaped 14K Yellow Gold Key Chain with the Rod of Asclepius
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Preowned 14K yellow gold keychain with the Rod of Asclepius. Weight of the keychain is approximately 20 grams.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Social Security Money Clip Sterling Silver Estate
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Social Security Money Clip Sterling Silver Estate TIF891 A sleek and elegant piece, ideal for daily use or as a thoughtful gift. TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 200...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Estate Keychain Sterling Silver
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tiffany & Co Estate Keychain Sterling Silver TIF751 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHIPPING DETAILS Metal: St...
Sterling Silver
"Y" NYC Subway Token 925 Silver Keychain
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your everyday essentials with the exquisite craftsmanship of Michael Bondanza Jewelry. Introducing our 925 sterling silver Keychain featuring the iconic NYC Large 'Y' Subway ...
Silver
$1,264Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Bic 50th Anniversary Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen, 2010
Located in Braintree, GB
A rare and elegant Bic 50th Anniversary Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen crafted in solid 925 sterling silver. This premium edition of the iconic BIC pen features a sleek, hexagonal des...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Cartier Paris Enamel Gold Plated Brass Manual Table Clock
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Paris table alarm clock, manual winding Made in Switzerland approximately 1980 Gold plated brass case Enamel detail around the frame, shows some wear consistent with age Hall...
Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Golf Club Ballpoint Pen
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany & Co. Golf Club Ballpoint Pen - Sterling silver Tiffany & Co. ballpoint pen with golf club pocket clip and twist retractable closure. Includes dust bag.
$478Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.25 in D 0.25 in L 4.75 in
Tiffany & Co. 1981 Angela Cummings Aerodynamic Twisted Pen .925 Sterling Silver
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural twisted pen designed by Angela Cummings. Sculptural pen, created back in the 1981 in New York city at the Tiffany Studios. This fabulous sculpt...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Personalized Sterling Key Ring
Located in New York, NY
Personalized sterling silver key ring finished with round sterling picture pendants. Pendants can have images on both sides. Price based on one double...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Wax Seal with Hand Carved Jade Bird Handle
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This unique, Circa 1800, wax seal begins with an 18K yellow gold base monogrammed with MLO, upon which sits a beautifully carved jade bird. The Jade ...
Jade, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Excellent MONTBLANC Meisterstuck Rollerball Pen SAPPHIRE UNICEF Pen Boxed
By Mont Blanc
Located in Toronto, CA
Fantastic MONTBLANC Rollerball Pen SAPPHIRE UNICEF . The pen comes with Original case box . If it is not shown in the photos or mentioned in the description, then it is not includ...
$9,800
H 0.65 in W 0.53 in Dm 0.53 in L 5.44 in
Vintage Deep Green .4 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ball Pen Sandalwood Box Set
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Indulge in luxury and add a touch of vintage elegance to your desk with this stunning Vintage Deep Green .4 Carat Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ball Pen Sandalwood Box...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ballpoint Pen and Pencil Set
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Exude timeless sophistication with this Tiffany & Co. Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ballpoint Pen (blue ink) and Pencil Set, a masterful blend of luxury, elegance, and functionality. Craft...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Globe Bookmark #24419
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Globe Bookmark - This authentic Tiffany & Co. bookmark/page marker crafted in sterling silver features a sleek oval form with an engraved world...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.3 in W 0.3 in L 5.51 in
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Germany Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen #24440
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Germany Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen - This authentic Tiffany & Co. ballpoint pen designed by Elsa Peretti is crafted in sterling silver and made...
Sterling Silver
Gucci Sterling Silver Feline Cat Money Clip
By Gucci
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa 2023 This imaginative money clip is crafted in matte oxidized sterling silver. The clip features an intricately sculpted feline face with engraved detailing and expressive eye...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Ball Point Pen
Located in Towson, MD
One Tiffany & Co. sterling silver ballpoint pen featuring the signature “T” clip design. The pen is stamped “925 Tiffany & Co.” and measures 4 inches long, weighing 17.61 gra...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Cartier 14K Yellow Gold Money/Paper Clip
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Statement of Luxurious Utility Elevate your everyday routine with this Vintage Cartier Money Clip, meticulously crafted in 14K yel...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
S.T. Dupont Gold-Plated Ballpoint Pen
By S.T. Dupont
Located in Palm Desert, CA
S.T. Dupont Gold-Plated Ballpoint Pen. At the top of the pen features the S.T. Dupont "D" along with "MADE IN FRANCE - 45A" inscribed around it. This item has a twist mechanism for r...
Gold Plate
Tiffany & Co. 14K Gold Solid Key Ring with Ball Shaped Terminals
Located in New York, NY
A Luxurious Blend of Elegance and Functionality Elevate your everyday essentials with this exquisite Tiffany & Co. 14K Gold Solid Key Ring, featuring sophisticated twisted caps. Craf...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
S.T. Dupont Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen
By S.T. Dupont
Located in Palm Desert, CA
S.T. Dupont Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen. On the top of the pen is the S.T. Dupont "D" and around the top is MADE IN FRANCE - 45A. This piece has a twist retractable closure and a deep maroon glossy lacquer barrel with gold flakes. The blue ink pen is in fine working order. Marked on the gold-plated barrel is S.T. Dupont PARIS...
Gold Plate
Visconti Silver Mirage Horn Ballpoint Pen
By Visconti
Located in Troy, MI
The perfect graduation gift! Blue & black refill included. In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Visconti has launched the Mirage with a completely new design and accessible pri...
Visconti Mirage Midnite Blue Rollerball Pen
By Visconti
Located in Troy, MI
The perfect graduation gift! Blue & black refill included. In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Visconti has launched the Mirage with a completely new design and accessible pri...
Authentic Must de Cartier Ballpoint Pen with Cartier Charm - A100783
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Must de Cartier Ballpoint Pen with Cartier Charm - A100783 Description: Elevate your writing experience with the timeless elegance of t...
Silver Plate, Mixed Metal
Two Cartier France Ballpoint Blue Ink Pens and Cartier 3.75 Inch Stand
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your writing experience with this exquisite set of two Cartier pens and stand, crafted with precision and sophistication by Cartier in France. Made from high-quality material...
Base Metal