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.
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Teacups And Plates Denmark Hand Painted Wildflowers
Located in New York, NY
From the personal collection of style icon Iris Apfel we have her Set of Six Hand Painted Danish Teacups and Dessert Plates with images of Wildflowers in the style of Royal Copenhage...
Betony Vernon "Leather Whip Necklace" Sterling Silver 925 - Made in Italy
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 ...
Sterling Silver
"Ostrich Feather Tickler Attachment" Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "Ostrich Feather Tickler Attachment" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1996 and continues to seduce BV collectors today. Fabricated using multiple l...
Sterling Silver
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Moxi Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The MOXI Cocktail Ring is impossibly detailed, forming delicate webs that all at once seem half biological, half geological and all otherworldly. Thin ribs and loops seem to grow aro...
18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Dragonfly Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Enveloped in a sea of 60.26 carats of fancy vivid yellow diamonds is this tour de force of jewelry craftsmanship from the collaboration of jewelry legends Fred Leighton and Carvin French. Made for Patricia Kluge...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Waterman Expert Gold Plated Fountain Pen, France, Circa 2000s, Unisex
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Waterman Gold Plated Fountain Pen. The Waterman Expert fountain pen has a gloss lacquer finish with 23 karat gold plated trim. The pen has a cigar-shaped barrel, a beveled button cap...
Gold Plate
Gradient Orange Natural Carnelian Sea Horse Carving Earrings Pair
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
This seahorse carving on natural carnelian is hand-carved with extreme detail by our expert lapidary artist in Jaipur which transforms raw stones into unique art works. The carving i...
Carnelian
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Ball Tee Ballpoint Pen - 017
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Ball Tee Ballpoint Pen. The simple & sleek design is functional and stylish. This piece has a twist retractable closure and a...
Sterling Silver
Custom Made Jade Snake Collectors Commission
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
This extraordinary jade snake carving can be custom designed into the object of your dreams. The first execution was made to be the handle of a walking sti...
Jade
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Moxi Cocktail Ring in Black Ruthenium with Blue Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The MOXI Cocktail Ring is impossibly detailed, forming delicate webs that all at once seem half biological, half geological and all otherworldly. Thin ribs and loops seem to grow aro...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
K. Brunini Sterling Silver Salt Cellar
Located in Solana Beach, CA
A beautiful addition to any table is the salt cellar in sterling silver with gold plated interior from K. Brunini’s Object d’Art collection. This is sold as a single item and is com...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
$550 / item
Object d’Art Brass Pomellato King
By Pomellato
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
A window display Pomellato King Original and authentical a 13mm Brass King from Pomellato merchandising and window display actually 4 in stock Established 43 years ago in the Italian city of Milan, Pomellato has been forging its own meticulous path in jewelry making for many years. Having started life as a chain maker, the distinctive chain design still appears in every collection, albeit in ever more luxurious and bejeweled forms. From the iconic Nudo collection and its almost infinite combination of stackable rings to the colorful Capri collection, Pomellato jewelry...
Brass
Butterfly Brooch with Pink Red and Blue Sapphires Diamonds in 18Kt Rose Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Unique Butterfly Brooch with pave pink-red sapphires, brilliant cut diamonds and oval blue sapphires, handcrafted in 18Kt rose gold. The elegance of the Greek nature inspired Nicofil...
White Diamond, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Ro...
Table Clock Gold White & Black Diamonds Jet Erwin Sattler Movement Micromosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Betony Vernon "Ben Wa Balls" with Marble Box Sterling Silver 925
Located in Rome, IT
Inspired by the ancient Chinese instruments of desire that also give them their name, the BV "Ben Wa Balls" were designed in 1996 by Betony Vernon and are part of her infamous Boudoir Box...
Certified Nephrite Jade Archer's Thumb Ring by Master 于士榮, River Pebble
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This master piece is certified by 2 laboratories. This piece is carved using Hetian river pebble Jade. This archer's thumb ring is carved by the master j...
Jade
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace in Black Ruthenium and Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combina...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Necklace in Black Ruthenium and Rose Gold chain
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combina...
Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace in 18K Gold and Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combina...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace Coated in Black Gommato
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design t...
Sterling Silver, PVD-Coated
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Hexa Pendant Necklace in 18K Gold
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The HEXA S Pendant is FLOWEN's signature statement piece. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design t...
18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Aoda Studs and Earjackets in Rose Gold and Grey Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The AODA Studs and Ear Jacket Earrings are intended to recall fossils or futuristic organisms. The intricate geometry radiates a 3 dimensional suspended sculpture when worn. These vi...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold
FLOWEN Sterling Silver Arco Pendant Necklace in Black Gommato and Diamonds
By Flowen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ARCO S Pendant belongs in FLOWEN's Specimens taxonomy. A 3 dimensional sculptural art object inspired by nature, driven by innovative design technologies and realized by a combin...
Diamond, PVD-Coated, Sterling Silver
K. Brunini Twig Sterling Silver and Tahitian Pearl Salt Spoon
Located in Solana Beach, CA
From the K. Brunini Object d'Art collection comes this nature-inspired and uniquely designed collectible to grace your table top. An heirloom for the table, or accent to the K. Brun...
Black Pearl, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Objets d'Art and Earrings in 18kt Gold Silver Aquamarine and Pearls Art Object
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
This one of a kind sculpture made from silver and marble designed to hold perfectly the 'Blue Sea' Earrings and together to be a striking Art Object. You can choose two of the three ...
Aquamarine, Pearl, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
Blue Sea Earrings 18kt Yellow & White Gold with Aquamarine and Pearls Atr Object
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Stunning 18Kt yellow & white gold earrings set with Aquamarines & Pearls. The earrings of the deep blue sea. Beautifully delicate earrings they are sold together with a uniquely desi...
Aquamarine, Pearl, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Silver
White Pearl Necklace in Sterling Silver
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Indulge in the timeless sophistication of the White Pearl Necklace in Sterling Silver by Stephen Dweck. Crafted with precision and artistry, this ...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$598 / item
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
$617 / item
H 0.6 in W 0.6 in
Square Cufflinks with Design Facet in Solid 925 Sterling Silver, Rhodium Plated
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Square Cufflinks with Design Facet in Solid 925 Sterling Silver, Rhodium Plated, 15 mm x 15 mm by Victor Mayer Cufflinks made in the workshop of VICTOR MAYER in Pforzheim, Germany. T...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$629Sale Price|20% Off
ST Dupont Lighter Laque de Chine Blue Gold Original France Paris
By Cartier
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
ST Dupont Lighter Laque de Chine Blue Gold Original France Paris with box Dimensions Height: 6cm / 2,36 inches Width: 3,5cm / 1,37 inches Depth: . 1 cm / 0...
Gold Plate
Jorg Hysek Rollerball Gold Black Pen
By Jorg Hysek
Located in Dallas, TX
Jorg Hysek Rollerball Gold Black Pen - . New- Old stock Gold textured metal body pen. 5 inched long with a camel color leather case. Original Jorg Hysek bl...
French Antique 18Kt Tri-Colored Gold Pencil Case, Circa 1810
Located in Firenze, IT
French tri-colored, red, green and yellow 18Kt gold pencil case decorated with applied classical lobes, swags and festoons of flowers. French rubbed mark, circa 1810 Width: 12 mm H...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$85,000
Diamond Fountain Pen
Located in New York, NY
Fine Fountain Pen studded in Round Brilliant Diamonds using Stainless Steel. Months are spent making just 1 of these pens. Inquire for others in our inve...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$85,000
Diamond Fountain Pen
Located in New York, NY
Fine Fountain Pen studded in Round Brilliant Diamonds using Stainless Steel. Months are spent making just 1 of these pens. Inquire for others in our inve...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cocktail Ring 7.4 Carat Aquamarine Sterling Silver 18K Gold
Located in Soquel, CA
An octagonal 11 x 15 mm faceted Brazilian Aquamarine surrounded by hand textured gold is the centerpiece of this Steven Battelle gold/silver creation. The hammered silver shank is sl...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Marble and Brass Mounted Vase
Located in New York, NY
A Large Marble and Brass Mounted Cassolettes, Vases. It is topped with a cover terminating with a pine cone finial and a further collar of downward hanging overlapping leaves.The vas...
Brass
$13,840Sale Price|20% Off
Montblanc, Piston Fountain Pen, Patron of the Art Sir Henry Tate 888 Limited
By Montblanc
Located in Braintree, GB
18kt solid yellow gold piston fountain pen with diamonds and mother of pearl, and 18kt gold nib, fully hallmarked. Limited edition number 792 of 888. The retractable Au 750 solid gold nib is adorned with the engraving of a sugar cane plant...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$17,276
W 0.52 in D 0.34 in L 2.73 in
Van Cleef & Arpels 2 in 1 Lipstick Holder and Pocket Watch, Malachite and Onyx
Located in Berlin, DE
Fabulous and extreme rare Van Cleef & Arpels 2 in 1 accessory. Lipstick Holder and Ladies Pocket Watch. Malachite and Onyx Case. Movement: mechanical manual winding. A unique coll...
Malachite, Onyx
Must de Cartier Trinity Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen
By Cartier
Located in Palm Desert, CA
From the house of Cartier comes this lovely writing instrument, the Must de Cartier Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen. A simply elegant design wi...
Gold Plate
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Ball Tee Ballpoint Pen - 018
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Ball Tee Ballpoint Pen. The simple & sleek design is functional and stylish. This piece has a twist retractable closu...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Putter Ballpoint Pen
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Golf Putter Ballpoint Pen. The perfect gift for the golfer or golf enthusiast. Simple and elegant design with the pen clip being a...
Sterling Silver
AGI Certified Natural Color Change Turkizite 2.20 Carat
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
AGI Certified Natural Color Change Turkizite = 2.20 Carat Color Grade: 4A Saturation: Vivid Cut: Cushion Cut Grade: Excellent Clarity: Eye Clean Origin: Turkey
Vintage Waterman Paris Ideal Black Lacquer Gold Trim Ballpoint Pen with Case
Located in New York, NY
Waterman Paris Ideal Lacquer Black Gold Trim Ballpoint Pen Refillable with Black or Blue Ink Waterman Ballpoint Refills In black and 23k gold-plated trim, the discreet golden gleam c...
Bronze
Must De Cartier Vintage Ballpoint Pen Brown Black Lacquer Gold Body Finish
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier Must ballpoint pen brown black lacquer gold body finish Pen measuring 5.25 inch Original Cartier box included Provenance: From a Private New York collection Good con...
Siberian Nephrite Rabbit Miniature
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Snowy white rabbits are on the way to celebrate the year of the rabbit 2023. Fond by many cultures for its adorable features, swift move, and spiritual meanings of good luck and the new beginning, the rabbit plays an important role in many fairy tales and folklore, like the famous Alice in Wonderland and Moon Rabbit. Specialised in stone carving art, MOISEIKIN🄬 aesthetically and skillfully has created a rabbit miniature. The uniqueness of this art sculpture is the figurine is carved out of one piece of rare white Siberian nephrite...
Sold
W 1.19 in D 0.6 in L 1.19 in
Hand-carved 51.01 Carat Buddha Face Brazilian Lavender Amethyst Loose Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
This buddha face carving on natural brazilian lavender amethyst is hand-carved with extreme detail by our expert lapidary artist in Jaipur which transform ...
Amethyst
AGI Certified Natural Color Change Turkizite 2.20 Carat
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
AGI Certified Natural Color Change Turkizite = 2.20 Carat Color Grade: 4A Saturation: Vivid Cut: Cushion Cut Grade: Excellent Clarity: Eye Clean Origin: Turkey
Reinhard Tschager, Folding Knife with 18K Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Located in Bozeman, MT
Reinhard Tschager, Folding Knife with 18K Yellow Gold and Diamonds Blade in ATS 34. The handle is 18K Yellow Gold with mokume inlay with silver, shakudo, shibuichi and copper Goldsmith work and fixing the diamonds by Reinhard Tschager. Photography by Eric Eggly About Reinhard Tschager: A founding member of the Italian Knife...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless St...
Jack Busfield, 18K Yellow Gold Dagger Knife with Black Lip Pearl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Jack Busfield, 18K Dagger, black lip pearl. 6 inch overall, 3 3/8 body Photography by Eric Eggly
Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Jack Busfield, 18K Yellow Gold, Double Folding Knife with Black Jade
Located in Bozeman, MT
Jack Busfield, 18K Double Folder, black jade. 18K yellow gold, 6 inch overall Photography by Eric Eggly.
Jade, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel