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.
Macaw Bird Aquamarine Citrine Peridot Tourmaline Pearl Gemstone Wall Painting
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Macaw Bird Aquamarine Citrine Peridot Tourmaline Pearl Gemstone Wall Painting. This Macaw bird gemstone painting is a stunning fusion of color, tex...
Aquamarine, Citrine, Pearl, Peridot, Tourmaline
World Map Amethyst Emerald Peridot Aquamarine Rhodolite Citrine Wall Painting
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
This gemstone world map is a celebration of exploration, curiosity, and the joy of learning. Inspired by our journey into parenthood, it is dedicated to every child who looks at the ...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Emerald, Iolite, Peridot, Rhodolite
Tulip Amethyst Tourmaline Iolite Gemstone Rough Wall Painting
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
This natural gemstone painting of three tulips is a breathtaking fusion of fine artistry and exquisite minerals, bringing the delicate beauty of flow...
Amethyst, Iolite, Tourmaline
$1,250
H 5.25 in W 3.38 in D 2.5 in
Postmodern Silver Plate 'Ripple' Photo Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful postmodern silver-plated easel back frame. Designed by TsAO & Mckown for Swid Powell. Model no. 3311 - entitled the "Ripple" frame. Comprising a one-piece, welded ease...
Silver Plate
Emerald & Diamond Studded Floral Motif Photo Frame In Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This ornate photo frame combines the richness of emeralds and the brilliance of diamonds in an intricate floral motif. Crafted with a blend of gold and silver, it serves as both a fu...
Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, Rhodium, Silver, Gold
Victorian Amethyst Gold Locket
Located in New York, NY
Victorian amethyst gold locket Oval shaped locket with an oval cut amethyst (11 x 14 mm), 14 karat yellow gold Size: width 2.7 cm, length 4 cm Total we...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bownite and Enamel Fabergé Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A jewelled gold-mounted bowenite and enamel frame, Fabergé, Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, before 1899, the circular bowenite frame centred by translucent mauve bezel with applied ...
Diamond, Other, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
$15,000
18 Karat Gold Photo Frame
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 18k yellow gold photo frame. Measurements : length : 2 1/2 inch width: 2 1/4 inch
18k Gold
Ganesha Gemstone Artwork
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous Ganesh artwork made using Ruby, Emerald, Pearl, Garnet, Carnelian and Yellow Sapphire. The gemstones used in this artwork is completely natur...
Carnelian, Emerald, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire
Cartier Apple Mid-Century Modern Picture Frame Sterling Silver
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning and rare Cartier Sterling Silver Picture Frame in an Apple Motif. The frame is signed Cartier and is a fabulous Mid-Century Modern piece of vintage Cartier. I l...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,850
H 13.63 in W 11 in D 0.63 in
Large Engraved American Art Deco Period Sterling Silver Picture or Photo Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large American Art Deco silver picture or photo frame. In sterling silver. By J.F. Fradley & Co. With engraved decoration to the sides and an masonite easel back. Monogramed to...
Sterling Silver
Floral Gemstone Artwork
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous Floral artwork made using Ruby, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Carnelian & Garnett. The gemstones used in this artwork is completely natural, with...
Carnelian, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire
Floral Gemstone Artwork
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous Floral artwork made using Emerald, Carnelian & Yellow Sapphire. The gemstones used in this artwork is completely natural, without any treatment. The size of the artwo...
Carnelian, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire
$395
H 5.25 in W 4.38 in D 0.38 in
Antique Victorian Derby Quadruple Silver Plate Easel Back Photo or Picture Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine ornate antique Victorian frame. In quadruple plate silver plate. By the Derby Silver Company. With an ornate piercing and openwork t...
Silver Plate
Floral Gemstone Artwork
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous Floral artwork made using Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire & Garnett. The gemstones used in this artwork is completely natural, without any treatment. The size...
Emerald, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Oval Picture Frame #22525
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Oval Picture Frame - This vintage sterling silver oval picture frame by Tiffany & Co. features a classic polished design with Tiffany blue insert. Siz...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.32 in W 3.01 in L 3.01 in
Tiffany & Co. Makers Sterling Sterling 25126 Round Photo Frame 3" Opening #22605
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Round Photo Frame - This Tiffany & Co. round silver photo frame style 25126 has an opening for a picture 3" in diameter, with a polished sterling silv...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.23 in W 4.01 in L 5.51 in
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Rectangle Picture Frame with Pouch #22526
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Rectangle Picture Frame - This vintage sterling silver rectangle frame by Tiffany & Co. features a classic polished bezel with Tiffany blue insert come...
Sterling Silver